Press Release –

Can-Am Spyder roadster: the next dimension in open-road riding

BRP introduced its first “on-road” vehicle, the 2008 Can-Am™ Spyder™ roadster. This three-wheel vehicle, with two wheels in the front and one in the rear, offers a completely new and stunning look.

Powered by a proven 990cc V Twin engine designed and manufactured by BRP-Rotax, Spyder roadster, with its unique Y-architecture, can be described as part motorcycle and part convertible sports car.

“Our Can-Am Spyder roadster is the next dimension in open-road riding. A true paradigm shift, the Spyder roadster offers a balance of performance and peace of mind with features like the Vehicle Stability System (VSS), engineered in conjunction with Bosch†, which includes anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems,” said José Boisjoli, president and CEO, BRP.

BRP’s reputation was built on its ability to innovate and design products for powersports enthusiasts. After more than five years of research, the Can-Am Spyder roadster is now delivering on the company’s promise to offer a complete line of recreational motorized products in four segments: on snow, on water, as well as both off and on road.

While confirming that the Can-Am Spyder roadsters would be assembled in Valcourt, Boisjoli added: “This is an historic event for BRP, particularly for our Valcourt and Austrian employees, as it confirms the strategic role of BRP’s Québec manufacturing facilities for assembling complex and sophisticated vehicles, and BRP-Rotax’s leadership in engine development. With Can-Am Spyder, we are redefining the roadster category by bringing the powersports experience to the road through this new generation of vehicles. BRP is entering a new era that will provide growth opportunities for our company worldwide and potentially create new jobs.”

Plans are to start manufacturing units by fall 2007 with a progressive ramp-up of the production over the next three years to meet market demand.

“This event also marks BRP’s first truly global launch,” said Chris Dawson, vice-president, Strategic planning & Head of Can-Am Spyder Program. “In 2007, BRP will deploy the first phase of its go-to-market strategy: twelve selected American states and four Canadian provinces will offer Can-Am Spyder roadsters through BRP’s existing dealer network, followed by France and Spain in early 2008. In its second phase, BRP will expand its Can-Am Spyder offer to more North American states, Canadian provinces, Europe and other countries, and expects to be present worldwide within three to four years,” he concluded.

Among those participating in the event were Jean Charest, Québec Premier, Raymond Bachand, Québec Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Exports, as well as Yvon Vallières, Québec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Premier confirmed a reimbursable financial contribution of $17.8 million from the Government of Québec, through Investissement Québec, to support the development of the Can-Am Spyder roadster.

Press Release –

Team Suzuki /Yoshimura announced today that it will defend its WPSA title with two new program partners in 2007- MSR and Pro Taper.

Team MSR/Pro Taper/Suzuki/Yoshimura will make its debut at a warm up round in Pell City, Alabama on March 11th.

The team will consist of returning WPSA Champion Doug Gust and runner-up Dustin Wimmer. Pat Alexander will be Team Manager and Jeremiah Jones will be returning to the team this year as Team Coordinator.

MSR and Pro Taper are divisions of Tucker Rocky Distributing – a leader in the wholesale distribution of aftermarket parts, accessories and apparel for the powersports industry. These two leading national brands have a strong lineage of winning and performance, the teaming up was a natural.

“We are really excited to be involved with one of the leading aftermarket distribution companies in the country,” Rod Lopusnak, Operations Manager at American Suzuki ATV Division said. “And we are no strangers. Suzuki Supercross Lites rider Ryan Dungee has a great relationship with MSR as well as Ricky Carmichael with Pro Taper. Suzuki has a long standing and good relationship with these two fine companies. It’s nice to transfer this existing success into our ATV efforts. ”

Yoshimura expanded on this sentiment, “Yoshimura is proud to have Pro Taper and MSR on board as program partners in this ATV racing effort,” said Brant Russell of Yoshimura R&D of America. “Suzuki has always been first in ATV. Pro Taper, MSR, and Yoshimura all share the same mindset. We are all here to win and to provide the enthusiast with the finest ATV products and services possible. Following Suzuki’s lead- we all support the sport.”

