Polaris Gives Dealers More to be Happy About Than Snowy Winter

    ORLANDO, Fla.--March 20, 2001--In the midst of the first normal snow levels in four winters, Polaris Industries Inc. delivered a flurry of positive news at its international snowmobile dealer conference recently. The world's largest snowmobile manufacturer announced brisk snowmobile sales, innovative new products for 2002 and plans to increase customer-ordering options.
    "This has been a great winter for snowmobilers and for Polaris," said Tom Tiller, president and CEO of Polaris. "By capitalizing on our successes and bringing new and innovative programs and sleds to our dealers, we will ensure that Polaris stays number one with our customers for years to come."

    Snowmobile Sales Strong

    The meeting came on the heels of a strong winter for Polaris' snowmobile division, which makes up 22 percent of the company's sales. Following a normal snowfall through the first four-fifths of the '00-'01 winter season, Polaris experienced strong retail sales boosting optimism among dealers as they begin ordering sleds for the 2001-02 snowmobile season. Polaris announced that season-end snowmobile inventory levels will be down significantly from last season and, as of February 28, had gained snowmobile market share in North America.

    Design Your Dream Machine Online

    Polaris announced a mass customization plan that will change the way people think of factory-made snowmobiles. The new online design system called "Snow Check Select" allows customers to select engines, suspensions, graphics and accessories to custom-design their snowmobile. Snowmobile enthusiasts can design the snowmobile of their dreams online at polarisindustries.com, print off the specifications and take it to a local Polaris dealer or visit and local Polaris dealer and design a sled onsite. Snow Check Select is available on all 2002 XC SPs or 700 and 800 RMKs. The Snow Check Select program ends April 16, 2001.
    "Polaris' Snow Check Select is an innovative program that's increased traffic to my dealership," said Polaris dealership owner, Butch Greenwood of LW Greenwood & Sons Inc in East Randolph Vermont. "My customers love being able to design their own snowmobile."

    2002 Model Snowmobiles

    It's hard to improve on perfection, but this year at the snowmobile dealer meeting, Polaris did just that. The new RMK models were taken to the "edge" with a new feature, the EDGE(TM) chassis with almost 18 inches of rear travel and improved handling. The RMKs also feature a choice of 144-inch or 151-inch track.
    Polaris' 700s and 800s stole the stage when it was announced they would now be equipped with a variable exhaust system, which improves engine performance throughout the power band including an amazing 12hp gain in the mid-range.
    As an added bonus, customers will now have additional colors, graphics and accessories to choose from giving snowmobile lovers even more choices in 2002.

    New Cleaner, Quieter Snowmobile

    Leading the way was a new, more environmentally friendly snowmobile featuring a four-stroke engine designed specifically for snowmobiles. Polaris plans to begin limited production of the new cleaner, quieter snowmobile, called the Indy Frontier, in November. The snowmobiles will become available through select rental operators in the Yellowstone National Park area by December and will be available to consumers in the '02-'03 season.

    Pure Fun Equals Pure Polaris

    Polaris' fast-growing Pure Polaris division unveiled 550 new snowmobile parts, apparel and accessories that will be available this year, giving riding fanatics access to purchase everything they need to live the ultimate Polaris experience. The line includes decals, jackets, skis, storage bags and much more. The complete line of Polaris parts, apparel and accessories are available at Polaris dealerships.