Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/719034
Unibat launches U.S. distribution BY KATE SWANSON ASSISTANT EDITOR Unibat, a well-known European battery manu- facturer, officially launched distribution in the U.S. in late June. "We are very excited to be making our ini- tial launch in the United States. We believe we have the most technologically advanced AGM batteries available and look forward to dem- onstrating our expertise in the U.S. market," Unibat's president Alessandro Annoscia com- mented in a press release. Kevin Riley, Unibat USA's president, has exclusive rights to distribute Unibat product in the U.S. "I am very excited about taking Unibat to new levels of success by launching sales in the largest market in the world, the United States. Alessandro has done an excellent job of leading the Unibat brand to a leadership position in Europe and Latin America, and I look forward to being able to leverage all of the marketing and technological expertise of the company," Riley told Powersports Business. According to a press release from the com- pany, "Unibat's U.S. product lineup will be focused on the company's highly successful line of AGM powersports batteries and will include a unique, waterproof battery charger." "What we're trying to do in America is launch this brand. The product itself is very high-quality, AGM lead acid battery. It's got the lowest failure rate and return rate in the indus- try," said Riley. "It's extremely high quality and features Italian engineering inside the product." Unibat USA's headquarters is in Woodlands Hill, Calif., with distribution out of Humble, Texas. The U.S. launch includes 15 batteries and one waterproof charger. The distribution for Unibat USA's prod- uct will be dealer direct and include direct sales to consumers via the company's website www.unibatus.com. Riley said Unibat is one of the primary spon- sors of the Factory Ducati team in MotoGP, which features riders Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso. Riley hopes to enter into cross-promotion partnerships with online retailers in the future. "We have a lot of unique aspects that we can leverage here in America," said Riley. "We have full access to everything Ducati related, so one of the things I'm looking at doing is partnering with one or more of the online retailers. … One of the things I'm looking at doing right now is a trip to Europe to view one of the MotoGP races." Riley, who co-founded the lithium bat- tery company SHORAI a few years ago, said he will approach marketing for Unibat USA in a similar style. "We did a full-court press campaign, which we're going to do the same thing with Unibat. There'll be a lot of attention both at the consumer level and the trade level," he said. "We've really gotten something here, there's a reason why they're the biggest brand in Europe." In addition to the company's Ducati con- nections, Riley said the company is already involved in its online marketing campaign, including social media and consumer websites. He also said Unibat USA plans to attend the 2016 AIMExpo and likely the 2016-17 IMS tour as well. "I welcome all inquiries from all dealers. We have all different kinds of cross-promotion opportunities we can do with them, and I'm willing to work with people on a variety of dif- ferent means to accelerate their business — I'm excited," he said. PSB www.PowersportsBusiness.com AFTERMARKET Powersports Business • September 6, 2016 • 45 MALCOLM SMITH RACING STAINLESS STEEL FOOT PEGS Specifications — Malcolm Smith Racing's foot pegs feature an exclusive camber cleat design to offer greater surface area for boot contact and are constructed from stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion. Benefits — In addition, the pegs are made in the U.S. and are available in ½-inch rear offset for rid- ers with longer boots. The aggressive peaked cleat pattern keeps the rider firmly planted in all weather conditions, without tearing up the soles of the rider's boots. Suggested Retail Price — $109.95 Contact — www.msracing.com RIGID INDUSTRIES LED LIGHTING 2016-17 YAMAHA A-PILLAR MOUNTS Specifications — Rigid Industries' single A-Pillar kit for the 2016-17 Yamaha YXZ1000R fits two Rigid Ignite LED Lights (sold separately) and is made of 100 percent stainless steel. In addition, the mounts are supported by Rigid Industries' lim- ited lifetime warranty. Benefits — The mount kit features a polyester- based powder coat, making it UV and abrasion resistant to ensure years of use in extreme off-road conditions. Also, all necessary hardware and mount instructions are included while professional installa- tion is recommended. Suggested Retail Price — Starts at $89.99 Contact — 855/760-5337; www.rigidindustries.com DRAG SPECIALTIES FLARED SIDE COVERS FOR STOCK BAGS Specifications — Drag Specialties' Flared Side Cov- ers for stock bags are direct snap-on replacements for stock side covers. Manufactured in the U.S., the covers are sold in pairs. The flared side covers are made to fit 1997-2003 FLT, FLHT, FLHR, FLTR and FLHX Harley-Davidson models. Benefits — Constructed of injection-molded poly- urethane, these side covers require minimal prep before painting and zero trimming, shaping, gluing or drilling which provide a perfect blend for a smooth and narrow look. Suggested Retail Price — $349.95 Contact — www.dragspecialties.com PSB CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44 u SUBMIT YOUR NEW PRODUCT Interested in seeing your company's new products on these pages? Simply send a high- resolution photo and description of the product to PSB assistant editor Kate Swanson at kswanson@powersportsbusiness.com. HOT PRODUCTS Aftermarket gets a recharge The CBTX20CH-BS retails for $124.95 and features higher CCAs for better starting power and an uncondi- tional three-year warranty for all batteries sold in the USA. Unibat is one of the primary sponsors of the MotoGP Factory Ducati teams.