Club Car Launches Newly Overhauled Line Of Carryall Utility Vehicles

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Marc Cesare

Club Car has launched a new line of Carryall UTVs.

New Carryall UTV from Club Car

Club Car announced their new line of Carryall utility vehicles which feature significant changes to the vehicles. One key feature of the line is a new engine developed by Subaru.

The 14-hp-rated, 404-cc, single-cylinder overhead cam engine features electronic fuel injection (EFI), capacitive discharge ignition (CGI), hemispherical heads and a case-hardened steel timing chain that enhances reliability. A splash lubrication system that eliminates the need for oil filters simplifies maintenance and reduces environmental waste.

The engine will be warrantied for 3 years and 3,000 hours, up from the previous 2 years and 2,000 hours. The product line will continue to have an aluminum frame, rack and pinion steering and independent front suspension. Other key features include:

30% more horsepower and 50% more fuel efficiency
Electric models have an inboard solid state charger that is programmable for different algorithms depending on battery type i.e. flooded lead-acid or AGM and 10% more efficient than the previous one
Movable bed dividers and cargo tie-downs and ability to accommodate ladder racks, bucket holders and other accessories
Rhino lining for the cargo bed floor is standard
New body and interior styling for better ergonomics and usability
Integrated halogen headlights with an LED option
Optional cab designed to integrate with vehicle design
A street-legal LSV model configuration and six passenger Transporter model

Learn more: PRWeb.com

Comment: The product line is being marketed as a replacement for pickup trucks in the commercial and industrial markets. This is a fast growing segment in work segment of the UTV markets. The savings is not so much in the front-end costs but all the insurance, maintenance and fuel costs during the life of the vehicle. UTVs like the Carryall can also offer productivity improvements as they can prove more versatile and better access work areas than larger pick-up trucks. The electric vehicles are particularly popular with colleges/universities, parks and municipalities that have green or sustainability policies. This is one of the reasons that the UTV market has continued to grow at a good pace despite a slow economic recovery.

LSVs Show Strength in Government & Commercial Markets

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Marc Cesare

A six passenger transport vehicle from Cruise Car with a solar array on the roof for battery recharging.

Cruise Car out of Sarasota, FL reports growing sales on the strength of orders for government and commercial markets. The company manufacturers golf cars and low speed vehicles for transport and utility. A key differentiator for the company is their Sunray Solar Roof Canopy which uses solar power to recharge vehicle batteries. They also feature an aluminum chassis and AC electric motors. According to management the company has been successful selling vehicles to military installations and last month was awarded a contract to supply fleets of shuttles and light utility runabouts to VA Hospitals and VA Cemeteries nationwide. Hotels and resorts are also an important market segment for the company. Many of the vehicles they sell to these markets are LSVs which can be used on public roads. Learn more: HeraldTribune.com

Comment: The companies success confirms with what we have been hearing from dealers around the country. Namely that STOVs and in particular LSVs are selling well in the commercial and government markets. The military and other government sectors are attracted in part to the fact that the vehicles are electric powered, whether to reduce fuel costs and/or meet sustainability goals. This is also true of the college/market where they can be used for personnel transport or light utility work around campus. The safety features of LSV compliant vehicles are appealing to buyers as well.

Polaris Q3 2013 Earning Results Summary

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Marc Cesare

Polaris Ranger and RZR lines helped drive 3Q ORV sales

Polaris Industries once again had a strong quarter as sales surpassed $1 billion for the first time in the company’s history. The following are some highlights from the earnings call with a focus on the side-by-side market and small vehicle business.

