Miami Gas Prices around $3 a gallon why you should stock for holidays!

Driving this morning to work I couldn't help but notice gas was at exactly $2.99. Everyone else is probably upset about that, but I'm of the opinion that's a good thing for many stores that are feeling a little more optimistic about the scooter market.

On top of that this holiday season we should see more shoppers since overall the economy is doing better. So those two factors should help scooter shops everywhere. My biggest concern is the lack of stocking requirements and dealers ability to expand beyond mere necessities.

This weekend I got one email in particular from a retailer "We showed a client your sample brochure for Armadillo and she would like to order a small jacket." We'll that clearly demonstrates there is demand, but it also shows me the dealer doesn't know how to sell jackets. So I had to call them and explain they need to stock several sizes to represent the line. This is true for many stores, our best performing jacket retailers stock 5 to 6 models and several sizes of each. How can you sell if you don't have inventory? Especially with clothing its something you have to have to sell.

As Consumers get a little more optimistic about their economic situations they are going to walk into the scooter shops and ask where is the merchandise? So now is the time to stock up before Christmas and get some nice Armadillo jackets or items you haven't thought about stocking in the past. They work hand in hand with the unit sales. That way if you don't sell 40 scooters before Christmas you might still sell 20 jackets.


According the CNN Money Consumer optimism is higher today that it was a year ago and early reports show that more money was spent this past Thanksgiving weekend than last year. So if the shoppers are back will your scooter store be ready? Holiday sales are crucial in 2010 for many retailers so its absolutely necessary to consumer accessories and goods besides vehicles to sell them. This includes everything from masks to key chains, the scooter shop needs to think like a consumer. If you don't stock any jackets what do you hope to sell them? another scooter? Most people walking into the shop will be looking for a gift item for someone who already owns a scooters.



I have some key points
=Stock gloves and jackets easy to sell items
=Stock heavy on the women's motorcycle and scooter jackets ( easy sell to the husbands and men who ride )
=Make sure to have accessories like scarves and headbands
=Winter Time means gifts so everything from key chains to toys
=The Save on Gas signs still work especially with gas at $3 it gets college students and parents to take a second look.

Get ready for Christmas and if you need ideas, email me.

too many suppliers and too many factories. Despite a slowdown new importers with new models Chinese factories continue!

So another Holiday Season is upon us and small dealers are asking themselves what should I stock?

We'll be careful and let me tell you a few stories from the Scooter Maven's point of view.
I title this Holiday story "Too many suppliers and too many factories."

We made some head turns last month with our last acquisition of United Motors, the company was a staple of ATVs, Scooters, and bikes at the Dealer Expo the last twelve years so it came to a shock to many people. What smaller stores don't realize is how big UM was, they were bigger than TNG, CPI, Diamo, Italjet, Derbi, Daelim combined. They sold more units than better known names like Genuine or Carter while they were in the US market. In my honest opinion they did a great job importing Taiwanese and Chinese scooters before anyone else got into the industry and they will be missed. They were the first to import ATVs from Vietnam and the first to have an affordable 50cc unit back in 1998 with the Jincheng brand.

They over-expanded, they grew too quickly, and they made the mistake of importing a brand that was directly competing against them namely Hyosung. The same mistake the killed Alphasports back in the day and Kasea. You can't survive without the support of the factory that sells to you. Something that has become cliche in the importing business from Asia. That's an entirely different article, but back to UM. Too many models means you have to have better support and that's really what I'm getting at today.

The entire contents of the UM warehouse are slowly being integrated into the MRP parts selection. We are working around the clock this holiday season to add this to our already growing inventory of Scooter, ATV, UTV, and Motorcycle parts. I understand several big Hyosung dealers purchased large amounts of scooters and motorcycles at the NPA auctions since May of 2010. Many of them have been waiting on backordered Hyosung parts for several months and the fact that Hyosung North America does not cover any warranties on any UM branded Hyosung motorcycles opened the door to an increase in parts sales for everyone. So we are doing the best job we can, still it's like a needle in a haystack for some items. We have more than Hyosung USA in some parts and much less. That technical support aspect is what kills many companies if you overorder one product or underorder another. Logistics.

UM had too many suppliers and too many factories. Period.

The same is true of many dealers. I have said this over and over again. Many small shops are known for buying every single brand they can, locking territories, to only do a terrible job in representing any one brand. What's worse they can't support the brands they have.

I see Kymco dealers that are sub-par out there. If you're going to take on a line that has over 15 models you should have at least 5 of them in the shop, instead you see shops with one or two Kymcos and five Chinese brands in there. I'm not saying only have one or two lines like a Vespa boutique thats a death sentence in itself, but strike a balance between medium and high. This is the only way to give good support to the client and stock parts.

Back in 1999 it used to be a requirement for new dealers to stock a selection of OEM parts. If you wanted to get an Aprilia scooter dealership you had to have a minimum parts buy in. We've done away with that for "just buy some scooters" and in the end what we do is give bad service. Plus you have importers importing more models that aren't generic engines or generic plastics making the situation that much worse. Check your local junkyard and you will see what I mean.



Despite a US slowdown in sales and companies closing like FlyScooters ( another ZNEN Motors importer ) we continue to see new guys pop up. This new ZNEN Motor importer in Miami ( the factories are like a Hydra cut off one head and two more pop up ) we see models that are unsupported and are new to the market.

Worse some factories spent the last 5 years flooding the market with the same models under 10 different names ( CF MOTO was a good example a great product with too many importers )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rur7RGdB5L0



I know my advice falls on deaf ears but honestly why pickup unsupported units? We need to educate dealers at the next SEMA and Dealer Expo about this growing trend. The local importer brings in 10 new models, barely has 2 or 3 plastics in stock. Probably only gets the 2 to 3% free plastics the factory gives and never stocks all the colors they imported. - SEE VIDEO ABOVE

The ratio should be 10 to 1 per color for plastics per model. What ends up happening is consumers will never get the same color plastic if they ever have a problem. How do I know this? Because I use to be an importer and even with a very high end brand this is a considerable job to keep track of. So fly by night guys will never get it right.

My other concern is the ever increasing Walmart mentality among smaller dealers. When you buy at lower price points you think these things won't bite you in the butt later, but they will. One dealer we met as 40 United Motor ATVs sitting in a warehouse he purchased them at liquidation prices, but once they started having problems his problems started. You need to have a source ( fortunately for him we purchased United Motors in bankruptcy.)

