Monthly Archives: February 2012

Cushman Hauler UTV Line Launched in UK

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As part of a recent overhaul of their product lines in the UTV market, Textron, through it’s Ransomes Jacobsen subsidiary, recently launched their new Cushman Hauler line in the UK.  The line features four models:  Hauler 800, Hauler 1000, Hauler 1200 and Hauler 1200x.  The Hauler 800 comes in electric or gas versions with a vehicle payload capacity of 363 kg.  The Hauler 1000 is electric powered with a 465 kg payload capacity.  The Hauler 1200 is gas driven with a 544 kg capacity.  For rougher terrain the Hauler 1200x is offered in gas or electric versions with 15.2 cm and 13.5 cm of ground clearance and 454 kg and 363 kg payloads respectively.  All but the Hauler 800 offer a larger volume cargo bed as an option.  The electric powered models feature 48 volt systems and the gas models have 13 hp Kawasaki engines.  Common standard features include:

  • Limited slip differential
  •  Brush guard and integrated front bumper
  • Large integrated headlights

Other accessories are available for customizing.  Learn more:  Pitchcare.com

Electric Vehicles International Expands Facilities

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Electric truck manufacturer Electric Vehicles International (EVI) has expanded their manufacturing capacity by adding 30,000 square feet and new equipment to their Stockton, CA headquarters.  The company also opened a sales office in Michigan.  EVI produces larger electric trucks than what we see in the STOV market such as medium duty delivery trucks and walk-in vans.  For the STOV market they offer their E-Mega, a light duty, 72 volt truck with a top speed of 35 mph that is powered by a lithium battery pack. Learn more:  CVBizjornal.com

Artic Cat Reports Strong Quarterly Results

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Last week Arctic Cat reported the results for their third quarter which ended December 31, 2011.  Management reported net sales of $207.0 million  compared to $152.0 million for the the prior-year third quarter.  Net earnings for the same time periods was $17.0 million and $9.3 million respectively.  The sales increase was driven by increased snowmobile sales and international all-terrain vehicle (ATV) sales, as well as the first shipments of their new Wildcat sport side-by-side vehicle.  Arctic Cat’s ATV sales include ATVs and side-by-side vehicles.  “ATV sales increased 12 percent to $54.4 million in the fiscal 2012 third quarter versus $48.6 million in the same period last year, with strong contributions from Arctic Cat’s Prowler line of side-by-sides.”  The company expects to increase production of the Wildcat in the fourth quarter.  Learn more:  Arcticcat.com

Earnings Call Highlights:

  • ATV sales increased 14% to $151.1 million from $133 million for the first three quarters of the fiscal year
  • Management reports a decline of 7% in the quarter for industry ATV sales in North America.  Side-by-side sales continue to grow however and Prowler sales were up for the quarter and first three quarters.
  • Management expects ATV division sales to increase 19% to 22% for the full year, driven by Q4 shipments of the new Wildcat sport side-by-side
  • Arctic Cat has shipped 200 Wildcat side-by-sides to date and estimates based on Q&A comments indicate orders in the range of 6,000 to 10,000 vehicles. Sales are meeting expectations according to management.
  • Arctic Cat has switched to a monthly ordering system for dealers compared to what was more of a quarterly program.  Comment: This will likely be a continuing trend with manufacturers in the industry as Polaris has also already made this transition to shorter ordering time frames.  The shorter time frame has reportedly allowed for lower inventories and costs, better matching of vehicles to customer needs and faster response to changing market conditions.