Last Resort Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 DATE: April 19, 2011 TO: All Indian Motorcycle Dealers RE: Polaris Announces Acquisition of Indian Motorcycle Polaris Industries Inc. has reached an agreement to purchase Indian. We respect Indian's proud history as the original American motorcycle, with an iconic badge and a strong reputation for producing premium motorcycles. We know Indian will be a valuable addition to Polaris' culture of innovation. Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry. We design, engineer, manufacture and market a variety of both off-road and on-road vehicles, including snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and Polaris RANGER® Side X Side vehicles. In 1998, Polaris entered the motorcycle market space with the launch of the Victory Motorcycles brand. Victory's first model, the V92C, was the first all-new, American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years. Since then, Victory has become one of the most-recognized names in the motorcycle industry. Polaris has produced a collection of bikes, known for innovative styling and high-quality performance, that have garnered both industry and consumer awards. Currently, Victory offers 14 models spanning several riding segments. We're excited about the opportunities provided by adding Indian to our growing motorcycle business. Because producing two independent brands allows us to realize efficiencies of scale, both brands will be stronger, more profitable and more competitive in the marketplace. These benefits apply directly to both Victory and Indian dealers. Both will see stronger products at more competitive price points. Additionally, both will benefit from increased exposure across consumer audiences, as the brand lineups complement each other well and provide an array of options for potential buyers. Polaris will transition the current Indian operation from Kings Mountain into Polaris manufacturing facilities. This work is currently underway. At this time, this transition will not impact any Indian dealerships. Moving forward, there will be opportunities for Indian dealers to work in partnership with Polaris to offer ideas and improve their existing business. With our global reach, Polaris has resources, expertise and experience to help maximize the value of each dealership in our network, and we look forward to working with each of you to ensure you're getting the most out of your Indian dealership. A Conference Call has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 20th at 1:00PM Eastern/12:00Noon Central Time. Call in number is 1-888-555-5555 code 5555555#. Throughout this process, we will be available to you, and we will keep you updated and well-informed on all developments. In the coming days a Polaris/Victory District Sales Manager will contact you to make introductions and discuss any questions or concerns about this news. Scott Wine Bennett Morgan Chief Executive Officer Chief Operating Officer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 That sound you hear is all the current Indian dealers voicing a collective "Wheeeeeeeeeew." of relief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vagabondjpm Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 Well, sorry to hear the people in KM will loose their jobs but good for Spirit Lake workers. I anticipate quality of the new Polaris bikes will increase as much as the KM was over Gilroy. Time will tell. Ride safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joel3078 Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 You would think some of those KM employees could work at the Charlotte dealership - especially Erin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secinv Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 This is not good news for the people who worked to make Indian for what it is today. I truly feel for the employees, as this is devastating news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Diesel Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 That sound you hear is all the current Indian dealers voicing a collective "Wheeeeeeeeeew." of relief. Read carefully Mark: "At this time ...." - sounds like the sound of the other shoe hanging off the old man's toe ..... What's happening to Chris Bernauer and all the other folks - are they out on their asses, or will they be given a chance to stay on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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