An unseasonably warm winter in central Canada and Alberta’s weakening economy hurt snowmobile sales this winter, Bombardier Recreational Products told investors this morning.
Climate change may hurt them more in winters to come, the company – which was spun off from Bombardier in 2003 – warned in an analysis released today.
“To the extent that unfavourable weather conditions are exacerbated by global climate change or otherwise, the Company’s sales may be affected to a greater degree than previously experienced,” the analysis said.
The company makes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles at factories in Quebec and Finland.
Falling oil prices have led to thousands of job losses in Alberta’s oil patch, with unavoidable damage to the province’s broader economy.
READ MORE: High debt loads are catching up to Albertans
The mild winter frustrated snowmobile enthusiasts in Quebec and Ontario. With 13 days left in March, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club’s interactive map shows no fully open trails south of Cochrane.
READ MORE: February shatters record for warmest month
Economic problems in Russia also hurt the company’ efforts to export snowmobiles there.
BRP’s boating products are showing stronger sales, offsetting the weakness in snowmobiles, the company said.
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