Quarterly sales increased 25% to $1.1 billion
Third quarter net income from continuing operations rose 24% to $116.9 million
Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) which includes side-by-sides and ATVs posted a 23% gain and PG&A jumped 37%
Year to date ORV sales increased 12%
Polaris North American side-by-side retail sales improved low teens percent, and the side-by-side industry was estimated to have grown in the low double digits.
Key drivers included higher demand for the Ranger line, RZR XP 1000 and the new XP 4.
The Polaris ORV Commercial business was up double digits in the third quarter, led by the new Brutus product rollout and sales to Bobcat. However sales were slower than expected and more marketing resources are being put into the effort as dealers have to adapt to the business to business sales process.
Small vehicle revenue increased over $21 million and 188% for the third quarter, due primarily to the Aixam purchase. Year-to-date, revenue was up 136%.
For the GEM line retail sales are up over 50% through the third quarter and year to date as the dealer network and B2B sales efforts gained traction. The company just introduced the new eM1400 electric utility vehicle as well.
Aixam had a good quarter expanding share of the European quadricycle market share lead in the third quarter and year-to-date as retail sales remained roughly flat while the overall market declined upper single digits.
Goupil revenue grew nicely year-over-year, and year-to-date, customer orders are up double digits.
In Europe the ORV industry remains relatively weak, with third quarter and year-to-date sales down about 12%. Polaris is building on its market share leadership position, with third quarter retail sales about flat and year-to-date retail sales down low single digits.

Looking forward:

Management increased the full year sales guidance to up 15% to 16% over 2012.
Sales of Off-Road Vehicles are expected to increase in the 11% to 12% range, up from prior guidance, with retail sales of side-by-side vehicles and ATVs continuing to outpace the overall market in both North America and internationally.
Competition has increased in the ORV market.
Management expects ORV market share to increase in 2013 but at a slower rate than recent years.
For small vehicles, sales are expected to increase over 150% for the full year 2013.
Monterrey, Mexico plant will deliver well over half of Polaris’s side-by-side volume in 2014.
In India the Eicher partnership is moving ahead with a plant under construction in Jaipur, India for a late 2014 launch of a new vehicle solution for that market.
More resources will be put into the Brutus sales efforts as the longer purchase cycle in the business to business market has tempered sales expectations. Efforts will likely focus on “…some of our most capable and committed subset of our existing Polaris ORV channel.”

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (earnings call transcript)

GEM Introduces New Electric UTV: GEM eM1400

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Marc Cesare

The new GEM eM1400 marks a departure from the traditional GEM models.

GEM has added a totally new member to their product lineup, the GEM eM1400. The all electric utility vehicle is a more heavy duty utility vehicle than the rest of the product line and, significantly, is not an LSV. It has an MSRP of $9,999. I spoke with GEM as well as GEM dealer about the vehicle to get some more information.

In part, the vehicle is a response to demand for an electric utility vehicle that does not have to be used on public roads and therefore does not need to be LSV compliant. This may be up to half of the GEMs sold today. The main differentiating features of the eM1400 are the 1,400 lb payload, 1,250 lb towing capacity, 8.5 inch ground clearance and the fully independent suspension. GEM claims the ride will be significantly better than other UTVs in its class. While not using the same parts as suspensions from the Polaris Ranger line of UTVs it does borrow the “same architecture and design philosophy”.

The main competitors for this vehicle currently in the market are the e-Gator and the electric Toro Workman UTV, the Carryall models from Club Car, electric UTVs from E-Z-GO and Cushman as well as gas powered alternatives. This entry into the market is definitely pushing GEM into more direct competition with these other brands.

While GEM has a strong presence on college campuses for transport and general maintenance, according to the dealer I spoke with, the demand for such a heavy payload in this market segment is limited. Combined with it not being LSV compliant, sales to this segment will probably be lower than other GEM models. On the other hand, I believe it might have more appeal to grounds crews on college campuses where a more rugged and heavy duty UTV is needed. GEM management sees the vehicle as having a much wider appeal than just the university market, basically anywhere a rugged, electric UTV is needed from landscaping to plants to golf courses. The dealer noted that use in industrial settings is most likely where the demand for the payload capacity will be. Users who mount special equipment like compressors or welders will be prospects.

Polaris will start building the GEM eM1400 in early November and they should be in the market by the end of November. The company is already taking orders from dealers. According to management, there may be some GEM dealers, like the legacy Chrysler dealers and those focused on the LSV market that may choose not to carry the new model. At the same time there is also the possibility that some Polaris dealers may have interest in carrying this GEM model. How that is handled by the company will depend on dealer interest.

