In what has to be one of the most unique applications for UTVs, Toro’s MD line of utility vehicles will help anchor and guide the balloons at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Toro dealer, Storr Tractor company of NJ, will provide 42 MDX gas powered vehicles vehicles and 4 MDE electric powered vehicles for the parade which travels down a 2.5 mile route through Manhattan. Learn more: Marketwatch.com
Goupil Industrie electric truck
Diversifying their portfolio of electric vehicle offerings, Polaris Industries recently purchased Goupil Industrie SA. The privately owned French manufacturer produces a line of light duty electric trucks for a variety of commercial uses. There were no comments by management on whether the Goupil product line would be exported to or produced in the US.
This is the third major transaction in the small electric vehicle space by Polaris this year following the acquisition of GEM and a major investment in Brammo, an electric motorcycle manufacturer known for electric powertrain expertise. The work and hauling oriented Goupil product line will complement the more people mover oriented GEM line. Goupil’s estimated annual sales of $25 million adds to the estimated $30 million in annual sales that Polaris gained from the GEM acquisition.
Comment: After testing the LSV market with their Breeze model for personal transportation and the electric UTV market with their electric Ranger, Polaris has now moved decisively into the space. Management sees the global market for small electric vehicles as a growth area and have executed on that belief by purchasing this manufacturer in France and initiating GEM distribution in India. Polaris now has a range of small EV product offerings spanning off-road and on-road, consumer and commercial, as well as work and transportation applications. Learn more: BizJournals.com
In related news, I noticed that Polaris also has a new website for GEM. On their home page it is accessible under the tab “Low Emission Vehicles” along with the Breeze LSV.
Club Car has extended their partnership with professional golf’s European Tour through 2014 including the 2014 Ryder Cup. As part of the deal Club Car provides 70 or more golf cars and utility vehicles at each of 26 tournaments during the year. At the Ryder Cup upwards of 300 vehicles are provided for promoters anda variety of support staff. Club Car has worked with the tour since 1999. Learn more: Thesportscampus.com
NEV from AD Motors of Korea will be imported by AVRC for the US market
The Advance Vehicle Research Center (AVRC) of Danville, NC will be the importer and sales agent for a NEV produced by Korea-based AD Motors. The NEV is called the “Change” in Korea and has a top speed of 45 mph and a range of 70 miles. The US version will have be restricted to a 25 mph top speed. A 9 kw lithium-ion battery pack powers the vehicle. Other features include a steel-cage passenger compartment, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, air conditioning, heated seats, power windows, AM/FM stereo with MP3, CD player and USB connection. The vehicle is expected to be available before the end of the year.
Comment: The vehicle continues the trend of NEVs with a more car-like design as opposed to a more golf-car design. Learn more: GoDanRiver.com
Update: I contacted AVRC and the CEO Dick Dell said the vehicle’s MSRP is $24,450 and that is fully loaded with air conditioning, power windows, heated seats, a stereo system and a lithium-ion battery pack.
GGT Electric’s lineup of electric vehicles was recently “…certified to claim the qualified plug-in electric vehicle credit under Internal Revenue Code Section 30.” The tax credit is based on 10% of the purchase price of the vehicle and can be worth up to $2,500 per vehicle. Seven GGT vehicles qualify for the credit including the E-Dyne Electric Van, the E-Dyne Electric Truck, the Scout 72-volt Electric Van, the Scout 98-volt Electric Van, the Scout 72-volt Electric Truck, the Scout 98-volt Electric Truck, and the Cozmo electric car. Learn more: Theopenpress.com
Polaris announced that they have selected ARI’s PartSmart to provide their GEM dealers with parts and service information for the complete line-up of vehicles. PartSmart is already used by Polaris and Victory motorcycle dealers. From the press release:
PartSmart is ARI’s premier parts lookup software known to more than 50,000 users worldwide. It provides the fastest way to find the right part the first time by providing more information with fewer keystrokes and mouse clicks. PartSmart interfaces with more than 90 dealer business management systems to drive even more efficiency. PartSmart offers time-saving features, including easy navigation, a single log in, a single and familiar user interface, updates via the Internet, and thumbnail browsing.
Renault Twizy Z.E. Electric Vehicle
Renault has announced the pricing for their Twizy Z.E. urban electric vehicle. Targeting the European and possibly Japanese markets, the Twizy has a starting price of $10,350 with a monthly battery rental of $61. The Twizy is a NEV with a stated range of 60 miles and a driver’s airbag. There is no mention of whether or not the vehicle will ever be offered in the US. Learn more: Greencarreports.com
The AARP Public Policy Institute recently released a research study on LSV and golf car usage. The purpose of the study is “...to assess current trends and identify key issues and best practices for safely accommodating golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs), particularly neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), within community transportation networks.” The Institute hopes the study will provide some guidance for municipal planners and law enforcement officials trying to integrate the vehicles into their local transportation networks. The study includes four case studies of LSV and golf car usage in The Villages, Florida, Peachtree City, Georgia, Western Riverside County, California and Linton, Indiana. Learn more: AARP.org
Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA) has completed their new Electric Vehicle Drivetrain Specialist (EVDS) certification. The competencies for the certification provides for three levels of expertise: Apprentice, Specialist, and Master Technician. The ETA expects the certification to provide a blueprint for educators developing curriculum. They describe the certification content as follows:
In addition to understanding safe working practices in areas such as Personal Protection Equipment and High Voltage Electrical Safety, the EVDS will be required to properly; Identify major components of EV systems; Identify EV types and characteristics; Install basic EV components; Understand EV performance characteristics; Understand EV systems and operating standards; Diagnose and resolve High Voltage System problems and installation concerns. Additionally, ETA requires that the above areas will be proven through the traditional theory based examination as well as a required hands-on skills component.
According to a recent story, the use of street-legal golf cars is on the increase in Florida. State records indicate that there were 6,271 golf carts registered in 2010, up 14 percent from 2009 despite a lower level of government incentives. The trend is being driven by the desire for people to live/work/play in one area as well as increased fuel prices. A majority of the vehicle use is centered around gated or master planned communities and golf centered developments, although public road use is increasing as well. Learn more: Sun-sentinel.com