Textron Off Road Announces 2018 Models

Posted on August 19, 2017 by Marc Cesare

Textron Off Road announced their 2018 UTV lineup, the first since Textron Off Road replaced the Arctic Cat name for UTVs and ATVs. The 2018 UTV lineup includes 15 different models including Wildcat, Stampede, Recoil and Prowler nameplates. While Textron Off Road kept many of the Wildcat offerings they have ditched the HDX and most of the Prowler offerings which had previously been sold under the Arctic Cat name. They also dropped their non-EPS base model for their Stampede lineup and changed the names of the other Stampede models.

Stampede EPS is now Stampede
Stampede EPS+ is now Stampede X
Stampede XTR EPS is now Stampede 4
Stampede XTR EPS+ is now Stampede 4X

Here is a summary of the 2018 lineup:

Recreational UTVs: Wildcat X, Wildcat X LTD, Wildcat Trail, Wildcat Trail XT, Wildcat Trail LTD, Wildcat Sport XT, Wildcat Sport LTD, Wildcat 4X LTD
Crossover UTVs: Stampede X, Stampede 4X, Stampede, Stampede 4
Electric UTVs: Recoil, Recoil iS
Work/Entry Level UTV: Prowler 500

The lineup is quite broad covering a range of segments from high performance to sport recreational riding, trail riding, 4-passenger and crew, electric powered, work, crossover and even entry level general utility with the Prowler 500. The following are key specs for some of the 2018 models:

The 2018 Prowler 500 from Textron Off Road.

Prowler 500

443cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, twin cylinder single overhead cam engine with EFI
On-Demand 4WD and Duramatic CVT
Double A-arm front and rear suspension with 7.5″ of travel
10″ of ground clearance
25″ Maxxis tires on steel wheels
500 lb. dump bed capacity
1,500 lb. towing capacity
Halogen low/high headlights and taillights
Door nets and 3-point seatbelts
2-passenger
MSRP $8,499

The 2018 Wildcat X LTD now under the Textron Off Road brand.

Wildcat X LTD

951cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, V-twin cylinder single overhead cam engine with EFI’
Electric 2/4WD with 4WD lock
Rapid response clutches
EPS
Double A-arm front suspension and 5-link rear suspension with Elka Stage 5 shocks with dual speed compression adjustment and rebound adjustment
17″/18″ of front/rear suspension travel
13″ of ground clearance
27″ ITP Blackwater Evolution tires and aluminum ITP beadlock wheels
300 lb. cargo box capacity
Dual LED headlights, brake lights and taillights
Half doors
3-point seat belts and seat belt rev limiter
MSRP $18,499

The 2018 Textron Off Road Stampede X previously known as Stampede EPS+.

Stampede X

80 hp, 846cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, twin cylinder single overhead cam engine with EFI
On-Demand AWD with automatic locking front differential and selectable locking rear differential
EPS
Double A-arm suspension front and rear with Performance shocks
9.5″/10.5″ of front/rear suspension travel
11.25″ of ground clearance
27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires and aluminum alloy wheels
600 lb. dump bed capacity
2,000 lb. towing capacity
Standard doors
Front steel brush guard
LCD display
USB outlet
Low/high beam headlights
Extended cab storage space
3-point seat belts and seat belt rev limiter
2-passenger
MSRP $14,799

While the Textron Off Road brand has absorbed the Arctic Cat brand, production for the Stampede models is being integrated into existing Arctic Cat production facilities. The Stampede model production is moving to the Thief Falls River, MN facility to join the Wildcat and Prowler production. Stampede engine production will move from Germany to St. Cloud, MN, which produced engines for Arctic Cat UTVs, ATVs and snowmobiles.

Current owners of Arctic Cat side-by-sides and ATVs can continue to visit their Arctic Cat dealer for vehicle service, parts and accessories.

Learn more: Textronoffroad.com

American LandMaster Announces New HQ & Manufacturing Facility

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Marc Cesare

American LandMaster LandStar LS670 utility vehicle

The LandStar LS670 from American LandMaster.

Utility vehicle manufacturer American LandMaster announced a new facility in Columbia City, IN that will become the company’s headquarters and consolidate manufacturing operations. The new facility will cost $4 million to lease and equip. Manufacturing operations from Roseland, LA and nearby Fort Wayne, IN will be moved to the new location. Nearly 70 jobs are expected to be created and production at the facility is scheduled to begin in September. The company can qualify for up to $420,00 in tax credits and another $70,000 in training grants from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, based upon reaching certain employment targets. County officials are considering additional incentives.

