Polaris selects Nelson Schmidt Inc. to support Gem brand globally

Milwaukee, WI – (August 17, 2011) – After an extensive review of top agencies from across the nation, Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSC:PII) has engaged Nelson Schmidt, Inc. (NS), a full-service marketing communications agency headquartered in Milwaukee, to provide sales and marketing support for its newly acquired Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand. The acquisition of GEM, the recognized leader in the street-legal, low-speed vehicle market, from the Chrysler Group LLC was completed in June 2011. The move provides Polaris with a strong share position in the low-emission category and supports the company’s strategy of penetrating on-road market segments poised for growth.

As soon as the acquisition was complete, Polaris began the search for an agency partner to assist in the immediate development of selling traction and brand management strategies. “We selected NS based on its industry experience and its proven track record for strategic marketing program development and execution,” said David Holdsworth, Polaris’ General Manager – Low Emission Vehicles. “Polaris is a results-driven company and we have found in Nelson Schmidt an agency partner that can readily deliver measurable ROI.”

Nelson Schmidt president Dan Nelson Jr. concurred. “Our brand promise is ‘We Deliver Customers.’ And that is the most measurable metric there is – how much did we help move the sales needle.”

“We are thrilled to put that to work for a world-class brand like Polaris,” continued Nelson. “Our companies share a passion for excellence and the competitiveness to drive GEM’s dominance in the low-speed vehicle market.”

Nelson Schmidt has been charged with instituting lead generation and management strategies, increasing brand awareness and developing marketing programs custom tailored for a range of vertical markets including hospitality, academic, institutional and government sectors. Work is slated to begin immediately.