AMA American Superbike’s Top Finishing Privateer Receives Full Sponsorship from Online Motorcycle Gear Retailer

Holland, Michigan (PRWEB) February 3, 2010 — RidersDiscount.com has signed last year’s top finishing AMA American Superbike privateer Taylor Knapp to ride this year’s AMA American Superbike series under a full title sponsorship. Having scored several important finishes in AMA Pro Racing last year, Knapp is approaching a promising season with RidersDiscount.com. With Thom Godwin operating as Crew Chief, Knapp will be riding a Yoshimura prepared Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike with Ohlins suspension.

Named Roadracing World’s “Young Gun” in 2005, Knapp has been racing as a privateer since turning pro in 2004. During the 2009 AMA American Superbike series, Knapp scored his first top five finish and consistently placed in the top ten. Taylor also enjoyed success in the 2009 AMA Daytona Sportbike series, with four top five finishes and his first Superpole.

This will be RidersDiscount.com’s third year working with Taylor Knapp, with 2010 as the team’s first year becoming a full title sponsor. Last year Knapp rode a RidersDiscount.com supported GSX-R1000 in the American Superbike class, and RidersDiscount.com has supported Taylor since 2008. “This is a great opportunity for both of us,” says RidersDiscount.com co-owner Kent Gormat. “We’re looking forward to seeing how our heightened sponsorship, particularly the Yoshimura bike, gives Taylor the right platform to really showcase his talents.”

About RidersDiscount.com:

RidersDiscount.com is an online retailer of quality powersports gear, apparel and accessories. A company formed and owned by motorcycle racers, RidersDiscount.com ships equipment for every riding style to customers worldwide, backed by a knowledgeable sales team and excellent customer service.

Merger Leaves WiFiRV Innovating on Behalf of the RV Industry

Westport, CT (Vocus) February 3, 2010 — WiFiRV, an 8-year-old wireless Internet service provider (http://wifirv.com) (WISP), announces it’s the only RV-industry WiFi provider (http://wifirv.com) still on the market that pays RV resort, park, and campground owners for right of property access. This announcement comes as a reaction to a merger between two of the three nationwide WiFi providers announced in early December 2009.

“The merger between two of the three nationwide WiFi providers in the RV industry (http://wifirv.com) leaves less choice for property owners seeking wireless service,” said John M. Borg II, WiFiRV’s Founder and CEO. “Fortunately, WiFiRV has always been about offering RV resort, park, and campground owners an attractive alternative – one where we pay owners to provide WiFi service to their patrons, and the patrons themselves pay for the service, instead of the other way around.”

WiFiRV’s business model was established nearly a decade ago and is based on a standard cellular provider’s use. Borg, a fourth generation property owner and Wall Street financial and technology veteran, insists that RV parks, campgrounds, and resorts should be financially rewarded for their risks.

Borg said that recent industry research has shown that WiFi is failing to attract travelers despite the hype. Fewer travelers use the technology than expected. “Property owners need to scrutinize the long-term value of offering ‘free’ wireless service to patrons. The ongoing maintenance and support cost is high, and many seem to be giving the wireless Internet service away out of fear,” Borg said.

Jaron Starner of Cedar Lake Family Campground selected WiFiRV’s bid after looking at all the RV industry WiFi providers (http://wifirv.com) and agrees with Borg. “With WiFiRV, they own and operate the equipment and pay us for access to our property. Patrons still have the WiFi service they need, but we don’t have the headaches. It made much more sense for us,” he said.

In the face of the merger, Borg also emphasized a commitment to service and long-term profitability for property owners. “We’ve seen it before,” Borg said. “WiFi providers with a technology focus think for the short-term and ultimately go out of business during a downturn or through an industry shake-up, like a major merger. Fortunately, we’ve got a long track record of being in business. We’re not going anywhere.”

WiFiRV is accepting 2010 applications to join their nationwide community of RV-industry wireless WiFi Internet (http://wifirv.com) networks.

