Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/410960
FOCUS PSB Metric bikes www.PowersportsBusiness.com Powersports Business • October 6, 2014 • 33 Global reveals are part of AIMExpo Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawi to exhibit in Orlando Here's a look at what the Japanese OEMs have planned for AIMExpo. YAMAHA GLOBAL LAUNCH Yamaha was the first OEM to commit to last year's inaugural AIMExpo and following a suc- cessful first year, the brand is looking to expand its presence in the 2014 event. In fact, Yamaha will offer a global reveal prior to the AIMExpo opening on Oct. 16 in the Chapin Theatre at the Orange County Convention Center. In addition to their displays in the Main Hall at the Orange County Convention Center, Yamaha and Star Motorcycles will be taking advantage of AIMExpo's remarkable outdoor space to conduct live product demonstrations with demo rides on both the street and dirt. "On behalf of all of us at Yamaha and Star Motorcycles, we are both proud and excited to announce our official participation at the inau- gural AIMExpo in Orlando this fall," said Kim Knupp, assistant division manager, National Events, Yamaha Motor Corp, USA. "We feel cer- tain that a renewed energy has indeed returned to the motorsports industry and the manage- ment team at AIMExpo is poised to capitalize on that fact at a time and venue that's a perfect match for us at Yamaha and for our dealers." Echoing Yamaha's sentiments, Larry Little, vice president & general manager, Motorcycle Group, commented, "Yamaha has captured the vision of AIMExpo as the new grand stage for the powersports business in North America. Like so many of the leading-edge products they've brought to enthusiasts over the years, they're the first to embrace the innovative con- cept of bringing all corners of motorcycling and powersports in North America to one place at one time — at the right place at the right time!' SUZUKI TO UNVEIL 2015 MODELS TO PUBLIC AT AIMEXPO Suzuki will showcase its new 2015 models to the public for the first time at AIMExpo. "With AIMExpo serving as our official pub- lic debut of many 2015 models, it is paramount that we take advantage of the chance to reach our current and potential customers," said Suzuki's Larry Vandiver, vice president, Sales & Marketing. "We had a great experience last year and received tremendous feedback so, in an effort to get even more out of our participation at the show this year, we're planning on unveil- ing an even more engaging space on the show floor and expanding our demos at AIMExpo Outdoors!" KAWASAKI PRODUCT TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT AIMEXPO Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) also will announce key 2015 products, one of which will make its world debut in Orlando. Attendees will also be able to witness the North American intro- duction of all-new vehicles in several categories that demonstrate the heritage and dynamic capabilities of Kawasaki Heavy Industries. On Oct. 15 at the Orange County Conven- tion Center, Kawasaki will be the first OEM to unveil a new model at AIMExpo. "AIMExpo demonstrated last year that it can serve as the ideal platform for media and brand activities, and Kawasaki will leverage this grand stage to reveal new products, as well as interact closely with dealers and consum- ers," said Kevin Allen, Kawasaki manager, PR + Brand Experience. "We have some very excit- ing new product to share and AIMExpo is the perfect place to make these announcements." Products will then be on full display for all to see inside Kawasaki's booth (#2165) on the AIMExpo show floor. PSB The Star Bolt custom display was a hit at AIMExpo last year.