Press Releases

Honda Powers Towards 2010

October 6, 2009 - In a tough year for many industry sectors, Honda Power Equipment has shown that growth is possible as long as you've got the right formula: market-leading products, a focus on research and development, value for money and a dedicated dealer network.

According to Honda Power Equipment Sales Manager, Ray Briffa, the 12 months ending March 2009 has been a period in which Honda achieved record-breaking sales and exceeded targets to reinforce its position as Australia's leading manufacturer of four-stroke power equipment.

"One of the things that has set us apart over the years is our specialist dealer network," Mr Briffa said.
"At Honda, we create long-term partnerships with our dealer network. We respect and support the dealership's own brand, and we are always looking to improve our systems and further add value to everything we do. In turn, Honda dealers pass this value on to their customers. 

"We've invested in our dealer network and they have supported us through tough times. Based on this relationship we developed our theme for this year's dealer meetings: 'Partners Creating Value'," he said.

Held in all states over a six-week period from July to September, Honda Power Equipment's Dealer Conferences were an ideal place for the dealer network to exchange ideas and discuss the latest industry topics with Honda management, including Honda's strong stance against poor quality copy products.
Dealers were also given a preview of some soon-to-be-released models and an insight into what's ahead during the next 12 months from a company perspective.

Honda Managing Director, Stuart Strickland and General Manager, Vikram Pawah, began proceedings with an update on Honda's global sales performance and discussed the future direction for the company.
A recurrent message throughout was that Honda continues to be motivated by producing environmentally friendly products.

"Globally, Honda leads the market in the manufacturing of cleaner, more fuel-efficient four-stroke engines. Honda power equipment has established an impressive reputation due to its low fuel consumption, reduced exhaust emissions, safety and value," Mr Briffa said. 

According to Mr Briffa, dealers play a vital and ongoing role in product development at Honda.
"During our 15 dealer meetings this year we presented to over 400 people. This gave us an excellent opportunity to hear what dealers have to say about our products," he said.

Dealers were also congratulated on their strong sales performances and their commitment to providing excellent customer service.

"A total of 45 awards were presented to dealers in recognition of their achievements over the past Japanese financial year (1 April 2008– 31 March 2009), including the prestigious title of Australia's number one dealer," Mr Briffa said.

"To compete for this award, dealerships must meet several requirements in the area of sales, product support and volume growth; this year the award went to Rising Sun Honda in Townsville."  

Rising Sun Honda, owned by Bernie Koppe, began in 1975 as a small motorcycle accessories business called Townsville Motorcycle Supplies. These days, the dealership sells every Honda product on the market, with the exception of motor vehicles, and boasts first-class service and repair facilities.

According to Mr Briffa, Honda's annual dealer meetings provide the support and motivation to see the company into the next year and beyond.

"This year's meetings were a chance to celebrate another great year for Honda Power Equipment, and prepare ourselves for an even better year in 2010."