Monthly Archives: December 2015

CFMOTO 2016 Models Added To SVR Database

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The new 2016 CFMoto ZForce 500 which uses the new high output engine.

The new 2016 CFMoto ZForce 500 which uses the new high output engine.

We recently added CFMOTO’s 2016 model year vehicles to our database. These include the ZForce line, which is designed for trail riding and recreational use, and the UForce line, which is designed for work.  Some of the 2016 models feature CFMOTO’s new 495cc high output engine, which replaces a larger but less powerful engine in previous models.

The ZForce lineup includes the 500, 500 Trail, 800, 800 EPS, 800EX and 800 EX EPS. All of the ZForce models come standard with selectable 2WD/4WD, double A-arm independent suspension in the front and rear with nitrogen gas shocks, contoured roof, cargo and side nets, 3,000 lb. winch, 14″ aluminum wheels, 26″ tires, LED headlights and a multi-function digital display. The main difference between the 500 and 800 models is that the 800 models feature a 800cc engine with 62 hp and have an electronic power steering option. The 500 Trail, 800 and 800 EPS models are only 50″ wide while the standard 500 model is 52″ wide. If you favor a wider vehicle, then the 800EX model is 59″ wide and is also available with electronic power steering. The 800EX has a slightly higher ground clearance at 11.8″ compared to 11.2″ for the other models. The list prices for the ZForce lineup range from $8,799 to $11,599.

The 2016 CFMOTO UForce 800 in Crystal Orange.

The 2016 CFMOTO UForce 800 in Crystal Orange.

The UForce lineup offers fewer models with the 800, 800 EPS and the 500 EPS. The latter model uses the new high output engine. All of the UForce models come standard with selectable 2WD/4WD, double A-arm independent suspension in the front and rear, safety doors, contoured roof, a winch, 14″ wheels, 26″ tires, a large capacity dump box with nitrogen gas spring assist lift, LED headlights and a multi-function digital display. All the models have 10.2 inches of ground clearance and are 57.6 inches wide. The 800 models features a 3,500 lb. rather than 3,000 lb. winch, 1,250 lbs. of towing capacity versus 1,025 lbs. for the 500 EPS, and aluminum rather than steel wheels. The list prices for the UForce lineup range from $8,999 to $10,799.

Learn more:  Search Database

Kawasaki Expands Recall of Teryx and Teryx4 Side-by-Sides

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One of the Teryx4 side-by-sides from Kawasaki being recalled.

One of the Teryx4 side-by-side models from Kawasaki being recalled.

Kawasaki has expanded a recall of Teryx and Teryx4 side-by-sides due to the potential for sticks or other debris to break through the vehicle’s floor board and pose an injury hazard. The recall now includes approximately 19,500 vehicles and includes 2012 and 2013 model year Teryx4™ 750 4×4 (four seats) and 2014, 2015, 2016 model year Teryx® 800 4×4 (two seats) and 2014, 2015 and 2016 model year Teryx4 800 4×4 (four seats). To date Kawasaki has received 628 incident reports of debris cracking or breaking through the floor boards of the vehicles, including eight reports of injuries to riders’ lower extremities.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units:  About 19,500 (an additional 11,000 were recalled for the same hazard in July 2014 and 7,000 for a different hazard in August 2012)

Description and Models:  The recall involves 2012 and 2013 model year Teryx4™ 750 4×4 (four seats) and 2014, 2015, 2016 model year Teryx® 800 4×4 (two seats) and 2014, 2015 and 2016 model year Teryx4 800 4×4 (four seats) recreational off-highway vehicles. These four-wheel off-highway vehicles have automotive style controls and seating for two or four. The Teryx 800 has side-by-side seating for two people, two doors, a roll bar with hand holds and a cargo bed. The Teryx4 750 and Teryx 4 800 have side-by-side seating for four people, four doors, a roll bar with hand holds and a cargo bed. The models come in three different styles: Non-EPS, EPS and EPS LE. The LE style has a roof and aluminum wheels. The model name is printed on the driver’s side of the hood or on the left and right front fender.

