Monthly Archives: January 2019

PGA Show STOV Trends

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Cushman Hauler 800 ELiTE
The new Cushman Hauler 800 ELiTE from Textron is powered by lithium batteries.

My colleague Stephen Metzger recently attended the 2019 PGA Show in Orlando, FL. Two trends stood out from his journey through various exhibits. First, the on-going development of feature-rich and customizable personal transportation vehicles (PTVs), particularly through automotive-type features. Second, the mainstreaming of lithium power.

PTVs to the Forefront

The manufacturer announcements at the PGA Show and the current PTV shopping experience points to a clear emphasis on PTV market. Both large and small manufacturers are driving this trend. This is part of an overarching effort by manufacturers to pursue growth in the non-fleet golf car markets. They are targeting the utility and personal transportation segments as fleet sales have declined and then stagnated.

Customization with automotive features

Manufacturer websites now allow for easy and quick customization with the simple click of a few buttons. Build your own functionality adds accessories and provides transparent pricing in seconds. Many of these accessories are automotive-style features like LED lighting, high-end audio systems, premium upholstery, and bodywork accents. In addition, these trends are evident not only in offerings from major vehicle manufacturers but from new and smaller manufacturers as well as aftermarket accessory providers.

Lithium Powers Up at the PGA Show

The mainstreaming of lithium powered vehicles is the second key trend evident at the PGA Show. E-Z-GO the first major manufacturer to significantly move to lithium did so two years ago. Now they are expanding their lithium powered lineup beyond fleet models and some PTVs to include select utility vehicles. More significantly, Club Car announced their own lithium powered fleet vehicle, the Tempo, and likely will offer their Onward PTV with a lithium option later in the year. Missing from the lithium powered party for now is Yamaha Golf Car.

Lithium Market Implications

The move to lithium powered vehicles will likely produce significant changes in the STOV market. Greater range, charging times, and lengthier warranties on battery packs are key improvements. Consequently, they will affect the fleet vehicle cycle, electric powered UTV capabilities and PTV functionality. One effect that should not be underestimated is the maintenance free nature of lithium battery packs. Proper maintenance of lead acid batteries continue to vex individual owners and fleet managers. Maintenance of lead acid batteries continues to be a challenge despite being used for decades and the introduction of advanced watering systems and other technologies. Poor maintenance can lead to a less efficient powertrain, and potentially a large bill for a new battery pack.

For more detail on new products and trends at the PGA Show read my colleague Stephen Metzger’s article.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Textron Expands ELiTE Vehicle Lineup

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Cushman Hauler 800 ELiTE
The new Cushman Hauler 800 ELiTE from Textron is powered by lithium batteries.

Textron Specialized Vehicles Launches Hauler 800 ELiTE Electric UTV

Textron Specialized Vehicles launched the Cushman Hauler 800 ELiTE electric powered utility vehicles. Samsung SDI lithium technology powers the ELiTE series. The Cushman Hauler 800 and 800X will feature the lithium battery pack. Textron is targeting golf course superintendents with these models.

ELiTE Powertrain

The Hauler 800 and 800X ELiTE powertrains feature a 48-volt AC drive with a 11.7 hp (peak) motor and two zero maintenance lithium ion batteries. In comparison, the existing electric Hauler 800 and 800X have a 48-volt AC drive with 4.4 hp continues motor and six deep cycle batteries.

Learn more: Textron.com

SVR’s Take

Textron’s initial introduction of the ELiTE lithium batteries in fleet golf cars was successful. As a result, utility vehicles used on golf courses are a logical extension of the program. Furthermore, from a macro market perspective, Textron is the first major manufacturer in the STOV market to make a strong push with lithium powered vehicles. While others have offered lithium batteries as an option on some vehicles, Textron is the first to incorporate them into key models.

Where is the Competition on Lithium Batteries?

Polaris diverse lineup sprinkled with lithium models

With the 2017 acquisition of Arctic Cat, Textron Specialized Vehicle business became an even more direct competitor with Polaris. Polaris has been active in the electric vehicle market for years. They invested in Brammo, and acquired Goupil in France and GEM and Taylor-Dunn in the US. However, to date, Polaris has not made a big push into lithium powered utility vehicles in the US. GEM vehicles have an option and the European based Goupil offers two lithium battery pack options for many models. Polaris briefly offered their Ranger EV with a lithium pack but the model was significantly more expensive. Their volume in fleet golf cars provides Textron with an advantage over Polaris when introducing lithium powered models.

