Visions of snowmobiles already in our heads
Looking at this week’s forecast, the temperature’s going to be topping the century mark in Austin, Texas. Here in Minnesota, it’s a temperate 70-degree week, and yet here we are talking about snow.
That’s right with only 141 days until Christmas (as my friend’s Facebook page pointed out), snow is practically around the corner. That’s why Powersports Business is bringing you the Snow Focus in August, so those dealers who play in that market can get a head start on what’s to come.
We know for all of you in the snowmobile business the last two years haven’t been ideal. The 2011-12 season featured very little snow, and while 2012-13 was slightly better, many dealers, OEMs and aftermarket companies were suffering from buyers not needing anything new for lack of use from the year before.
But, of course, we’re hopeful for a better season this year. Since riders got out a bit last year, maybe they’ll need new machines and gear this year, or at least a tune up and some fresh parts and accessories. Data that’s featured in our Aug. 12 issue, which mails this week, shows 2012-13 new sled sales were up in Canada, while nearly steady in the U.S. However, registrations in the U.S. increased by more than 25,000 units over 2011-12. So riders are out there, we just need to reach them. As you’ll see in the issue, some dealers are doing that, whether with demo rides or snowmobile-related events, and they’re having success in their markets.
With Haydays just a month away, SnowGoer’s latest issue mailing to subscribers this week and PowderChasers.com already predicting a normal snowfall season, it’s easy to see how snowmobilers can get revved up for the season in August.
Liz Hochstedler is the managing editor of Powersports Business, a trade magazine for the powersports industry. She reports on the powersports industry through Powersports Business’ varied media, including in the magazine and online. She assembles the brand’s twice-a-week e-news and handles a variety of assignments for the magazine. Powersports Business is known for its exclusive national dealer surveys, in-depth industry analysis and dealership conference, Profit Xcelerator.
Contact: ehochstedler@powersportsbusiness.com
Website: www.powersportsbusiness.com