Again these ratios are important for the aftermarket support in the industry since a dealer has to support what they sell and you can't do that when selling a lower end brand like SunL(Massimo) or Roketa its the whole Baja mentality at Pep Boys its cheaper to give you a new unit than to repair the one we sold you except that the small Chinese dealer isn't PEP BOYS or SEARS and cannot afford to give out new units. That's when the problems arise. You're better off buying a good Taiwanese brand from the start like Kymco, PGO, or TGB and not worrying about it. This is why both at the store and at the distributor level we have to be careful not to flood the market with items we can't support.

So this holiday season I know everyone is looking for a bargain, here at MRP we are giving away all sorts of promos and freebies to get dealers to buy, we are helping with gifts and discounts, free shipping, but the best gift I can give is advice. Think long term, think service, and as you stock up those 20 dirtbikes and ATVs or 30 scooters don't buy stuff you can't support. It's been killing distributors and its been killing dealers.

Support the brands that support the business and have parts like Kymco, CFMOTO, TGB, and you will have happy end users.

The Scooter Maven

Thanksgiving Weekend Free LED Watch with your order

From Thursday until Cyber Monday! Any MRP dealer can qualify buy now any order over $400 of in stock items and get a free LED watch. Plenty of free stuff for the holiday season for the stores we have ALARMS FREE LUGGAGE BOXES FREE MESSENGER BAGS FREE STICKERS FREE SHIPPING FREE LED WATCHES OVER $100 VALUE

SEMA 2010 7 DAYS in 4 MINUTES

SEMA 2010 Wrap Up Video
A quick glance at 7 days of adventures in 4 minutes, all the highlights from the floor, the booth, the drive on scooters along the strip, meeting the world's youngest Monster Truck Driver and more. If you didn't make it this year make sure to look for MRP in the Powersports Section for the Vegas 2011 Show. http://www.mrp-speed.com

Make sure to look for Martin Racing Performance and our awesome scooter parts display at the SEMA 2011 Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pep Boys, Sears, and more thoughts on the Industry Toilet

A good friend of mine sent me an email talking about the death of the Garden Industry thanks to the Home Depots and all the OEMs selling direct online. You know what I'm talking about with those late night TV commercials on pro-tools and pro-lawnmowers.

He wrote me the story on the high school coach speaking to the new player:

"Are you ignorant or just totally apathetic?" screamed the perplexed coach.

"I don't know and I don't care," came the slacker's retort.

The death of the individual dealer in both the L&G and powersports industries is no laughing matter, but the sad joke is that the market will go away and the big boxes will have the last laugh!

The fact that Sears is now selling scooters is a clear sign of where the industry is headed. This is just another shot at killing the small mom and pop dealership where state laws should be there to protect them. By selling off-road vehicles in catalogs like Northern Tools, Pep Boys, and drop shipping hey I've even seen them on Delta planes lately.

The latest L & G figures indicate dealers are getting older and there are very few young techs and even fewer young dealers. So the older guys are left holding onto the repair work. Basically peanuts because Baja doesn't comply with most state laws. In WA state you have to PAY in warranty whatever the shop hourly rate is, do you think BajaMotorsports can comply with that? Obviously Sears and Pep Boys won't pay warranty they leave it up to the OEM, that just goes to show they think the powersports business is like selling a lamp. The companies have no knowledge whatsoever of motor vehicle sales. If you don't resist the majors like Baja next thing you know you will see SYM selling to Major Box Stores who are in direct competition with the MFGs sales & Service network set up by a company like say Carter, but the Box store has the best price breaks and the service industry is expected to be happy with the service dollar crumbs.

Look at this video from Italy where they sell Scooters in the Supermarkets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsaR7Vlnpik



Do you think a Supermarket can give you service? Nope didn't think so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGESEZNvJXM


I don't know when or if the dealer networks will ever wake up but if they do the MFGs are going to be in a world of hurt when the service dealers tell the MFGs we are no longer going to do warranty much less keep repair parts for units unless you stop giving all the gravy to the Box Stores. This is what happened in the lawn industry and its whats happening in the Powersports Industry. Pep Boy sells Kinroad Go Karts. Where is Kinroad USA today? The factory that makes Hammerhead also sells to Pep Boys - look at where the kart market is today with half the buggy dealers closing after 5 years of growth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e6EMQ_z36Y

What will happen to the US scooter industry 5 years from now if the trend continues? Will Pep Boys be doing the service for the mom and pop shops? or will they put more junk on the road in the states where they are allowed to without any recourse?

Something to think about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU-EePXBX8Q

Electric Vehicles we start checking out the new trend

Over the next few weeks we will be reporting and testing on electric scooters, is there demand? what are the benefits of carrying these? Is it a consumer driven industry or is the industry pushing this without sales? Lots of questions we need to ask....

http://www.mrp-speed.com

Focus on Used Scooters and reap the profits!

I just talked to one of my star dealers let's call him Smith, he's ok with me sharing his story, but he doesn't want the dealer across the street knowing how he's cashing in. Today he called me his first line was "Joey! You won't believe it I got me a 2007 ZUMA missing the tires and mirrors! for $100," I thought it was great. He's always happy, sold him two tires and he said he was going to paint it red.

He's focusing on USED Scooters. That's right. United Motors, Vento, TNG whatever he can get he has corned the market in his little college town. He's making insane amounts of money because he gets them cheap. He signed an exclusive deal with several towing companies, sent letters to all the apartment rental companies ( for scooters abandoned by students ) and is the only guy at the auction ever month. In September he purchased 36 scooters at auctions and towing sales. This October he did over 45 with an average price of $115, the paperwork averages $50 and he makes the new client pay for the new title $150. Average scooter sells for $699 to $899 nothing over $1,000 and he puts about $200 in parts and service into them.

Why do we know all this?

Because he calls us everyday single day to see what MRP has purchased and what company we acquired. He's starting his own virtual junkyard of bikes in his backyard and he's making money. He's averaging a $400 profit on most of them sometimes more than his competition does on the new scooters.

How does he find the parts? he uses the OEM manuals on our website and calls us with pictures or gives us the OEM numeber. http://www.martinracingdealer.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Manuals.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkqavcHKXF0


Now does this sound crazy to you that he can make more money in this market selling used scooters? Nope it makes perfect sense when students and buyers can't qualify for new vehicles and are buying used. Use the same strategy. If nobody claims the scooter at the tow truck company they hold an auction and if you're the only one there like Peter is then you make the money. Better yet work it out with an auction company.

This is what I spoke about at the SEMA show and I got some weird looks from the Honda and Yamaha dealers, but the truth is a lot of them are alive because of used units. MIC numbers say sales of used units are up 18.5%.

