E-Z-GO Developments

Towards the end of last year E-Z-GO initiated a rebranding of some of their product lines.  They introduced their Terrain line of vehicles for what management describes as “trail-utility” applications and their Express line of vehicles for “trail-leisure” applications.  The Terrain line consists of the Terrain 250 and 1000 in gas and electric configurations and the Terrain 500 and 1500 in gas only configurations.  The Express line consists of the L4, S4, L6 and S6 models which all come in gas or electric versions.  One dealer’s website describes the Terrain line being for cargo and the Express line being for people.

From my understanding the old E-Z-GO ST product line has been rebranded as E-Z-GO Terrain & Express models, and as the Cushman Hauler models, and some as Bad Boy Buggies.  While the guts of the vehicles have not been changed substantially, the front body panel, the cowl, headlights and canopy top have been changed and the top supports are beefier as well.

E-Z-GO Exceed Hybrid Technology

E-Z-GO's Exceed Hybrid Technology Range Extender

E-Z-Go has also introduced a range extender technology for their Freedom RXV golf car and 2Five LSV.  The Exceed Hybrid Technology™ is a fully integrated supplemental power source which can extend the range of these vehicles up to 150 miles based on E-Z-Go’s test results.  The Exceed features a 6 hp, 205 cc gas generator which can recharge the batteries on the fly and provides a 400-watt power source for charging electronic devices.  System controls and the power source outlet are located on the dashboard.  The generator fits into the vehicle’s bagwell with a custom cover. Learn more:  Ezgo.com

 

Cycle Country Sells ATV Accessories Line

Earlier this month Cycle Country Accessories Corp announced the sale of it’s ATV accessories line to Kolpin Outdoors for $8 million.  The sale did not include any manufacturing assets but did include the trade name. Subsequently, Cycle Country Accessories changed it’s parent name to ATC Venture Group and subsidiary name to Simonsen Iron Works.  Learn more:  Menafn.com

Curtis Industries Cab For Polaris Ranger 800 Crew

Polaris Ranger 800 Crew with Curtis Industries PathProSS Cab System

Polaris Ranger 800 Crew with Curtis Industries PathProSS Cab System

Curtis Industries announced that their PathProSS Cab System is now available for the Polaris Ranger 800 Crew.  The cab systems includes “…steel powder-coated roof and acoustic headliner, a polycarbonate windshield which allows optional wiper use and 30 oz. double-polished vinyl side panels. The cab systems also feature optional heaters, work lights, plows and spreaders.”  Learn more:  Wisconsinagriculturist.com

Golf Car Safety

While there are often concerns raised about golf car and LSV safety on public roads, there has been little hard data in the form of traffic statistics to suggest they are unsafe.  There are occasionally anecdotal stories about the issue and a recent one from the Myrtle Beach area suggested that safety of the vehicles is not an issue. In Myrtle Beach and some surrounding towns golf cars are allowed on certain public roads but seat belts aren’t a requirement.  Nevertheless, an increasing number of golf car owners are getting them installed.  In nearby Surfside the police chief reports that only one accident in the last three years required EMS.  He attributes most of the accidents to people driving while under the influence of alcohol which, of course, is not related to the type of vehicle but to the drivers themselves.  Learn more:  Thesunnews.com

Used STOV Sources

I came across a couple of sources for used small, task-oriented vehicles this past week.  The first is a relatively new website, Cartweasel.com.  The website has a searchable database of used golf cars offered by over 50 dealer members covering twenty-one states.

The other source is GovDeals.com, a web-based auction service that specializes in offering auctions of local, state and federal government agency assets including a range of small, task-oriented vehicles from around the country.

Learn more:  Cartweasel.com & GovDeals.com

UTV Shelter For Outdoorsmen

Utility Vehicle Shelter

Northlander Utility Vehicle Shelter from Canvas Craft

Canvas Craft of Minnesota offers their Northlander utility vehicle shelter that attaches to a Polaris Ranger.  The shelter is designed for a range of outdoor uses including ice fishing, hunting and camping.

Its quick flip/lock and ride anchor system is designed for simple folding and mobility. The ultra lite frame stores in a boot behind the cab, leaving space in the bed for additional gear and equipment. Currently available in 5’W x 9.5’L.

