26 • December 2024 • Powersports Business

A letter from Textron ’ s Arctic Cat division to its dealers ( now widely circulated to media members ) has sent a shock wave through the snowmobile and powersports markets , according to PSB sister-publication Snow Goer .

In a communication sent to dealers on Wednesday , November 13 , the company says it has “ initiated workforce reductions across our powersports business .” The Arctic Cat letter further states that “ these actions include eliminating numerous positions across our business . In addition , we will pause production at our Thief River Falls [ Minnesota ] facility after production of our model year 2025 snowmobile lineup is completed .”

However , the letter adds that Arctic Cat plans to restart production next year . “ We expect to resume production in Q1 2025 .” It further stresses that it is not shutting down Arctic Cat has pledged to restart production in the first quarter of 2025 .

Arctic Cat has announced a new round of layoffs at its Theif River production facility , which produces ATVs , UTVs , and snowmobiles .

for good and will remain open to service its dealers and customers . “ Our sales organization , customer service teams , aftermarket distribution centers , and other functions are ready to assist you and your customers .”

CAT CONTEXT The letter kicked off all sorts of wild speculation online , according to the Snow Goer report .

The move may not be as shocking in the context of other news , both at Arctic Cat and in the larger powersports market .

Rumors have circulated for months that Arctic Cat wasn ’ t planning to produce any model year 2025 ATV or UTV products . When Snow Goer ran that rumor past a longtime Arctic Cat employee immediately after Hay Days , he stated that there is enough ATV / UTV inventory at dealerships right now – from Arctic Cat and other brands – that production would be slowing down .

“ By the time we actually release our next offroad lineup , we can probably just label them 2026s ,” according to SG , which added that Textron already laid off some ATV / UTV offroad engineers over the spring and summer .

The fact that the company has completed the 2025 snowmobile build and is pledging to restart production in the first quarter is somewhat encouraging . But that doesn ’ t reduce the pain for those whose jobs are being eliminated .

OWNER / PARTNER / PRESIDENT / CEO MANAGER VP & GM

have more than 2 locations

September 2024 • Volume 27 , Number 9

www . powersportsbusiness . com INSPIRING SUCCESS THROUGH MARKET INTELLIGENCE

Offering daily touch-points for a well-rounded industry experience !

November 2024 • Volume 27 , Number 11

www . powersportsbusiness . com INSPIRING SUCCESS THROUGH MARKET INTELLIGENCE

Father-daughter duo share passion for dealership

NVP impresses in Milwaukee !

Events , Podcasts , Webinars , Market

Data Book & Custom Content

20 18

Father-and-daughter duo Mike Venziano and For 2025 , Polaris offers an expanded warranty across

Misty Rohdes own Rich ’ s Yamaha of Lockport , the Ranger lineup , new trim offerings , refreshed style ,

Illinois , and passionately run their dealership updated colors , and graphics on select models , and alongside other family members . upgrades to its RZR Pro line . Photo courtesy of Polaris

Accelerate opens early bird registrations !

23

For those adding the Powersports Business Accelerate Conference to their 2025 calendars , we invite you to register today to receive the early bird discount !

3

In a nostalgic return to its roots , the Best Operators Club ( BOC ) just celebrated its 36th anniversary in Madison , Wisconsin — the very place where it all began in 1988 .

Service tech buys dream dealership , continues wrenching

4

The 2024 North American NVP Product Expo at the newly expanded Baird Center on September 7−8 exceeded expectations and broke new ground with its extensive floor plan .

SCAN FOR MORE DETAILS

See page 24

Dealer shares racing and b