Steve Johnson, COO of Tucker Rocky, Inc. and distributor of Pro Taper & MSR, recognized the tremendous level of activity and participation in the sport ATV segment.

He saw the grassroots excitement first hand at the Oak Hill GNC race last summer. Since he and his family are long time ATV enthusiasts, jumping into this arena was an easy step.

According to Johnson, “In spending time with Suzuki to discuss their racing goals, we discovered that we shared the same basic business philosophies, making it easy to create a dynamic partnership. There is a natural tie-in to the Suzuki/Yoshimura race efforts with MSR, Pro Taper and other great brands Tucker Rocky represents.”

“MSR heritage goes back to the legendary Malcolm Smith, who remains active in testing and influencing product development. Pro Taper’s reputation for strength, reliability, and performance in their components has attracted the industry’s top riders like Ricky Carmichael. It is natural to extend this product line into ATV racing.”

Look for Team MSR/Pro Taper/Suzuki/Yoshimura to tear it up at WPSA tracks across America this season. While you are looking, notice the sign on the back of the Suzuki ATV 18 wheeler, “We Support The Sport”.

Press Release –

Yoshimura is proud to announce the hiring of long time Pro ATV racer Kory Ellis as ATV Brand Manager. Kory will be handling all things ATV related for Yoshimura from product development and testing to consumer and media relations.

He will also be developing marketing programs designed to increase brand identity and awareness. Kory’s numerous years racing and his extremely high mechanical/technical skills make him uniquely qualified to help Yoshimura continue to develop superior products for the ATV racer and as well as the general enthusiast.

“We are really happy to have Kory on board,” Yoshimura V.P. Brant Russell said. “We are proud to be associated with Suzuki’s racing efforts and now through Kory, will be able to link these racing efforts directly to our customers. Yoshimura isn’t in ATV racing as a hobby, we are here to provide superior products and engine services to the average racer. We feel that Kory will help us do just that.”

Kory, long thought of as one of the best development test riders, will use his skills in refining existing products and developing new ones. Already, Kory has been busy with ace Yoshimura engine builder Ryan Cox developing customer engine specs.

Cox feels the addition of Ellis will be important, “With Kory here, we can have a racing engine development program and a customer engine program going simultaneously. Kory not only will help us develop the racing specs, but be able to transfer cutting edge technology to our customers. What we develop on Sunday at a National, we’ll be able to offer in our customer program directly… no lag.”

Kory is excited about the new job: “It seems like a perfect match. I’m really looking forward to working with Brant and the rest of the team at Yoshimura. It is a great opportunity to be a part of a really successful company and race team.”

Kory has been racing Pro since he was 15 years old and has won two GNC pro-am championships, two world four stroke championships, and numerous Pro GNC and stadium events. For the last two years, he has ridden for Factory Yamaha.

He will continue to race the WPSA and select GNC races, plus the ITP Quad Cross. “This job has some perks,” Kory laughs. “I’ll be the only part time privateer on a Suzuki LT-R450 with a Yoshimura-tuned engine.”

Press Release –

Over 500 dealers and industry personnel attended the annual Anaheim 2 Showcase at Joe’s Garage in Tustin, CA January 18th, 2007.

Each year, Parts Unlimited starts off the new Showcase season in Phoenix, AZ and follows it up at the Anaheim 2 Supercross with the largest showcase of the season.

With names such as; Jeremy McGrath, Chad Reed, Ryan Villopoto, Nate Adams and Twitch Stenberg in attendance, some of the dealers were treated to some one on one time with their heroes of the sport. Also in attendance were some of the industry’s leading vendors who were completely stocked with the latest 2007 products and knowledge.

Drawings and give-a-ways highlighted the night as people finished up their fantastic meal. One drawing in particular was hand-picked by none other than Ryan Villopoto himself. The winner received a Ryan Villopoto replica jersey in which he personally autographed in front of everyone before hand delivering it to the lucky winner.

Parts Unlimited would like to thank all the participating dealers who were in attendance as well as all the riders and look forward to seeing everyone at the races.