Polaris adds Wisconsin based Kolpin
to its off-road vehicle and accessory line-up
POLARIS
Industries continues on the acquisition trail, buying Kolpin Outdoors, Inc., a
privately owned, Wisconsin-based company that is best known for its off-road
vehicle (ORV) accessories, and branded and private label powersports
accessories and outdoor lifestyle products. This acquisition adds further to
Polaris’ growing parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) business.
“Acquiring Kolpin Outdoors, Inc. creates a multitude of growth opportunities
for our PG&A business, which is a key contributor to Polaris’ top-line
growth and profitability,” said Steve Eastman, Polaris’ Vice President of
PG&A. “Kolpin is a trusted brand among ORV riders, hunters, outdoorsmen and
landowners who value the quality and reliability Kolpin builds into their
powersports accessories.
"Their
line-up of exceptional products and deep consumer and retail relationships will
help Polaris expand their aftermarket accessories portfolio and enhance their
traditional and online distribution channels”.
Founded in
1943, Kolpin products will continue to be sold under the Kolpin and Cycle
Country brands, with customised private label products available through its
Premier O.E.M. business. Speaking for Kolpin, President and CEO Tom Lutes said
that “it gives all of us at Kolpin great pride to become part of the Polaris
family. Although different in size, we share many of the same values...small
town roots, quality products, lifestyle brand focus and a rich heritage in
product innovation”.
In 2013
Polaris posted sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris specialises in snowmobiles and
off-road vehicles, and having established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser
and touring motorcycle market with Victory, the company added the Indian
Motorcycle brand two years ago and launched the first models in a new range at
EICMA in November last year.
This isn't
the company's first play on the utility off-road vehicle sector, having bought
the French Aixam Mega business four years ago, and having made a play for the
on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with the acquisition of
American "neighbourhood electric vehicle" (NEV) manufacturer Global Electric
Motorcars (GEM), and Bourran, France-based specialist Goupil Industrie SA, a
manufacturer of on-road, commercial electric vehicles. Other strategic
investments by Polaris in recent years have included acquisition of the Klim
apparel brand.
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The MIC is to stage its annual
meeting in Washington, D.C., on May 19-20, 2014. The decision to host their
event in the US capital is designed to give its membership (which now includes
dealers as well as motorcycle manufacturers and aftermarket vendors) the
opportunity to join the MIC’s ongoing mission to maintain a high profile for
motorcycle industry concerns.
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BMW of North America has recalled
4,453 motorcycles and scooters to replace the side stand switch - models
affected include C 600/650, F 700/800 and R 1200 variants. BMW said the problem
was traced to a tooling change at the supplier, Toyo Jiann Tsang Electric Co.
Ltd. in Taiwan.
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The MIC has launched what it calls
its 'MAX database', a "New Model Attribute Matrix" designed to help improve
product compatibility by providing information that can help manufacturers
improve product capability by compiling, into one database, model
specifications for motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and ROVs. The database is said
to include more than 40 attributes for nearly all models from leading brands
dating back to 2004.
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American Honda has had to recall some
7,000 2013 CB/CBR 500s for replacement of rocker arm shaft retaining bolts that
may have been manufactured incorrectly, allowing them to loosen during engine
operation.
