While scoping out the new 916iS we had the pleasure of chatting with Lauren Burton of Motive.Aero. Laboring under the heavy title of Director of Project Development at Motive.Aero, Lauren was quick to brief us on the goings on in the Rotax support world.
Rotax distribution and service has been divided into three regions in the U.S. Motive.Aero handles the western states, that is, from Colorado to Hawaii and up to Alaska. The other two distributors are Leading Edge Air Foils handling the central U.S. out of Lyons, Wisconsin and Lockwood Aero in Sebring, Florida. These companies warehouse Rotax inventory and distribution.
Furthermore, a series of Rotax Independent Repair Centers—the people with wrenches certified to work on Rotax engines—are spread across the nation. Examples in the western region are Santa Fe Jet Center in New Mexico and no surprise, Motive.Aero’s own IRC in Petaluma, California.
Motive.Aero’s warehouse and distribution center is in Hurricane, Utah. That is also where Rotax technician training takes place.
Lauren’s main effort is to increase the number of Rotax Repair Centers. Requirements for a well-established existing shop to gain that status is a commitment to service all customers, have a certified Rotax technician on staff and carry a small inventory. With the popularity of Rotax engines it would seem a good business plan and there does seem a renewed effort to provide those shops with the communication and parts support they need.