The dealer I spoke with also remarked that if you add accessories including a cab, which is needed in some areas, the price could easily reach $13,000 which is pretty pricey. He also noted that GEM is known for their LSV compliance, 72 volt system, maintenance-free batteries, aluminum frame and unique styling and the eM1400 has none of those features. It might thus detract from the GEM image or falsely attract prospects who assume it has the normal GEM features. I would say he has point here, the eM1400 is clearly a departure from the traditional GEM product line. On the other hand, this vehicle could move the GEM brand more strongly into additional market segments. If done well the new vehicle could help reposition the brand more broadly as an electric small, task-oriented vehicle brand as opposed to the more limited positioning as an electric LSV brand. This would be relevant for markets outside the US as well.

Lastly, the dealer noted that some of the new GEM dealers come from a powersports background and are not as experienced in selling to commercial or institutional purchasers which usually require more direct outreach from the dealer as opposed to waiting for customers to walk through the door. I think this point is valid and it remains to be seen if newer GEM dealers can adapt their sales approach. The more successful dealers I know in this market are the ones that actively go out and demo vehicles for potential customers. This means having the time, people and equipment to make appointments, haul vehicles around the sales territory and demo the vehicles on site for potential customers.

The press release from GEM follows:

The long-awaited GEM® innovation is finally here! All electric-powered and purpose-built to last, the GEM eM1400 is the ultimate work vehicle. It delivers more power, more payload, and an exceptional ride backed by Polaris’ 60 years of performance and innovation.

Perfect for applications in industrial, commercial, government and education markets, the GEM eM1400 balances performance and versatility to tackle the work your customers need. Classified as a LEV (Low Emission Vehicle), this is the perfect vehicle for hauling cargo across your property or jobsite.

Key features of the GEM eM1400 include:

1400 lb payload
7 HP AC motor
1,250 lb towing capacity
Range of up to 45 miles, top speed of 19 mph
Rugged, ergonomic design
Independent front and rear suspension
Lock & Ride®, Lock & Work™ configurability options

Learn more: Polaris.com

New Concept Drawings for Coachella Valley Multi-Use Parkway

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Marc Cesare

Concept drawing for multi-use parkway between Palms Springs and Coachella in California

The Coachella Valley Association of Governments presented new concept drawings for a 52 mile multi-use parkway for pedestrians, cyclists and LSVs/NEVs. Running along the Whitewater River wash between Palm Springs to Coachella, the drawings depict a parkway with “interactive kiosks where people would be able to see the trail’s real-time impacts on air quality and greenhouse gases and night-time laser light shows that would be motion-activated as users walked or cycled by.” Shade structures and color accents are key parts of the design. The concept also includes different configurations for the parkway as it conforms to the changing landscape along the 52 mile route. There has been mixed reaction to the parkway and some gated communities and country clubs would rather not have the project run through their properties. The exact route is still being worked out with potential alternatives for bypassing these properties being considered. In general, the cycling community is behind the project, if not enthusiastically. CVAG has pitched the project with an $80 million price tag — $70 million for construction and $10 million for operation and maintenance. Federal and state transportation and air quality funds will help fund the project. Learn more: Mydesert.com

Road Use Regulations Roundup – September 2013

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Marc Cesare

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

Municipalities are passing ordinances that not only allow LSVs but a range of utility vehicles including UTVs, ATVs and mini-trucks on public roads. The ordinances for mini trucks, which operate at higher speeds, may be the beginning of a backdoor approach to more medium speed vehicle ordinances at the local level.
There appears to be less concerns being raised about safety issues of the vehicles in mixed traffic.
Ordinances governing LSV parking were common this roundup.
There appeared to be less road use regulatory activity at both the state and municipal level so far in 2013.

State Level Regulations

Florida – A new golf car law went into effect that allows for the conversion of faster golf cars – or similar low-speed vehicles – to even lower-speed cars, saving golf car owners registration and insurance fees. A one-time $40 fee is charged.

Minnesota – A bill that would allow operation of mini trucks on local roads as passenger automobiles has been introduced in the House and Senate.

Municipal Level Regulations

Garden City, KS – The Garden City Commission drafted an ordinance which would allow micro utility vehicles (UTVs) to be operated within the city limits. The vehicles will be subject to state safety requirements such as roll cages, head and tail lights, turn signals and seat belts and will only be allowed to be operated by legally licensed drivers.