Look at todays report from Powersports Business Magazine: These case studies couldn't come at a better time. Unlike with the new unit market where the late fall and winter were traditionally down times, just the opposite can be said for the preowned-focus dealership. Their buying decisions in the next couple of months will go a long way in determining their success next spring and summer.
CLICK HERE FOR THE POWERSPORTS BUSINESS REPORT
Click here to download this free case study
http://www.powersportsbusiness.com/output.cfm?ID=2683783&utm_source=cheetah&utm_medium=email

This proves everything I was saying.

So let MRP be your partner in repairing these bikes and taking advantage of the NEW "Used" market.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBeLquf9dlE

How to find parts for Hyosung, United Motors, Vespa CPI more

How to find parts for Hyosung, United Motors, Vespa CPI more! We have OEM for Diamo, Italjet USA, Malaguti, Linhai, Keeway, Vento QJ Benelli Andretti GY6, MH, SYM and more! http://www.mrp-speed.com

We are the only scooter parts distributor in the USA that is solely dealer direct and we are happy to send any potential online inquiries to stocking stores. So any consumers looking for Daelim parts will have to go to a store with an MRP account or have their store buy from another dealer that has an account with us. We also sell top name scooter brands like SN Duro Innova Kenda Bridgestone Gates Powerlink

Manuals
http://www.martinracingdealer.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Manuals.htm

Stocking Dealer locator
http://www.martinracingdealer.com/locator/index.php

MRP distributes OEM parts for TNG (CMSI) select models of CF Moto Daelim Motors Korea ( parts should appear on website by mid July) Malaguti of Italy (www.Malaguti.com) Keeway Southeast (Keeway Vento QJ Andretti Yamati models) CPI Taiwan Powersports Factory Brands PSF Diamo Cubik (matches OEM Vento part numbers) as well as QJ and ZNEN (who manufacture bikes for a variety of scooter importers) such as FlyScooters Lance BMS Qlink models that were ZNEN corresponding to matching TNG parts.

Every scooter is someone’s first ride we help the dealers and consumers find those hard to find parts. Doesn't matter what brand it is we've been doing the Chinese scooter parts thing since 2004 so we can help you find the right part.

Since January 2009 MRP has expanded by acquiring the QJ – Keeway Southeast distribution parts warehouse the Diamo USA / LS Motorsports / Italjet USA parts warehouse CPI – TAIWAN Distribution and TNG Scooters.

The company has OEM parts for Malaguti scooters of Italy Benelli (acquired by QJ in 2006) the Italian brand now made in China and sold in the USA under the Andretti name MH Motorhispania of Spain RX Loncin Lifan Linhai Zongshen Wangye MS UTVs and CPI Taiwan. In addition the company distributes performance parts from Athena Malossi Turbo Kit Innova Vee Rubber Duro Bando Gates Powerlink Posh Maxxis Namura Scooter Ninja Slipstreamer and MRP.

Products carried by MRP can be obtain exclusively at select Motorcycle Dealerships and Repair Shops in the USA. MRP is the one stop wholesale ONLY scooter buggy and ATV parts distributor. For a list of retailers visit www.mrp-speed.com
When it comes to parts we have it all:

From Scooters to Chinese UTVs we got it:

* air filters
* axles
* batteries
* battery chargers
* bearings
* belts
* body parts
* brakes
* cables
* carburetors
* CDIs
* chains
* controllers (electric)
* electronics
* Engine Parts
* engines & motors
* frame parts
* gas caps and gas tanks
* handles grips controls
* lights
* mufflers
* sprockets
* tires and tubes
* wheels

We have a ton of stuff make sure to check it out on our site. Parts for: 125cc GY6 QMI152/157 QMJ152/157 4-stroke engines 250cc 4-stroke CN250 water-cooled 172mm engines 4-stroke QMB139 engines 50cc 2-stroke D1E41QMB02 D1E41QMB H1E41QMB and 1E41QMB model engines. This motor is used on many popular Chinese scooters including the Qingqi QMQT50-B2 50cc 2-stroke 1PE40QMB Minarelli based engine and more!

MRP has added more parts to its lineup to be the number one source of all scooters items. Some distributors carry Chinese or European scooter parts but MRP is the only company in the USA the covers the full range.


MRP distributes OEM parts for TNG (CMSI) select models of CF Moto Daelim Motors Korea ( parts should appear on website by mid July) Malaguti of Italy (www.Malaguti.com) Keeway Southeast (Keeway Vento QJ Andretti Yamati models) CPI Taiwan Powersports Factory Brands PSF Diamo Cubik (matches OEM Vento part numbers) as well as QJ and ZNEN (who manufacture bikes for a variety of scooter importers) such as FlyScooters Lance BMS Qlink models that were ZNEN corresponding to matching TNG parts.

Every scooter is someone's first ride we help the dealers and consumers find those hard to find parts. Doesn't matter what brand it is we've been doing the Chinese scooter parts thing since 2004 so we can help you find the right part.

Since January 2009 MRP has expanded by acquiring the QJ -- Keeway Southeast distribution parts warehouse the Diamo USA / LS Motorsports / Italjet USA parts warehouse CPI -- TAIWAN Distribution and TNG Scooters.

The company has OEM parts for Malaguti scooters of Italy Benelli (acquired by QJ in 2006) the Italian brand now made in China and sold in the USA under the Andretti name MH Motorhispania of Spain RX Loncin Lifan Linhai Zongshen Wangye MS UTVs and CPI Taiwan. In addition the company distributes performance parts from Athena Malossi Turbo Kit Innova Vee Rubber Duro Bando Gates Powerlink Posh Maxxis Namura Scooter Ninja Slipstreamer and MRP.

Products carried by MRP can be obtain exclusively at select Motorcycle Dealerships and Repair Shops in the USA. MRP is the one stop wholesale ONLY scooter buggy and ATV parts distributor. For a list of retailers visit www.mrp-speed.com

PARTS DISCLAIMER:
MRP is not an agent nor is it affiliated with the companies mentioned in its videos or website. The names of the brands are merely used to explain compatibility or the company that manufactured them. For example "for use on a Malaguti scooter or manufactured by Malaguti." That means the part is an original part made by Malaguti Spa of Italy and sold by MRP or is a part sold to be used on Malaguti vehicles made by another party, all Malaguti original parts come in the original Malaguti packaging and were not produced nor made by MRP. This applies to all the parts sold and distributed by MRP.

MRP is a third party solutions provider. All trademarks, logos, markings, are owned by their respective owners. Parts are sold as is where is and are manufactured by their respective OEM. MRP is not affiliated with Piaggio USA, Inc. or Piaggio & Co., S.p.A. Hyosung Motors America HMA, Diamo USA Inc, TNG Scooters CMSI, CPI Scooters, Malaguti Spa, United Motors of America, Keeway North America. All these names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Bertoni licensed "Vespa eyewear" is sold and distributed in the USA by MRP. MRP is not affiliated with Piaggio USA, Inc. or Piaggio & Co., S.p.A. Vespa is a Registered Trademark of Piaggio & Co., S.p.A.

