According to the 2005 Powersports Market Data Book, the top 14 manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, personal watercraft (PWC), snowmobiles, and utility vehicles sold more than 2.1 million units in 2004. In addition, estimates from the website of the National Marine Manufacturers Association place the total number of sales of powered boats (outboard, inboard, stern drive, and jet) at 313,500 in 2004, and the number of outboard motors sold in the same year was slightly more than 315,000. These figures indicate that a great number of people are entertaining themselves by piloting engine-driven devices, either just for the fun of it or in competition.
And when it comes to competition, there is another large group of weekend warriors who spend their spare time fine-tuning the engines of their vehicles in preparation to compete on drag strips, stock car ovals, and sports car courses throughout the world.
The leisure-time engine-powered sport and recreational marketplace consists of at least three segments: powersports, powered marine, and performance racing. To ensure success in terms of victories or just an uninterrupted day of fun at the controls, all segments require gaskets made of high-performance materials, many turning to products from fabricators that use materials from Interface Solutions, Inc (ISI).
Factors Driving the Market
Doug Pfautz, Interface Solutions'' manager for the North American aftermarket, isolates five demands that currently drive this extensive and diverse marketplace:
- better performance,
- warranty extensions,
- regulatory compliance,
- outstanding machine appearance and
- the best and most reliable product technology.
The demand for better performance is a primary driver today in most of the markets using internal combustion engines -- on road, off road, and on the water. That demand is especially prevalent in the areas of Powersports, power boating, and auto racing -- activities in which millions of people worldwide spend their free time. Pfautz points out that high performance translates into higher speeds, increased horsepower, and/or elevated torque, which, in turn, translate into higher operating temperatures, increased internal pressures, etc.
Demands for better performance become demands for better sealing systems. Demands for extended warranties that have become prevalent for new products are affecting the aftermarkets for these items, too.
Pfautz observes, "Extended warranties are becoming marketing tools for pre-owned machines and remanufactured components, including engines. High-performance, Value Grade materials and other products . . . Read the rest of the story here.
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