Features

Oct. 15, 2007 – Aftermarket Digest

Trade Show Designed for Trailer Dealers to Debut
The North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) announced a new trade show and convention for trailer dealers. The NATDA 2008 Trade Show & Convention will be held Aug. 27-29 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
The NATDA 2008 Trade Show and Convention is focused on bringing the trailer manufacturers and vendors together for the sole purpose of competing for the trailer dealers business. This is the only show that offers education, products and services geared specifically for the trailer dealers.
The three-day event will consist of dealer education, manufacturer and vendor displays, product demonstrations, workshops and receptions. This show also will host technology vendors with software systems like finance programs, dealer management systems and even trailer rental software programs.
NATDA is providing, at no additional charge, meeting rooms for trailer manufacturers to be able to host dealer meetings during the convention.
The NATDA 2008 Trade Show & Convention will encompass more than 140,000 square feet of floor space at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
For more information or to reserve trade show space for the 2008 Trade Show & Convention, visit the NATDA Web site at www.natda.org or call 727/360-0304.
Tucker Rocky to Distribute New Low Price Point Helmet
SparX Helmets has signed with Tucker Rocky to exclusively distribute its new line of low price point helmets in the United States.
“There is not another distributor in this industry that we would rather partner with to move forward with the nationwide launch of our brand and helmet line,” Pat Lio, SparX’s vice president, said in a press release.
SparX Helmets were developed to raise current standards for functionality and design in the entry-level marketplace.
“We are very excited to add SparX Helmets to our product portfolio,” Ronnie Haun, Tucker Rocky’s senior product line manager for the helmet division, said in a press release. “The attention to detail on the finish and trim on the SparX Helmets is equal in quality to a higher price point helmet.
“Although SparX is a newcomer to the industry, the development team behind the brand are seasoned veterans to the motorcycle industry, and I believe this bodes well for the long-term success of the brand.”
SparX helmets are expected to be in stores by November.
Cycle Country Announces Increase in Sales Force
Cycle Country revealed two new manufacture representatives for its Plastic Wheel Cover and Contract Manufacturing business segments, according to its press release.
The wheel cover segment offers molded plastic wheel covers to the golf industry and is expanding to the lawn and garden and trailer markets. Alliance Sales LLC will represent Cycle Country’s products in this division.
The Contract Manufacturing segment hired a manufacturing representative for the Midwest area, which was not previously being covered. The Arthur Cramer Co. will represent this division of Cycle Country in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
Kovac Heads UP Bassanipipes’ Dealer Development Program
Bassanipipes has moved Dave Kovacs from sales and customer relations to director of dealer development.
Kovacs’ exhaust product experience ranges from design/prototype development to marketing and customer support.
For dealer information, contact Kovacs at 714/680-3543.
LRD Performance Redesigns its Web Site
LRD Performance, a manufacturer of high-quality performance ATV exhaust systems and racing engines, has redesigned its Web site, www.lrdperformance.com, so the online visitor has immediate access to the site’s major topic areas.
Enhancements to the Web site include:

  • Improved navigation: Web pages work in intuitive and consistent ways, making it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for and know where they are within the Web site.
  • Secure online ordering: Enhanced security features and a shopping cart system provide visitors with a checkout module.
  • New features: These include print-friendly versions of installation instructions and jetting specs, news and events notices, a project bike section and a FAQ page.
    Minnesota Manufacturer Adds Vice President of Sales
    Erlandson Performance Inc. (EPI), a Brainerd, Minn.-based manufacturer, recently added Jeff Supinski as vice president of sales and operations.
    Supinski joins EPI with 18 years of sales and operations management experience and more than 30 years of motorsports experience.
    “I’ve spent my entire life around everything and anything with a motor,”?Supinski said in a press release. “I’m an avid motorcylist, snowmobiler and ATV rider. I’m extremely excited to be working in this industry that is such a big part of my lifestyle.”
    EPI President Glenn Erlandson noted: “With Jeff on board now, the company is positioning to expand our product lines and greatly increase sales efforts worldwide. Our industry is very fast-paced and EPI will continue to be a leader in the performance industry.”
    EPI, a developer of ATV/UTV and snowmobile CVT clutching technology and heavy-duty drivetrain products, provides both product and technology to three major manufacturers of ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles, along with a worldwide network of parts distributors.
    Magnadyne Apponts Director of Wireless Products Division
    Magnadyne Corp. has appointed Jeff Luzzi to the position of director of wireless products.
    Luzzi will be responsible for the development of new wireless products for Magnadyne’s wireless carriers, distributors and independent wireless customers.
    Luzzi joins Magnadyne with 11 years of experience in marketing, product development and operations management, most recently while working at Superior Communications, and prior to that with AT&T.
    Luzzi holds a bachelor of arts degree in marketing from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in business administration – marketing.
    Brembo North America Appoints New General Manager
    Brembo North America (BNA) recently appointed Adrian Smith as general manager of its North American operations and responsible for its three offices in Costa Mesa, Calif., Detroit and Charlotte, N.C.
    Previously, Smith served as technical director of Brembo S.p.A., a leader in OEM and aftermarket brake technology, from 2000-2004 in Curno, Italy. There he was responsible for a staff of 240 engineers and core engineering activities covering project management, design, prototyping and product development for Brembo’s entire product range.
    In his new position, Smith will be in charge of BNA operations, including aftermarket and high-performance groups based in California, the OEM business unit in Detroit, and Brembo Racing located in Charlotte.
    Between his two tours with Brembo, Smith served as vice president and general manager of Prodrive Automotive Technology’s North American business. While in that position, he was responsible for the Michigan-based Vehicle Engineering business, as well as the company’s California-based Performance Parts and Accessories division.
    NGK Spark Plugs Announces Recent Hirings
    NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. announced the hiring of Mark Manos and Scott Haynes to the position of district sales manager and Kevin Lyle to the position of product specialist. Manos, a 20-year veteran in the automotive aftermarket industry, was previously with Cardone and served as a zone manager.
    In his new role, Manos’ main responsibility will be for the sales efforts for NGK in Illinois, Wisconsin and eastern Missouri. He will report directly to Chris Hillestad, the Midwest Zone Manager for NGK Spark Plugs’ Aftermarket Division.
    Haynes, a 14-year veteran in the automotive aftermarket industry, was previously with ACDelco and served as a district sales manager. In his new role, Haynes will be responsible for the sales efforts for NGK in Washington and Alaska. He will report to Carl Arnold, Western Zone Manager for NGK Spark Plugs’ Aftermarket Division.
    Lyle, a recent Michigan State University graduate, will be responsible for supporting the NTK Oxygen Sensor product management team. He will report to Rob DeBlander, product manager for NGK Spark Plugs’ Aftermarket Division. psb

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