2007 Brings a New Look to the Canadian ATV Distributors Council

Ontario, Canada (1/24/2007) - The Canadian All-Terrain Vehicle Distributors Council (CATV) has kicked off 2007 with a new look and a new name. The national non-profit association is now officially recognized as the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV).

"Why change the name?" queries Bob Ramsay, President of the COHV. "As the voice of the industry, and in our ongoing efforts to educate the public on safe riding practices and environmental awareness, COHV believe that we can more effectively represent the industry to government and the general public with the integration of off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles under one umbrella."

Ramsay noted that, "Historically off-highway motorcycles were included under the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC) mandate but they did not fall under Federal or Provincial laws that are legislated for on-road vehicles. It makes sense to work with government, riding federations and our members on issues that are similar and this is being achieved by including off-road motorcycles in the COHV mandate."

The ATV and off-road motorcycle industries believes that consumers deserve product information that is clear, concise and helpful. By implementing these changes COHV and its member companies believe the industry has taken another important step in its ongoing commitment to the public, to the integrity of the industry in which it operates and to working with government when it comes to promoting user safety and preserving the environment.

A recent study commissioned by COHV and completed by Smith Gunther Associates Ltd., reported that in 2005, Canadians spent $3.3 billion on activities directly involving OHVs. Whether through tourism, family recreation or commercial use, the facts speak for themselves.

The contribution that OHV users make to provincial economies, especially in rural and northern areas, is an important aspect that needs to be recognized and considered when discussion is focused on the responsible management of off-highway vehicle activity.

COHV works with its member companies, dealers and distributors in its ongoing endeavours to implement changes that continue to strengthen the association and support its members. Just as important COHV is committed to educating the public on safe riding practices. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, we want you to know that OHVs are fun for everyone. But remember there are responsibilities that come with owning and operating an off-highway vehicle.

The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV), formerly the Canadian All-Terrain Vehicle Distributors Council (CATV), originally founded in 1984, is a national, non-profit, trade association representing the responsible interests of the major ATV and off-highway motorcycle manufacturers, distributors and retail outlets of OHV related products and services. The member companies of the COHV account for over 90 percent of all the new OHVs sold in Canada. To learn more check out our website at: www.cohv.ca.