snowmobile industry future

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:59 am

Seeing as we'll likely be hearing lots of info on the 2009 models fairly soon, I thought it might be fun if a bunch of people here wanted to post some predictions about what the future holds for the snowmobile industry.....anything from downright silly stuff to things that you seriously think might take place will do.
Here's a couple from me (you can decide which is the silliest).

1) In 2010,Chinese manufacturer, Xhing-Xhong Big Power markets a clone of a 1972 Ski-Doo Elan, but with a hybrid diesel-electric power train. It lists for under $2000 and immediately captures a significant share of the market, even though nobody can make a lick of sense out of the owners manual. They come unassembled in 3 cartons and UPS increases their fleet by 10% to cope with delivery of these machines from dozens of ebay sellers.

2) In February 2011, one of the four major sled makers announces discontinuation of snowmobile production due to market conditions brought about by general poor snow conditions for the last several years combined with skyrocketing fuel prices. Having foreseen this, Honda immediately brings to market a machine they've been developing for a couple seasons and signs up many of the dealers who formerly sold brand X and has a fantastic first year in snowmobiles.

JDX-8 · Post by **JDX-8** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:24 am

Oh man..... i'm betting on #1..... oh yea... #1 it is!.....but it might be propane instead of diesel... pretty sure that is the way that i head it!!!

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:37 am

Honda did make a snowmobile. It was back in 1971 if I remember right.

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:57 am

Yes, they did, Todd. It was called the White Fox.......but it was just a "Pilot" build of around 200 sleds or so. Evidently, they felt out of their "Element" getting involved in such an "Odyssey" in uncertain times in the snowmobile industry. And though a few of them were spotted up on the "Ridgeline", I guess the board of directors together with the "Civic" authorities felt it simply didn't "Fit" into the longterm plan and an "Accord" was reached to abandon the project.

And yes, I've had a few drinks tonight

buck43 · Post by **buck43** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:06 am

If they keep building the ugly things that are on the market now I wont buy one! Shannon

JDFanPa · Post by **JDFanPa** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:54 am

i agree on the ugly new sleds I probably will never own a sled newer than 2002 or so.

grantnelson00 · Post by **grantnelson00** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:17 am

One of the guys at work said they still build the Elan, is that correct? I would think the big manufacturers should each have something like the Elan. My Uncle said the Eskimos in Alaska swore by their durability. I've considered buying one to save on my Deere's.

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 11:37 am

Pete, that was good.

Yes, the new sleds don't even look like snowmobiles.

More like a pogo stick mounted on a inclined skateboard.

smitfire · Post by **smitfire** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 11:48 am

so is honda gonna start to make sleds

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 11:51 am

see... this is how rumors start!

Post by **JRC ETD** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 12:26 pm

Economics, a eratic weather cycle, fuel prices, disposable income, growing environmental pressure, insurability, credit, a shrinking overall industry will challange the staying power of the 4 remaining! Lowest cost, highest quality, best dealers, "now" engineering will be the entry fee, problem is the winner does'nt win much for the shareholder unless the brand, and the investment can transfer to new growth markets (non ATV). $12,000. dollar sleds are not the answer, and over-building to the market and rebating 2 seasons later kills profitability and eat's up the cost of capital interest charges to carry.....This sounds gloomy and should as it is reality, some very fresh thinking and strategy is essential to recast the business model! Big improvements for the mfg.'s, dealers customers and shareholder are possible, but it requires committed change! JRC

_FIII · Post by **_FIII** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 4:02 pm

Liquifire 4/6 wrote: Yes, they did, Todd. It was called the White Fox.......but it was just a "Pilot" build of around 200 sleds or so. Evidently, they felt out of their "Element" getting involved in such an "Odyssey" in uncertain times in the snowmobile industry. And though a few of them were spotted up on the "Ridgeline", I guess the board of directors together with the "Civic" authorities felt it simply didn't "Fit" into the longterm plan and an "Accord" was reached to abandon the project.

And yes, I've had a few drinks tonight

Wow Pete you sure studied your Honda thesaurus on that one

I like the new sleds, especially those offered by BRP. I had a new summit for a weekend in January and I just rode the 09 600 E-Tec demo sled here in Regina. WOW!! My little brother and I are snow checking two 09 Mxz Tnt's on March 15. I tore the motor apart in my 98 triple for the last time this weekend

. Next year I will have a warranty

_FIII · Post by **_FIII** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 4:08 pm

By 2015 Suzuki and Kawasaki, which share technology on their motocross bikes, will collectively start production on a line of 4-stroke sleds.

Also by 2015 one of the now big 4 will start using diesel motors in their utility sleds. Possibly outsourced Kubota developed engines.

Post by **JRC ETD** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 5:28 pm

This comes from a racing background.....Leadership in snowmobiles will have behavior componets like these.....Highest customer satifaction rates..above 90%, warranty cost below 2% of sales, 1 sales month of unsold inventory at any given time, profitable dealers that reinvest in the business, a $5500. electric sled that will run 8 hrs., employee profit sharing, a true global supply chain, engineering that wins in strategic markets like the mountains and performance, a brand that can transfer to other gowth markets, a retail internet site that provides value to the customer and dealer when used, a apperal business that extends beyond snowmobile clothing, a culture that understands vintage is the "Heartbeat" of snowmobiling, a company that rides every weekend with it's customers in all the markets, low corporate overhead with best in class/lowest cost mfg. Finally, and there is much more.....if you get this part right, what the sled looks like and how it performs will be easy.....the customer will tell exactly what they want! JRC

Post by **Wildfire II** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:59 pm

Jon!!! Can you run that by me once more!! IT'S ALL GOOD