MRP is an outside channel "non-affiliated" distributor or parts. We are not the original maker nor manufacturer of the parts, we are re-sellers of these parts to third party channels.

SEARS SELLING SCOOTERS or another sign of the Apocalypse

The Scooter Apocalypse is upon us as Sears finally get's in bed with Baja ( didn't they just pay EPA a $5 million dollar fine for selling crap that was illegal ) now I know for a fact Sears does not have a dealers license for every location in Florida and this type of sale is illagal in several states, they can't service these nor do they have parts in stock. Baja has a terrible service policy. On assignment for Guidos Powersports Blog -

In case you missed it we know Baja is run by some people with lots of integrity since they would never knowingly sell cheap stuff and not provide warranty on site, I mean when you think of quality you think of Baja Right?

Sears was once the centerpiece of Vespa scooters in America. What happened? How have the mighty fallen so far? I mean I understand Walmart doing this cheap Chinese scooter thing but SEARS?

Just another sign of the times....

In case you missed it:
Last April Pep Boys has agreed to pay $5 million in civil penalties thank to its association with Baja Motorsports. The company had to agree to take corrective measures to settle claims that it violated the federal Clean Air Act by importing and selling Chinese motorcycles, ATVs and generators that do not comply with environmental requirements, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Justice Department announced Monday.

Baja Inc., which supplied the non-compliant vehicles to Pep Boys, is also settling with the U.S., according to the Justice Department.

"Importers of foreign-made vehicles and engines must comply with the same Clean Air Act requirements that apply to those selling domestic products, and this settlement demonstrates that we will take strong action to ensure that importers comply with their obligations," said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division. "Under this settlement Pep Boys and Baja will not only pay a civil penalty, but will offset the excess emissions from the vehicles and engines already sold and take steps that go beyond what the law requires to ensure that their future imports and sales meet Clean Air Act standards."

This is the largest vehicle and engine importation case brought by the United States to date under the Clean Air Act, both in number of vehicles and engines imported and penalty paid. The complaint, filed simultaneously with the settlement in federal court in the District of Columbia, alleges that Pep Boys and Baja imported and sold at least 241,000 illegal vehicles and engines from 2004 through 2009.

The agreement requires Pep Boys to export or destroy over 1,300 non-compliant vehicles and engines, and to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of equipment already sold to consumers, estimated at 620 tons of excess hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions, and more than 6,520 tons of excess carbon monoxide emissions. Under the settlement, Pep Boys will implement projects to offset the excess emissions including offering discounted push or electric lawn mowers in exchange for older more polluting gas-powered mowers.

The complaint alleges that at least 45 vehicle and generator models imported and sold by Pep Boys and Baja were not certified to meet federal emission standards, and that Pep Boys failed to provide purchasers with the full emission-system warranty required by the Clean Air Act, and imported and sold vehicles and engines without the proper emission control information labels.

The vehicles and engines were built by more than 35 different manufacturers in China. EPA and U.S. Customs & Border Protection discovered the violations through inspections conducted at Pep Boys stores, at U.S. ports, and through a review of importation documents the company provided to EPA.

The settlement also requires Pep Boys and Baja to offer a free extended emission warranty on certain vehicle and engine models, to reimburse consumers for emission-related repair expenses, and to implement rigorous corporate compliance plans. Baja also agreed to pay a penalty of $25,000, an amount that was reduced substantially in light of Baja's current financial condition.

The settlement is part of an ongoing effort by EPA to ensure that all imported vehicles and engines comply with Clean Air Act requirements. Pep Boys is a national automotive aftermarket and service chain with annual sales of $1.9 billion. The company operates more than 580 stores in 35 states and Puerto Rico. In 2008, the company, based in Philadelphia, was the third largest importer of Chinese-made all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the United States. In 2006 and 2007, Pep Boys was the fourth largest importer of generators.

Baja, based in Phoenix, contracts with Chinese manufacturers to supply ATVs and motorcycles to Pep Boys and others. Baja also manages all after-sale functions, including servicing warranty claims and providing replacement parts for these vehicles.

The best of the Scooter Maven Web Show!

Today we are reviewing some of the best episodes of the Scooter Maven web TV show adventures! Join us for another ride around the world and some of our hits from the past.


The best of the Scooter Maven Web Show!
He travels the world in search of Scooter Adventures!

1. VIVA LAS VEGAS! The Scooter Maven and Co test four scooters along the Vegas Strip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj4LKY3YXzc
We meet Elvis, test a new electric scooter, and visit a world landmark! Will our heroes get to the end of their quest? Will the evil forces of Sauron stop them? Watch and find out!

Join us for another Scooter Maven Adventure featuring Mr. Justin Kramm, Captain Ian Andrew Kirby, DJ Chritopher Esposito, and the Scooter MAVEN!

In this episode:
Jonway 50cc 2T
Jonway 150cc 4T GY6
Piaggio 50cc Typhoon 2T
Apex Electric 50cc

2. THE SCOOTER MAVEN VISITS DAYTONA BIKE WEEK!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dez7mNxSj4E

The Scooter Maven walks around Daytona looking for scooters, food, and drinks. Lots of fun and cool bikes at the biggest bike rally in Florida.

Also home to the annual IMS International Cycle World Motorcycle Show.


3. SAN FRANCISCO WITH THE SCOOTER MAVEN!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Dh7w5AM9o

We meet a Goat, we see a Malaguti yesterday, some sea lions and more! We travel the world in search of cool scooter adventures. On this trip Napa and San Francisco, but why bore you with the details check out part 1.


4. AMERIVESPA SAN ANTONIO TEXAS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2FdX53Fm90


On Assignment for Motorcycle Product News the Scooter Maven invades San Antonio, Texas

5. TAIPEI TAIWAN WE VISIT THE TGB FACTORY AND TEST A XMOTION 250cc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SABMxPVZcHw
The Scooter Maven reports live from the Taipei 101 ( world's tallest building )
The Scooter Maven and some of the US press got invited to test out the new TGB 250cc XMOTION currently a hit in France and Germany the newest 250cc scooter features a liquid cooled engine and dual rear shocks. It's a total hit. MRP already has some upgrades available for it http://www.mrp-speed.com

To find out more check out the current episode from the Scooter Maven.
Make TGB
Model Xmotion 250 i.e.
Capacity 250cc

6. Milan Italy EICMA SHOW!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7uCbMf5fus
The Scooter Maven explores Milan with the new joint venture for EICMA China, Suzuki, Malagut, and hybrid scooters.

