Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/730410
magazine, he gained a thorough knowledge of powersports products and the motorcycle life- style, along with an understanding of reaching powersports enthusiasts. "I look forward to helping Suzuki and its dealers grow, and I'm eager to connect with industry friends and colleagues," said LaBella, an Orange County, Calif., resident and married father of three. LaBella started in Suzuki's Brea office on Aug. 15, and his duties include management of advertising, public relations and event activi- ties. Before joining Suzuki, LaBella helped launch powersports industry websites and digital media, and most recently gained experi- ence providing digital marketing solutions to dealerships. Knight, who began his new role at Suzuki's Brea headquarters on Aug. 29, is a highly expe- rienced sales professional with an extensive background in the powersports industry. He joins SMAI from Arctic Cat and also gained years of experience with BRP in sales leader- ship and as a business development manager, working with dealers to improve profitability. "Helping to grow the Suzuki brand through sales development is an exciting opportunity for me," said Knight. "I've been a Suzuki fan for years and know many dealers through my industry experience. I'm eager to help manage that relationship for mutual benefit." CARDO SYSTEMS ADDS MARKETING DIRECTOR Cardo Systems, Inc., the manufacturer of the scala rider line of products, has named Kevin Nixon as market- ing director for North America. Nixon will work from his home base in Southern Califor- nia and interface with all segments in the industry, including media and sales channels. Nixon is an avid rider and vin- tage-racing enthusiast who joins the team after 14 years with various companies in the powersports industry. Nixon gained his professional experi- ence as manager of marketing with a range of important industry players and brands, including AIMExpo, Twisted Throttle and Vanson Leathers. "With his well-rounded marketing experi- ence and impressive knowledge of the motor- cycle industry, Kevin will make a very valuable addition to our team," said Abraham Glezer- man, Cardo's founder and CEO. "By bringing Kevin on board, we reiterate our commitment to keep strengthening Cardo's lead position as the market's premium brand in motorcycle communications." "I am happy to join a company, which is not only known for its best-in-class products, but also for its unmatched innovative spirit," Nixon said. "Communication devices have grown into a key product category in power- sports and Cardo's DMC Technology is a true game-changer in the marketplace. I'm excited to be a part of the next generation of rider com- munication." "Kevin has the background and enthusiasm needed to further enhance the Cardo and scala rider brand and embrace dealers and www.PowersportsBusiness.com NEWS Powersports Business • October 3, 2016 • 5 SPYDER With Spyder not as focused on fall releases, the brand only showed one new model. The F3 Limited is designed for 2-Up touring with a removable top case with integrated passenger backrest, as well as automatic self-adjusting air suspension, heated grips and footboards and a six-speaker audio system. The top case allows riders to store two full-face helmets inside. In addition, Spyder lowered the price on its 2017 F3, dropping it to $16,999, almost 15 percent lower than the 2016 model. And the Spyder RT Limited added a Garmin Zumo 590 GPS and two new color options — Champagne Metallic and Asphalt Grey Metallic. Rice was glad to see these updates, as the Spyder is a good seller in Rapid City. "Spyder is a really good product for us, with the power steering. A lot of people ageing out of motorcycles are needing to go to something; Spyder gives them a model they can just step into," he said. FOCUS ON INNOVATION Boisjoli said the launch of so many new and innovative products that fall on the heels of the Ski-Doo REV platform, the Commander, the Spyder and the Spark, shows that BRP is con- stantly looking to improve its vehicles. "The mindset we have at BRP is always renew our product, always innovate. Because we've proven it many times: If you come with the right product at the right time, it creates a lot of enthusiasts, and it's very good for the business," he said. He added, "It's very important in our busi- ness, and that's my belief, and our belief at BRP, that we constantly push technology, push innovation and renew our product mix. That's is what I call internally our DNA." As he walked through the showroom the night of the unveil and talked to dealers throughout the club event, he was energized by their enthusiasm for the latest products. "BRP right now, we are in the good busi- ness period. All of our products are extremely competitive. We're gaining momentum every- where. We have signed many dealers in North America in the last three years, and there is a real positive momentum right now with BRP, and you could feel that emotion, the inertia at the club," he said. That positive feeling followed him to the airport and home to Valcourt, Québec. Boisjoli explained, "I've done many clubs in my business life at BRP, and this one in Orlando, when I came back that Friday, I was feeling really good about the whole event because the product was well received, I felt that the dealers were energized with what we were doing, and overall it was a good sentiment." PSB HOT NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 KEVIN NIXON See Hot News, Page 12 BRP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4