About WiFiRV:

WiFiRV is the only WiFi Internet service provider that has over 70% of its RV resort, park, and campground amenities generating income for property owners. Through low or no cost installs, expert engineering, nationwide scalability, 3-5 new properties a week, and nearly a decade of RV industry expertise, WiFiRV partners with RV park owners to turn the WiFiRV solution into an investment, not a liability.

Beaudry RV Company examines the economic turnaround based on strong first quarter sales.

Tucson, AZ (Vocus) February 1, 2010 — January hosts RV shows (http://www.beaudryrv.com/events.html) across the nation. From Denver to Chantilly to Indianapolis, attendance and sales are on the rise compared to 2009. Increased confidence has spread to all facets of the RV industry as indicated by GO RVing’s 2010 budget of $8.25 million.

Indianapolis, home of the RV, saw an increase in sales. “The first weekend, the first two days of the show, we sold more than our entire show last year,” said RV dealer Ken Eckstein at the Indianapolis RV Show. Indianapolis isn’t the only indicator of an economic turnaround. The Denver RV show saw a 28% increase in attendance while Chantilly’s potential consumers rose 65% from last year. Both shows reported strong sales.

GoRving, who cut budgets last year, is turning out $8.25 million towards some new and traditional media outlets. For the first year, GoRving will advertise on both The History Channel and The Travel Channel. Expect a strong presence during the Olympics, World Cup and NASCAR among others. With their new Ambassadors of Affordability, the slogan ‘Go Affordably, Go RVing’ will reach a larger audience ready to spend.

“The RV (http://www.beaudryrv.com) industry has been part of US history for one hundred years,” says Thom Sylvester of Beaudry RV Company, “and we’re confident we’ll be here, in one form or another, a hundred years from now.”

For more information on Beaudry RV Company or current trends in the industry contact Thom Sylvester at info@beaudryrv.com or by phone at: 520-239-5054. Or visit Beaudry RV Company online at www.BeaudryRv.com.

RVT.com says it is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the predicted growth of Web-based classified advertising in 2010 with online tools that attract buyers, including an extensive social marketing initiative that includes a strong Twitter and Facebook presence, a YouTube-powered video conversion tool, a blog for RV enthusiasts and two new websites – rvtowables.com and rvmotorized.com.

Sumas, WA (PRWEB) Feb. 2, 2010 — RVT.com, the leading RV Internet classified ad (http://www.rvt.com) site for new and used travel trailers, campers and motor homes, said today that its online marketplace has experienced significant growth as more RV shoppers turn to the Internet, and expects that growth to continue in 2010.

RVT.com, which changed its named from RVTrader.com in 2008 and has no affiliation with RVTrader magazine or website, is North America’s leading online marketplace for buying and selling RVs, with over 15,000 daily visitors and more than 40,000 private and dealer listings.

“More and more buyers and sellers are coming to us and are pleased to find out we are not associated in any way with the other RV Trader online company,” said Mike Delepine, director of sales, USA. “Our leading online classified service is one of the least expensive ways for RV dealers and private sellers to advertise their RVs — and, most importantly, it’s advertising that works.”

JDPowers recently reported that, “Internet shopping provides prospective buyers with the opportunity to search through enormous amounts of specific vehicle information without ever leaving home, allowing for a more efficient medium of matching buyers with unique used vehicles in the market.”

“We at RVT.com think print is on life support, and more people are going online to research their next RV or vehicle purchase,” said Delepine. To meet the demands of its growing audience, RVT.com added several new features last year, including:

•    Social Media Campaigns – a strong presence on Twitter and Facebook, generating over 20,000 visits per month, and a YouTube-powered video conversion tool that loads RVT.com listings onto the YouTube network.

•    Two New Websites – to help buyers find the RV product they want more easily, RVT.com launched two new affiliate sites: www.rvtowables.com and www.rvmotorized.com.

•    RVT.com Blog — provides exclusive RV tips (http://www.rvt.com) and articles as well as the latest RV news and information to a computer, mobile device or RSS reader.

•    RVT.com Dealer Web Services – featuring customized website development for RV dealers, which includes search engine optimization, synchronized inventory and lead generation.

For more information, visit www.RVT.com.