7. On the Plane to Europe and the world's largest Motorcycle Show!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbM0c5uhdoM
Check out the latest from the EICMA Show with the Scooter Maven. Go behind the scenes with MRP as we discover news from the world of buggies, go karts, scooters, and motorcycles.


8. TAIWAN Taitra Show The Scooter Maven explores and gives a nice speech to a crowd of 300 people!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlCtsdjw71Q


9. Malossi World Cup at Adria Race Track!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4PLMif605Q
500cc Scooter Race Finals Adria Italy Malossi Day with MRP
The first ever T-Max 500cc race finals


10. Capri Italy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0KAKRQHi0o
We'll be visiting stores and exploring stores in Capri and test a Piaggio LT50cc




11. The Bahamas with the Scooter Maven!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ediGziurVek
We visit some MRP dealers and manage to test out the SYM JET EURO 100cc 2 stroke for another scooter adventure.


12. Testing the Piaggio MP3 250cc in Arizona at the Piaggio Annual Dealers Meeting!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbEm7BBUUkA


13. The Scooter Maven in San Juan Puerto Rico!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9SLfQydmww
See what Puerto Rico is all about with the ultimate experience in Scooter Racing! From the GY6 to the 500cc Kymco they are the experts in scooter racing in the Americas.


14. 250cc Kinroad Buggy in St Lucie Florida!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2vcd3b4meE


15. South Beach Florida!
Testing the Daelim 50cc on the streets of South Beach Miami
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlQwcYWSDcY

VIVA LAS VEGAS THE SCOOTER MAVEN AND CO RIDE THE STRIP

What better way to end an excellent week at SEMA, but to ride out to the Vegas Sign. The Scooter Gang rides again! Our heroes test our four vehicles including a semi charged electric bike as they journey Sin City to meet Elvis!

Join us for another Scooter Maven Adventure featuring Mr. Kramm, Captain Kirby, DJ Espo, and the Scooter MAVEN!

Jonway 50cc 2T
Jonway 150cc 4T GY6
Piaggio 50cc Typhoon 2T
Apex Electric 50cc

http://www.mrp-speed.com

GAS PRICES headed up LET'S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN!

Gas prices are going up.

I just drove by my local gas station and it's $2.95 for regular gas in Miami. It's November and hopefully by the end of the month it will be well over $3. Why do I think this is a good thing? We'll for starters it means people will start flocking to scooter dealerships again since our business is directly proportional to the price of gas. Every year be it 2003, 2005, 2008 higher gas prices equal a rise in sales.

The national average price of unleaded regular gasoline is $2.89 per gallon, 5 cents more than last week. Florida’s average price of $2.87, my local average here in Miami about $2.90. I check http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/ every week to see where we're at and let me tell you the trend thanks to the Fed's move in pumping all this cash into the system means gas prices will go up ( on a side note it would have been better to lend this money to small companies instead of making the dollar worth less ) This time around I hope stores will listen to my advice. Don't go crazy buying inventory unless you see sales, and don't forward commit to 200 scooters you can't sell. Focus on building your store and P&A. That way if its a momentary spike you will stay in business.

So gear up, promote, and get those save money on gas signs ready because gas prices could easily hit $3.50 in a few weeks and a new semester of college starts in January. Your competition is gone, now is the time to Attack ( see previous blog)

It's like a time warp, but it couldn't have happened at a better time since the Powersports industry really needs gas to hit $3.5 to make up for one of the worst summers in history after a dreadful 2009 where prices were kept artificially low to spur the US economy. Hopefully this time around the crazy investors and private label fly by night guys won't run into the business to open 200 scooter shops again, but I can already see the phone calls when gas hits $3.90 "hi my name is so and so and I lead an investment firm from bla could you tell us about 4 or 5 companies we could purchase to make one mega scooter company we got ten million available to us," to which I reply "sure send me a free first class ticket and we'll talk in person." It happens every two to three years. They come out of the gutter like the zombies in The Walking Dead. You can't stop these guys you just have to learn to live with them. It's like all the investors pumping money into electric scooter company start ups which are doomed to fail since there is no consumer demand yet.

Gas prices going up are good for most of the dealers and if you outlived your competition then take advantage of it. Put up a sign next to that gas station on the corner "REMEMBER 2008? MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A SCOOTER." Also, don't fall in the electric trap since many of these start up are pushing vehicles that don't work and this will be the next big bust. You are probably better off sticking to gas powered vehicles. Products like Vectrix work, but they have to be half the price for consumers to accept them. In the meantime leave it to development councils and city councilmen to keep investing in electric start-ups that are doomed to fail. I will write more about this later.

New Jackets from Armadillo for Men

The latest arrivals from Armadillo continue to push boundaries in the scooter clothing market. Combining classic outerwear styles like the M65 Travis B with cutting edge fabrics, to deliver the ultimate performance jacket for the fashion-conscious scooter rider, this Winter 2010/11.
New for this season, Armadillo takes on the menswear staple, the M65 (Travis B). The jacket is named after DeNiro’s protagonists in the movie Taxi Driver, Travis Bickle; it’s a style must, for the mean streets of any city.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl2cZ0-nlCw
Technical highlights for the “Travis B” include; Cordura® outer patches on the elbows for abrasion resistance, 3M™ reflective concealed panels for riding at night and waterproof and breathable 5000mm fabric for ultra protection and comfort. The jacket also uses d30, removable armour patches, a unique feature exclusive to all the Armadillo Scooterwear range.

The Travis B, also includes this season’s essential chill-beater, a quilted jacket liner, in white Sherpa fleece.

* 1. 3M™ reflective panel neck and chest
* 2. Waist adjusting cord
* 3. MP3 Pocket with headphone loops
* 4. Removable d3o™ impact protection elbow and shoulder
* plus pocket for back protector
* 5. Cordura Patches® outer elbow and inner shoulder
* 6. Velcro® adjustable cuffs
* 7. Removable inner jacket
* 8. Sherpa fleece liner for extra warmth
* - 5,000mm waterproof
* - 500mm breathable
* - Fully taped seams
* - Storm cuffs
* - Two-year guarantee

MRP your source for Hyosung Wangye Franco Morini UM Parts

We show behind the scene of the 8th company we are integrating into the LARGEST US based scooter parts company now offering parts for Hyosung Motors, Suzuki, TGB, United Motors and more. UM purchased from several factories including Hyosung which used components from several suppliers including Kymco 250cc engines. We also have TGB 600cc parts from the UM ATVs, we have more GY6 and Franco Morini engines. We will be adding these to the website and if you are signed up you will have access to them in real time as we add them to our growing parts list. SIGN UP NOW AND SAVE 30 to 40% FROM OTHER SUPPLIERS! MRP YOUR ONE STOP SHOP AND YOUR LARGEST SUPPLIER IN THE USA MORE SKUS THAN ANY SCOOTER PARTS DISTRIBUTOR AND THE ONLY WHOLESALE ONLY COMPANY LEFT. PERIOD.

