LSV Road Use Laws Can Come In Bunches

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Marc Cesare

A story about LSV ordinances in Southern Illinois communities reveals a common pattern of how these laws are passed. It often starts with a municipality that sets the precedent and can be the test case for other municipalities in the area. Once other communities see that the ordinance can have a positive impact for residents, it can provide a catalyst and an easier sell in other nearby cities. Initially, there was a fair amount of pushback against these ordinances because of safety concerns, particularly the mixing of higher speed traffic with low speed vehicles. In part, this stemmed from a lack of safety data related to the use of LSVs in these environments. But once the initial adopters started instituting these ordinances, other communities could make a better assessment of both the pros and cons of allowing LSVs on local streets.

This may point to how to expand the LSV market for personal transportation. If either manufacturers and/or local dealers wanted to build an LSV market, they may want to take the approach of identifying the municipality in a particular area most agreeable to passing an ordinance and use it as a test case. They could then use it as an example to lobby nearby municipalities to do the same. In many cases, the impetus also starts with local residents who want an LSV option. Bringing them into the process would help as well. While it could take some time, once momentum built in a certain area, that micro market could expand quickly. Learn more: Thesouthern.com

Google Auto LLC: Google’s Self-Driving Auto Company

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Google Prototype self-driving low-speed vehicle.

The name for Google’s self-driving auto company has been ferreted out. Registration information from the California Department of Motor Vehicles and NHTSA include the company name. Google is currently in the process of putting up to 150 prototype self-driving autos in the field for testing. This first group of vehicles will be LSVs. Learn more: Dispatchtimes.com

Polaris Announces New Side-By-Side Models For 2016

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS

Polaris has announced their model year 2016 line-up including a new turbocharged RZR, the RZR XP Turbo EPS. The RZR XP Turbo EPS is powered by a turbocharged Prostar engine that produces 144 hp. Additional key features of the vehicle include:

Fox Podium Internal Bypass Shocks
Lighter-weight progressive rate upper spring and stiffer main spring
New front swaybar and re-tuned rear swaybar
Bolstered seats
Tilt steering
Factory installed quarter doors
MSRP $24,999

The new 2016 Polaris RZR S 1000 EPS

An additional new model is the 60 inch wide RZR S 1000 EPS featuring a 100 hp Prostar engine, Dual A-Arm rear suspension, Fox 2.0 Podium X shocks, True All-Wheel Drive, bolstered seats and factory installed quarter doors. The MSRP is $17,999. The 2016 RZR line also includes some comfort and ergonomic improvements including:

New seat angle that brings the driver’s elbows closer to the body providing less arm fatigue and a more natural driving position for the RZR 1000 EPS, RZR 900 EPS, RZR S 900 EPS, RZR XC 900 EPS, RZR 4 900 EPS, RZR XP 1000 EPS, RZR XP Turbo EPS, RZR XP 4 1000 EPS and non-EPS vehicles.
Adjustable seatbelt sliders for the RZR XP 1000

The value priced 2016 Polaris Ranger 570 Full-Size

The new 2016 Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Stealth Black for mud riding.

In the Ranger lineup Polaris is adding the Ranger 570 Full-Size with a 60 inch three seat chassis, tubular ROPS, 44 hp Prostar 570 engine, 1,500 lb. towing capacity, 800 lb. cargo bed capacity and value targeted MSRP of $9,999. They are also adding a three-seat mud riding model, the Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Edition Stealth Black. This model features reduced gearing for more mud-specific torque with an added a heavy-duty reverse chain, high engine air and clutch intakes and outlet, arched lower A-Arms, 28 in/71.12 cm High Lifter Outlaw II tires and an improved drainage skid plate. The vehicle also features a Pro-Lock™ On-Demand All-Wheel Drive for quicker four-wheel drive engagement in the mud, electronic power stering, 4,500 lb. winch with integrated in-dash switches, specially designed front bumper to allow winch access, rear bumper, half doors and special graphics kit.

Another Ranger addition for 2016 is the pure electric Ranger EV Li-Ion Polaris Pursuit Camo. This model includes:

48-volt Ac-induction motor
Battery management controller to more accurately represent battery life
Vehicle Control Module with new digital gauge and better accessory integration
On-vehicle diagnostics
MSRP $22,999

A Ranger 570 EPS Hunter Edition Polaris Pursuit Camo is new for model year 2016. This model includes Active Descent Control for more control in mountainous terrain, Pro-Lock On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, 3,500 lb. winch, and dual Lock & Ride Scabbards.