About RVT.com

RVT.com specializes in the sale of new and used travel trailers, campers and motor homes online. RVT.com and its affiliate websites – OldCarOnline.com for collector car classifieds, Boatline.com for new and used boat classifieds and AirplaneTradeOnline.com for new and used aircraft — attract more than 15,000 visitors every day to view over 40,000 listings from private sellers and dealers.

Now is restock time at Patriot’s Custom Wheels (RimFinancing.com). New wheel styles are arriving from all the major suppliers. People looking to bling-out their rides for Spring will find all the cutting-edge wheel styles that fit their vehicle. Thin or thick sidewalls, painted or chrome, steel or aluminum, there are endless numbers of combinations that will upgrade the appearance of any vehicle.

Roanoke, Va. (PRWEB) February 2, 2010 — Wheels and tires are probably the most important element when upgrading a vehicle. Short of buying a new car, wheels and tires can add a dramatic new look to any ride. In a world where style and image rule, individuals can set their ride apart from all the rest. When in the market for the hottest custom wheels and tires rimfinancing.com has many possibilities. Rims personalized with custom color bezels and inserts as well as contrasting color spokes will be popular again for 2010.

The spotlight for 2010 is on distinctive wheel designs from Elure, Incubus, Milanni, Vision and Status. People looking for the hottest wheels for the coolest rides choose the new lineup of rims (http://www.rimfinancing.com/rim-index.htm) and tires at Patriot’s Custom Wheels. Style and innovation set the tone for 2010 wheels. The popularity of painted wheels is undeniable but sales of chrome plated rims remain high. New low-rolling resistance tires improve fuel efficiency and are manufactured with more environmentally friendly materials. Custom caps can easily be interchanged for a dramatic new look.

Aside from style and fashion, rimfinancing.com makes the process of upgrading a vehicle fast and easy. The wheel and tire financing (http://rimfinancing.com/RIMS-AND-TIRES/wheel-and-tire-financing.html) paperwork process has been accelerated via electronic documents and signatures. New rims and tires are precision mounted and balanced and shipped in protective cartons. Wheels and tires arrive, ready to ride, in six to ten business days. Free deluxe locks and lugs are included with every rim and tire package shipped.

It’s tax season again and consumers will be using a portion of their tax refund to get their wheel and tire package and mobile electronics. Often consumers bundle rims, tires and mobile electronics for one easy monthly payment.

Who is rimfinancing.com (http://www.rimfinancing.com/)? Patriot’s Custom wheels, a proven leader in the automotive aftermarket industry, have been in the custom rim and tires business for almost a decade. The Owner and Chief Financial Officer of Patriot’s has been in the financing business for over 40 years. The combination of offering complete rim and tire packages shipped to the client’s door as well as providing easy financing afford convenience to the automotive after market consumer.

Auto repair shops work on smarter cars, but with fewer tools and technology to fix them say Greulich’s Automotive

(Vocus) January 29, 2010 — Automotive service technicians and mechanics around the country face an uphill battle in 2010, as proposed legislation over technological upgrades in auto manufacturing and its effect on car repairs is provoking a battle between car manufacturers and auto repair shops.

“What’s changed significantly in the last few years in how cars are built – technological advancements in automobile manufacturing means that car sections are now geometrically connected,” says Chris Greulich, who owns Greulich’s Automotive, a full-service multi location auto repair business based in Scottsdale, Ariz. “No longer are repairs on just the front, back and sides. Front end collisions, for example, can bring about damage to back end systems, purely because of the way cars are now being built.”

And that’s got Greulich and other auto repair industry leaders concerned about the changes in their businesses. As new vehicles continue to get more ever more advanced with multiple computers controlling everything from the brakes to the steering wheel, automakers hold the upper hand in determining eventual vehicle problems.

When auto mechanics need to repair a part, that usually requires reprogramming the computers — a difficult task without the software codes or diagrams of the vehicle’s electrical wires. For instance, some of the newer hybrid vehicles are virtual computers on wheels. The Prius, for instance, has 14 computer systems in it.

And for mechanics, keeping up with technology is now mandatory to auto repair. And that means auto shops must continue to invest precious dollars to get the right tools and online manuals for each model.

