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2009 Model
Year Kawasaki ATV / UTV Dealer Show Report
| Kawasaki
Dealer Show Links |
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Kawasaki
Announces Updated 2009 Teryx 750 4x4 with
EFI |
Dallas, TX - With the stock market
dipping to extreme lows that haven’t been
seen in over 20 years, the unemployment rate rising,
and many financial institutions failing, the state
of the nation’s economy has brought consumer
spending on anything but the bare necessities to
an all-time low, which is taking a huge toll on
many industries. When all of these factors are combined
it is no wonder that most motorsports manufacturers
saw a dip in sales this past year; however, Kawasaki
appears to be weathering the storm and has become
the exception with their annual motorcycle sales
actually increasing by five percent while other
manufacturers saw decreases by as much as 21 percent.
ATVriders.com was invited to Kawasaki’s
recent dealer show that was held at the Gaylord
Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, where Kawasaki
was to debut the ’09 Kawasaki Teryx 750
EFI 4x4, Kawasaki Teryx 750 EFI 4x4 Sport, and
also explain what they believe has been the key
to their success and how they plan to stay on
top in the industry.
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2009 Kawasaki
ATV / RUV Model Year Dealer Show
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Tony Murr, V.P. of sales for Kawasaki Motors,
Corporation was the master of ceremonies. Murr
kicked off the presentation stressing that the
company’s passion for performance stretches
beyond just their products and that that passion
is incorporated into the general operations of
the company as well. “Delivering performance
has always been deeply integrated into our way
of life at Kawasaki,” Murr stated. “Not
only is it our core guiding principle, it’s
the very essence of our DNA.”
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Scott
Kiyama - Kawasaki President |
After Murr’s inspiring opening statements,
President of Kawasaki Motors, U.S.A., Scott Kiyama
took the stage to discuss the current credit crisis
and it’s effect on the motorsports industry.
While most companies have seen a significant drop
in sales, Kawasaki has seen an increase, which Kiyama
attributes to three key strategies. “First
is our ability to introduce new, category leading
products. Second is to offer industry leading sales
programs, and the third, is to invest in strong
marketing programs,” Kiyama stated during
his presentation. Part of that strong marketing
strategy has been to introduce one of the most exciting,
and most consumer interactive web sites out of all
the manufacturers. “Three years ago, it was
Kawasaki’s goal to build the most dynamic
website in our industry. The feedback we have received
from customers indicates we have done just that,”
stated Scott Murr. Murr went on to elaborate a little
on the contents of Kawsaki’s website, which
features videos, product information and industry
news, such as the successes of their race teams.
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| Kawasaki's
Ryan Villapoto |
Kawasaki has always been heavily involved in
powersports racing of all types, so after a few
words about Kawasaki’s racing involvement,
two of Kawasaki’s top motocross racers were
brought out on stage; Tim Ferry, who took second
in the points race for the outdoor season, and
Ryan Villapoto, who will be stepping up to the
pro ranks for the 2009 season. After Ferry and
Villapoto gave a brief recap of their successful
seasons, and their thoughts on the new 2009 KX450f
dirtbike, Villapoto was then presented with a
special award from Kawasaki for winning his third
consecutive Lites class championship.
After a brief video introduction it was time
for the new 2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 EFI 4x4 Sport
to make it’s much anticipated stage debut.
The Teryx was then driven out on stage by none
other than racing legend Larry Roeseler and country
music artist, Hank Williams, III. Hank, who was
the star of Kawasaki’s Teryx website, is
also an off-road enthusiast. “I’ve
been a fan of racing and I was raised around it
for many years. The Teryx is a great tool for
the farm or just going out and having fun with
the family. It’s always a great time,”
said Williams.
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| Hank
Williams III & Larry Roeseler rode out
on stage with the 2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750
4x4 EFI UTV |
Roeseler, who is a 10-time Baja 1000 winner and
AMA Hall of Fame inductee hung up his two-wheel
racing days in 1994, but is now involved with the
Teryx. “Kawasaki has teamed up with Dragonfire
Racing out of Arizona and put together a full blow
race version of the Teryx that we will be debuting
at the next CORE race,” said Roeseler. I’m
really excited about participating in that program.
The popularity of the new SxS classes is a whole
new opportunity for me to keep racing. I just want
to continue winning races and do a good job for
Kawasaki.” Roeseler concluded.
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