Britt, IA – The City Council is considering an ordinance to allow low speed vehicles on Main Avenue where they currently are not allowed. Some council members are concerned about safety and creating an opening for golf car use on the street.

Nederland, CO – An ordinance allowing electric golf carts was discussed.

San Antonio, TX – City Council has approved an ordinance that allows owners of NEVs to operate their vehicles on city streets with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. Several accidents in 2006 resulted in the vehicles being banned.

Powell River, British Columbia – The Council considered a low speed vehicle ordinance. A number of cities in the province have passed similar ordinances.

Baton Rouge, LA – The city is discussing the regulation of LSV taxis. The Taxi Control Board wants them to be regulated similar to other taxis.

Medford, MN – The Medford City Council is considering an ordinance to allow residents to use golf cars, all-terrain vehicles and mini trucks on city roads. The vehicles will need to be permitted, meet certain equipment requirements and operate on the streets only during specified hours.

North Wildwood, NJ – The City Council approved up to 20 designated parking spaces for LSVs. These spaces will be clearly marked and only low-speed vehicles may park in these spots.

Jascksonville Beach, FL – Council takes comments from the public on low speed vehicle parking in the city.

Santa Monica, CA – The city is trying to clarify free parking rules for electric vehicles that are tied to state issued zero emission stickers. The state rules governing the stickers narrowed the definition of eligible vehicles in such a way as to exclude LSVs, which previously had been included.

Yamaha Offers Prepaid Maintenance Program

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Marc Cesare

Yamaha’s prepaid maintenance program is available for a range of vehicles including the Viking utility vehicle

Yamaha recently announced a prepaid maintenance program for motorcycles, scooters, UTVs and ATVs. The Y.E.S. Maintenance product will be available on new purchases and the cost can be folded into the financing for the vehicle. Yamaha claims that customers can save up to 30% compared to pay as you go maintenance. The program uses the maintenance schedule as laid out in the vehicle manual and can be purchased as a 4 year or 6 year plan. Owners will be sent maintenance reminders by Yamaha. While the program is designed to be a profit source for dealers, Yamaha corporate states that the long term win is a better relationship between dealers and customers as dealers have more frequent contact with the customer. Learn more: Powersportsbusiness.com

Comment: While I believe the larger target market is for motorcycles, non-powersports dealers in the STOV market might be able to learn from a program such as this. You frequently hear complaints from golf car and LSV dealers that customers don’t know how to take care of their batteries and could get more life out of their batteries if they did. This can also lead to a negative impression of electric powered vehicles if the battery packs have to be replaced sooner than the customer expects. A prepaid maintenance program for these vehicles could lead to more profit, more customer contact and better vehicle performance.

IndyCar Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay Is Now A Garia Ambassador

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Marc Cesare

IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay with his high-end race car and high-end golf car from Garia

While at first glance the juxtaposition of a high speed IndyCar champion with a Garia street-legal low speed vehicle might seem funny, the pairing of a race car driver and a high-end golf car is more common then you think. A golf car dealer I know has in fact built a number of customized golf cars for some of the top NASCAR drivers and owners. These are highly customized vehicles that are often made to match the driver’s traveling coach and are taken along as they travel from race to race. They are quite handy for traveling around the racetrack grounds. They also involve quite a bit of engineering since they are a little faster than your typical golf car. Add in the bling and custom paint jobs and you are talking about a $20,000 to $30,000 vehicle or more.

The press release from Garia follows:

INDYCAR CHAMPION RYAN HUNTER-REAY IS NOW A GARIA AMBASSADOR

Garia, the manufacturer of the ultimate luxury golf and leisure car is pleased to announce a new exciting partnership with IndyCar Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Ryan Hunter-Reay is the reigning IndyCar Champion and the most successful American currently competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series with more than three times as many wins as all the other current American drivers combined. Ryan is the recipient of the 2013 ESPY for best driver. Ryan is also the only driver to have earned wins in IndyCar, CART, ChampCar, ALMS and GrandAm.

