New Zealand Department of Conservation Switching To UTVs

Posted on June 28, 2015 by Marc Cesare

UTVs like the Honda Pioneer 500 will be replacing ATVs at New Zealand’s DOC.

The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) announced that they will be phasing out their fleet of ATVs in favor of UTVs by year end. A key reason of the change is safety, as the organization reported 11 accidents last year on ATVs. The UTVs also can two people, travel across a wider range of terrain and more easily carry or tow gear. Management also likes that the vehicles drive like cars, have rollover protection, lower center of gravity and seat belts. The 200 ATVs the DOC currently has in its fleet will be replaced by 80 UTVs. One vehicle being considered is the Honda Pioneer 500, which is not much wider, 50 inches, than the existing ATVs. Learn more: Stuff.co.nz

Comment: The transition from ATVs to UTVs has been one of the drivers the past few years in the growing UTV market, although it has often been discussed in terms of older ATV riders looking for a more comfortable riding experience. The safety aspect is a different perspective but one that can be very important for commercial and institutional buyers. Given the numbers discussed in this situation, 200 down to 80, the cost savings could be significant as well depending on what types of ATVs and UTVs are involved.

Google Starts Testing Driverless Prototype LSVs

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Google prototype self-driving low-speed vehicle.

Earlier this week Google started testing their driverless, low speed vehicle prototypes on California streets. While designed from the ground up to be driverless, these prototypes do include a gas and brake pedals and a removable steering wheel, which can be used when needed by the safety drivers that will accompany the vehicles. The top speed of the vehicles is limited to 25 mph and they fall under NHTSA’s LSV vehicle classification. Google is working with a number of companies including Roush, RCO, ZF Lenksysteme, Continental, Bosch, Frimo, LG Electronics and Prefix to build 150 prototype vehicles. Roush is assembling the vehicles. To date 25 have been built and only a few of them are currently undergoing testing. Learn more: Detroitnews.com

Comment: Designing it as an LSV certainly reduces some of the costs and allows for a staged development and testing of driverless vehicles. A next step after prototype testing might be to test them in a LSV or golf car community. It would be a more confined and controlled environment, fewer higher speed vehicles and the roadways could be more thoroughly mapped. You could then proceed to allow the vehicles to venture onto local roads within the vicinity of such communities, gradually testing the vehicles in more challenging driving conditions.

SVR Adds 2016 Honda UTVs To Database

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000

The new Honda Pioneer 1000-5 can fit up to five people.

Smallvehicleresource.com has added the recently announced 2016 Honda utility vehicle models to our vehicle database. The Honda offerings include their Pioneer product line including the newest additions, the Pioneer 1000, 1000 EPS, 1000-5 and 1000-5 Deluxe. The 2016 700, 700-4 and 500 remain largely unchanged from their 2015 incarnations.

The newest additions build out their product line with some models with a larger engine, 999cc compared to the 675cc used in the Pioneer 700. The Pioneer 1000-5 can fit up to five people but with Honda’s QuickFlip seating can be configured for three or four as well. No specific pricing has been released for the models. Depending on the model, higher trim levels include some or all of the following extras: electronic power steering, paddle sifters, color-matched doors and bedside panels, tilt steering, LED Headlights and more paint choices including Phantom Camo.

The newest models do not strike new ground in terms of end-use applications. All of the Pioneer models straddle the work and recreation segments, although you might argue the Pioneer 700 and 1000 models with a 1,000 lb. cargo bed and one ton towing capacity are leaning more towards work, while the narrower and smaller 500 is more for recreation.

If you are a Honda dealer you can add a basic listing for your dealership to our dealer directory for free or if you are already in our dealer directory you can add Honda to your listing.

Mahindra Launches Jeeto Mini-Truck

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new Jeeto mini-truck from Mahindra & Mahindra.

Mahindra & Mahindra has launched their new commercial mini-truck, the Jeeto, targeting the sub one tonne load mini-truck segment. The Jeeto comes in eight different variations and will be available in S (S6-11, S6-16), L (L6-11, L6-16, L7-11, L7-16) & X (X7-11, X7-16) series, catering to mini-truck, micro-truck and 3 wheelers customers. The vehicles start at 2.32 Lakh or 3,620 USD. The variations include options for powertrains, payload capacity and deck lengths.

