New UTVs Hitting The Market

Posted on June 14, 2010 by Marc Cesare

Kawasaki's new Teryx 750 FI 4x4 LE Camo

New Teryx™ 750 FI 4×4 LE – Kawasaki has introduced a a new Teryx™ 750 FI 4×4 LE. Key features include:

Liquid-cooled, 749cc SOHC, four-valve-per-cylinder, fuel-injected, 90-degree V-twin engine
Realtree APG HD camouflaged bodywork, wheels, front bumper, roof and dashboard
Digital fuel injection
Continuously Variable Transmission features high and low ranges, a reverse gear, very direct feel from the engine, and instantaneous acceleration
Limited-slip front differential reduces steering effort under normal four-wheel drive operation, while Variable Front Differential Control permits rider to distribute torque equally to left and right front wheels for maximum traction via a hand lever located between the seats
Selectable two- or four-wheel-drive operation, via dash-mounted switch
Suspension designed for high-speed operation over varying terrain
Large 7.4-gal. (28L) fuel tank

X4 off-road vehicle from Volteis Electric Car of France

New electric off-road utility vehicle from France – Volteis Electric Car of France recently launched their X4 electric off-road utility vehicle. Reminiscent of WWII Jeep designs, the X4 features twelve 48 volt, 24 amp-hour lead-acid gel batteries located beneath the front sea and has a top speed is 44 mph. The vehicle is available in a number of configurations including dual electric motors, long and short frames and other options. The frame is made of stainless steel and aluminum. Learn more: Greencar.com

Bobcat utility vehicle

Bobcat offers new UTV lineup – Bobcat recently unveiled their new lineup of four utility vehicles: 3200 (4×2), 3400 (4×4), 3400 XL (up to 6 riders; 4×4) and 3450 (4×4). Key features:

Diesel engine is available in all but the 3200
All models feature increased horsepower
Top speed has increased to 30 mph.
High (30 mph max) and low-speed gearing (15 mph max)
Increased payload capacity (up to 33% more)
Electronic fuel injected gas engines
Four-wheel independent suspension (MacPherson struts, front; 5-way preload adjustable rear shocks with two optional mounting positions for load carrying)
3450 includes Bobcat’s exclusive RapidLink attachment mounting system
All-new frame

The vehicles are a result of Bobcat’s strategic alliance with Polaris Industries to develop vehicles for the work segment . Learn more: ATVmagblog.com

Can-Am Commander in action

Can-Am enters UTV market with Commander 800 and 1000 models – Powersports manufacturer Can-Am has entered the UTV market with their Commander 800 and 1000 models which have 71 hp and 85 hp engines respectively. The vehicles features give them a mix of work qualities as well as those for aggressive trail riding. For a more complete review of the vehicle features and technologies Learn more: ATVmagonline.com

New Gator XUV 825i from John Deere

John Deere launches new lineup of crossover utility vehicles (XUVs) – The leading model of Deere’s new trio of XUVs is the XUV 825i which features a 50 hp engine and a top speed of 44 mph. The XUV lineup designed for both work applications and the needs of the “outdoor enthusiast”. Key features include:

An 815cc, liquid cooled, inline 3-cylinder engine with 4 valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams and electronic fuel injection.
Re-designed front and rear independent suspension system designed for less body roll and superior side-hill stability with either no-load or maximum cargo.
1500 lbs. of towing and 1400 lbs. of payload capacity.
New hybrid metal and composite cargo box with 16.4 cu. ft. of capacity and an available factory installed spray-in bed liner with 20 integrated tie downs
New braking system that improves stopping performance over previous models.

Learn more: News.utvguide.net

What’s Cooking On the STOV

Posted on June 12, 2010 by Marc Cesare

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

Gator in use at Astley Park in Chorley, UK

Park Maintenance – Gardeners in Astley Park in Chorley, UK are pleased with their new Gator. The vehicle is used to manage the woodland, keep footpaths clear and maintain the flowering gardens. According to Councillor Eric Bell, Chorley Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, “The new machine is a lot more versatile. It means that our gardeners can reach all parts of the magnificent Astley Park a lot easier saving time and money .” Learn more: Chorleycitizen.co.uk

Forest Preserve Policing & Trolley – Managers of the Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville, IL are looking for sponsorship to support the acquisition of electric vehicles for policing and transporting tourists around the grounds. The vehicles from Cruise Car are electric powered and supplanted with solar power which can increase vehicle range by 30 percent. The police vehicle is small enough for patrolling on trails and according to Mike Tully, the district’s director of operations and public safety, “It’s a very visible vehicle but at the same time it’s not obtrusive. It’s approachable. It doesn’t give you that police-car-on-the-prowl look.” Vehicle sponsors would have their company logos and graphics prominently placed on the vehicles. Learn more: Dailyherald.com

Mahindra & Mahindra Buys Majority Stake In Reva

Posted on June 8, 2010 by Marc Cesare

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), India’s leading producer of SUVs, recently purchased a 55% stake in electric vehicle producer Reva. Maini Group will have a 31% and AEV LLC of California, the joint venture partner, will have 11% stake. The deal included a $10 million cash infusion for Reva, which has produced 3,500 electric vehicles to date. According to reports, 400 vehicles were sold last year mainly in Britain, Germany and Spain.

