Powersports Switchback
We are almost two months into an interesting 2025. Political and economic headwinds are prompting some dealers to dig in for the long haul. Regardless of political or economic conditions, there are opportunities to make more revenue in the first quarter of 2025. Let’s look at what you can – and can’t – control and the opportunities that exist.
I have an annual guys’ trip, where we load up all our coolers, camping gear, and anything made for off-roading, and head out to the hills for a long weekend. Our goal – reconnect with each other, sling some mud, have some laughs, talk some smack, and hopefully no one gets hurt.
I’ve never been one to dwell on the past but this year demands some reflection as we prepare for success in the upcoming year. While we as a country have endured some tremendous challenges, there also have been many notable events that have given me hope for the future.
As I write this, the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are making their way across the country to our well-deserving front line healthcare workers. The presidential election is now behind us and we can move forward – hopefully with a stimulus package to ease the burden shouldered by individuals and small business owners. The Federal Reserve has indicated that interest rates will remain at or near zero at least into 2023. And while we have all been forced to pivot in our ways of doing business, business has continued for the most part. These positive data points tell me that there is much to look forward to as we approach 2021.
Many aspects of the powersports industry experienced a tremendous year in terms of sales, revenue, and overall success metrics. Although fourth quarter data will not be available until the end of January, early indications reflect another strong quarter. According to CDK Lightspeed DMS, new and used unit revenue growth in October clocked in at 33.2 percent. Service has also seen an uptick as riders pull those older bikes out of the garage for a trip down the road. According to Jeremy Jansen, Head of Motorsports at Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance, “North American powersports retail has seen unprecedented activity…resulting in the collective industry entering 2021 with a strong tailwind.”