MRP Renews 2009 Agreement with Zongshen of America Inc.

In order to meet the growing demands of the US market MRP has agreed to become the secondary supplier to all Zongshen and US Scooter dealers distributing first tier and secondary tier distribution of parts.

Currently the second largest source of Zongshen Scooter parts in the US - MRP is the only distributor to now be carrying parts for both the ZMD branded scooters and some of the newer Piaggio - Zongshen partnership scooters (New Piaggio scooters made by Zongshen)

MRP will continue to expand its relationship in the months of July and August 2009 you can expect to see new Zongshen 200cc and 250cc motorcycle, dirt, and scooter parts on the MRP site.

MRP also carries all the 50cc and 150cc parts for the Zongshen scooters carried by Baja Motorsports the private label group of Pep Boys Auto. Pep Boys is a non traditional retail location in the powersports industry but in recent years has moved into non-dealer powersports items that do not require dealership licensing in most states such as off-road only products and 49cc scooters. In some states they carry buggies, ATVs, scooters and many of these products are supplied by Zongshen to Baja Motorsports. The big box chain currently has approximately 6,000 service bays within over 560 retail stores located in 35 states and Puerto Rico.

MRP will offer parts to third parties who carry or repair the Baja - Zongshen made line sold by Pep Boys.


ORIGINAL REPORTING IN POWERSPORTS BUSINESS

Zongshen, MRP Sign Agreement

Powersports Business
Thursday May 4, 2006

Martin Racing Performance (MRP), supplier of racing components for scooters, ATVs and go-karts, has signed a “Cooperation Agreement” with Zongshen America, Inc., a subsidiary of China's Chongqing Zongshen Motorcycle Group.

The deal will have MRP develop a wide-range of exclusive racing parts and accessories for Zongshen-built vehicles and have MRP offer dealers technical support. MRP also will assist with joint product development, suggesting changes to the Zongshen product line for entry to the U.S. dealer base.

To kick-off the agreement, Zongshen has agreed to provide MRP with its entire U.S. lineup, including its private-label models currently sold in the U.S. to nine other importers.

Zongshen America said the deal was designed to assist the company in entering the North American Market. Both companies are based in Doral, Fla.

“In order to meet the growing needs of the market and to make sure we expand our presence we are actively looking for new ways to keep the dealers satisfied,” said Cavan Chan, President of Zongshen America. "We are receiving a lot of requests from dealers due to the growing demand from customers looking for performance parts, and in China these parts don't exist, so having MRP as our neighbor in Miami is perfect."

“We are excited about the potential of this cooperation and the benefits that it represents for both groups,” said Joel Martin, President of MRP. Martin founded MRP in 2004, after changing the scope of his Malaguti USA import and distributorship.

Martin launched Italian-made Malaguti product in the U.S. in 2001 via various co-branded marketing campaigns. By 2003, he had built a retail base of 90 dealers and opened a 15,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Doral, Fla.

One year later, responding to rising costs in Italy, the fall of the U.S. dollar and increased market saturation of low-priced product from Asia, he felt he had to adapt to a changing market and began expanding his offerings to include other vehicle brands and aftermarket parts and accessories. The company name change occurred in May 2004.

Founded in 1992, the Chongqing Zongshen Motorcycle Group is composed of 52 totally-invested or share holding subsidiary companies. With more than 18,000 staff members, Zongshen Group's total assets exceed $500 million. Zongshen has manufacturing partnerships and agreements in place with Harley Davidson, Honda, Piaggio and several U.S. importers.