Ariens Company updates dealers on latest news with Tecumseh
On Dec. 5, Dan Ariens, president and CEO of Ariens Company, issued another letter to dealers to update them on two important issues related to Tecumseh’s recent announcement that it plans to exit the engine business and close its engine plant effective Dec. 15, 2008. A copy of the letter follows:
Dear Dealer:
I would like to provide an update on two important issues related to the announcement by Tecumseh Power Company of its plans to exit the engine business and close its engine plant effective December 15, 2008. I know many dealers have questions specifically surrounding how warranty and parts will be handled going forward. I want to assure you that Ariens will stand behind our Sno-Thro products. I believe our history in handling business challenges will give you confidence that we are working to resolve this in a way that is fair to all involved.
Tecumseh Engine Warranty
We continue to work with Tecumseh to understand how the company will handle their warranty obligations and hope to share information soon. In the near term, please continue to work through your Tecumseh Central Distributor with any warranty issues.
Over the long-term we are asking Tecumseh for assurance of coverage for their warranty obligation. If a situation arises in which Tecumseh chooses to not stand behind their warranty obligations, Ariens will make alternative arrangements to cover claims.
We want to make sure that warranty work from a customer’s perspective is seamless and ask that dealers continue to perform service as needed. As always, Ariens will stand behind our products, allowing you to give your customers the best care possible. As your partner, we will support you through our warranty commitment in the event Tecumseh does not continue with their obligations. I am confident there will be a satisfactory solution and hope to communicate details soon.
Tecumseh Service Parts Available through Stens
We also have a plan in place to continue to meet the Engine parts needs of the millions of customers who own Ariens Sno-Thro legacy products. Ariens Company is in a fortunate position of having the premier parts distribution company in the industry within our corporate structure. Currently, Stens has a variety of both OEM and aftermarket parts for Tecumseh Snow King engines, including many standard repair items. Since the Tecumseh announcement, Stens has been working to add all of the fastest-moving Tecumseh engine parts to its inventory. You should feel confident in contacting Stens for all of your Tecumseh Snow King engine parts needs. Ariens dealers will receive a letter from Stens with more details within the next 10 days.
Again, we appreciate your patience as we make this transition and continue to build our market position as The King of Snow.
Sincerely,
Dan Ariens
