Cobra Motorcycles Names New Head of Sales / PG&A

Eddie Bard tabbed as the key dealer interface for America’s most successful competition dirt bikes and ATVs, also heading up Cobra’s growing line of aftermarket garments and accessories

HILLSDALE, Mich., (Feb. 6, 2008) – Coming off the most successful competition season in its 15-year history, officials at Cobra Motorcycles have decided to make some major changes to its PG&A (parts, garments and accessories) sales function by appointing a proven talent from within the motocross industry, moving the position in-house and adding aftermarket responsibility to the job.

Eddie Bard, who comes to Cobra by way of the non-profit company he founded, MX Donations, along with time spent as a field editor and bike tester with MXi Magazine, will be an integral part of Cobra’s business strategy for 2008 and beyond, according to company President Sean Hilbert.

“Cobra has, historically speaking, been an engineering and product focused company – with less expert input from the sales and customer relations side of things than we’d have liked,” said Hilbert. “That said, we’ve created a position exclusive to our needs in this department. A position that’s not influenced by outside agendas or the day-to-day engineering issues a small manufacturing company has to deal with. A position that will be solely dedicated to serving our worldwide dealers and customers.”

“Everyone here at the factory is please to welcome Eddie to the Cobra team.”

Bard is no stranger to competition motocross racing. A decorated District 14 amateur competitor who for several years has held a pro license, Bard brings with him a lifelong passion for the sport that will allow him to pay instant dividends as a liaison between the Cobra factory, dealers and the bottom line: the highly important parents and kids competing on the most successful American-made competition motorcycles and ATVs ever.

“I’m truly honored to be associated with Cobra,” said Bard. “I arrive well-schooled in the rich history of the company, from its beginnings with Bud Maimone through the advent of the ATV line, the new CX65 and the pinnacle of the company’s 50cc racing success this past competition season. I’ve been spending some late nights getting acquainted with the names of all the young up-and-coming racers on Cobras and look forward to meeting the guys and their parents in person this March in Texas.”

Bard’s position is effective immediately. Based out of the corporate headquarters in Hillsdale, Bard’s extended office will quickly become places like Oak Hill and Lake Whitney, Vegas, Ponca City, Loretta’s, Branson, Gainesville and any other place top flight competition amateur motocross racing takes place. Feel free to reach him at EddieB@CobraMotorcycle.com or 517-437-9100 x121.

Cobra, founded in 1993, produces the most successful line of competition mini cycles and mini quads in the United States with more than 200 national titles in the last decade. Based out of Hillsdale, Mich., Cobra's mission is to build premium products for the serious racer. For more information on Cobra products, please visit our website at www.cobramotorcycle.com.

High Profile Public Relations (HPPR), LLC, is a multi-faceted communications agency specializing in strategic media relations – both industry and mainstream – for the powersports and action sports communities. Dialed in with all forms of power and action sports, its participants, manufacturers and live event promoters, HPPR’s Pat Schutte can be reached at (734) 369-2170 and pat@highprofilepr.com.