Other Ranger models will get a power boost in 2016 with the addition of high output Prostar engines for the Ranger Crew 900-5 and Ranger Crew 900-6 (68 hp) as well as the Ranger XP 570 and Ranger Crew 570-6 (46 hp). Other Enhancements to the Ranger line include an updated hood design with an aggressive new look for the Ranger XP 900 and Ranger XP 570 and Crew vehicles. For maximum power delivery to the ground, the Ranger XP 900 EPS and Crew 900 painted models are now equipped with Pro-Lock On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.

The 2016 Polaris Ace 900 SP adds power and high performance features.

There is also a new Polaris ACE model for 2016, the ACE 900 SP, which features a 60 hp Prostar 900 engine with electronic fuel injection and electronic throttle control. Notable features include:

Front stabilizer bar
New dual rate springs in the independent rear suspension
25 inch tires
Polaris’ High Performance Close Ratio On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
MSRP $11,499

Learn more: UTVguide.net

Comment: Polaris continues to add to their armada of vehicles. The turbocharged model is a response to Can Ams turbocharged offering. Their other new models demonstrate how they pursue market niches with very specific models such as those for hunting or mud riding. They also make a number of tweaks to the rest of their lineup, many of which focus on comfort or ergonomics. Combined, the niche marketing and tweaking, I believe demonstrate the level of customer research that they put into their product development. Many of these changes are quite specific which I don’t believe they would be making without customer research to justify them.

The new value priced Ranger is most likely a response to the increased competition in this segment of the market where promotions from established brands and offerings from companies like Kymco and CFMoto may be impacting sales. The new electric Ranger injects some of the Brammo acquired expertise in lithium ion technology into their side-by-side product line. It will be interesting to see how the vehicle sells with an MSRP that’s over $10,000 more than their lead-acid battery based EV Rangers. The pricing makes it a niche vehicle and its wise that it is essentially a high-end, electric hunting vehicle where the extra battery range can make a difference and possibly open up new markets, where electric hunting vehicles previously may have struggled to gain traction because of range issues. The new ACE model indicates a demand for and expansion into higher performance riding for the one-seater market.

Polaris Reports Strong Quarterly Earnings For Q2 2015

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Beauty shot of the new Sportsman ACE from Polaris.

The Sportsman ACE from helped drive Polaris ORV sales in the 2nd quarter.

Last week Polaris reported record 2nd quarter sales of $1.124 billion. While the company missed Wall Street expectations, they continued to experience growth across product categories including ORVs and small vehicles. The main problems for the quarter stemmed from very high demand for their motorcycles and issues with a new paint system exacerbated by the greater than expected demand. The following is a summary of key points related to ORVs and small vehicles.

The new Huntsville plant is on budget and on time for a Q2 2016 start
ORV revenue (UTVs and ATVs) increased 2% in the quarter driven by strong RZR sales globally but offset by reduced shipments to dealers to lower inventory levels
Year to date ORV revenue is up 6%
Management reports gaining North American market share in side-by-sides and ATVs
Side-by-side retail sales increased high single digits which slightly outpaced the industry
Full-size Rangers and the ACE showed strength while there was some weakness in value and entry offerings
Sales promotion pressures were strong in the 2nd quarter
Management reports continued strong competition in the ORV market with ongoing product innovations from competing brands.
Global Adjacent markets decreased 3% in the 2nd quarter but are up 2% year-to-date and up high single digits in constant currency measurement
North American work and transportation revenue grew high teens percent driven by expansion and success in direct national account business and the Ariens partnership but there was weakness in the BRUTUS Channel caused by distribution, transition and erosion.
GEM revenue increased driven by double-digit retail growth
European work and transportation decreased high teens percent due primarily to currency weakness and some softness in the European quadricycle industry, which is flat year-to-date.
Second quarter defense sales increased low single digits primarily due to timing of orders but the outlook remains strong with increasing DAGOR and RZR and international demand.
In international sales Latin America and Asia Pacific sales were strong while EMEA revenue suffered from currency issues and a weak Russian market.
Polaris launched their multi-purpose vehicle the Multix in India. The partnership with Eicher will start with 30 dealers and build to 200 by 2020.
Revenue guidance for the year is narrowed but essentially unchanged.

