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The Value of Loyalty

I had big plans last weekend to take our side-by-side out for a little excursion to our neighborhood pumpkin patch with the family. To my annoyance, all we got was a disappointing ‘click….click….click…’ That’s right – the battery was dead. My loyal, never-fail, always ready for road or mud ride was not up for anything!

We expect our vehicles to work when we want, but not when they are improperly maintained. I pondered this inevitable truth as I trailered the side-by-side, drove to the dealership, and spent valuable time and cash to get her up to speed. Needless to say, the trip to the pumpkin patch was postponed to another day.

I’m not alone in my dead battery frustration. A dead battery is one of the most common issues facing powersports vehicle owners, followed by engine, transmission, and other powertrain tickets. Fortunately, the team at my local dealership knows me well and is dedicated to keeping all of my ‘toys’ up and running. This relationship serves us both well. I am a frequent customer, and they are invested in supporting me. There is value in this kind of loyalty — for both of us.

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Let’s Sling Some Mud!

There is nothing more exciting than the first weekend of good Spring weather to conjure thoughts of slinging some mud! Whether taking that ATV/UTV camping, visiting the nearest off-road trail, or simply looking for the nearest country road, getting some dirt on the tires is always a good time. But before your customer backs that vehicle out of the garage or storage unit, make sure they don’t inadvertently cut their fun short. Now is the time to recommend a vehicle check-up or offer a service center special to get that unit ready to ride.

Chances are that weekend toy probably sat idle for a few weeks or even months. Just because it starts doesn’t mean it’s good to go.  From tires and wheels to lights and oil, there are a number of things that can impact a great ride – or cause a ruined weekend. Reach out to your customers and recommend a quick visit to the dealership for the following 5-point checklist:

  • Tires and Wheels
  • Controls
  • Lights and Electrics
  • Oil and Other Fluids
  • Chassis
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Get Some Mud on the ATV

It’s Spring – or almost Spring depending on your location – and what better time to pull that ATV out of the shed and churn some dirt! While you’re at it, now is a good time to generate some revenue as well. According to Mordor Intelligence, the North American ATV and UTV market is  valued at USD 5.96 billion in 2023, with a predicted growth to USD 7.90 billion, registering a CAGR of about 4.8 percent over the next five years. Rebounding from the shut-down pandemic years, ATV and UTV use has expanded from primarily agriculture, patrolling and hunting uses to sports and recreational activities, gardening, and a plethora of other uses.

Top ATV manufacturers including Yamaha, Polaris, Honda, Can-Am, Suzuki, and Kawasaki realized the opportunity for market growth during the pandemic and announced a slew of new products in 2022. Targeting a wide range of markets including sports, all-terrain, adult, youth, and commercial applications, these units are hitting the showroom floor as consumers shake off the winter doldrums. Specifically, the growth in off-road adventure activities and ‘overlanding’ reflects US consumer interest in affordable family-oriented fun.

While gas-powered models will remain the top seller for the next couple of years, advancements in electric ATVs will leverage growth in the automotive EV market. Outdoor charging options for hunting or back-country use may lag but commercial applications including military and civic use could follow the trend of these industries transitioning their fleets to EVs.