Under discussion now in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Right to Repair Act would require automakers “to provide the same service information and tools to independent auto and maintenance shops, as well as to consumers, that the automaker dealership service centers receive.” The Right to Repair Act essentially would protect car owners and drivers by allowing them to completely own the repair information when they purchase their vehicles, new or used, so that they can choose where, how and by whom they have their vehicles repaired.

But automakers are opposed to such a measure, claiming it steals their intellectual property rights. But a consumer rights group called the Right to Repair Coalition asserts that “Most car owners would be surprised to learn that they are increasingly losing control over who can diagnose and service their car. By using computerized components in virtually every aspect of the car, auto manufacturers are systematically acquiring a far greater say in who repairs your car than you have.”

A new study conducted by John Dunham and Associates for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) shows that consumers greatly benefit from a competitive vehicle repair marketplace. According to the study, independent auto repair shops save American consumers nearly $26 billion annually or $360 per family. The data is available not only by state, but by congressional district, and can be viewed at www.guerrillaeconomics.biz/righttorepair.

According to First Research, about 70 percent of industry revenue comes from mechanical repair and 30 percent from collision repair. Mechanical jobs include repairs to mufflers and exhausts, transmissions, brakes, and shock absorbers, or in so-called “underhood” systems (engines, electrical systems, radiators).

As the numbers of cars on the road continues to grow, the demand for expert auto repair is still high, which means job opportunities for skilled mechanics, but in a slowed down industry. Recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, slower than the average for all occupations. The Labor Department’s “2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook” notes “Continued growth in the number of vehicles in use in the United States will lead to new jobs for workers performing basic car maintenance and repair. More entry-level workers will be needed to perform these services, such as oil changes and replacing worn brakes.”

According to “Economic Impact of Franchised Businesses: Vol. 2″ by PricewaterhouseCoopers, (March 2008), the automotive franchise industry, excluding dealers, generates around $25 billion in sales annually and employs over 175,000 people in 35,600 franchise establishments. The study also showed that the automotive industry contains more individual franchise companies than any other franchising segment except food.

And as independent auto repairs shops like Greulich Brothers Industries continues to grow slightly year on year, they face larger obstacles in the battle with automakers over technological advancements and customer choice. But Chris Greulich is hopeful that the legislation will bring about clarification to its industry challenges. “Let’s figure out what the rules are – and let’s learn to win by the rules.”

Floor Mat Express today launched their new state of the art, online retail store where people can purchase an incredible array of customizable car floor mats.

(PRWEB) January 30, 2010 — Floor mat express today launched their new state of the art, online retail store where people can purchase and incredible array of customizable car floor mats (http://www.floormatexpress.com/). With tabbed navigation, this state of the art web site offers visually intuitive browsing with the most options anywhere to customize premium floor mats for your car, truck or sport utility vehicle. The company projects this web site will quickly become the Internet’s number one resource for car floor mats in the United States and Canada.

Floor mat Express is continually adding to their product line and offerings. The company is expanding the available logo and embroidery options, such as our new Harley-Davidson logo floor mats (http://www.floormatexpress.com/harley-davidson_logo-floor-mats.html) and new Jake Corvette logos (http://www.floormatexpress.com/chevrolet_automotive_logo-floor-mats.html), as well as entry into a variety of different floor mat markets.

FloorMatExpress.com will be an invaluable resource for savvy, price conscious shoppers. These shoppers demand quality products and enjoy a wide array of personalized options. Careful considerations have been given to a detailed online guide and reference system that enables the browser to thoroughly research products and also easily preview the products, colors and samples in a simple, visually intuitive interface.

Eric Fazio and Joey Martelli, co-owners of the business, have stated, “Our goal is to offer the best web-based business for all of your floor mat needs. We will offer the lowest prices for the highest quality of products and will work tirelessly until we have achieved 100% customer satisfaction.”

About Floor Mat Express:

Founded in 2003, the parent company Clarity Enterprises has developed numerous successful online businesses for its clients. Floor Mat Express is a culmination of that experience put to work in its own business model to become the best in this niche.