Club Car enters the fray

At the recent 2019 PGA Show Club Car introduced its lithium powered fleet vehicle, the Tempo. According to sources, they are likely to introduce a lithium powered version of their Onward PTV later in the year. Like Textron, Club Car will have the advantage of production volume through fleet sales. They likely will follow suit and offer lithium powered utility vehicles in the future. A smaller manufacturer likely to follow the trend is STAR Electric Vehicles.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Yamaha Unveils UMAX Rally 2+2 Light UTV

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Yamaha UMAX Rally 2+2
The new Yamaha UMAX Rally 2+2 light utility vehicle with convertible rear seating.

Yamaha Launches UMAX Rally 2+2 at PGA Show

Using the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show as a launch pad, Yamaha Golf-Car Company unveiled their new light utility vehicle, the UMAX Rally 2+2. Aiming for a broad swath of the market, the company is marketing the vehicle as crossover model for work or play. The vehicle’s “rugged” styling is less golf car and more closely aligned with the rest of the UMAX line. The UMAX Rally 2+2 features a lifted suspension, front brush guard, wide fender flares and a convertible rear seat. In addition, customers can choose between a electronic fuel injected gas engine or AC electric powertrain.

UMAX Rally 2+2 Features & Specs

Additional features and specs include:

  • Powertrain Options: Yamaha 402cc, single cylinder EFI gas engine or 48V, 6.7 hp AC electric motor with 350 amp controller
  • Rear coil suspension system with individual coil springs with dual compressions for standard or heavier loads
  • Front bucket seats
  • Basket storage area behind the front seats
  • Sealed under-hood storage compartment
  • In-dash storage pockets with anti-slip rubber mats
  • LED headlights
  • HybriCore steel chassis
  • Tru-Trak II fully independent automotive-style strut front suspension
  • Mechanical drum front and rear brakes
  • 23″ tires
  • 15 mph top speed

This model will be available at authorized Yamaha dealers in Spring 2019.

Learn more: Yamahagolfcar.com

SVR’s Take

Similar to many other UTV manufacturers, Yamaha is building out their utility vehicle line to drive sales growth. Marketed as a ‘work or play’ vehicle, this model is also trying to tap into the growing PTV market. The UMAX product line now includes four different models with most offering an option of gas or electric powertrains. Essentially, the UMAX Rally 2+2 adds a crew version to the lineup. The product line is versatile and can appeal to a wide range of commercial and consumer end users. The line offers varying levels of cargo and passenger capacity as well as light off-road capabilities.

Tracker & Textron Partner on UTVs/ATVs

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The Tracker Off Road ATV & UTV model lineup

Partnership Overview

Tracker, a leading boat manufacturer, and Textron Specialized Vehicles are forming a partnership to produce UTVs and ATVs and sell them under the new Tracker Off Road brand. Tracker is part of the White River Marine Group that includes Tracker, Triton, and Ranger boats, as well as Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s. The Tracker Off Road vehicles will be sold through select Ranger, Triton, and Tracker, and other independent dealers, as well as at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations. They will be built at the Thief River Falls, Minnesota plant that produces Arctic Cat vehicles.

Tracker Off Road Product Lineup

The Tracker Off Road lineup includes four ATVs and four UTVs. The ATV line includes entry level youth and adult models and two more models with more features and capabilities. This lineup should be able to target a wide swath of the ATV market. The UTV lineup includes a personal transportation vehicle (PTV), and three models currently sold under the Prowler nameplate: the Prowler EV, Prowler Pro and Prowler Pro Crew. The corporate presentation also mentioned the potential of selling the Wildcat XX and even snowmobiles through the same distribution network.

