Polaris sales drop in first quarter

Polaris snowmobile sales during the first quarter 2009 fell 13 percent compared to the first quarter 2008. Snowmobile sales accounted for $8.2 million this quarter, compared to $9.4 million one year ago. Polaris cites the current weak economic environment for the slowdown in sled sales.

According to Polaris, the initial reaction has been positive from dealers, consumers and the industry publications to the company’s recently introduced Rush snowmobile for model year 2010, which has an all new Pro-Ride chassis.

Season-end North American dealer inventories of snowmobiles are at acceptable levels.

“While the outlook for the remainder of 2009 remains challenging, we continue to proactively take steps to streamline our business and optimize our cost structure,” says Polaris CEO Scott Wine. Moreover, our strategic initiatives are beginning to gain traction and positively impact our results.”

Polaris ATV and side-by-sales also fell 19% from $264.5 million to $215.5 million, while Victory motorcycle sales dropped 49% from $87.4 million to $74.6 million.