Are you driving a Diamo? CFMOTO? TNG? Linhai? Malaguti Italy? Does your local shop not know what these names mean? Well then visit one of our dealers and have them give us a call. We are the only scooter parts distributor in the USA that is solely dealer direct and we are happy to send any potential online inquiries to stocking stores. So any consumers looking for Daelim parts will have to go to a store with an MRP account or have their store buy from another dealer that has an account with us. We also sell top name scooter brands like SN Duro Innova Kenda Bridgestone Gates Powerlink

Manuals
http://www.martinracingdealer.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Manuals.htm

Stocking Dealer locator
http://www.martinracingdealer.com/locator/index.php


MRP distributes OEM parts for TNG (CMSI) select models of CF Moto Daelim Motors Korea ( parts should appear on website by mid July) Malaguti of Italy (www.Malaguti.com) Keeway Southeast (Keeway Vento QJ Andretti Yamati models) CPI Taiwan Powersports Factory Brands PSF Diamo Cubik (matches OEM Vento part numbers) as well as QJ and ZNEN (who manufacture bikes for a variety of scooter importers) such as FlyScooters Lance BMS Qlink models that were ZNEN corresponding to matching TNG parts.

Every scooter is someone's first ride we help the dealers and consumers find those hard to find parts. Doesn't matter what brand it is we've been doing the Chinese scooter parts thing since 2004 so we can help you find the right part.

Since January 2009 MRP has expanded by acquiring the QJ -- Keeway Southeast distribution parts warehouse the Diamo USA / LS Motorsports / Italjet USA parts warehouse CPI -- TAIWAN Distribution and TNG Scooters.

The company has OEM parts for Malaguti scooters of Italy Benelli (acquired by QJ in 2006) the Italian brand now made in China and sold in the USA under the Andretti name MH Motorhispania of Spain RX Loncin Lifan Linhai Zongshen Wangye MS UTVs and CPI Taiwan. In addition the company distributes performance parts from Athena Malossi Turbo Kit Innova Vee Rubber Duro Bando Gates Powerlink Posh Maxxis Namura Scooter Ninja Slipstreamer and MRP.

Products carried by MRP can be obtain exclusively at select Motorcycle Dealerships and Repair Shops in the USA. MRP is the one stop wholesale ONLY scooter buggy and ATV parts distributor. For a list of retailers visit www.mrp-speed.com
When it comes to parts we have it all:
http://www.mrp-speed.com

Over 500 Tires must be sold this week Nov 2010 ATV TIRES $15

Over 500 Tires must be sold this week Nov 2010 DEALERS CALL US NOW ATV TIRES $15

Consolidation and brands like FlyScooters

Consolidation

It's a word that often scares consumers and dealers alike, but let's be honest - it was about time.

I have been getting a lot of calls from Flyscooter dealers worried about the parts supply chain concerning warranties and parts. There is nothing to fear when it comes to parts since MRP already has many of them and we are hard at work making sure dealers have access to them. When it comes to engine parts you are covered since we cover the full range of ZNEN and FlyScooter engines. No need to fear MRP is here! So keep your account current, buy some tires or batteries so you can get the best pricing on all your OEM needs.

Now we've also been getting calls from several other distributors looking to get out. We are ignoring them because they are the generic stuff that everyone has. We will be hard at work integrating Hyosung 650cc parts and the Hyosung Scooter 250cc parts which are in high demand. Right now MRP is the only distributor in the USA with both Daelim and Hyosung parts in stock, nobody else is covering the Korean brands. We were also surprised to find out United Motors distributed the TGB 600cc ATV in the Caribbean so now we have a ton of ATV parts for the TGB lineup. We can't do it all, but thanks to a few loyal clients we have positioned ourselves to being the biggest there is and we are returning the favor with leads, links, and drop shipping any of your needs. It's like a box of chocolates you never know what you're going to find in these warehouses. This acquisition is a good thing for the industry since for over 8 months we have been hearing complaints from both riders and dealers desperately searching for United Motors parts. They felt abandoned and bikes have accumulated in the dealers waiting for repairs.

The best part of the SEMA show was a dealer coming up to me after the GSA State of the Industry Panel where he told me he had Forty yes 40 United Motors ATV units waiting on parts. I thought he was a stand up guy, he refused to sell them unless he could give warranty and parts. If everyone was like him we wouldn't have so many problems in the business.

To make it easy for everyone use these links, put them on your website and tell your clients to use them when searching for parts. Makes it easier for us when looking for the items you need:

From Racing Parts to OEM and Accessories we have it all. We can help you make a profitable store and be the best shop you can be!



Attached is our dealer application please fax it back to 305-599-4838.



For more information on how to use our website:

BOOKMARK THIS THE ONLINE E-CATALOG 2010

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/d83097ef
The catalog is easy to search online, make sure to bookmark it.

When searching OEM parts please use the PDF files on our site. Use the OEM part numbers from the diagrams to make it easy for you when ordering parts.

This info is to help you with your orders

BOOKMARK THESE LINKS

REPAIR MANUALS: http://www.martinracingdealer.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Manuals.htm

YOU NEED THESE REPAIR MANUALS WHEN CALLING US. BEFORE CALLING LOOK UP THE OEM NUMBER IT WILL MAKE THE SEARCH A LOT EASIER

ADD THESE TO YOUR WEBSITE, USE THEM WHEN SEARCHING OR CALLING FOR OEM PARTS WE HAVE ADDED MORE DAELIM AND CF MOTO MANUALS.

Unfair Trade Practices

Yesterday I wrote about how to stay in business in 2011.

Today I want you to focus on how to stop the Unfair Trade Practices that continue in our industry. Mainly the fact that many of us support and continue to support brands and companies that in the end make the industry weaker not stronger. So I have two points today first as an industry we have to help stop the illegal importation of non-compliant vehicles from non-market economies and second we need to educate our dealer base.

So let me start. We have ruined the US Powersports Industry and nobody seems to care. Polaris, Artic Cat all these guys are moving facilities and plants to Mexico and other countries nobody cares. To make matters worse we have allowed the sheer volume of Chinese product to overwhelm our market. How many American made Motorcycles are sold in China and Taiwan? Maybe 2,000 pieces a year? Harley sells more T-shirts in China than bikes ( which is true for the US as well.) Now I'm a victim of this as well, I asked the state of Florida for a loan to buy machinery three years ago and I was turned down, then I applied for a grant, my banker responded "your margins are better keep importing." I'm still upset about that three years later.