The investment is another sign of the increasingly competitive utility vehicle market. A number of manufacturers across varied market segments have increased their investments in the market, while at the same time growth in the UTV market has moderated. Companies have introduced new product lines and, similar to American LandMaster expanded or developed new manufacturing facilities. Last April American Sportsworks announced the rebranding of the company as American LandMaster, as well as, a newly re-engineered vehicle lineup. According to management, the new facility will allow for greater efficiency, better customer service and product line expansion, while continuing to manufacture American made products. Learn more: Businessfacilities.com

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

John Deere Streamlines Gator Production

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Marc Cesare

Marc Cesare,, Smallvehicleresource.com

A four seat Gator utilty vehicle from John Deere, the XUV 825i S4

John Deere is close to finishing an expansion of their Horicon Works facility in Wisconsin to consolidate Gator utility operations under one roof. The 388,000 square foot expansion allows the company to add assembly and shipping to production operations at the location. Management expects the move to be completed by March 2017. As part of the expansion, 70 new assembly jobs and 10 salary positions will be added to the existing work force of about 1,000. According to management, “We’ll be able to serve our dealers and customers better, improve the overall quality of the vehicles, and make our operations more efficient.”

While the growth in the UTV market has slowed, investments like this and others from the major players indicate that they continue to expect some market growth. John Deere spent an estimated $35 million on the expansion. The work and commercial utility segment, where the Gator is popular, has been targeted by a number of companies in search of sales growth. Coupled with the lower overall UTV market growth and other factors, this has increased the competition in the UTV market.

Learn more: Stackyard.com

UTV Maker Intimidator Plans $12M Expansion

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The Intimidator brand of UTVs includes the Classic series shown here, a Crew series and a Truck series. Each series comes with several powertrain options including diesel, gas and electric depending on the series.

Utility vehicle and lawnmower manufacturer Intimidator, Inc. of Batesville, AK announced plans for a $12 million expansion to address growth in both product markets. The expansion will include a second manufacturing plant and the addition of 400 jobs over the next four years. The company makes Intimidator UTVs, Bad Dawg UTV accessories, Ground HogMax disc plow for ATVs/UTVs, Spartan zero-turn mowers and the Gourmet Guru Grill. The company is owned by Robert and Becky Foster.

As part of the expansion, the company will receive support from the state in the form a $1.5 million community development block grant, a cash rebate equal to 4.25 percent of annual payroll for the new jobs for five years, and sales tax refunds on building materials, machinery and equipment associated with the expansion.

Intimidator has partnered with Mahindra to develop Mahindra’s line of mPACT XTV utility vehicles. The expansion is tied in part to this partnership. The Intimidator line of UTVs was originally launched in 2013. The product line includes the Classic, Crew and Truck versions. There are several powertrains available depending on the version including a Kohler 1000cc diesel engine, a Kohler 750cc gas engine, Intimidator’s own 800cc gas engine and a 48 volt AC electric motor. Learn more: NWAonline.com

John Deere Expands Horicon Facility For Gator Production

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Marc Cesare

John Deere has broken ground on an expansion of their Horicon, WI manufacturing facility to increase their production capacity for Gator utility vehicles. The 388,000 square foot addition will allow the company to move Gator production in-house from a contract facility, which will improve manufacturing efficiency and facilitate more vehicle customization. John Deere is investing $42.9 million in the expansion and receiving $2 million in tax credits from the state of Wisconsin. The Horicon plant currently employs 1,100 people and will add 80 more when the expansion is finished at the end of the 2016 or beginning of the 2017. Learn more: JSOnline.com

Comment: Earlier this year Kubota also moved ahead on an expansion of their utility vehicle manufacturing facilities in the US. Both Kubota and John Deere compete in the farming market segment and other markets for work utility vehicles. These investments indicate that the UTV market is growing and that major manufacturers expect it to continue going forward. The John Deere expansion may be an indication that increased vehicle customization is a trend moving forward.

Polaris Reports Q3 2015 Results

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Polaris Industries reported financial results for the third quarter of 2015, with sales increasing 12% to $1.45 billion and income increasing 10% to $155 million. The following are some of the key points from the earnings call related to the utility vehicle market:

From CEO Scott Wine “…the off-road vehicle space is quite healthy, as competitive activity is more intense than in any time in my seven years with Polaris.”
ORV sales which includes UTVs and ATVs grew only 3% in the quarter
Market headwinds from the oil and agricultural sectors as well as Canada
ORV sales were led by global RZR shipments and stronger U.S. sales, partially offset by continued weakness in Canada, along with unfavorable international currencies.
ORV sales were up 5% year to date
Polaris gained share in both UTVs/side-by-sides and ATVs
Side-by-side retail grew low single digits which slightly outpaced the industry
New product introductions from many manufacturers is intensifying competition
The sport utility market has been stronger than the recreational utility market for side-by-sides for Polaris and the industry
Global Adjacent Market third quarter revenues increased 10% and year-to-date revenue is up 4%.
- European Work and Transportation declined mid-single-digits percent, due primarily to currency weakness and some softness in Goupil and Mega.
- The European quadricycle industry remains flat year-to-date with Aixam retail up modestly and increasing market share.
- Third quarter defense revenue increased over 50%, driven by strong momentum for MRZRs and increasing international demand.
- Year-to-date defense sales are up high-20%s.
International revenue increased 1% in the third quarter with strong growth in Indian and RZR brands and in the Latin American region, but somewhat offset by weak currencies, which led to revenue declines in Europe and Australia.
Multix, the new product through a joint venture with Eicher Motors, is now in market and initial consumer satisfaction is encouraging.
Construction of the the Huntsville, AL ORV manufacturing plant is on schedule to start production in Q2 2016 with a focus on creating production capacity for the Ranger product line.
From CEO Scott Wine, “While competitive offerings and promotional efforts expand, we anticipate slightly slower growth in the powersports industry in general, and the side-by-side segment in particular.”
Global Adjacent Markets will look for appropriate acquisitions.