Learn more:  Canvascraftinc.com

Company News

Curtis Wins Award For Cab System – Curtis Industries was recently chosen by Car & Driver Magazine to receive the SEMA Global Media Award for the  PathPro SS cab system for the Polaris Ranger UTV.  The year round enclosure can easily mount to the factory installed Roll-Over Protection System.  Learn more:  blog.curtisindustries.net

Case IH Announces UTV Rebate – Effective as of January 1st of this year, Case IH added their Scout utility vehicles to the rebate program program for Iowa Farm Bureau members.  Purchasers of new utility vehicles will be eligible for a $300 rebate.  Learn more:  Iowafarmbureau.com

Kandi Technolgies Trades On NASDAQ Global Market – As of last Monday, January 11th, Kandi Technologies switched from being traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market to the NASDAQ Global Market.  The Chinese exporter of the CoCo LSV as well as gas and electric UTVs, ATVs, go-karts and other small, task-oriented vehicles trades under the symbol KNDI.  Learn more:  Motorsportsnewswire.wordpress.com

E-Z-GO Partners With Dixie Sales Company To Expand Service Network – E-Z-GO has partnered with Dixie Sales Company to offer qualified outdoor power equipment dealers the opportunity to become E-Z-GO authorized sales and service centers.  As such, they will be able to offer parts and accessories for E-Z-GO and Cushman vehicles.  Dixie Sales Company is an independent, full service, value added distributor.  Learn more:  Benzinga.com

Company News Briefs

Carrus BV buys golf cars and parts – Carrus BV of the Netherlands signed an agreement with a European supplier to purchase 3,300 used golf cars as well as thousands of parts and accessories.  Carrus is a brand-independent supplier of top brand cars, parts and accessories, and serves various European markets, including the leisure sector, golf courses and industry.  Learn more:  Golfcarnews.com

ZAP truck & van qualify for tax credit – ZAP recently announced that their electric truck and van have qualified for a ten percent federal tax credit, up to a maximum of $2,500, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Vehicles purchased through 2011 will be eligible for the tax credit.  Learn more:  Autorevolution.com

Kawasaki announces new consumer credit program – This month, Kawasaki, in partnership with GE Money, is rolling out a new consumer credit program for purchasing Kawasaki’s motorcycles, ATVs, utility vehicles and watercrafts.  Learn more:  Marketwatch.com

RMD Technologies selects seat supplier for electric vehicles – RMD Technologies of San Marcos, CA has chosen PRP Seats of Murrieta, CA to provide seats for their small electric vehicles.  RMDT’s core business is providing electronics recycling services to businesses, state and federal agencies.  However in 2007 they decided to branch out into developing an  alternative energy vehicle using a large percentage of materials recycled from electronic waste.  Their electric utility vehicle is expected to hit the market at the end of 2010 or beginning of 2011. Learn more:  Cleanenergynews.blogspot.com

Kawasaki Accessories Sponsors UTVUnderground.com

The Kawasaki Accessories Group recently announced sponsorship of the website UTVUnderground.com, an enthusiast site for the sport UTV community.  The Group has developed a line of accessories specifically for the Teryx aftermarket.

Kawasaki recently introduced their 2011 Performance Parts catalog featuring new products from Beard, Dalton Industries, Dragonfire Racing, Dynatek, Funco, ITP, and Speed Industries. In addition, Kawasaki has introduced complete replacement engine assemblies to help competition drivers who require spare “crate motors” to meet their racing goals.

Learn more:  UTVWeekly.com

Curtis Introduces Cab Enclosures For Polaris Rangers

Curtis Industries PathPro SS soft-side enclosure

Curtis Industries PathPro SS soft-side enclosure for Polaris Ranger UTVs

Curtis Industries recently announced their new PathPro SS soft cab system for the Polaris Ranger 2010 400 and 800 models.  Designed for year around use the soft-side cab enclosure mounts to the factory installed Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS).

The PathPro SS features a strong, low profile textured black steel roof with acoustic liner, steel frame doors with locking handles and full perimeter bulb rubber which collectively provide for a fully weather tight enclosure. The windshield is made from durable, long-lasting hard coated polycarbonate material for added protection. This windshield is strong enough to support a wiper and can stand up to abrasion and trail debris.

Each PathPro SS cab system uses zippered 30 gauge clear double-polished vinyl windows and soft rear panel that can be rolled up and strapped out of the way in nice weather. These PathPro SS cab systems offers very high visibility in all directions.

Learn more:  SXSNews.com