So we have some equipment and we started making a few items, we just got a boring machine. Yes, the cables are a little more expensive but we push them. We push Slipstreamer and other US brands. We give it our best shot.

Still the "dumping" has to end. We need more enforcement from NHTSA and DOT. We need to support the brands that comply like Kymco and stay away from the guys that change their name every two to three years. Non-market economies don't care about what happens to our dealer base. It's all about volume to them. Many of these companies make no profit in the US they live off the kickbacks and subsidizes that the government gives them. Our Commerce Department needs to get serious about this before there is no industry left, look at Italy. They are all living in the past since their homegrown motorcycle market has been destroyed. Let's take the opportunity the downturn has given us and make it into something positive. The only way to do this is my second contention and that's all of us the Scooter Maven included being better educated.

My second point - support companies that support education of the dealer base.

I feel too many people came in at the height of the market, flooded the powersports industry, and helped proliferate a cesspool of uneducated dealers. We have an opportunity here to educate them, make them better and have a stronger 2011 and 2012.

What do I mean? Simple. We need to have dealers attend shows like SEMA or the INDY show and train them for FREE. Stop charging the dealers, do it for FREE. Yes, don't charge them train them! It sounds insane but from the lawn and garden guy to the big powersports guy let's make sure they know what they need to look for and why it affects everyone in the long run when they shortchange the industry.

I spoke to the SEMA director of marketing last week and they loved the idea. Be it helmets, scooters, atvs, everything explain to the small mom and pop operator what they need to look for. Trust me a lot of smaller repair shops don't know what product liability is or "wrongful death suit." Scoot Magazine had some great articles where they published the names of every company that provided them with EPA certificates and proof of insurance. As an industry maybe we should all be asking for this?

Maybe Advanstar and Dealer News could ask for these before someone is allowed to have a booth in the future? Because allowing people to sell dangerous products is just as bad as handing little kids real toy guns, you know one of them is going to use it. You put a bunch of dealers in a convention center and some Chinese guys with signs that say $299 for an ATV and they will buy them without any regard to the industry as a whole.

I know it sounds impossible, but if we don't educate and self-regulate you can't expect NHTSA or others to be on top of everything. In the end a company like Powersports Factory closes and declares themselves bankrupt rather than face a gas tank recall on the Benelli scooters. The moment this happens everyone looses the consumer, the retailer, and the industry as a whole.

So the key here is education. There are some great factories out there that do export and are in the USA be it Honda, Kymco, PGO, CFMOTO, they are all making big efforts to be compliant and to work with the US base despite it being smaller. Let's support those guys as best we can. Then the education part I welcome every company to join me in getting these education classes started at SEMA and INDY, classes that make sense that aren't run by the big interests like the banks or the big exporters.

Thoughts?

What Powesports Dealers Need to do in 2011

What Powesports Dealers Need to do in 2011

I was asked to speak recently on the State of the Powersports Panel at the SEMA Show and one of the most striking figures was the surge in repairs and used sales. The total was an 18.85% increase. Most of the dealers I spoke to after the show told me it was parts and service keeping them open and I probably upset some of the financial companies in the audience like GE for telling the dealers to look for alternative financing, but let's face it I was asked to tell people how to stay in business not how to make the banks rich. So my main argument is two points first we must shift the dealer paradigm and second we have to leave our comfort zone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBeLquf9dlE



That's the thing in 2011 you have to evolve and sometimes that means being on the offensive. Our industry got lazy, you didn't care if your scooter importer or distributor dropped the ball because we were order takers. So many people qualified for loans and came into shops with cash that we didn't have to be smart. We didn't have to be aggressive or care who was doing what to who. This is where the paradigm changes and the dealers have to evolve. Many of the smaller scooter and ATV dealers buy from what I call the "bottom feeders" low end Chinese parts and scooter importers that have no qualms about screwing the small guy. They are faster, bigger, and stronger than you will ever be online. Especially a busy dealer who more than likely will just buy a PSN website and not check on it. That distributor will sell direct to the public and tell you to your face they are a wholesale business because the truth is the moment you register that scooter the consumer will get a catalog and a discount coupon in the mail and become their client. You will never ever be able to beat them at their game So keep in mind you will always know who your friends are in this market.

So what's my advice? If you can't beat them evolve. Let me quote my favorite American general who in my dreams looks a lot like George C Scott.

"Nobody ever defended anything successfully, there is only attack and attack and attack some more."
George S. Patton

2011 could end up being a bust for many distributors barely hanging on. It could be a bust for your competition across the street so attack! Be aggressive, make cooler displays, make bigger promotions. Follow the generals advice and make the coolest showcase of scooter product you can imagine. When people walk in to the store let them never want to leave. Have a couch that says "sit on me and wait for an oil change," buy a pinball machine on Craigs list, get some Armadillo Scooter Wear and put it on a hot mannequin.

Now your hesitant because your competitor is out of the game. He closed. This is an opportunity! Well don't just stand there hire him or work with him. Reach out and say you know what we were competition, but let's team up. I've done this and so can you, again follow the Generals advice your defeated enemy can be your friend. If we had listened to him we would have avoided the cold war and grabbed the German army and headed into Moscow. Your competition is defeated but his client list is valuable, his store had a reputation, and he had some cashflow. If you don't get them someone else will.



It’s a delicate situation. Believe me I know, we have grown more in volume and in the last two years because others continue to leave the market. At SEMA I saw panel speakers almost fall out of their chair when I announced we purchased United Motors a company that had been around for 15 years, but guess what if we didn't do it someone else would have. You don't want to look greedy, you don't want to be mean, but at the same time be grateful and give thanks to the higher power, but this is an opportunity. I have dealers who are doing better because they did the same thing and and this just means "CONSOLIDATION." Our industry was too big and unsustainable and those who don't consolidate now will suffer later.

Fortune favors the bold and now is the time to take it. 2011 can be a great year no matter who is president and no matter what the price of gasoline is. When the guy down the street closes lots of things can happen, but you have to move fast because if not his distributors will set someone else up. So be proactive go after those clients, build yourself the best scooter, gokart, buggy, atv store there is.

Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable.
George S. Patton

When buying a competitor be it a distributor or another store you benefit. You can offer more variety, you can reach out to new people, and you know what nobody else knows. Be that guy. Now is the time to expand. Just imagine a world where America had finished the cold war before it started. Think like Patton! He had vision so can you. Look around you and see what you want from your market. You have to be able to almost taste it, and have to be convinced that it's going to work. If you have doubts you might as well have just stated back in America and let someone else handle the invasion.