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (earnings call transcript)

Comment: While the the UTV market may not be growing as fast as previous years, it is still showing signs of strong growth and is outpacing the economy in general. This is despite weaknesses in oil and agriculture driven markets. Competition continues to remain at a high level as exhibited by elevated promotion levels, numerous product introductions and continued product innovation.

Road Use Regulation Roundup – July 2015

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The following is a summary of some of the road use regulations passed or being considered at the state, county and city levels since he beginning of 2015. Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

Many of the ordinances focus on allowing UTVs, ATVs and mini-trucks to be used on public roads.
There appears to be more regulatory activity with regards to golf cars than low speed vehicles.
In a continuing trend, while some people are still expressing safety concerns about these vehicles being used in mixed traffic situations, they seem to be in the minority and most regulatory bodies are passing ordinances in favor of allowing these vehicles on roads.

Ontario, Canada – The province of Ontario will now allow people to drive ATVs, UTVs and multi-purpose off-highway utility vehicles on the shoulder of public roads. All riders and passengers will have to wear a helmet and seatbelt. The law reflects the growing use of the vehicles.

Indiana – The Indiana legislature passed a bill that will allow the use of mini-trucks on state roads and highways. The vehicle must be titled and registered with a ‘mini-truck’ plate.The bill also defines a mini-truck dealer as a person who sells more than 12 vehicles and requires the person to register with the state. A mini-truck is defined as having an ICE of not less than 660cc, a top speed of 60 mph or less, a locking enclosed cab and heated interior. The bill is mainly targeting farmers and hunters.

Alabama – A bill being proposed in the Alabama state legislature would allow cities to decide whether golf cars could be used on certain roads and to post signage declaring their use. It would require drivers to have a license and insurance and the golf cars to have seat belts, headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield. The legislation is meant to clear up any confusion related to some cities allowing golf cars on their streets, while others do not.

Chatham County, GA – Police ticketing drivers for using golf cars on public roads use is causing Chatham County officials to consider allowing golf car use on county roads. In general the state of Georgia does not allow golf cars to be allowed on public roads unless a municipality passes a specific ordinance allowing their use. Residents of the Isle of Hope, an island, are a driving force behind the review. With smaller and lower speed roads and less traffic, golf cars have become integrated to some degree into the island’s lifestyle and residents want to be able to use the vehicles without being ticketed.

Swift County, MN – A new ordinance passed by the Swift County board of commissioners allows the use of UTVs, ATVs and golf cars on county roads. The law only applies to county roads, not state or federal highways, city streets, or township roads unless those jurisdictions have also passed laws allowing their use.

Clay County, IA – The Clay County Board of Supervisors is developing an ordinance that would allow the use of UTVs and ATVs on county highways. Public hearings and more fact finding from neighboring counties will be carried out before a final ordinance is proposed.

Nashville, TN – The city council approved regulations governing the use of low-speed vehicles for taxi services. The regulations give the Metro Transportation Licensing Commission authority to determine how many low-speed vehicle certificates are issued in Metro and to whom. The vehicles must also undergo inspections, will be limited to seven passengers and travel no more than 25 mph.

Schuyler City, NE – The city council is considering an ordinance that would require of owners of UTVs or ATVs to purchase licenses at a cost of $75 annually. The intent of the law is to make sure that those who regularly drive the vehicles on city streets get licenses.

Wilmington, NC – A bill moving through the state legislature will allow public safety officials to operate utility vehicles on Wilmington public streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. The legislation is mainly targeting the fire department and police department that currently use utility vehicles for events and emergency response. In some cases the UTVs must first be transported to where they are being used.

Montpelier, VT – The village council is considering an ordinance to allow LSVs to operate on the town’s public roads.

Marion, KS – The city council approved regulations that would allow ATVs, UTVs, golf cars and mini-trucks to be used on city streets. The vehicles will have to be register them with the local police department at a cost of $45 for one year or $75 for two years.

New Braunfels, TX – A public hearing was recently held for input into developing an ordinance that would allow golf cars and LSVs to be used on city streets.