Powertrains – 8.2 kW (11 HP) and 11.9 Kw (16 HP)
Payloads – 600 Kgs and 700 Kgs
Deck lengths – 1630mm (5.5ft), 1780mm (6ft) and 1930 mm (6.5ft)

Jeeto also comes with a class-leading warranty of 2 years/40,000km (whichever is earlier). It will be available in 5 colors of Diamond White, Sunrise Red, Mango Yellow, Ultramarine Blue and Premium Beige. The vehicles are targeting the last mile distributor segment. Mahindra & Mahindra spent approximately $8 million US on product development and another $40 million US on the production facility. Learn more: Indiatimes.com and Livemint.com

Eicher Polaris JV Launches Multix: A Personal Utility Vehicle for Indian Market

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The Multix utility vehicle, the first offering from the Eicher-Polaris joint venture.

Eicher Polaris Pvt. Ltd., a 50:50 joint venture between Eicher Motors Ltd and Polaris Industries Inc., launched the Multix India’s first personal utility vehicle. The Multix, available in two versions and four colors, is targeting the “independent businessman”. The Multix is being positioned as a versatile vehicle that can be used for both business and family purposes. Management estimates the market size to be 60 million households. From initial idea to launch took Eicher and Polaris about five years and $60 million. Extensive consumer testing was performed to identify the market and test the concept. The Multix is being viewed as launching a new vehicle category. Initial production is expected to be 5,000 vehicles per month and the manufacturing facilities can expand to handle twice that volume.

Key features of the Multix include:

500cc Diesel engine
Cabin space that can comfortably seat a family of five along with luggage
Multix can be adapted to create large storage space of 1918 liters.
X-PORT a unique power-take-off point, which can generate power of up to 3 KW that can be used for lighting homes and powering professional equipment
Pro Ride Independent suspension system
Ground clearance of 225mm,
Mileage of 28.45 kmpl.
Tubular frame structure and Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS)
Flexituff body

The two Multix versions are priced at 3,620 USD or 2.32 Lakh and 4,245 USD or 2.72 Lakh. The vehicle will be launched in 30 cities with test drives starting in July and deliveries in August. Learn more: Equitybulls.com

Comment: In contrast to the US market where a crossover utility vehicle means a vehicle for work and play, in the Indian market it means work and family use. This utility vehicle/mini-truck market is very dynamic. Not only do you have new entrants like Eicher-Polaris with the Multix, but there are also a number of startups receiving venture capital that are targeting the independent delivery/shipping market that utilize these vehicles. These companies are using software and other technology to make the process of locating and quickly accessing a shipper much more efficient. This could prove to be another catalyst for the vehicle market.

SVR Adds 2016 Kawasaki UTVs To Vehicle Database

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 Teryx with redesigned front.

The Mule Pro FX lineup is a variant of the existing FXT lineup.

Smallvehicleresource.com has added the recently announced 2016 Kawasaki utility vehicle models to our vehicle database. The Kawasaki offerings include their Mule Pro, Mule Pro Diesel, Mule and Teryx product lines. The Mule Pro product lines are more full-size, heavy-duty type vehicles mainly targeting work while the Mule vehicles are small to medium sized work and recreation vehicles. The Teryx product line is more for purely recreational use.

The 2016 lineup filled out their full size work utility vehicle offerings by adding single seat Mule FX and DX variations to their Mule FXT and DXT models. The FXT and DXT models can fit three people or be reconfigured to fit six by transforming the cargo area into an additional bench seat with a smaller cargo bed. In the recreational Teryx and Teryx4 product lines the 2016 models offer a mix of changes in performance, styling and ergonomics. Performance changes include optimized shocks and larger tires for certain models. The front of the vehicle has been restyled and certain models add LED headlights.

If you are a Kawasaki dealer you can add a basic listing for your dealership to our dealer directory for free or if you are already in our dealer directory you can add Kawasaki to your listing.

BRP Announces FY2016 First-Quarter Results

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Marc Cesare

New for 2016 is the Commander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition which is targeting the hunting segment, an untapped segment for Can Am according to management.

