Press Release

HUSQVARNA REORGANIZES & REINVIGORATES BRAND FOR 2011


December 3 – Corona, CA –
There are exciting changes in store for the Husqvarna brand in 2011.
"We are happy to announce changes that will position Husqvarna North
America to serve the U.S. off-road market like never before," says
National Marketing Manager Corey Eastman. "New management has been
brought on board to help better serve our dealers needs, as well as
expanded staffing to allow greater focus on key customer service and
marketing functions."

 

These changes come in conjunction with a new headquarters located in
Southern California, as well as revolutionary new products. "We are
committed to re-establishing Husqvarna as a leading off-road motorcycle
brand in the United States," adds Eastman. "New people, new attitude
and new product should help alleviate some of the old concerns!"


STAFFING NEWS:
Husqvarna is quite literally doubling the size of its staff,
allowing the company to react more quickly. "We will be able to play a
more active role in the marketing and selling of motorcycles by keeping
the Husqvarna brand top of mind among off-road motorcycle enthusiasts,"
explains Husqvarna Motorcycles NA president Kris Odwarka. "The job of
not only meeting, but hopefully exceeding your needs is being taken on
by a new management team."


PRESIDENT
Kris Odwarka

Leading the new team is Kris Odwarka, who took over as Husqvarna NA
President in December. Kris originally started working in parts and
service departments at motorcycle dealerships to support his racing in
Colorado and New Mexico. He later worked for BMW in various positions
in Europe and the States for a decade before becoming sales director of
ALPINA GmbH in 2002.

 

In addition to his real world training at the dealership level, Kris
also has both a Bachelor degree and MBA from the University of Colorado.

 

Kris brings both industry knowledge and experience with Husqvarna’s
parent company BMW.  This will be beneficial as Husqvarna moves
forward, enabling Husqvarna to more easily access BMW’s competitive
advantages including financing, distribution, sourcing and more. "Kris
exemplifies the open and creative spirit that is an integral part of
the new Husqvarna," notes Eastman.



NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Revelle Harrison

Industry veteran Revelle Harrison joins the Husqvarna team as National
Sales Manager. Revelle moves over from KTM, where he has held various
roles in the field and HQ for the past 12 years, including serving as
KTM's National Sales Manager. Racing and trail riding have been
favorite activities throughout Revelle's life, activities he now enjoys
sharing with his family. Harrison has a degree in Business
Administration from Montana State University.

 

Revelle’s experience and deep understanding of what takes place on the
sales floor is a valuable asset.  His ability to create structured
programs that help dealers sell is combined with an understanding of
when to apply creativity and create solutions that get results. Revelle
will be leading Husqvarna’s established dealer sales team, helping them
reach new levels of dealer and customer service.



NATIONAL AFTER SALES MANAGER
Andy Jefferson

Andy is a former professional motocross racer, riding for Pro Circuit
Husqvarna through the early 80s.  Andy is especially excited to be
returning to his roots in the motorcycle industry after spending the
past 27 years in the document management industry, specializing in
service, customer relations and project management.

 

Andy brings a rare combination of knowledge from outside and inside the
motorcycle industry. His past professional experience has given him a
vast knowledge for managing service, parts, projects and customer
relations that he now applies to the motorcycle business.

 

In addition, he has the added advantage of understanding the industry
from the inside as he has continued to participate in motorcycling
since his pro racing days.  Racing with the West Coast-based Husqvarna
Zip-Ty Racing Team has given him hands-on experience with the full
range of Husky products.



NATIONAL MARKETING MANAGER
Corey Eastman

Corey has more than 17 years of motorcycle marketing experience,
including serving as the marketing manager, director of marketing and
most recently VP Brand Development for Cycle World Magazine.

 

An avid rider, Corey has explored much of the Southwestern U.S. on two
wheels. With a BA in communications/public relations from Cal State
Fullerton and solid industry experience, Corey will be taking on all
marketing, product development and racing activities effectively
immediately.

 

Corey has been on both the client and media side of marketing.  He
understands that today’s marketing environment demands hard work and
creativity.  He will be developing a marketing mix that will build the
Husqvarna brand, and most importantly, remain relevant on the sales
floor.


THE NEW LOCATION
Husqvarna North America’s new corporate headquarters are located in
Corona California. The goal in this move is to allow sales, aftersales
and marketing activities to be located closer to the majority of the
companies that serve the off-road industry, the media that reports on
the industry and a healthy portion of consumers who participate in it.
Additionally this will allow for more hands-on product development
specific to the American market – making for even better motorcycles
moving forward.

 
THE NEW ATTITUDE
The new Husqvarna is far more than just another attempt to
reposition this historic brand. The investment and commitment are very
real and a very clear sign that Husqvarna is committed to becoming a
leading off-road motorcycle brand. "We aim to make the Husqvarna
ownership experience more inclusive," concludes Corey. "We are excited
to get to work building the Husqvarna brand of the future.  Please join
us for an amazing ride!"

  







Husqvarna Motorcycles: Tradition on two wheels since 1903.
Husqvarna Motorcycles, a part of the BMW Group since October 2007,
are widely known and respected in the off-road world for a heritage of
competition and numerous motocross and enduro world championships.
Originally founded in Sweden in 1903, Husqvarna motorcycles have been
designed and manufactured in Varese, Italy since 1987.







Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC
Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC is part of BMW (US) Holding Corp.,
the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America
is located in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. Throughout 2010, Husqvarna has
continued to expand its professional race team to compete in AMA
Enduro, GNCC, Endurocross, National Hare & Hound, the AMA Hare
Scrambles Series, and WORCS competition. Husqvarna team riders have
competed in the premier classes of each series aboard 2010 Husqvarna
TXC 450, TXC 510, and WR 300 off-road models.


0 comments

The Latest