Pedata RV Center cites RV Associations’ positive take on RV traffic in 2010. The first RV trade shows of the year are seeing good traffic and strong sales.

Phoenix, AZ (Vocus) January 28, 2010 — Pedata RV Center cites RV Associations’ positive take on RV traffic in 2010. The first RV trade shows of the year are seeing good traffic and strong sales. For instance, the Bellwether Florida RV Supershow in Tampa ending January 17, 2010 saw an increase in attendance that measured 12% in comparison to 2009.

RV Associations’ and industry leaders weighed in on the increased traffic in 2010:

-    Florida Recreation Vehicle Association (FRVTA) indicated that not only was attendance up, but negative talk was down. Dealers surveyed indicated that attendees were not complaining about the weather. They weren’t complaining about gas prices. They weren’t complaining about the economy. They were instead happy to be in attendance at the show.

-    Affinity Group Inc.’s Affinity Events Division indicated increased attendance has also been seen at 2010 shows held in: Denver, Cleveland, Washington, D.C. area, and Greensboro, NC. The 20th Annual Colorado RV Adventure Travel Show ending on Jan. 16, 2010 experienced a 26% increase from 2009. The 21st Annual North Carolina RV & Camping Show ended January 10, 2010 and was up 1% in attendance from 2009. Attendance at the 24th Annual Washington Camping RV Expo increased by a shocking 154%.

-    Great Lakes Recreational Vehicle Association indicated that 34th Annual Ohio Supershow ending January 10, 2010 saw a 30% increase in attendance.

Industry leaders like Pedata RV Center see the numbers as a positive indication for the RV sales (http://www.pedatarvcenter.com/rv-sales.html) industry as a whole. Gerard Pedata of Pedata RV Center suggested, “People are out looking because they’re interested in getting out in a recreational vehicle (http://www.pedatarvcenter.com/). They want to go camping. And not only that, but they’re willing to consider putting money down and this is a new development since the economy changed abruptly. We’re seeing more consumers with a bit of cash to play with and more consumers with the credit worthiness that will get them in a vehicle.”

Pedata RV Center sells RVs (http://www.pedatarvcenter.com/rv-sales.html) wholesale direct to the public. Their full inventory is accessible online at www.PedataRVCenter.com. Prospective buyers are urged to look into their specials, financing opportunities, and competitive everyday pricing.

For more information on Pedata RV Center, or current trends in the RV industry contact Gerard Pedata, sales(at)pedatarvcenter(dot)com or by phone at: 1-888-545-8314 or 520-807-0900. Or visit Pedata RV Center online at www.pedatarvcenter.com.

The Hobby Trader Corporation and William (Eliot) Aaron are proud to introduce to the public the 1st automotive trivia book written to test the knowledge of the public with a contest and the winning prize of $2,500.00. Automotive Questions and Answers is on sale at www.autotrivia.net

Detroit, Michigan (PRWEB) — The Hobby Trader Corporation and William (Eliot) Aaron are proud to introduce to the public the 1st automotive trivia book written to test the knowledge of the public with a contest and the winning prize of $2,500.00. Automotive Questions and Answers is on sale at www.autotrivia.net

A trivia buff at heart, Eliot Aaron contracts The Hobby Trader Corporation with Martin Motorsports and Martin Technologies which is under the ownership of IHRA Pro Modified Racer and inventor Harold Martin. In this automotive environment there is a lot of discussion on technology standards, techniques and information. The idea of a trivia book and contest came from researching information on engine preparation and from the H.O. slot car drag racing club called The San Juan Dragway in which Eliot has been an active member since childhood. Members of this club on a weekly basis would come to the events with automotive trivia questions to see who had the answers. Automotive Questions & Answers contains 4 sections, American Auto History, Drag Racing History, NASCAR History and Harley Davidson History.

The reason for writing this book is to generate finances to develop the race car of Eliot’s dream, which is to build Hobby Traders 1966 Chevrolet Corvair for the NHRA, IHRA, Super Chevy and other sportsman series of drag racing, with 10% of the proceeds being donated to The Youth Awareness Foundation which is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization that works with inner city our youth in mentoring, team building and positive skills.