BRP, manufacturer of Can-Am side-by-sides, announced their first quarter results for fiscal year 2016 which ended April 30, 2015. The following is a summary of the earnings call as it relates to the STOV market. Financial figures are in Canadian dollars and comparisons are between first quarter FY2016 and first quarter FY2015 unless otherwise noted.

Revenues for the quarter increased 18% to $898.1 million compared to the first quarter in FY2015 and were slightly better than planned
Revenue from Year-Round Products that include side-by-sides, ATVs and the Spyder increased 8.9% from $365.4 to $398.1
Year-Round Products was driven by the introduction of the Maverick X ds side-b-side models and overall industry growth
NA side-by-side retail sales up mid-single digits % for the first 10 months of the model year starting last July
Management estimates the NA side-by-side market increased model year to date mid-teens % with growth in the utility and sport categories but the recreation/utility segment (Can-Am Commander) is shrinking
Can-Am is behind plan in the the sport category but 2016 model year includes a higher horsepower models including one that fills in a lower price point
Management reports increased competition in the NA side-by-side market in the last six months
BRP is targeting the hunting segment, an untapped potential market for Can-Am, with both ATVs and UTVs and their new partnership with Mossy Oak which produces camouflage designs
Mossy Oak will be using Can Am products when showcasing their designs
Management estimates that there are 15 million hunters in NA and a high percentage use ATVs and UTVs
Comments by management indicate that BRP will enter the utility side-by-side segment in the relatively near future
Management expects Year-Round Products to grow revenue by 7-11% for FY2016

Learn more: BRP.com

Honda Adds Full-Size UTVs To Pioneer Line

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new Honda Pioneer 1000-5 can fit up to five people.

The new 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000

Honda announced the addition of the Pioneer 1000 and Pioneer 1000-5 utility vehicles. Both of these models feature a new 999cc engine developed by Honda as well as a 6-speed fully automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with engine braking, three shift modes (automatic, manual and sport) and high and low gearing ranges. Drive modes include 2WD, 4WD, Turf and Differential lock. The transmission has steel gears and shafts with no belts and is controlled by paddle shifters. The Pioneer 1000-5 has a three person bench seat up front and two QuickFlip seats in the back that can be folded down for more cargo space and better cargo access.

There are four model configurations: Pioneer 1000, Pioneer 1000 EPS, Pioneer 1000-5 and Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe. Key features of the new models include:

999cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder Unicam® four-stroke engine
Electronic fuel injection
Fully-Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
Independent double wishbone suspension front and rear with 10.55 and 10 inches of travel respectively
2,000 lb. towing capacity
1,000 lb. cargo bed capacity
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear
Color options:
- Pioneer 1000: Red, Olive
- Pioneer 1000 EPS: Red, Orange, White, Honda Phantom Camo
- Pioneer 1000-5: Red, Olive
- Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe: Red, Metallic Silver, White, Honda Phantom Camo
Electronic Power Steering optional
LED headlights & 14-inch aluminum wheels & 27-inch radial tires optional
MSRPs: TDB

The models will be available in Fall 2015.

Comment: With these new models Honda continues to target the dual use work and recreation applications. They could have chosen to introduce a product line directed at the performance-oriented recreational rider but instead they have beefed up their existing product line. The introductions are also a sign that Honda is committed to the UTV market. Before the Pioneer line they had their Big Red vehicle which they didn’t build out to any extent. With the Pioneer line, they first added the smaller 500 models and now more robust 1000 models, indicating a longer term commitment to the market. It will be interesting to see if their future product development continues to extend the Pioneer product line or if they head in a new direction.

The press release follows:

Honda Announces 2016 Pioneer 1000
Brand-new model to round out 2016 Pioneer multipurpose SxS lineup

PR Newswire
TORRANCE, Calif., June 11, 2015
TORRANCE, Calif., June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Honda today announced the addition of two brand-new full-size side-by-side models—the groundbreaking Pioneer 1000 and Pioneer 1000-5—to its 2016 lineup. With class-leading displacement and payload, a 6-speed fully automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and a full list of features and options, the flagship Pioneer 1000 promises to raise the bar in terms of power, performance and capability in both work and recreation applications.

