Polaris’ Q1 Sales Plummet 20%. Polaris’ sales for the first quarter, ended March 31, totaled $312.0 million, down 20 percent compared to sales of $388.7 million for the 2008 first quarter.

Off-road vehicle sales during the first quarter 2009, which included sales of both core ATV and Ranger side-by-side vehicles, decreased 19 percent from the first quarter 2008; snowmobile sales decreased 13 percent; sales of Victory motorcycles decreased 49 percent; and sales of parts, garments, and accessories decreased 15 percent, due primarily to lower retail sales of Polaris vehicles.

DEALER INVENTORIES
The OEM says ATV dealer inventory levels in North America finished 17 percent lower at the end of the first quarter 2009 than at the end of the first quarter 2008; Victory motorcycle dealer inventory was 24 percent lower; and the company says snowmobile and side-by-side vehicle inventories remain at “acceptable” levels.

OUTLOOK
Polaris expects sales in the second quarter to be down 25 to 30 percent compared to the second quarter of 2008. Full year sales are expected to be down 15 to 23 percent compared to 2008.

- Submitted by Guido Ebert