Missouri Dealer Wins Top 100 Grand Prize

Harley-Davidson dealers hit the trifecta last night, winning the top three awards at the Dealernews Top 100 awards ceremony, an invitation-only event held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

Super G Launches

Fairchild Sports (booth 528) introduced its women's line of apparel, G, last year. At this year's Dealer Expo the company is launching Super G, a line of non-technical riding apparel that's "steeped in attitude." Dan Angel, senior project manager with Fairchild Sports, says, "Super G is a high end line of motorcycle jackets for a woman to wear when she's not on the motorcycle."

Business Buzz . . .

A few interesting things that have been going on.

Emerging Trends in the Women's Market

Women's motorcycling apparel made a big splash in 2006 with lots of new styles and colors. Women riders were excited to start seeing some fashionable and functional gear for them. Now for 2007, we're seeing some key trends emerging from the women's market here at Dealer Expo.

Show Reorganizes for 2008

Expect next year's show to be slightly different, logistically. Dealer Expo show management is planning a new layout for the RCA Dome exhibits that will organize exhibitors into thematic clusters to simplify the Expo experience for exhibitors and visitors.

Foreign exhibitors will be relocated to the RCA Dome, with a pavilion-style exhibits for China, Canada, Taiwan and Europe. Pakistan may be grouped in these pavilions as well. The popular Italian Pavilion, however, will remain in the main hall.

Motonation plans Product Expansion in 2007

Motonation, the importer and distributor of Sidi, Spidi and Set Up product, achieved double-digit sales growth in 2006. The company celebrates its eighth anniversary in 2007.

Fischer Picks Up Distributor, Offers Customizations

Fischer Motor Company has named Diamo USA as its exclusive distributor in the United States. The manufacturer also revealed a customization program at Dealer Expo on Friday.

Visit Taiwan — Today

Dealers roaming around the second level of the convention center will likely encounter the Taiwanese Pavilion. Show management has corralled roughly 15 vendors in one room comprising all the booth numbers in the 8600s.

'New Asian' ATVs Making An Uphill Climb

Larger displacement ATVs and UTVs sourced from overseas are a dominant trend at the 2007 Dealer Expo. Just a couple of years ago, Expo attendees saw the largest product coming from Taiwan, China and other "New Asian" manufacturers represented by 200cc, 250cc or 300cc units. Now, product on display includes 450cc units, 500cc units, and even 650cc vehicles.