“We have researched and we use 4 categories of United States automobile and motorcycle production. Drag Racing History, NASCAR History, American Automobile History and Harley Davidson History were our focus for the 2 books that we are writing with our 1st addition to be released in February 2010. We are pleased to introduce to the public at a discounted price on our web site of $14.99, and we also look forward to writing Automotive Questions and Answers book 2 in 2012” Eliot said.

Automotive Questions & Answers is targeted towards Automobile & Harley Davidson enthusiast, historians, racers, fans, readers and collectors and can be purchased as a gift for men and women. Our book uses the ISBN# 1-4120-7089-9 and is bar-coded to be sold in stores.

Mr. Aaron formed the Hobby Trader Corporation in 2006 with the commitment to develop inventions (patents), write books and trade stock in a cost efficient and understandable way for the investors and the public. His 1st invention (The Residential & Commercial Drain Line Stop Valve) is designed to prevent the backflow of sewage water from entering into a structure by warning the property owner of a backflow developing. This valve is designed to be installed by a property owner without the help of a plumber or the high cost and long time of breaking up concrete or digging up the yard. This invention is patented with the United States Patent #6,311,721. Mr. Aaron and The Hobby Trader Corporation Associates are developing a Green Energy product that is not being used today that can produce electricity for municipalities, large residential areas and grouped commercial projects.

For more information please contact, The Hobby Trader Corporation @ www.autotrivia.net

& you can call Eliot Aaron (313)345-3083

NCM Associates launches NCM Institute with 12 all-new educational programs for automotive retail dealerships, Paul Faletti, NCM CEO and President announced today. NCMi establishes a Center for Automotive Retail Excellence to help automotive retail dealers achieve greater profitability during difficult market conditions, while preparing them to capitalize on the economic recovery to come.

Overland Park, Kansas (PRWEB) January 28, 2010 — NCM Associates (http://www.ncm20.com) announces the launch of NCM Institute (http://www.ncminstitute.com) (NCMi) Center for Automotive Retail Excellence. The NCMi curriculum includes introductory and advanced courses in Used Vehicle Management, General Management, Service Management, Sales Management, Financial Management and eCommerce Management. Each course delivers in-depth, real world management and leadership best practices at a level best suited to the student’s needs. Designed for automotive dealership principals and key managers, NCMi classes are conducted by a team of seasoned industry veterans four times per year at NCM’s training facility in Overland Park, Kansas. On-site, in-dealership delivery is also available.

“NCM Institute represents the finest, most comprehensive dealership training curriculum ever offered by NCM,” said NCM Associates CEO and President, Paul A. Faletti, Jr. “Our program is based on over 60 years of proven best practices in automotive retail management, leadership and operational excellence, and the NCMi faculty represents the best-of-the-best in this industry.” Faletti added, “The events of 2009 are a real and stark reminder of just how ‘normal’ business conditions can virtually evaporate and force the market into truly new and unchartered territory. The NCMi Center for Automotive Retail Excellence is a timely response to the changing marketplace and will ensure our dealers are adequately prepared as business conditions evolve.”

Unparalleled continuing education is a new feature of the NCMi program. Upon successful completion of the coursework, students will earn placement in an NCM Manager 20 Group at no charge for six months. NCM clients enjoy substantial tuition discounts and for a limited time, NCM is offering all dealers an introductory $250 tuition discount on February and March classes. Dealership Principals or General Managers may attend most classes free with a paid registration.

Classes begin in February with Principles of Used Vehicle Management I conducted February 1-3, followed by Principles of Used Vehicle Management II conducted February 3-5. Courses in General Management, Service Management and Financial Management are also being conducted in February.

About NCM Associates, Inc.

NCM Associates, Inc. is the originator of the automotive industry 20 Group peer collaboration process and has been providing dealership benchmarking, education and consulting services to the industry since 1947. Located in Overland Park, KS, NCM provides a robust suite of services designed to drive dealership profitability using its proven, operations-focused Benchmark® for Success program with new and pre-owned U.S. automotive dealerships, as well as with dealerships in more than 20 other industries. For more information about NCM Associates, visit www.ncm20.com or call 800.756.2620.