The 2012 Teryx4 750 model comes in blue, camo, green, yellow, and red. The 2013 Teryx4 750 model comes in black, camo, green, red, white, and yellow. The 2014 Teryx4 800 model comes in green, camo, yellow, and orange. The 2015 Teryx4 800 model comes in green, orange, white, camo, and black. The 2016 Teryx4 800 model comes in camo, white, green, red, and gray. The 2014 Teryx 800 model comes in camo, green, and blue. The 2015 Teryx 800 comes in green, white, black and camo. The 2016 Teryx 800 comes in green, gray, camo, and white.

Incidents/Injuries:  Kawasaki has received 628 incident reports of debris cracking or breaking through the floor boards of the vehicles, including eight reports of injuries to riders’ lower extremities.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact an authorized Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair, consisting of the installation of floor board guards and replacing damaged floorboards. Consumers with previously repaired vehicles should contact Kawasaki dealers to receive this additional repair.

Sold at:  Kawasaki dealers nationwide from November 2011 through November 2015 for between $13,400 and $16,300.

Distributor(s):  Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif.

Manufactured in:  United States

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  Encompassing nearly 20,000 vehicles this is a much larger than usual recall for the side-by-side market. It spans multiple models and several model years. This recall is also somewhat unusual in that many side-by-side recalls involve fire hazards related to debris touching hot parts or leaks in some type of fuel or fluid lines. This is the first time that I remember a recall involving floor boards. I’m curious to know whether this is related to a defective part or a more fundamental flaw in the design of the floor board. From perusing an online forum, it appears that the fix is the addition of metal guards.

Polaris Recalls RZR XP Turbo Side-by-Side

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The Polaris RXR XP Turbo is being recalled because of a potential fire hazard.

The Polaris RXR XP Turbo is being recalled because of a potential fire hazard.

Polaris has issued a recall for model year 2016 RZR XP Turbo side-by-sides due to a potential leak in the oil drain line, which can pose a fire hazard. To date the company has received two reports of the vehicles catching on fire. The recall involves approximately 2,230 vehicles sold between September and November 2015. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting its customers directly and sending a recall letter to each registered owner.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units:  About 2,230 vehicles

Description:  This recall involves model year 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo recreational off-highway vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) 3NSVDE925GF454105 through 3NSVDE923GF459495. RZR XP Turbos were sold in graphite, orange and blue color schemes. A “Turbo” decal is located on the right and left front fenders and a “RZR” decal on the right and left rear fenders. The VIN is on the driver’s side rear frame rail, above the PVT cover. VINs are not sequential and not all VINs in the range are included in this recall. A complete list of recalled vehicles including VINs is available at www.polaris.com

Incidents/Injuries:  Polaris has received two reports of RZR XP Turbos with oil leaks and two reports of the vehicles catching on fire. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting its customers directly and sending a recall letter to each registered owner.

Sold at:  Polaris dealers nationwide from September 2015 through November 2015 for about $25,000.

Distributor(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Manufactured in:  Mexico

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  The recall is not very large but management probably isn’t happy that they have to recall their first side-by-side which uses a turbocharged engine. The RZR XP Turbo is top of the line Polaris sport side-by-side and a direct competitor to Can-Am’s turbocharged models.

BRP Reports Fiscal Year 2016 Third-Quarter Results

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The new Can-Am Defender utility side-by-side.

Introduction of the new Can-Am Defender utility side-by-side line was a third quarter highlight.

BRP, manufacturer of Can-Am side-by-sides, recently announced their fiscal year 2016 third-quarter (ending Oct. 31, 2015) results. Financial highlights in Canadian dollars include:

  • Revenues of $1,010.2 million, a 10.0% increase compared to the third quarter of FY2015;
  • Normalized EBITDA of $141.5, a 5.5% increase compared to the same period last year;
  • Net income of $65.5 million, an increase of $28.3 million compared to the same period last year;
  • Normalized net income of $72.8 million resulting in a normalized diluted earnings per share of $0.62;
  • Guidance remains unchanged for the full fiscal year

A summary of highlights from the earnings call that relate to the side-by-side market include:

  • BRP is tracking to reach the objective of signing 75 to 85 new dealers for the year
  • Launched the Can-Am Defender side-by-side vehicle in the largest segment of the off-road vehicle market
  • Defender has been well received by side-by-side, farm and hunting media
  • First Defender units shipped in November and full production should be reached by end of February
  • Season to date side-by-side market is up mid-single digits while Can-Am is down mid-single digit driven by soft start to season, but US retail was up mid-single digits in September and October
  • Western Canada market is weak from the impact of low oil prices
  • Competition in the side-by-side market is higher driven by numerous new model introductions
  • Management expects industry growth in the utility segment for side-by-sides to be mid-single digits in the near future.

