Category: News

The propane-powered LEHR Eco Trimmer recently received a Clean Air Excellence Award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee during an awards program in Washington, DC. According to studies by the Southwest Research Institute, the LEHR Eco Trimmer emits up to 70% less hydrocarbons and 96% fewer toxins and…

KYMCO USA has announced a new on-line sales training program offered to all KYMCO dealers, with incentives that include a free scooter for the first 25 dealers who have two salespeople successfully complete the course. “It is well known that companies willing to invest during tough times usually come back even stronger when the economy…

The U.S. Small Business Administration is now offering government guaranteed loans to finance inventory for eligible auto, recreational vehicle, boat and other dealerships under a new pilot program announced by SBA Administrator Karen Mills. Dealer Floor Plan (DFP) financing will be available beginning July 1. Under the DFP pilot program, the SBA will provide loan…

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has announced its support of legislation from U.S. Senators Leahy and Sanders and Rep. Welch that provides consumers with a 25% tax credit towards the purchase of alternative energy powered lawn, garden, and forestry power equipment. According to the Leahy, Sanders and Welch offices, this “tax credit to purchase…

Husqvarna announced that effective May 1, 2009, its RedMax organization will become part of Husqvarna Professional Products, Inc., which will include all of Husqvarna’s professional products brands (Husqvarna, RedMax, Yazoo Kees, Dixon and BlueBird).  The integration of RedMax will create additional operational efficiencies for Husqvarna and create value for its customers through improved customer support…

Positec USA has announced a partnership with Integrated Distributors Network (IDN) to sell Worx lawn and garden power equipment nationally through independent service dealers. The Worx brand includes a full line of corded and cordless lawnmowers, grass trimmers, edgers, hedge trimmers and blowers. Known for its innovative electric product designs, Worx is launching the first…

The GIE+EXPO Dealer Experience, sponsored by Stihl Inc. and the Ariens Co. and hosted by the North American Equipment Dealers Assn. (NAEDA) and Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), returns to GIE+EXPO 2009 and offers many benefits to dealers of all sizes. GIE+EXPO is set for October 29-31 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The Dealer Experience…

U.S. Senator Susan Collins has introduced legislation to expand the current federal ethanol research and development program to include efforts to make biofuels more compatible for use in small-non road engines. Senator Collins introduced the legislation along with Senator Mark Udall (D-CO). Specifically, the legislation would amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007…

Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Nancy Nord is calling for a 12-month stay of the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act (CPSIA), which would allow banned youth ATVs and motorcycles to be once again sold in dealership showrooms. For this to happen, however, the commission’s other commissioner, Thomas Moore, would have to support this move. “During…

It was the spring of 2008 when a vendor approached Stens with a request to donate an ambulance to Mercy & Sharing, an organization dedicated to helping feed, educate, and medically care for children and widows in Haiti.  “The request was a bit of a surprise to be honest,” says Peter Ariens, president of Stens,…