Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/711372
www.PowersportsBusiness.com ATV/UTV Powersports Business • August 15, 2016 • 27 "When you take a look at what we're doing from our demo event perspective, we look like a much bigger brand. I want people to see our product and say, 'Wow, these guys are legit. This guys are the real deal.' And we are. We're making those investments. So customers will be comfortable around our product as a brand." Bad Boy is also boosting its marketing with a social media push. Through relevant posts, sponsored ads and special giveaways, Bad Boy Off Road has driven its Facebook page past 48,000 likes and its Twitter page over 14,000 likes. A recent social media campaign focused on Mud Day June 29. With giveaways for those who shared their muddy riding photos from June 29-July 3, Bad Boy gained likes, follow- ers and engagement. Shared posts by Realtree and NASCAR driver Tony Stewart boosted the brand's efforts. "It's fun for us as a brand to connect with that consumer authentically, so Mud Day, that's not a national holiday, but you have people that like to do the things that they do. And those with side-by-sides, they know what this day is, and it's a fun day," Johnson said. "It's about getting outdoors, so we're resonating with those consumers." Bad Boy has also developed sponsorship and promotional partnerships with NASCAR, The Off-Road Championships (TORC) and Bass Pro Shops, and the staff is looking into other such opportunities to better position the brand to reach new customers. "We're going to do all of this by taking a customer- and consumer-first attitude with everything," Johnson said. "We're very conten- tious of taking care of our customers, so that's our dealers and our ultimate person that buys our vehicle. It's very, very important part of our long-term strategy for success." LOOKING FORWARD Now that the new Bad Boy Off Road has been unleashed, the brand is learning more about what their dealers and customers like and want. At the late April dealer meeting, dealers responded to the release positively. "We wrote about three times as many orders as we went in expecting, and the response from dealers was overwhelming. And it wasn't just orders for vehicles — obviously orders for vehicles were very good — but it was orders for our vehicles, accessories and apparel," Collins said. As the new logo was unveiled, Bad Boy was ready with men's and women's T-shirts and baseball hats. That product drew excitement from dealers. "We believe that people, they like the idea of 'I'm a little on the edge; I'm unpredictable,' and that's what the Bad Boy Off Road brand does. So whether it's getting them in a vehicle, or getting them in a shirt with our logo on it, we believe that our dealers are going to be able to do that, so the dealer response has been very, very good," Collins said. Non-Bad Boy dealers have also grown interested in the brand's new direction, and the phone has been ringing off the hook with inquiries. "We feel very confident in what we've achieved thus far, and I think one of the keys to all of this is how aggressively we're going out and getting new dealers," Johnson said. Bad Boy currently has about 300 dealerships, including Bass Pro Shops locations, but the brand is looking to expand its network. Only a few months after the initial Stampede release, consumers are just getting to know the brand, but the Bad Boy staff is happy with what they've heard so far. "The consumer response — we're just feel- ing it. Our dealers are loaded in now. They've got product on the floor. I'll tell you we're retail- ing product out," Collins reported. He added, "We think that we'll exceed their expectations, but we have to have them go into the showroom and know something about our product and know something about our brand, and when they're in the showroom, get excited about the purchase." Bad Boy has built up momentum this spring and summer, and the brand plans to keep the news flowing in the coming months and years. This October, Bad Boy will be releas- ing a four-seat Stampede called the Stampede XTR, or "extra." Other products are also in the works, with a new model release planned for the spring. In addition to development occurring in Augusta, Bad Boy is also working with Textron- owned MillenWorks on new models. "You can expect us to be very aggressive in product develop and be very aggressive in new product offerings," Collins said. "And you can expect us to be very aggressive in how we posi- tion our brand." PSB BAD BOY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 Bad Boy showcased its latest models to the recreation media earlier this year in Moab, Utah. Specialized packages, comfort upgrades part of new models New Hamburg, Ontario-based ARGO in July unveiled its extreme terrain vehicle lineup for the 2017 model year, featuring several new vehicle options designed for outdoor enthusi- asts and commercial