Proving once again that politics make for strange bedfellows, the National Powersports Dealer Association joined forces with Harley-Davidson to present a position paper to key members of Congress and the Motorcycle Caucus on Capitol Hill. Living up to NPDA’s unofficial mantra “we are better together,” the dealers association responded to a request from The Motor Company with direct, decisive and immediate action when board member Brett Tekavec (and Dealernews cover dealer) forwarded a request he received from Harley-Davidson Government Affairs Manager Guido Zucconi.
“As you may know, the tax bill currently going through Congress has a provision that would allow consumers to deduct the interest payment on new US-made motorcycles,” explained Zucconi. “This passed the House but now the Senate is considering removing motorcycles and allowing the deduction only for automobiles. An official letter of support from the NPDA would show the Senate that this deduction would not only help manufacturers but dealers and other community-based businesses,” requested Zucconi.
“Since this pending legislation stands to impact the powersports industry, we felt that it meets our P.U.R.E. requirements,” said NPDA Board Member and Chairman of The Harley-Davidson Council George Gatto. “This association exists to elevate all dealers by staying PURE — we are here to Promote, Unite, Represent, Educate.” The HD Council shared Harley-Davidson’s request with the Board and Chairman Bob Kee.
“I immediately had round-robin conversations that morning with the Executive Committee and sent the word to our entire Board,” stated Kee. “We collectively decided that supporting the bill and joining our message with The Motor Company was a solid move for the industry. Within an hour, NPDA Secretary/Treasurer Kim Harrison had drafted a letter on NPDA letterhead for Senators Ernst, Thune, Crapo and Congressman Walberg — all critical voices in this legislation and motorcycle related issues at the federal level.”
With the approval of the HD Council, NPDA worked with Zuconni to get the position statements into the hands of all key players. “We are working on many initiatives, including sustainable profitability for our NPDA Dealer members,” concludes Gatto. “This was a great opportunity for NPDA and HD to work together for a common cause… We are better together.”
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