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)

Arctic Cat Reports Quarterly Earnings For Q1 FY2016

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The 2015 Wildcat Sport XT, a recent addition to the Arctic Cat side-by-side lineup.

Models like the 2015 Wildcat Sport XT help make the side-by-side business a bright spot for Arctic Cat.

Last week Arctic Cat reported earnings for the first quarter of their 2016 fiscal year with the company losing $1.1 million on sales of $134 million. The following is a summary of the highlights from the earnings call with a focus on side-by-sides.

Sales of Wildcat recreational vehicles helped drive recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV) sales.
Sales of ATVs and ROV side-by-sides decreased 17% to $52.9 million from $63.8 million in the year ago quarter. Retail sales increased significantly but shipments to dealers decreased in order to substantially reduce dealer inventory.
Management believes side-by-side retail sales outpaced the industry in North America.
ATV sales were down as the management continued to reduce ATV dealer inventory. Inventory was reduced by approximately 4,000 units.
Plant investment in a new paint line and automated assembly started in the quarter
Management has set goals of improving and expanding the Arctic Cat dealer network, emphasizing end-user focused product development, making strategic acquisitions and partnerships and creating a brand marketing powerhouse.
Management estimates that ATV-ROV retail sales for the quarter were up high teens.
For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016, Arctic Cat estimates full-year net sales in the range of $690 million to $705 million with ATVs and side-by-side sales to rise 9% to 12%.

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)

Comment: The relatively new management team appears to be on plan in executing their turnaround of the ATV business while investing in initiatives for future growth. The side-by-side business continues to be strong. How well they can continue to execute on dealer network relationships and expansion will be a key to continued success.

Kubota To Invest $80 Million To Expand US UTV Manufacturing

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Utility vehicles like the Kubota RTV400Ci will be built in a new manufacturing facility starting in 2017.

Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) and Kubota Manufacturing of America Corporation (KMA) announced plans to invest approximately $80 million in their Gainesville, GA manufacturing operations to increase production of utility vehicles, sub-compact tractors and turf products. The investment includes a new 502,000 square foot facility close to existing facilities for the production of RTV utility vehicles, as well as, upgrades to their existing facilities to enhance production for sub-compact tractors and turf products. The new facility will have the capacity to produce 50,000 utility vehicles per year. Construction is expected to begin in September 2015 and mass production in spring of 2017. Learn more: Businesswire.com

Comment: Kubota joins Polaris and Arctic Cat as the latest utility vehicle manufacturers to announce sizable investments in new and/or upgraded manufacturing facilities. This indicates that manufacturers are optimistic about the overall market in general and their products in particular. It also indicates that competition in the utility vehicle market will continue to be fierce and likely become more intense as these manufacturers will have to increase sales to generate returns on these sizable investments. SVR estimates that Kubota sells approximately 20-30 thousand UTVs a year in North America.

Arctic Cat To Invest $27 Million In Minnesota Facilities

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Arctic Cat recently announced that they plan to invest $27 million in their Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, Minnesota manufacturing facilities. The bulk of the investment will be in Thief River Falls where a new state-of-the-art paint line will be installed and other improvements made. In St. Cloud Arctic Cat’s engine manufacturing and assembly capabilities will be expanded. The paint line will be used for the company’s recreational off-road vehicles. The investment is expected to result in an additional 50 jobs. Learn more: Arcticcat.com

Comment: This is another sign of the aggressiveness of the new CEO Christopher Metz who came in at the end of last year. Previously, after some sales and inventory problems with their ATVs, he immediately took a write down and quickly moved to reduce inventory rather than slowly trying to reduce the inventory over the next year or more. With companies like Honda and Yamaha renewing their UTV efforts, strong competition from Chinese manufacturers like Kymco and CFMoto and continuing efforts by Polaris and Can Am, Arctic Cat needs to continue to invest in their UTV product line in order to just maintain their market position, let alone improve it.

Polaris Chooses Design & Construction Firms For Huntsville Plant

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Rendering of the new Polaris facility in Huntsville, AL

Polaris Industries has chosen two Nashville, TN firms for the design and construction of their new manufacturing plant in Huntsville, AL. T.W. Frierson Contractor, Inc. and the architectural firm Design Constructors, Inc. were chosen for the $48 million, 775,000-square-foot plant that is scheduled to be operational within a year. The production facility is the first for Polaris in the southern half of the United States, and will initially be producing the Ranger side-by-side utility vehicles including vehicle assembly, chassis and body painting, welding, fabrication and injection molding. Learn more: Madisoncountyrecord.com

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