users alike. Featuring industry-leading terrain capa- bilities, excellent value and enhanced perfor- mance, the complete 2017 ARGO lineup is categorized into three distinct series including: Frontier Series models: fun and fuel effi- cient entry level models outfitted for maximum enjoyment Avenger Series models: full-size lead- ing multi-passenger extreme terrain vehi- cles with best-in-class features, including easier steering and increased strength Conquest Series models: the ultimate all-terrain industrial and commercial machines for those who require a durable and dependable job site transporter "ARGO has been making high perfor- mance amphibious XTVs for outdoorsmen, adventure seekers and people who need a vehicle that can get the job done for nearly 50 years," said Brad Darling, ARGO Vehicle Division president. "Our new 2017 model lineup builds on this rich history by introduc- ing customized packages complete with count- less practical innovations designed to enhance both customer satisfaction and driveability. We're confident that dealers and customers alike will be blown away with what our new 2017 models have to offer and expect to bolster our position as the leading amphibious XTV manufacturer within the wider powersports industry as a result of this 2017 lineup launch." 2017 FRONTIER SERIES MODELS The 6x6 Frontier has been a strong performer since its inception, becoming ARGO's bestsell- ing amphibious six-wheeler in the company's history. The current version enables custom- ers to choose between eight different models, including the Frontier 6x6/8x8 Scout outfitted with a number of hunting specific accessories or the Frontier 8x8 Responder S designed for off-road fire and rescue. Depending on the model, the new Frontier Series of vehicles come powered by a 19 hp–26 hp electronic fuel-injected air-cooled Kohler Command Pro engine coupled with an efficient standard or high torque steering transmission. Models and colors are as follows: Frontier 6x6 (green); Frontier 6x6 S (green, camo, black); Frontier 6x6 Scout S (camo); Frontier 6x6 Scout ST (camo); Frontier 6x6 ST (green, camo, black); Frontier 8x8 S (green, black, camo); Frontier 8x8 Scout S (camo); and Fron- tier 8x8 Responder S (red). 2017 AVENGER SERIES MODELS For customers who prefer a larger, more robust XTV, the 2017 Avenger Series vehicles are the most popular models in ARGO's lineup, with a 30 hp liquid-cooled electronic fuel-injected Kohler LH 775 engine. The 2017 Avenger Series models also all include the new Lite- Steer (LS transmission), which makes steering smoother and easier and upgraded heavy-duty axles and sprockets providing the units with increased strength and durability. All Avenger Series models also feature new reversible, offset steel rims that allow the wheels to sit closer or further out from the vehicle, simplifying track installation for dealers and end users alike. Also under the Avenger Series ban- ner is the top-of-the-line ARGO LX, featur- ing an upgraded triple differential Admiral LS steering transmission capable of reach- ing a top end speed of 25 mph (39.5 km/hr), 30 percent faster than any other ARGO on the market. Models and colors are as follows: Avenger 8x8 S (green, black, camo); Avenger 8x8 ST (green, black, camo); Avenger 8x8 STX (green, black, camo); Avenger 8x8 LX (black, Cran- berry, orange); Avenger 8x8 Hunt Master (camo); Avenger 8x8 Hunt Master Z (camo); Avenger 8x8 Hunt Master X (camo); Avenger 8x8 Hunt Master ZX (camo); Avenger 8x8 Responder (red); and Avenger 8x8 Responder X (red). 2017 CONQUEST SERIES MODELS Tough, affordable and easy to operate, ARGO's 2017 Conquest Series models are the ulti- mate all-terrain machines for those who require a durable and dependable job site transporter. Designed for demanding com- mercial uses, the Conquest Series models have what people need to get their job done: large payload capacity; tubular steel frame; sealed axles; and comfort for staff. They come with a choice of either a 30 hp liquid-cooled electronic fuel-injected Kohler LH 775 engine or a 24 hp liquid-cooled Kohler/ Lombardini KDW1003 diesel engine. Rounding out ARGO's full-size XTV cat- egory are a number of specialty models, includ- ing the Conquest 8x8 Explorer for oil and gas workers, the Conquest 8x8 Lineman geared specifically towards utilities workers and the big game Conquest 8x8 Outfitter designed by famed hunting expert Jim Shockey. Models and colors are as follows: Con- quest 8x8 XTi (green, dark yellow); Conquest 8x8 XTd (green, dark yellow); Conquest 8x8 Explorer XTi (green, dark yellow); Conquest 8x8 Explorer STd (green, dark yellow); Con- quest 8x8 Outfitter XTi (camo); Conquest 8x8 Outfitter XTi-Z (camo); and Conquest 8x8 Lineman XTi (green, dark yellow). PSB ARGO's 2017 XTV models include new 6x6 Frontier The ARGO Frontier 6x6 is the brand's top- selling six-wheeler. The ARGO STX Infinity Camo adds easier steering for the 2017 model year.