CFMOTO Powersports becomes first OEM to host dealer meeting in China
The signs that greeted the dealers at the CFMOTO Powersports dealer meeting in Hangzhou, China, said it all: “One CFMOTO, One Family.”
Many of the more than 30 U.S. dealers in attendance for the November meeting — the first of its kind for U.S. dealers by any Chinese OEM — referenced the hospitality they received while making their maiden voyage to China. Some dealers logged more than 30 hours of one-way travel to Hangzhou, and others were tested by the fare.
Sea cucumbers, a delicacy meant for the discerning palate, gave dealers a topic of conversation over dinner. Duck tongue, too. But the immaculate factory and top-shelf treatment by their hosts, from line workers to the executive team, were the lasting memories that dealers took from the historic meeting. Many will remember using their iPhones as translation devices, and the farewell party highlighted by dealers dancing Gangnam style.
Dealers also brought back a more succinct idea of CFMOTO’s plans for growth in the U.S.
“It was an important step to bring our dealer partners to Hangzhou so they could see the factory, and get to know our employees and product better,” said Mr. Guogui Lai, president of Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co., Ltd. “And they could experience our food and culture. In the end, it was a feeling of togetherness that we hope they will remember.”
After arriving in Hangzhou, dealers were treated to a view of the famously beautiful Hangzhou West Lake area. As for the meeting itself, over the next two days CFMOTO officials unveiled new products for 2013 and recognized the top five U.S. dealers by sales, with Leo’s South in Lakeville, Minn., taking top honors. Dealers were allowed to traverse any aspect of the 1.6 million square-foot factory that employs more than 1,200, and they were treated to demo rides of all products.
After a tour of Shanghai and the Shanghai World Financial Center, they hopped on a 200 mph bullet train to the airport for the journey home.
The factory, built in 2007, made an impact on the dealers, but so did the food and people. We checked in with a handful of dealers to learn more about their trip to China.
VIew Full Article
Credit:Dave McMahon, Editor-in-Chief