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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/765117
www.outdoorpowerequipment.com OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT JANUARY 2017 21 Trump's new administration and introduction of new policies to gauge the impact on our company, both domestically and on a global basis. 3) What was the OPE industry's biggest story in 2016, and what do you predict it will be in 2017? HR: Consumers continue to look for products that let them get the job done quicker and easier. On the residential side of the business, commercial features continue to trickle down to zero- turns designed for homeowner use. Commercially, professional landscapers continue to look for products that make them more productive and allow them to expand their services beyond cutting. Ferris with Oil Guard will be a big story in 2017. Increasing productivity by extending maintenance intervals, reducing downtime and costs, and increasing engine life creates benefi ts for commercial cutters not previously available. It's a game changer. 4) What will be the OPE industry's hottest trends in 2017? HR: Meaningful innovations will rule the day. Bluetooth and IoT (Internet of things) technology that let homeowners monitor their equipment or commercial cutters manage their businesses will become a signifi cant part of new product introductions for the future. Lithium-ion battery technology will continue to improve, providing both homeowners and commercial cutters with more battery-powered options than ever before. 5) What is your overall outlook for the OPE industry in 2017? HR: We expect moderate growth in outdoor power equipment as the housing market remains favorable in certain segments, including those that drive sales of zero-turn products. The "do it for me" market, which drives much of the commercial-cutting industry, has been growing at a modest pace over the past several years, and we expect this trend to continue. Companies and dealers offering innovative products and unique service solutions will gain a competitive advantage and capture more customers. BJOERN FISCHER PRESIDENT STIHL INC. (VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.) 1) What is new with your company and/or any OPE industry associations that you represent? Bjoern Fischer (BF): This has been a very exciting year for Stihl. As we celebrated our 90th anniversary internationally, and our third generation of family ownership and leadership, here in the U.S., we also celebrated another year as the number one selling brand of gas-powered handheld outdoor power equipment among U.S. professional landscapers*. The lifeblood of any manufacturer is new products, and meeting the changing needs of our customers. We are excited to announce that we have initiated one of the largest product launches in Stihl Inc. history, including 40 new product models across multiple categories. Launching this spring are nine new cordless product models in the Stihl Lightning Battery System, as well as 31 new gas-powered models. And customers can look for even more new product launches throughout the remainder of 2017. We are especially pleased with how this will benefi t our network of Stihl servicing dealers. New products will better enable them to serve their existing customers, but also draw in new customers, especially with the addition of the battery products. 2) How will the election of Republican Donald Trump as president, along with Republicans maintaining control of Congress in both the House and Senate, impact the OPE industry? BF: It is not especially benefi cial to speculate on what kind of policies President-elect Trump will enact once he takes offi ce. As a privately held company with global operations, we recognize that there are always shifts and fl uctuations in the political landscape that impact market and economic trade activities. Our focus has always been on the long-term strategy rather than the immediate future. This long-term outlook has served us well in the past, and we expect it to allow us to adapt to future changes as well. That said, the incoming administration's focus on strengthening U.S. manufacturing is certainly key for us at Stihl Inc. given our signifi cant manufacturing footprint in the U.S. We certainly hope that our representatives will work with the OPEI and other trade associations for legislation and regulations that will be favorable for small business and manufacturing, especially in the areas of infrastructure, taxation, energy resources, and health care. 3) What was the OPE industry's biggest story in 2016, and what do you predict it will be in 2017? BF: New products refl ecting consumer demands that rely on battery rather than fuel power are emerging at a relentless pace across numerous product categories. This past year, we have seen an expansion of battery-powered product lines across the industry, and we expect to see this continue in 2017. Reducing the carbon footprint of OPE is important to homeowners, professionals and municipalities. Stihl is applying its strength of innovation to a new generation of products with the launch of the Stihl Lightning Battery System in the spring of 2017, as well as 50 new, emission-conscious, gasoline products before 2020. Stihl will offer an expanded battery product range with three distinct lines of battery-powered products that allow users to choose the right tool to get the job done based on how much work they can do on a single charge. Not only is Stihl answering the demands of homeowners and landscapers by allowing them to pick their power, but we are offering our servicing dealers more options than ever to satisfy their existing customers, and attract new ones to their business. Continued on page 30