Powersports Business August 2025 | Page 6

6 • August 2025 • Powersports Business

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Honda commits $ 1 million annually to American Red Cross Disaster Relief

Honda has deepened its long-standing partnership with the American Red Cross by joining its Annual Disaster Giving Program, pledging $ 1 million per year to support disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery efforts across the U. S.
The new funding commitment, which took effect April 1, reflects Honda’ s proactive approach to corporate social responsibility and builds on decades of support for communities impacted by natural disasters and national crises. The American Red Cross responds to more than 65,000 disasters annually— from house fires to hurricanes— and Honda’ s contribution helps the organization respond more quickly and efficiently wherever the need arises.“ We are proud to build on our longstanding commitment to American Red Cross disaster recovery efforts,” says Jennifer Thomas, senior vice president of corporate affairs at American Honda Motor Co.“ This program strengthens the Red Cross’ ability to provide immediate relief in the very communities where our associates, dealers, and customers live and work.”
Honda’ s support has historically included aid following events like the 9 / 11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina and, more recently, the 2024 tornadoes near its Ohio manufacturing facilities and wildfires in Los Angeles.
Honda’ s contribution helps the Red Cross respond more quickly and efficiently wherever the need arises.( Photo: American Honda)
This move underscores Honda’ s values-driven leadership and its long-term commitment to community resilience. As

Latest data from SSI shows bright spot on used market as new unit sales fall

disasters increase in frequency and intensity, forward-thinking support like this helps ensure rapid mobilization of resources to protect people, property, and livelihoods.
“ Honda’ s ongoing generosity allows us to stand ready at a moment’ s notice. They’ re a model of how corporate partners can help meet rising needs across the country,” says Red Cross CEO Cliff Holtz.
The initiative is part of Honda’ s broader corporate social responsibility efforts, including work through the Honda USA Foundation in areas such as education, the environment, mobility, and traffic safety. More details are available at csr. honda. com.
Despite a slight overall dip in the powersports industry in April, new data reveals pockets of growth and ongoing momentum in the used segment— offering key takeaways for dealers looking to navigate shifting consumer demand.
According to Statistical Surveys Inc.( SSI), new and used powersports sales in North America were down 1.78 % year-overyear in April 2025. That’ s a more moderate decline compared to the 6.95 % YoY drop seen in April 2024, signaling possible stabilization in the market.
PRE-OWNED GAINS GROUND New powersports sales dropped 7.95 % YoY, with categories like scooters( −37.89 %), touring bikes( −25.14 %), and standard motorcycles( −16.75 %) underperforming compared to the overall trend. However, not all segments struggled. Quads saw a 1.48 % gain, and“ other off-highway” vehicles posted a 6.03 % increase— standing out as key areas of opportunity for dealers focused on niche markets.
Meanwhile, the used powersports segment showed a 2.04 % YoY increase, reinforcing an ongoing consumer shift toward pre-owned units amid economic uncertainty. UTVs led the way with a 13.83 % boost in used sales, followed by strong gains in dual sports(+ 7.20 %), touring(+ 3.95 %), and motocross bikes(+ 2.90 %).
STRATEGIC INSIGHTS Geographically, the data paints a mixed picture. Markets like Great Bend, Kansas(+ 225 %), Pittsfield, Massachusetts(+ 104.76 %), and La Grange, Georgia(+ 100 %) posted triple-digit growth in new powersports sales. Logan, West Virginia, and Orangeburg, South Carolina, also saw significant increases.
However, steep declines hit other areas: Greenville-Washington, North Carolina, saw a 100 % drop in new sales, with Raleigh- Durham, North Carolina( −98.48 %) and Hilo, Hawaii( −65.85 %) also reporting sharp YoY decreases. For dealers in these regions,
adjusting inventory or increasing focus on used sales may be necessary.
DEMOGRAPHIC SNAPSHOT The demographic split for new and used sales remained heavily male-skewed, with 84.68 % of purchases made by men compared to 15.32 % by women— pointing to potential market development opportunities for dealerships looking to diversify their customer base.
TAKEAWAY FOR DEALERS While new unit sales face headwinds, the continued growth in used powersports sales highlights where consumer interest— and profitability— may be trending. Dealers are encouraged to monitor category-level data, regional performance, and demographic shifts to stay agile and maximize ROI.
To access more detailed market insights tailored to your dealership’ s region, contact: marketing @ statisticalsurveys. com.
New and used powersports sales in North America were down 1.78 % year-over-year in April 2025.( Photo: Kent Powersports of Austin / Creative Commons)

Sherco Racing Factory names Sherco United States as exclusive U. S. distributor

Sherco Racing Factory has announced a new strategic partnership with Sherco United States( Sherco U. S.), appointing the Arkansas-based company as the exclusive distributor of Sherco motorcycles, parts, accessories, and gear in the U. S. and its territories.
The move represents a significant step in Sherco’ s efforts to expand its presence in the American powersports market. Sherco U. S.( not to be confused with former distributor Sherco USA) will manage all aspects of importation, distribution, and dealer support, with an emphasis on technical service, after-sales care, and parts availability to ensure a premium experience for both dealers and riders.
“ We are excited to begin this new chapter
with Sherco United States,” says Jean- Michel Paquient, CEO of Sherco Factory.“ Sherco was founded in 1998 and now distributes motorcycles in 86 countries. We’ ve won championships in both trials and enduro racing, proving the performance and reliability of our machines. The U. S. is a vital market, and this partnership signals our long-term commitment to it.”
Sherco U. S., led by owner and president James Jordan, will oversee the brand’ s 2026 relaunch in the U. S., with new-model motorcycles, factory parts, and branded gear scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks.
“ We are incredibly proud to represent Sherco in the U. S.,” says Jordan.“ These are world-class machines— engineered to perform
at the highest level. Our goal is to provide a dealer and customer experience that reflects the brand’ s premium reputation. This is more than a business for us— it’ s a passion.”
Sherco U. S. is actively developing a nationwide dealer network and aims to support both existing and new Sherco riders with dedicated service and support.
Dealers interested in partnership opportunities or more information about the 2026 model range can contact info @ sherco. us or visit www. sherco. us.
Sherco U. S., led by owner and president James Jordan, will oversee the brand’ s 2026 relaunch in the U. S., with new-model motorcycles, factory parts, and branded gear scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks.( Photo: Sherco U. S.)

BRP

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version can be ridden in France with a standard car driver’ s license plus a short training course, making them ideal for urban commuters. Both models are powered by BRP’ s proprietary Rotax E-Power
unit and feature liquid-cooled components, regenerative braking, and Level 2 fast charging capabilities( 20 %– 80 % in 50 minutes).
The Can-Am Pulse is a lightweight naked bike optimized for city riding, complete with a 10.25−inch Apple Car- Play-enabled touchscreen and BRP GO! connectivity. The Can-Am Origin is an
adventure-ready dual sport with Off-Road mode, KYB suspension, and motocrossinspired design for versatile performance on- and off-road.
Also on display is the full Can-Am three-wheel lineup, including the new Canyon— a rugged, all-road touring machine— as well as the long-haul Spyder and rider-friendly Ryker models.
BRP has more than 450 dealers and distributors across the EMEA region. Canadian Motors, which operates three other motorcycle dealerships in France and has experience with electric vehicles, will manage the new Paris location, supported by BRP marketing initiatives to drive foot traffic and increase awareness.