April 2006 ATV-Industry News

Updated 4-27-06

SPANISH ATV MARKET GROWING

Spanish ATV magazine Quad & Jet recently published numbers suggesting the ATV market in Spain has grown dramatically over the past three years. The magazine states roughly five times the number of quads was sold in 2005 when compared to 2002. Last year, a total of 43,997 quads were sold, up from the 32,4989 units in 2004, 15,959 units in 2203, and 8,071 in 2002, according to the magazine. The magazine lists the top brands sold in 2005 were Suzuki, Yamaha and KYMCO.

Several offroad organizations reportedly filed a lawsuit against the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation division alleging the seven commissioners met in illegal secret meetings and gave money earmarked for offroad recreation, including ATV areas, to some commissioners' personal agendas to close offroad riding areas. According to news sources, the groups filed the lawsuit seeking to stop dispersal of funds and force the commissioners to cease conducting illegal meetings in accordance with state law.

Kawasaki Motor Corp., U.S.A, announced it is conducting a voluntary recall of roughly 21,900 Brute Force ATVs sold in 2005. The company stated it received about 140 complaints of tie rod problems resulting in four injuries. News sources indicated the recall is for 2005 Kawasaki KVF750-A1 and KVF750-B1 Brute Force ATVs. Owners are told to stop using the ATVs and contact Kawasaki Customer Service at 866-802-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday, or visit www.kawasaki.com.

Some West Virginia lawmakers are telling the press they believe the ATV laws passed in 2004 are insufficient to stem ATV accident deaths. The law requires mandatory ATV training for young riders, offered through the school systems, according to The Charleston Daily Mail. The newspaper indicates some lawmakers feel there is not enough youngsters taking the courses during the last two record years for ATV related deaths. Roughly 5,400 out of 280,000 school children are reportedly taking the hour long course.

A compromise, between an offroad organization and a “quiet outdoors” group, led to prohibiting ATVs on Idaho's Windago trail along Mink Creek in the Caribou National Forest, according to The Times-News of Pocatello, Idaho. It was reported the Blue-Ribbon Coalition agreed with the Southeast Idaho Recreation Alliance that it would be best to close the trail to preserve a popular birding destination along the creek. The agreement helped in deciding the forest travel plan, according to the newspaper.

Nanticoke Mayor John Bushko ordered police to step up enforcement against ATV riders using the roads in his Pennsylvania town, according to the press. He is quoted as saying he hates the noise produced by people riding ATVs to and from closed strip mines outside of town for recreation. The town is reportedly reviewing the legality of ATVs being used on city streets and alternative methods for enforcing state laws regarding registration for offroad use. News sources indicated the state has 222,373 registered ATVs.

Codorus Township supervisors are considering an ordinance to dictate when, where and how people can use ATVs, according to the York Daily Record newspaper. Fifty people attended the last meeting of the Pennsylvania town's supervisors, where news sources reported the city Supervisor Chairman Lamar Glatfelter said he was concerned with ATVs damaging dirt roads and farmers' crops.

Artic Cat and the Piaggio Group announced the execution of a letter of intent designed to expand and strengthen their respective distributions in Europe and North America. According to their press release, Artic Cat and Piaggio will both share access to their respective dealers in North America and Europe, allowing each company to sell products through the other's dealers. “We're excited about the potential of this strategic partnership to extend our international distribution capabilities and open new channels for growth,” said Artic Cat Chairman and CEO Christopher Twomey.