What’s Cooking on the STOV: LSV Car Sharing Program

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Highlighting some of the many applications for small, task-oriented vehicles

Mike Lolley of SUMO which has started an LSV based car-sharing program. Photo Credit: Michael Woods, NWA Democrat-Gazzette

Fayetteville, AK entrepreneurs with a green bent has started a low-speed vehicle based car sharing program. Mike Lolley and Robert Munger of Sustainable Urban Mobility (SUMO) recently started the business after two years of development. Currently 25 people have signed up to share SUMO’s fleet of fourteen vehicles which operate within a radius of five miles of downtown. The LSVs are reserved via text message and can be picked up at one of six locations. Lolley points to saving money and the environment as the two main reasons customers are interested in the service. The city managers see the service as increasing mobility options for residents as well and may make arrangements for SUMO to use certain public parking spaces as pick-up/drop-off locations. A typical parking space can fit three LSVs. An interesting aspect of the program is that there are no keys or fobs since the cars are started by a text message sent to the system. Rates start at $1.50 for a five minute ride and Paypal is the payment system. There is a $20 application fee. Learn more: NWAonline.com

Comment: This could be the start of a potentially large market for LSVs and a way for potential buyers to get exposed to LSVs. While there has certainly been an increasing number of LSV based taxi services and rental companies that have popped up around the country, they tend to cater to summer visitors or tourists. This type of car sharing program will attract long-term residents and therefore greatly expands the potential geographical market for LSVs beyond the typical summer vacation communities. Such programs may also provide an opportunity for Google to do some real-life testing of their self-driving LSVs.

Yamaha Recalls Golf Cars and Personal Transportation Vehicles

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The Drive PTV from Yamaha is involved in the recall.

The Adventurer One is another Yamaha model involved in the recall.

Yamaha has recalled five 2015 and one 2016 model-year golf cars and Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTVs) because of potential cracking of the front wheel hubs, which can cause the front wheels to detach. The recall involves approximately 2,000 vehicles. To date no injuries or incidents have been reported. The following details are from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units: About 2,000

Description

This recall involves five 2015 and one 2016 model-year golf cars and PTVs. Recalled models include 2015 “The DRIVE PTV”, “The DRIVE EFI”, “Adventurer One”, “The DRIVE”, “The DRIVE Electric” and 2016 “The DRIVE A.C.” The Yamaha logo is printed on the front of the vehicle. The vehicles were sold in various colors including blue, green, red, white, tan and silver. The serial number can be found on a label under the driver’s seat on the left or right side.
Model Names Model Numbers Serial Numbers
The DRIVE PTV YDRAX5 PTV JC0-606306 through 606698
The DRIVE EFI YDRAX5F JC2-209964 through 210300
Adventurer One YTF1AX5F JW6-700581 through 700600
The DRIVE YDRAX5 JW8-513800 through 514310
The DRIVE Electric YDREX6 AC JW9-515401 through 516300

2016 Model
The DRIVE A.C. YDREX6 AC JC3-001701 through 001900

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled Golf Cars and PTVs and contact their local Yamaha Golf Car dealer to schedule a free repair.

Sold at: Yamaha Golf Car dealers nationwide from April 2015 through June 2015 for between $5,900 and $7,500. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.

Distributor(s): Yamaha Golf Car Company, of Newnan, Ga.

Manufactured in: United States

Comment: While this is not a particularly large recall the hazard of the wheels potentially detaching is more serious than in many recalls. Given that the vehicles involved were sold only starting in April of this year and no incidents have been reported, Yamaha seems to have identified the problem pretty quickly.

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.

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.

SVR Adds Vantage Vehicle International Models To Vehicle Database

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Models like the electric powered GreenTruck Extended Cab from Vantage Vehicle International have been added to the SVR vehicle database.

Smallvehicleresource.com has added models from Vantage Vehicle International to our vehicle database. Vantage Vehicle International offers a range of electric and gas models, all of which are low speed vehicles. There are three product lines: the electric powered Green line, the Primo line with 4WD designed for all terrain and the Premium line with a 2,500 lb. payload. Each line offers models in a cargo or passenger van configuration and standard cab truck configurations. The Premium and Green lines includes trucks with extended and crew configurations. If you are a Vantage Vehicle International dealer you can add a basic listing for your dealership to our dealer directory for free or if you are already in our database you can add Vantage Vehicle International to your listing.

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