Honda’s 2016 Pioneer 1000-5 side-by-side
“We’re very excited about the all-new 999cc engine we’ve developed for these new Pioneers,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “We’ve also added the industry’s only fully automatic mechanical transmission—the 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. With steel gears, the DCT offers true engine braking, seamless shifting and a smooth, reliable transfer of power.”

Pioneer 1000/1000-5
Immediately assuming its position as the clear leader in the full-size multipurpose SxS category, Honda’s new-from-the-ground-up, no-compromise Pioneer 1000 is powered by a purpose-built inline, twin-cylinder, Unicam® 999cc engine. It’s also the first side-by-side with a 6-speed fully automatic DCT, a state-of-the-art beltless transmission that is durable, efficient and easy to use. Designed, developed and produced according to Honda’s holistic methodology, the largest Pioneer is smooth-riding and extremely versatile. Built in the USA using domestically and globally sourced parts, the Pioneer 1000 is offered in four different configurations, from the base three-person version to the Deluxe five-person model, which features 14-inch aluminum wheels, 27-inch radial tires, LED headlights and electric power steering. Every Pioneer 1000 comes standard with four-wheel-drive, as well as a high-low sub-transmission and 4-mode differential lock, while the five-person model features auto-leveling rear suspension and a full-size convertible bed with Honda’s exclusive QuickFlip™ seating. An extensive range of Honda Accessories is available, and the Pioneer 1000 is covered by a one-year warranty.

Colors
Pioneer 1000: Red, Olive
Pioneer 1000 EPS: Red, Orange, White, Honda Phantom Camo
Pioneer 1000-5: Red, Olive
Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe: Red, Metallic Silver, White, Honda Phantom Camo
Availability: Fall 2015
Click here to view images

Pioneer 1000: http://powersports.honda.com/2016/pioneer-1000.aspx
Pioneer 1000-5: http://powersports.honda.com/2016/pioneer-1000-5.aspx
Pioneer 700/700-4
Since its introduction, Honda’s Pioneer 700-4 has set new standards in versatility, thanks to the industry’s first QuickFlip™ convertible rear-seating design, which switches between two-, three- and four-person configurations. In all cases, wheelbase remains a manageable 76.8 inches, and in the two-person configuration, it provides a full bed with tilt mode. Both versions are powered by a rubber-mounted 675cc liquid-cooled engine that’s paired with an automatic transmission with automotive-style torque converter and a dual-stage shift map.

Color
Pioneer 700: Red, Olive, Honda Phantom Camo
Pioneer 700-4: Red, Metallic Blue, Honda Phantom Camo
Availability: August 2015
Click here to view images:

Pioneer 700: http://powersports.honda.com/2016/pioneer-700.aspx
Pioneer 700-4: http://powersports.honda.com/2016/pioneer-700-4.aspx
Pioneer 500
Introduced last model year, the compact Pioneer 500 is easy to maneuver in tight conditions, and it fits into a full-size truck bed or a small storage shed. This fun and affordable 4WD vehicle does it all in style and comfort, with a similar look to the larger Pioneer models. It also has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifting, 450-pound-capacity large rear carrier design, independent rear suspension and single-function door and net. And of course the Pioneer 500 has the superior engineering and record of durability and reliability for which all Honda four-wheel powersports products are known.

Color: Red, Metallic Blue, Honda Phantom Camo
Availability: October 2015
Click here to view images: http://powersports.honda.com/2016/pioneer-500.aspx

Different jobs, terrain, and adventures mean it only makes sense to fine-tune your Honda ATV to your specific needs. A full line of Honda accessories is available to make your ATV even better. For more information on Honda accessories, go to powersports.honda.com/accessories.aspx

ABOUT AMERICAN HONDA
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

powersports.honda.com

Sichuan China To Loosen Low-Speed Electric Vehicle Restrictions

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Reports from Sichuan China point to the government loosening restrictions on low-speed electric vehicles. The new regulations are expected in August for the province. Lead acid battery manufacturers that supply the market expect it to grow 15% in 2015. In related news, Shandong province, a major producing area of low speed EVs in China reports production of the vehicles is up almost 70% to 69,200 vehicles in the first quarter. Learn more: Metal.com

Comment: When it comes to low speed vehicles the market size in China far outpaces the US. However a direct comparison is hard to make because low speed vehicles in China have a much higher top speed, about 48 mph. A more basic difference though is that there is simply more market demand. With comparatively low vehicle penetration, there is a sizable demand for vehicles that are more affordable than highway capable vehicles but can still get you around town locally.

