American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 221 December 2017 | Page 64

NEWS Drag Specialties/Parts Unlimited makes BRIEFS two-year AIMExpo commit For the 10 months to October 2017, Harley’s 9.13% market share in Germany placed them in sixth spot at 8,801 units sold YTD and ahead of notables such as Ducati, Triumph and Suzuki. Their top-seller has been the XL 1200X (959 units), the 26th most popular motorcycle in Germany YTD. Harley has three other models in the top 50 bestsellers YTD in Germany: the Breakout (883 units), the Dyna Street Bob (819 units) and the XL 883 Iron (661 units sold). Harley has announced a cash dividend of $0.365 per share for the fourth quarter of 2017. The dividend is payable Dec. 29, 2017 to the shareholders of record of the Company's common stock as of Dec. 15, 2017. Harley’s ‘Millennial’ outreach initiatives will include being the motorcycle brand ‘de jour’ for gamers when Ubisoft’s “Crew 2” and “Open Road Racing Adventure” is launched in spring 2018. The first iteration of the game is said to have amassed 12 million players; subsequent upgrades to the game are expected to see additional Harley models added. Californian Harley dealer Old Road of Santa Clarita is believed to have become the first to accept Bitcoin (a digital cryptocurrency) to sell a new Harley. Polaris Industries Inc. declared a regular quarterly $0.58 per share cash dividend payable on December 15, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 1, 2017. Harley has said it has started hiring temporary full-time production staff starting at $15.50 per hour. Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited have made a two- year commitment to exhibit at AIMExpo presented by Nationwide for 2018 and 2019. The deal will see them exhibit at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas in October 2018 (11 – 14) and then at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in September 2019. The global parts and accessories distributor will join the greater powersports industry as “a vital addition to the annual platform that creates the opportunity for industry, dealers, vendors and media to come together in one place at one time to highlight key brands and showcase new product, conduct business, network, and address industry challenges and opportunities. “Drag Specialties/Parts Unlimited and its host of brands extend the line-up of exhibitors represented at AIMExpo presented by Nationwide as the first major distributor, a key category important for continued growth of the show. “Parts Unlimited has deep roots in the industry and it’s pivotal to be among our peers to assess the health of the sport and industry while also creating the opportunity to make connections with new and existing dealers and vendors,” said Mike Collins, CEO. “The MIC produced event provides a highly important place for powersports businesses to come together.” Founded in 1967 by Fred Fox, Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties is the world’s largest distributor of powersports aftermarket parts and accessories and is owned by LeMans Corporation headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. Along with sister companies Parts Canada and Parts Europe they sell to dealerships worldwide. The company portfolio includes noted brands Thor, Icon, Moose, Z1R, Arctiva, Slippery and AMS. “In just over five years, AIMExpo presented by Nationwide has established itself as North America’s annual gathering place for all powersports, and the addition of iconic distributor Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties signifies the platform’s value and importance for all industry constituents,” said Larry Little, Vice President and General Manager, MIC Events. “Post- show research confirms that meeting with distributors is a top reason for dealers to attend the event, and we look forward to partnering with them to expand the core value for dealers joining the greater industry in Las Vegas and Columbus.” www.aimexpousa.com