Learn more: Businesswire.com

SVR’s Take

The Textron Tracker partnership continues the trend in the UTV market of brands expanding beyond their traditional distribution networks. Typically, an established UTV brand partners with a traditionally non-UTV brand. They either re-brand existing models or develop similar but unique models to sell through the partner brand’s distribution network. Previously, major UTV brands have used this approach to gain access to farm equipment and outdoor power equipment distribution networks. In this case, Textron is tapping into marine distribution and outdoor apparel networks. In a similar vein, Polaris and Can-Am have recently acquired boating manufacturers. Primarily these acquisitions diversify their powersports portfolio. However, it would not be surprising to see them sell a select range of off-road vehicles through these marine networks. If the dealers believe they can make a profit and there is no territorial conflict with the traditional powersports dealers then these networks expand their geographic footprint and reach.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Polaris Launches New PRO XD UTV Line

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Polaris PRO XD 2000D

Polaris PRO XD 2000D is part of a new work-oriented UTV line.

Polaris PRO XD 400D AWD utility Vehicle

The new PRO XD 4000D AWD from Polaris Commercial is the lines crew version.

PRO XD Overview

Last month Polaris Commercial launched their new PRO XD utility vehicle line. The line includes the PRO XD 2000D 2WD, the PROXD 2000D 4WD and the PRO XD 4000D 4WD. All three vehicles are purpose-built for work and are powered by a 898cc, 3-cylinder Kubota diesel engine. Polaris is engineered features to target three key areas they believe are necessary for work vehicles:  durability, serviceability and safety.

Durability

For durability they designed a rigid chassis, a rust and dent resistant composite bed that can fit a full-size pallet, a heavy-duty sealed driveline, a reinforced seat with heavy-duty seat material and 26″ job site tires.

Serviceability

To improve serviceability Polaris:

  • Extended the maintenance intervals to 200 hours
  • Improved vehicle fault alarms for low oil, parking brake engagement, belt burn and engine overheat to identify problems earlier
  • Designed side access for dipstick and air filter servicing
  • Use front air intake for cleaner air and longer filter life
  • Integrated Polaris Pulse Connector to simplify accessory installation and improve uplift possibilities

Safety

For safety the PRO XD vehicles include:

  • Orange seat belts and vehicle decals to improve work site visibility
  • Backup alarm, horn and parking brake
  • System where the vehicle starts only in Park with brake enabled
  • Wide foot wells for easier entry and egress
  • Speed limited to 26 mph or as low was 15 mph
  • Engine Braking System for hill descending
  • Fully sealed cab

Features and Specs

Common features and specs across all three vehicles include:

  • 24.5 hp, 898cc, 3-cylinder Kubota diesel engine
  • Engine Braking System
  • Automatic PVT transmission
  • 1,250 lb. cargo box
  • 2,500 lb. towing capacity
  • 11″ of ground clearance
  • 9″ of front and rear suspension travel
  • 26″ Duro DI-2042 Power Grip tires
  • 4-wheel hydraulic brakes
  • 55W low/ 60W high, LED Tail
  • Kevlar backed seat material
  • Tilt steering
  • Digital Gauge

The PRO XD 2000D AWD adds an all-wheel drive Ultra Turf drive system while he PRO XD 4000D AWD is the same but seats four and comes equipped with electronic power steering. The PRO XD 2000D 2WD starts at $14,599 the 2000D AWD at $16,099 and the 4000D AWD at $17,749. In addition, Polaris offers two standard accessories packages. The Work Package adds a poly roof, poly windshield, strobe light, air filter restriction gauge and wide angle rearview mirror. The Work Package with Cab System includes the same package plus doors, engine block heater, heater defrost kit and rear panel.

SVR’s Take:

The new PRO XD vehicles are an improved version of basic work UTVs and replace the lower priced and lesser equipped Brutus vehicles. Last year Polaris Commercial discontinued the lower priced and less featured vehicles of their Brutus line, another work oriented UTV line, due to lagging sales, . In contrast, they kept Brutus HD PTO Deluxe, a fully equipped vehicle with a starting price of $24,099 which apparently sold well compared to the lesser equipped vehicles. According to earnings calls, the Brutus line did not quite live up to high sales expectations. In part because in the commercial UTV segment there is a different type of customer, sales process and sales cycle. Typically, a powersports dealer network does not serve this segment well.

Also, the Brutus uses a Kohler diesel engine and the PRO XD vehicles a Kubota. In the past Polaris did not have as much success developing their own diesel engines. They eventually switched to outside vendors. This makes sense since their volume of diesel powered UTVs is small compared to their overall sales. Development resources are better used elsewhere, and their diesel vehicles are improved by using an outside vendor specializing in developing high quality diesel engines.