Yamaha To Sponsor McGladrey Classic Pro-Am Event

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Yamaha’s golf car division recently announced that they will be sponsoring this year’s pro-am event at The McGladrey Classic, an official PGA Tour event. The press release follows:

Yamaha inks agreement to sponsor the 2015 pro-am at The McGladrey Classic

The Yamaha Golf-Car Company will sponsor the 2015 Pro-Am at The McGladrey Classic, an Official PGA TOUR Event, on Wednesday, November 18th. For the first time, the Pro-Am Event will be played on both the Plantation Course and Seaside Course at Sea Island Golf Club in Georgia’s Golden Isles. The courses are the same that the professional golfers will play competitive rounds on during this year’s McGladrey Classic.

The Yamaha Golf-Car Company has been investing in grassroots programs designed to support and grow the game of golf through PGA of America Sectional events, the Web.com Tour, as well as a partnership with the Executive Women’s Golf Association. Over 1,400 golf courses have switched to Yamaha Golf Car products over the last five years, signaling a major shift in the industry. Armed with a rich pedigree of quality and engineering, Yamaha’s fleet, utility, and personal transportation cars are enjoying a fast growing following throughout the world both on and off the golf course.

“Like most people, I’ve always been familiar with Yamaha’s high performance products within the Motorcycle, ATV, Boat, and Marine industries,” said Tournament Host Davis Love III, 20-time PGA TOUR winner and Captain of the 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup Team. “Now, having recently spent a lot of time with their golf division, it’s easy to see that their Golf Car and Utility Car products have carried on that same high quality, reliability and high-performance position in the golf industry. Yamaha is an ideal fit for The McGladrey Classic and I’m proud to have their support of our event.” “We are proud to support the Davis Love Foundation and be a part of the sixth annual McGladrey Classic. This is a great opportunity for us to support children and family charities and build relationships with our customers,” said Tom McDonald, President of the Yamaha Golf-Car Company.

The Pro-Am includes a Tuesday night Pairings Party hosted by Love and his wife, Robin. The event has become an integral part of The McGladrey Classic and one of the premier Pro-Am events on the PGA TOUR. There are a limited number of Pro-Am spots available. For more information on the 2015 Yamaha Pro-Am at The McGladrey Classic visit mcgladreyclassic.com.

About The McGladrey Classic (www.mcgladreyclassic.com)
The McGladrey Classic is an Official PGA TOUR FedExCup Event played on the Seaside and Plantation Courses at Sea Island Golf Club located on St. Simons Island, Georgia. The tournament (which will be held November 16 – 22 in 2015) is hosted by the Davis Love Foundation which was established by PGA TOUR pro golfer Davis Love III for the purpose of contributing to the wellbeing and progress of society by supporting both national and community-based programs that focus on children and their families. The McGladrey Classic is named for title sponsor McGladrey LLP, the nation’s leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services focused on the middle market. McGladrey has more than 7,000 employees in 75 cities across the country. McGladrey is a member of RSM International, one of the largest global networks of independent accounting, tax, and consulting firms, with more than 35,000 employees in more than 100 countries around the globe.

About Yamaha (www.yamahagolfcar.com)
Yamaha Golf-Car Company, headquartered in Newnan, Georgia since 1988, manufactures the most highly engineered, highest quality golf cars and utility vehicles in the industry. The company was the first to develop proprietary Electronic Fuel Injection technology, producing the greenest gasoline-powered golf car available, and with the industry’s smallest carbon footprint. Yamaha also offers a complete line of transportation and specialty vehicles.
CONTACT:
Melanie Trotter
Media Director
The McGladrey Classic – An Official PGA TOUR Event Hosted by Davis Love III
704-807-2173
mtrotter@trotlandgroup.com

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Monthly Archives: June 2015