Yamaha snowmobile sales in the United States are up more than 20% to date versus last season—and this year isn't over. Forgive the snowmobile industry's 4stroke leader for being a little ebullient. Company spokesmen are very excited about Yamaha’s snowmobiling future.
Why not? According to Yamaha, the industry has ridded itself of a hefty chunk of noncurrent sleds sitting in dealerships. Some of this season's 40% reduction in noncurrents reflects models carried over since 2006. With noncurrent inventory shrinking, sales of current model year sleds are expected to grow. And as snowmobile buyers come into the dealerships, Yamaha anticipates its 4strokes will grab a healthy number of sales away from 2stroke powered competitors.
In a survey of people taking demo rides aboard 4stroke Yamahas, 63% reported never having ridden Yamaha's 4stroke powered models. Of those who rode the 4strokers, more than 90% admitted that they would consider a new Yamaha for purchase. Now you can appreciate why Yamaha has three semi-trucks and many Yamaha-jacketed personnel running across the United States conducting demo rides until the snow goes away.
More:
2009 Yamaha preview on Snowmobile.com
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