Dealernews - December 2008 - (Page 18) SPEED READ KTM WORKS ON ELECTRIC DIRTBIKE KTM plans to market an electric dirtbike. The OEM’s stated goal is to produce a machine with high power output, low weight and a range that is as long a range as possible. It claims to have a prototype that weighs 200 lbs., develops about 35 hp, and can run for 40 minutes before recharging. Restrictive rules on noise and pollution emissions make off-road activity illegal in many parts of Europe, including KTM’s home country of Austria. A no-emissions dirtbike would open up sales to a larger group of riders. “The zero-emissions concept mates our known competencies with a new highly interesting motor technology,” says KTM director Harald Plöckinger. “We see emissions-free vehicles as offering the greatest chance to expand enduro sport to a wider and new audience in the mid- and long-term, and to perhaps even start a brandnew trend sport.” 30 YEARS OF J&P: New from moto-historian Ed Youngblood is Keeping the World on 2 Wheels, How J&P Cycles Changed the American Motorcycle Industry. Featuring a foreword by Arlen Ness, the book tells the history of John and Jill Parham’s company, the ups and downs. It also has a special section devoted to John’s personal motorcycle collection. For more info go to www.jpcycles.com or call 800-397-4844. GE ALIGNS FUNANCING WITH OEMS Many dealers — franchised and independent — have made good use of GE Money’s FUNancing credit cards and installment loans. But on Nov. 1 most of these dealers lost the programs. The financing giant has allowed only stores with certain franchises — card partners or installment partners of GE — to keep the programs. GE doesn’t divulge its partners, but Dealernews has identified some through conversations with dealers. Card partners are KTM, Piaggio, Moto Guzzi, E-Ton and Universal Trailers. Known installment partners are Big Dog, Lehman Trikes, Saxon Motorcycles, Swift Motorcycles, Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles and various trailer brands. Dealers keeping the installment program can keep the card only if they also carry a revolving partner. GE says its remaining FUNancing dealers can finance only new and used units made or distributed by its partners. Installment loans are for installment partners; card loans for card partners. There are three exceptions to the revolving program: new and used trailers, scooters and dirtbikes recognized by the price books. GE has also limited standalone accessory purchases on the card to $500 per day. In an e-mail to Dealernews, GE Money states: “GE has been providing consumer financing for over 70 years, and our underwriting has evolved to reflect the reality of individual markets. As the environment improves, we anticipate adjusting our criteria accordingly. We have visited a number of dealers, spoke with owners and associates, and made every effort to clearly communicate the actions we are taking so our business partners can plan accordingly.” The statement continues: “Taking these prudent steps now underscores our commitment to being a sustainable partner long-term, minimizes consumer exposure and protects the viability of our programs. These adjustments are designed with one goal in mind: to ensure that we, and our OEM partners in the powersports market, weather this economic storm and emerge strong together.” 18 DEALERNEWS DECEMBER 2008 DEALERNEWS.COM http://www.jpcycles.com http://www.dealernews.com
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Dealernews - December 2008 Dealernews - December 2008 Contents From the Editors Inbox Speed Read Joe Delmont Dealernews - December 2008 Dealernews - December 2008 - Dealernews - December 2008 (Page Cover1) Dealernews - December 2008 - Dealernews - December 2008 (Page Cover2) Dealernews - December 2008 - Dealernews - December 2008 (Page 1) Dealernews - December 2008 - Contents (Page 2) Dealernews - December 2008 - Contents (Page 3) Dealernews - December 2008 - Contents (Page 4) Dealernews - December 2008 - Contents (Page 5) Dealernews - December 2008 - Contents (Page 6) Dealernews - December 2008 - Contents (Page 7) Dealernews - December 2008 - From the Editors (Page 8) Dealernews - December 2008 - From the Editors (Page 9) Dealernews - December 2008 - Inbox (Page 10) Dealernews - December 2008 - Inbox (Page 11) Dealernews - December 2008 - Speed Read (Page 12) Dealernews - December 2008 - Speed Read (Page 13) Dealernews - December 2008 - Speed Read (Page 14) Dealernews - December 2008 - Speed Read (Page 15) Dealernews - December 2008 - Speed Read (Page 16) Dealernews - December 2008 - Speed Read (Page 17) Dealernews - December 2008 - Speed Read (Page 18) Dealernews - December 2008 - Speed Read (Page 19) Dealernews - December 2008 - Speed Read (Page 20) Dealernews - December 2008 - Speed Read (Page 21) Dealernews - December 2008 - Joe Delmont (Page 22) Dealernews - December 2008 - Joe Delmont (Page 23) Dealernews - December 2008 - Joe Delmont (Page 24) Dealernews - December 2008 - Joe Delmont (Page 25) Dealernews - December 2008 - Joe Delmont (Page 26) Dealernews - December 2008 - Joe Delmont (Page 27) Dealernews - December 2008 - Joe Delmont (Page 28) Dealernews - December 2008 - Joe Delmont (Page Cover3) Dealernews - December 2008 - Joe Delmont (Page Cover4)
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