Learn more:  phx-corporate-ir.net (PDF – Earnings Call Transcript)

CFMoto Introduces New Engine & 50″ Trail Side-by-Sides

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The new 500HO high output engine from CFMoto.

The new 500HO high output engine from CFMoto.

The new 2016 CFMoto ZForce 500 which uses the new high output engine.

The new 2016 CFMoto ZForce 500 which uses the new high output engine.

CFMoto recently announced two new trail side-by-sides for 2016, the ZForce 500HO Trail and the ZForce 800 Trail. The ZForce 500HO Trail is powered by their new 500HO high output engine. The single-cylinder, four-valve overhead cam, liquid-cooled engine features BOSCH electronic fuel injection for instant starts, crisp throttle response and improved fuel economy. The new engine delivers 15 percent more power and 10 percent more torque than the 600 engine it replaces. The two new trail friendly models will be available at dealers in mid-January. The 2016 lineup will also feature new Sumitomo electrical connectors to improve performance in wet conditions and more durable front differentials as part of an effort to improve the overall durability of CFMoto’s side-by-sides. The MSRP for the ZForce 500HO Trail is $8,799 and for the ZForce 800 Trail it’s $9,999. Learn more:  Powersportsbusiness.com

Comment:  While the press release notes the vehicles being 50″ wide, on a couple of dealer websites I checked have the vehicles are listed as being 52″ wide. Nevertheless, this introduction is an indication that no segment in the side-by-side market is escaping increased competition. While the 50″ trail riding segment has largely been the battleground of major brands such as Polaris and Arctic Cat, the entrance of a value brand such as CFMoto indicates both the sales potential of the segment and the determination of companies to grab a piece of the pie.

Kubota Recalls Thousands of Utility Vehicles

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Kubota is recalling approximately 11,500 RTV-X1100C utility vehicles due to a potential fire hazard.

Kubota is recalling approximately 11,500 RTV-X1100C utility vehicles due to a potential fire hazard.

Kubota has issued a recall for model year 2013, 2014 and 2015 RTV-X1100C diesel-powered utility vehicles. Debris can make contact with the exhaust manifold on the vehicles and potentially catch fire. There have been seven reports of debris-related fires but no injuries. The recall involves approximately 11,500 vehicles sold from October 2013 to October 2015. Consumers should stop using the vehicle and contact their local Kubota dealer for free inspection and repair.

Comment:  This is a significantly larger recall than most utility vehicle recalls which typically involve one thousand to four thousand vehicles. However, the fire hazard due to debris interacting with hot parts of the vehicle has been a fairly common cause for recalls in the industry.

 

The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission follows:

Recall Summary

Name of product:  Utility Vehicles

Hazard:  Combustible debris can make contact with the exhaust manifold and ignite, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy:  Repair

Consumer Contact:  Kubota Tractor Corp. toll-free at 800-752-0290 between 8a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or online at www.kubota.com and click on More, then Safety, then Safety Notices for more information. Kubota is contacting consumers directly.

Recall Details

Units:  About 11,500

Description:  This recall involves model year 2013, 2014 and 2015 Kubota RTV-X1100C series diesel-powered utility vehicles. Recalled utility vehicles come in the colors orange and camouflage and have serial numbers ranging from 10001 to 23172. The model number is on the side of the unit and on the data plate on the back of the cab, between the cab and the bed. The serial number is also on the data plate.

Incidents/Injuries:  Kubota has received seven reports of debris-related fires. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles, park them away from combustible materials and contact an authorized Kubota dealer for a free inspection and free repair and should follow their directions. Kubota is contacting consumers directly.

Sold at:  Authorized Kubota dealers nationwide from October 2013 to October 2015 for between $21,000 and $22,000.

Distributor(s):  Kubota Tractor Corp., of Torrance, Calif.

