Joe Delmont's blog

Retail sales of UTV sales in the U.S. for 2008 were about the same as the previous year, according to a report prepared by Power Products Marketing.

Power Products Marketing is a Minneapolis research firm that tracks production and retail sales figures for OEMs in powersports, agriculture, construction, marine and the lawn and garden markets.

Retail sales in 2007 and 2008 were about 265,000 units, and sales for 2009 are expected to be about the same, writes Dave Crocker, author of the report. PPM

It's going to be very interesting to watch the changes at Polaris' on-road division announced today. Read my Dealernews blog. http://tinyurl.com/r5etbz

(May 13, 2009)—The CPSC ban that prevents the sale of ATVs made for kids 12 and under is causing a number of unintended problems, not the least of which is that THERE IS NO RIDER TRAINING AVAILABLE for youths.The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) and the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) noted today that trainers and machines no longer are available.This affects individuals and groups such as the 4-H.

A major international company plans to sell its scooter business to a U.S. entrepreneur, possibly within the next week. Watch this site and dealernewsblog.wordpress.com for details.

The CPSC said today that its two commissioners had voted May 1, 2009, to hold off enforcing the lead content provision of certain components in kid's ATV, dirt bikes and snowmobiles for two years. The provisions were part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) passed last year. The ban on machines for youths 12 and younger became effective Feb. 10, 2009.This means that the CPSC won't enforce the ban on the sale of these machines and related parts, garments and accessories.

Tim Conder, analyst with Wachovia, says Bergmann, McCaslin and Hutchinson sought HOG's top position filled by Keith Wandell. See report on dealernewsblog at http://twurl.nl/uym7d4.

Cummins, Inc., an engine and component manufacturer in the global power industry today announced its first quarter overall sales were down 30% compared to this time last year. More specifically Cummins was down 69% in worldwide engine shipments for the Construction segment and down 20% for Ag engines in the U.S. Cummins, who also produces filtration products such as filters and exhaust products for the power industry was down 35% in component sales for the first quarter.

Polaris has its annual shareholders meeting 4/30. It'll be 1st for new CEO Scott Wine, who discussed drop in 1Q earnings on 4/16. More news?

Finished meeting with web designer this evening regarding upgrade to Power Products Marketing website. Adding blogs and other info capabilities. Exciting prospects. Testing blog with this message

The deal between Polaris Industries and Bobcat Company announced in March could eliminate Club Car's agreement to supply private label machines to Bob Cat.

Bobcat Company is owned by Korean OEM Doosan, formerly known as Daewoo.

Under the "strategic alliance," Polaris and Bobcat are expected to jointly develop new work vehicles aimed at commercial market segments around the world. These vehicles would be targeted for introduction some time in the second half of 2010.