With Garia’s unique combination of craftsmanship, passion and performance the Ambassadorship is a perfect match. Ryan Hunter-Reay is dedicated to his sport and has a unique winning mentality. He is an expert in car performance and knows the importance of excellent craftsmanship and functionality, however he is also a family man.

Garia has built a four-seater street legal LSV for Ryan Hunter-Reay, with customized Garia Mansory accessories such as super-car inspired steering wheel, dashboard and side mirrors handcrafted in carbon fiber.

“This street legal Garia is the ideal leisure car for me and my family’s active lifestyle. The quality, driving performance and braking system gives me and my family a feeling of safety, especially when we have our baby boy on board. We love the design of the Garia and its amazing carbon fiber accessories!” said Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Ryan will be bringing his Garia with him on the racing tour enabling it to function as his primary transportation when not in the race car. The street legal ability of the Garia allows it to not only be driven inside the race circuit, but also taken outside and driven on public roads. Ryan has added a custom Hydra-Lift to his motorcoach which will transport the Garia to the various race events from Florida to California and points in-between.

“Garia’s marketing strategy has focus on golf and leisure. Last year we introduced the world-famous golfer Paula Creamer as our brand ambassador. Today we are very proud to introduce IndyCar Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay to our brand ambassador family. We feel the four-seater street legal LSV truly complements Ryan’s active lifestyle. We have many shared values such as dedication to craftsmanship, performance and the passion for the joy of driving a high quality car. We are confident the Garia will suit his needs” said Anders Lynge, designer of the Garia.

The Garia is created in collaboration with golf professionals and is designed, engineered and built in Europe. The Garia design team has been uncompromising in its efforts to create the best golf car in the world. Luxury features on the Garia include a built-in refrigerator, extra comfortable sport seat and 12” alloy wheels. With the Garia Mansory Accessory Program, it is possible to customize the luxury golf and leisure car into the vehicle you always only dreamt of. The Garia is available in various models, including street legal, two- and four-seater versions as well as a roadster.

Explore more

Press images of Ryan Hunter-Reay and his Garia, please contact press@garia.com

More information about this new partnership http://garia.com/explore/Ambassador-Ryan-Hunter-Reay/

More information about Garia http://www.garia.com

More information about our recent model http://www.garia.com/vehicles/garia-mansory-currus-edition

Follow Ryan Hunter-Reay on Twitter: @ryanhunterreay

Follow Garia on Twitter: @gariagolfcar

ARPA-E Funding More EV Battery Research

Posted on September 6, 2013 by Marc Cesare

ARPA-E RANGE program $36 million into more EV battery technology projects.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) will award approximately $36 million to 22 projects to develop transformational electric vehicle (EV) energy storage systems using innovative chemistries, architectures and designs. While the research is predominantly targeting highway capable vehicles, any significant advancements in battery performance and/or cost reduction will work its way down to the STOV market eventually. There are already lithium battery pack options available for some STOVs with more expected to hit the market in the next one to two years. Any trickle down technology will likely impact niche markets or particular applications that require better battery performance first. For example, an organization with “green” or sustainability mandates may be willing to pay the price premium for new better performing battery packs.

The projects being funded cover a range of battery technologies including lithium, lead acid, zinc-air, metal hydride and flow batteries. Some of the projects focus on integrating the batteries into the structure of the vehicle itself and/or changing the placement of batteries to increase battery safety in the event of a collision. Others focus on developing solid state lithium battery technology that is non-flammable and safer. Learn more: Greencarcongress.com

Mission Golf Car to Distribute New Ford Shelby Specialty Golf Car

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Marc Cesare

Ford Shelby GT500 Golf Car

Mission Golf Cars of San Antonio, TX has recently agreed to become a distributor for the new Ford Shelby GT500 golf car. The GT500 is the only officially licensed golf car of the Ford Motor Company. Key features of the golf car include:

Hand-laid fiberglass body with PPGPaint
SVT Inspired 12” wheels
Six Standard Ford Shelby GT500 colors
Locking front storage trunk
48v DC motor (AC drive available)
Vinyl and ultra suede upholstered seats
Turn signals, horn and emergency flashers
Fold-down windshield
Limited three-year warranty