Winter is just around the corner and consumers are looking for ways to help them prepare for the wet, chilly weather. To ensure that your store has what it takes to combat the snow, we've gathered some information regarding the latest in heated clothing and tracks for your consideration in this month's Market Report.

With Utility Vehicles becoming more popular, Camoplast ATV Track Systems has sought to fill the void by reportedly creating the first track system for UTVs, which performs in deep snow as well as a small ATV does on a regular track, states Sales Coordinator François Jean. The Tatou UTV track system features 25 percent more ground surface, explains Jean. Though it is a new product, the company believes the UTV track system will be successful once UTV owners see it and want it for themselves. Jean wants retailers to inform their customers that the UTV track system performs and it is easy to install.

“The Core Heat Transfer System is a heated vest powered by a portable battery pack that includes a built-in temperature controller,” explains Chris Haffly of Gerbing's Heated Clothing. This form-fitting torso garment allows the user to maintain a constant level of thermal comfort in cooler temperatures without having to add multiple layers of clothing, he elaborates. The vest is engineered with conductive polymer heating elements and includes a lithium battery pack and temperature controller, states Haffly. He continues, “The Core Heat torso garment is designed to be worn over a single thin layer of clothing that is next to the body and underneath an outer garment of your choice. By utilizing the Core Heat to regulate your thermal comfort you will be able to perform cold weather activities longer, more efficiently and more comfortably regardless of your activity.” The Core Heat Transfer System will be available in the fall of 2006 through authorized Gerbing's Master Dealers as well as their powersports dealers, states Haffly. Dealer/retailers should know the Core Heat can also be powered directly through the electrical system of the ATV using an optional 12-volt battery harness, he concludes.

Spokesperson Michel Côté tells us the latest product from Kimpex allows consumers to use their ATV for all 12 months of the year. “If people are using [ATVs] for a longer period, they'll spend more money in this category and make [the market] grow even bigger,” he explains. According to Côté, the Commander advanced ATV track system features 13 1/2 inch rear tracks to provide more traction and flotation, while the front measures 11 1/2 inches wide. The design of the front tracks allows the touchdown pressure point on the ground to offset toward the front to keep driving effort to a minimum and gain a power steering effect, Côté explains. The idler wheels are much bigger than normal to help reduce the friction, which is a key factor in fuel consumption and speed, he adds. Côté attributes the company's rapid increase of sales to the success of the Commander system and reminds dealers that using any track system with an ATV reduces its speed.

With the addition of a heated vest and/or snow tracks, your customers can enjoy riding their ATVs all year long. This, of course, means more sales for you. We hope you enjoyed this look into our Winterizing segment and be sure to read our feature on the upcoming 2007 ATV models elsewhere in this issue.

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