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HOT NEWS – February 12, 2007

Powersports sales dip slightly in 2006
A year-end report by the Motorcycle Industry Council shows a slight market slowdown in new unit sales for the powersports industry in 2006.
Although there is encouraging growth in the motorcycle industry, especially the dual and on-highway motorcycle market, sales of ATVs and off-highway bikes continue to slide.
In total, MIC members sold 20,118 fewer units than in 2005, from 1,790,021 to 1,769,903, a 1.1 percent decrease from the previous year. Overall motorcycle sales increased 1.3 percent, from 1,009,588 to 1,022,322.
Off-highway bikes showed the biggest loss of the year, with sales down 24,852 compared to 2005, a 9 percent decrease. And ATV sales continue to slide, with 32,852 fewer units sold in 2006, a 4.2 percent decrease. Also decreasing were scooters, with 54,268 units sold, down 4.6 percent from 2005.
Segments that continue to show strong sales include dual motorcycles, with sales increasing from 29,610 in 2005 to 35,245 in ’06, a 19 percent increase. Also reporting solid growth were sales of on-highway motorcycles, with 680,679 units sold in ’06, a 5.4 percent increase.
Industry icon Fortney dies unexpectedly
The motorcycle industry lost one of its best-known veterans, Marcel Fortney, on Jan. 15 after he suffered a fatal heart attack at his ranch in Templeton, Calif.
Fortney, 49, was most recently the U.S. agent for AGV, an Italian helmet maker. Fortney worked with AGV’s exclusive American distributor, Parts Unlimited.
“I’ve known him since he was representing Pirelli back in the ’80s and there wasn’t a more knowledgeable or personable guy in the business,” said Jeff Fox, president and CEO?of LeMans Corp.
Fortney’s career in motorcycling spanned nearly 30 years, dating back to his first job with Cycle Guide magazine. He worked in various sales and marketing capacities with many of the industry’s most respected firms, including Fox Racing, Pirelli, Yoshimura and Artehouse before working with AGV. Fortney also owned and operated several San Francisco Bay area motorcycle dealerships.
His wife, Christie, and daughter, Mackie, 14, survive Fortney. A private memorial service was scheduled for Jan. 28 in Ojai, Calif.
Powersports Business Welcomes New Editor
Powersports Business is increasing its editorial staff this year, including hiring a senior editor from one of the nation’s largest and most well respected outdoor recreation magazines.
Steve Bauer, formerly of North American Hunter, recently was named managing editor of Powersports Business, a magazine that continues to add to its core of editors as it nears its 10th year in business.
“We are really excited with having Steve onboard,” said Neil Pascale, PSB editor. “His expertise in the ATV industry and his top-notch journalism skills are going to be a huge addition to our staff.”
Bauer, a Wisconsin native, lives in the Twin Cities area with his wife and 11-month-old daughter. An ATV enthusiast, he owns two Yamaha ATVs he uses on hunting trips.
Primedia Acquires Magazine Company
Primedia Inc. has acquired Pro-Motion Motorsports LLC, owner and producer of EnduroCross, MiniMoto SX events and MiniMoto magazine.
As part of the acquisition, Pro-Motion Motorsports cofounders Eric Peronnard and Tim Clark will join Primedia’s management team and will continue to manage and develop existing and new motorsport events.
“The addition of these brands adds depth to our portfolio of titles,” said Sean Finley, publisher of Dirt Rider, Mini Rider and ATV Rider magazines.
“EnduroCross is an incredible show for spectators and also helps showcase the off-road side of motorcycle competition. We will be able to leverage the brand equity and loyal readership of our Dirt Rider title to build it into an even bigger presence among enthusiasts. MiniMoto magazine and the subsequent launch of the MiniMoto SX have been driving forces behind growth of the pit bike market and also fit nicely into our publications and websites.” psb

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