Manufactured in:  United States

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Club Car Launches UTV Support Program for Equipment Rental Market

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Club Car is targeting the commercial market with the Carryall 700 and other vehicles.

Club Car is targeting the commercial market with the Carryall 700 and other vehicles as well as customer oriented service programs.

Club Car has formed a UTV Technical Support Team program that is dedicated exclusively to rental customers. The team provides a number of services including:

  • Serving as a liaison between customers and engineering, product development, aftermarket and other divisions of the company.
  • Providing regional and on-site classroom and hands-on training for mechanics, who work with actual Club Car vehicles on their sites.
  • Troubleshooting issues for customers remotely and on site.
  • Speeding parts delivery.
  • Serving as a single point of contact for Club Car.

In addition, Club Car is positioning dedicated technicians to serve rental customers in specific markets. Learn more:  Pressreleaserocket.com

Comment:  Club Car is continuing their concerted effort to target commercial vehicle markets for sales growth. They have rolled out new vehicles as well as new services such as this support program to improve their market share. Earlier this year they launched a fleet management program.

LEO Motors Introduces Electric Vehicles with “Swappable” Batteries

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Newly launched electric vehicle from Leo Motors.

Newly launched electric vehicle from LEO Motors. 

Leo Motors  of South Korea, launched a line of electric vehicles with “swappable” batteries. The vehicles include an electric cargo one-seater car, a delivery truck and a garbage truck. The company also introduced two electric fishing boats.

A key differentiator for the vehicles is that customers rent charged batteries from the company’s Battery Swap Centers, thereby reducing their costs. The vehicle lineup includes:

  • E-Dot, a 100% electric cargo one-seater with a cargo space of 7 cubic feet. Its maximum weight capacity is 220 pounds and the cargo space can be replaced with a second passenger seat.
  • LC-1 –  a light delivery truck with low decks and wide ramps for easy loading, and a maximum carrying capacity of 1,100 pounds.
  • LC-2 – Similar to an LC-1 but with an 1,100 pound capacity garbage collection container.

Batteries at Leo’s battery swap stations are owned by the station operators and rented to the electric vehicle owners. This not only significantly reduces the price of the vehicle but also eliminates concerns about battery life span. Leo’s battery swapping machines are carts which replace battery cartridges eliminating the need for expensive large robot arms to handle massive battery packs. Using this shopping cart sized device, a typical 20 cartridge replacement takes 5 minutes. Learn more:  Baystreet.ca

Comment:  It will be interesting to see if the rental battery concept will work. Advanced batteries, such as lithium ion, can be very expensive, especially for LSVs and lower priced utility vehicles where the cost of the lithium batteries compared to the overall cost of the vehicle is very high. A battery rental approach could lower the up front costs of the battery pack.

 

NHTSA Delays Rules for Electric Vehicle Audio Alerts

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The all new 2016 GEM e2.

LSVs like the 2016 GEM e2 may need audio alerts in the future to improve pedestrian safety, but the rules have yet to be finalized by NHTSA.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is delaying rules that would require hybrid and electric vehicles to emit sounds during low speed operation to alert blind, visually-impaired and other pedestrians of their “presence, direction, location and operation”. The rules would apply low speed vehicles (LSVs), as well as highway-capable vehicles. Originally, the rules were supposed to be finalized by January 2014 with compliance by manufacturers by September 2018, but the finalization date was pushed back to November, 2015, and now to March, 2016. The chances of hybrid vehicles being involved in pedestrian accidents are 19 percent higher than traditional gas-powered cars, according to the NHTSA. NHTSA expects that the rules, if implemented, would prevent 2,800 fewer pedestrian and bicyclist injuries annually.

Learn more:  Marketbusinessnews.com

Comment:  Market forces could drive adoption of this safety feature by LSV manufacturers faster than regulators. Commercial sales continue to be a growth market for LSVs, and one reason is their safety features. LSVs are a popular vehicle choice in pedestrian heavy environments such as college and corporate campuses, where such a safety feature could be of benefit. Another interesting question is how these regulations will influence vehicles in places like gated communities where many consumers opt for golf cars, which have fewer safety features than LSVs. These communities, which typically have an older population, could potentially benefit from this safety feature as well.