Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/730410
Competition-only tuner no longer on the market Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) has reached a settlement with the U.S. Environ- mental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the sale of one aftermarket tuning product used to calibrate motorcycles intended for off-road and closed-course competition. As part of the settlement agreement, the company will no longer sell its competition- only tuner in the U.S. The company will con- tinue to sell a performance tuner designed to ensure Harley-Davidson motorcycles retain 50-state and EPA on-road emissions compli- ance. The settlement has no impact on the com- pany's other performance product offerings. The EPA alleged that by selling its Pro Super Tuner through its U.S. dealer network, Harley- Davidson enabled dealers and customers to tamper with motorcycles used on public roads. Harley-Davidson disagrees with the EPA's posi- tion, noting that the tuner was designed and sold as an aftermarket, competition-only prod- uct used to adapt engine parameters for use with Harley-Davidson after-market equipment. "This settlement is not an admission of liability but instead represents a good faith compromise with the EPA on areas of law we interpret differently, particularly EPA's asser- tion that it is illegal for anyone to modify a certified vehicle even if it will be used solely for off-road/closed-course competition," said Ed Moreland, Harley-Davidson's Government Affairs director. "For more than two decades, we have sold this product under an accepted regulatory approach that permitted the sale of competition-only parts. In our view, it is and was legal to use in race conditions in the U.S." Harley-Davidson, one of many suppliers in the aftermarket performance parts indus- try, has safeguards in place to educate dealers and customers on the implications of install- ing Harley-Davidson performance products on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This includes clear product labeling of competition- only products and detail on what performance enhancements are considered street legal and for competition-use only, the legal conse- quences of tampering with emission controls and components, and what enhancements would void the vehicle warranty. "Concern for our U.S. customers and deal- ers weighed heavily in reaching this compro- mise with the EPA," said Moreland. "By settling this matter, we can focus our future attention and resources on product innovation rather than a prolonged legal battle with the EPA." Harley-Davidson is and has been committed to meeting or exceeding all emissions require- ments for its motorcycles in every market it serves. It will continue to offer a broad range of industry-leading, compliant performance products that enable customization and perfor- mance enhancements that meet all emissions requirements and maintain the company's vehicle warranty. Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent com- pany of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. PSB Harley-Davidson reaches settlement with U.S. EPA 22 • October 3, 2016 • Powersports Business FINANCIAL www.PowersportsBusiness.com Northpoint offers financing for ARGO dealers Northpoint Commercial Finance, a diversified finance company that provides flexible inven- tory lending and floorplan financing solutions, has partnered with ARGO to be the exclusive financier of their dealer network across the United States and Canada. ARGO's partnership with Northpoint will include flexible, manage- able and customized terms with a dedicated customer support team. H e a d q u a r t e r e d i n N e w H a m b u r g , Ontario, ARGO, a division of Ontario Drive & Gear Limited, provides extreme terrain vehicles to a network of more than 300 deal- ers across Canada and the United States, a figure which the com- pany plans to double in the next few years. For 50 years, ARGO has built the most suc- c e s s f u l a m p h i b i o u s Xtreme Terrain Vehicles in the world. With a mul- titude of applications including commercial, public sector, robotics and personal recreation, ARGOs will climb, crawl or swim anywhere users need to go. "Northpoint is looking forward to assisting ARGO, a company built on high standards, with their finance solutions and helping grow the company's burgeoning dealership transac- tions," stated Chris Cook, Northpoint's execu- tive vice president and general manager of the Canadian market. "ARGO is an iconic and trusted brand, however, in this ever-changing market, dealers need an edge with creative and flexible options to turn their inventory." "ARGO stands firm behind providing our dealers and customers with exactly what they need," commented Brad Darling, president of ARGO. "As we roll out additional industry- specific models to meet the market's needs, we must also provide attractive financing opportu- nities that address these needs as well. Our new partnership with Northpoint is a significant opportunity to increase sales and ensure the success and profitability of our dealers, and I'm confident that it will be well received across our North American network." PSB BRAD DARLING