So now you got the passion, you got the vision awesome what are you to do? SIMPLE

LEAVE THE COMFORT ZONE

Build a better shop, take your former competitors clients, and then you have to do it on a daily basis. Never give up. Make the store better everyday. This week new Scooter riding videos, next week call a dealer that knows what he's doing and team up. Go to the races together. The next month hold a BBQ or a rally. You cannot stop the machine once its going the store will take a life of it's own.

So no matter what happens you have parts, accessories, and service. Who cares if new unit sales continues to slide, you have built a community! You have built an army that will follow you into Berlin.

Leaving the comfort zone means trying new things. This is a complicated job not for the weak of heart, you have thousands of items, employees, opening the store day in day out, but you also have that passion. Push it to the limit. Step out of the shop and take those scooters or motorcycles to the mall, take them to the local college, leave the castle. Be seen, be heard, be loud. Tell people in your town I OWN A SCOOTER STORE AND WE ARE HERE TO STAY! They will come.

The next rally, the next BBQ, make sure you have that Ms. Pacman machine and sell some sodas because the rally will be over and you will know you have done your job when people don't want to leave, they want to hang out. They want to be your friend and buy a T-Shirt. They create a community.

Each time you expand outside the dealership outside the comfort zone your dealership will do better. You shift the dealer paradigm and you expand what the dealership is about. In the Scooter Maven articles in Motorcycle Product News I often talk about building more than just a location. The goal should always be to build a destination point. Each time you do this and socialize outside the dealership with new clients you expand your sphere of influence, each time you host an event someone who has never been inside a scooter store will sit down and say "why dont I test drive one?" this is the end goal this is the victory to expand, to grow, to shift someone elses viewpoint in life.

In the end I think the message I tried to give at the SEMA show and in my articles is that by changing strategies you can survive, that by taking advantage of closing companies you can grow, and that despite your competition being broke or closing you can take advantage of that and gain customers. This is the way Patton would have wanted it.

Today next 10 callers free bag and Twitter Giveaways via #constantcontact

Today next 10 callers free bag and Twitter Giveaways via #constantcontact

Top 4 Videos Riding the Ferrari, Exploring SEMA, and More with the Scooter Maven!

THE SCOOTER MAVEN INVADES SEMA 2010

Explore the SEMA show with the Scooter Maven. If you couldn't make it out to Vegas this year check out some Best of from the show. Make sure to come out to the SEMA Show 2011 MRP will be there in the powersports section. http://www.mrp-speed.com

Video 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgabcRIe-Dc


Video 3 SEMA SHOW 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYwT9z9YfHk


Video 4 SEMA SHOW 2010 more from DUB MAGAZINE and CUSTOM BIKES
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvvoPEUm_9g

Discount Coupon for Scooter Jackets

For a limited Time of Two Weeks use this survey to get a 20% Off Coupon on your next scooter clothing purchase so take advantage and sign up.

Look at this as a huge opportunity to help Armadillo USA and hopefully help yourself. I will be extremely grateful.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SRF88KW

Review SEMA and State of the Industry Panel 2010 Las Vegas Nevada

The Scooter Maven was asked to give his expert advice on the state of the US industry and its outlook for 2011.

http://www.mrp-speed.com


Powersports dealers should not miss the high-level training from industry experts Gart Sutton & Associates (GSA). Topics include parts and accessories, finance and insurance, sales, service and dealership management. Tuesday morning's state-of-the-industry panel will feature: • Craig Cervenka: One of the original employees and currently OEM relations manager of Powersport Network (PSN). • Joel Martin "THE SCOOTER MAVEN" - President of MRP the leading third party industry parts supplier for scooters, atvs, and go-karts. • Jim Rasmus: Founder and president of Retail Design Associates (RDA), a supplier of powersports facility and merchandising design and training. • Philip McCaleb: Founder and president of Genuine Scooters • Dean Kelly: Associate publisher of Motorcycle Product News. • Gart Sutton: Industry writer and consultant, founder and president of Gart Sutton & Associates, Inc., a training, consulting and 20-group services company recognized as the industry's top authority on dealer profitability. • Richard Kimes: Director of marketing for Helmet House Inc., a major supplier of aftermarket powersports apparel and accessories.



LAS VEGAS, NV -- November 2, 2010 During the state of the market industry panel presented by Gart Sutton & Associates the president of Martin Racing Performance Joel Martin announced the latest merger and acquisition of the company. "I am proud to announce MRP has obtained all the assets of United Motors, this includes the largest private label Hyosung OEM parts cache in North America as well as the complete lineup of accessories and parts." United Motors formerly Jincheng USA (1996-1999) had been a staple of the US Powersports Industry since 1996 when they opened their first US office in Miami, FL as United Motors of America. The company expanded to 400 dealerships by 2003 and began importing the Hyosung private label motorcycles in 2006. The company imported and distributed ATVs, Scooters, and Motorcycles up to 650cc. Mr. Martin continued "We strongly believe that many dealers and end users have become orphan customers without access to many of these parts, it is our duty to consolidate this part of the industry, to help the dealers find UM parts, and to provide our customers with a one-stop location for all their parts. No other competitor in the industry offers Korean parts for scooters or motorcycles like we do since we acquired Daelim earlier this year." He continued "It is our intent to reach out to ATK and work with them in making sure clients in North America have access to the Hyosung parts." Martin further stated this was the largest acquisition of its kind and would take several months to merge into the current MRP inventory. All former United Motors dealers, Hyosung dealers, and ATK dealers are encouraged to open an MRP account to help them in finding / obtaining parts. Privately held United Motors of America ceased its US operations in February 2010. The company continues to operate in Colombia and other parts of Central and South America. MRP purchased the inventory and assets from the banking institutions that held the liens on the company, MRP is not responsible for any warranties, liabilities, or consumer issues. About MRP MRP is a leading supplier of OEM and performance parts having over 30,000 SKUs for hard to find Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, Japanese, and European scooters. It is the one and only source of OEM Malaguti ( Italy ), TNG -- CMSI Scooters, Diamo -- LS Motorsports, Italjet America, CPI Scooters and ATVs from Taiwan and more. The company also offers exclusive lines such as Bertoni sunglasses, Armadillo Clothing and Gear, Scooter Ninja Taiwan race accessories, NG Disk Brakes from Spain, and Turbo Kit exhausts. MRP since 2009 has acquired and merged over 8 US Distributors including well known industry distributors CPI -- JAG, TNG, Diamo, Italjet America, Keeway Southeast, and United Motors of America. For more information on MRP visit: http://www.mrp-speed.com