M&M expects the Indian market for electric vehicles to grow substantially and by 2020 expect to be producing 50,000 electric vehicles annually. Some of the new funds for Reva will be used to increase their current production capacity from 6,000 to 30,000 vehicles per year. A consequence of this deal is that Reva’s work with GM to develop the electric mini Spark has been called off. Learn more: Vamban.com

NEVs Slow To Gain Traction In Korea

Posted on June 5, 2010 by Marc Cesare

Despite a growing number of local governments designating roads for NEV use, the vehicles have not attracted many buyers. After Korea passed favorable NEV regulations at the national level earlier this year, 30% of the local government have reported designating local roads for NEV use. this figure is expected to increase rapidly in the coming months. However, manufacturers point to a lack of electric vehicle subsidies and recharging infrastructure as reasons for the lack of NEVs purchases to date and a likely persistent obstacle to market growth moving forward. Learn more: Koreaherald.com

CT&T Adds Georgia To List Of Potential Plant Sites

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Marc Cesare

Korea-based LSV manufacturer CT&T has added Georgia to the list of states that could potentially host a vehicle assembly plant. In the past year the company has also named Hawaii, South Carolina and Pennsylvania as potential locations. The company expects to select a site by the end of the year and start production in 2011. Learn more: Bizjournals.com/atlanta/

Washing Machines Spin Off EV Advances

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Marc Cesare

An article covering technology developments from Asian household appliance manufacturers noted recent advances in washing machine motors and their applicability for electric vehicles.

A performance requirement for washing machine motors is that they operate at low rpm and high torque for the wash cycle but high rpm and lower torque for the spin cycle. According to washing machine manufacturers, washing requires about six times the torque of spin-dry, but spin-dry has to rotate about 30 times faster than washing.

Manufacturers such as Toshiba, Panasonic and Hitachi are implementing variable magnet, switchable winding and dual rotor technologies to change washing machine motor characteristics between low-speed and high-speed operation. Depending on the technology used, improvements have been realized in one or more of the following areas: washing or spin-dry performance, energy consumption and quiet operation.

For example, Toshiba used variable magnets to improve washing torque by 20%, and boost spin-dry speed 1.4 times to 1700rpm as well as reduce motor power consumption by up to 16%. Toshiba expects the same technology to appear in EVs, electric motorcycles and other applications as well. Meanwhile Yaskawa Electric Corp. of Japan, a major manufacturer of industrial robots, expects to apply winding switch technology to EVs and exhibited a new type of motor at the 1st EV & HEV Drive System Technology Expo held in January 2010.

The article provides an in-depth look at the different technologies. Learn more: Techon.nikkeibp.co.jp

Club Car News

Posted on May 11, 2010 by Marc Cesare

Club Car editorial – The CEO of Club Car, Gary S. Michel recently wrote an opinion piece in the Augusta Chronicle promoting the local manufacturers of golf cars, LSVs and light transportation vehicles (LTVs) as a “clean and green” industry that can not only help the environment but the economy as well. He asks for state legislators to help expand the market for these type of vehicles through a variety of government actions.

Specifically, our industry would like to see lawmakers enact legislation that breaks down barriers to the expanded use of electric vehicles. Passage of Senate Bill 519 last month, which would allow LTVs to operate after sunset as long as they met other requirements, was a step in the right direction.

But we also need the legislature to create tax incentives that encourage consumers and businesses to purchase electric vehicles, as well as incentives for manufacturers to create “green” jobs. What’s more, we need increased discussion and coordination between government, education and other business stakeholders to promote innovative ways to expand the use of light transportation vehicles.

Learn more: Chronicle.augusta.com

Club Car partners with Gary Player – Earlier this month Club Car announced a multiyear marketing agreement with Gary Player and Black Knight International to promote each others brands internationally.

Under terms of the agreement, Black Knight International, which includes Gary Player Design, Player Real Estate, Black Knight Enterprises and The Player Foundation, will work with Club Car to introduce the company’s vehicles, equipment and services at courses and real estate developments where Black Knight is affiliated. Club Car also will develop strategies to promote the company and its golf car and utility vehicle lines through an association with the Gary Player brand.

Learn more: Clubcar.com

CT&T Eyes Hawaii For Assembly Plant

Posted on May 10, 2010 by Marc Cesare

CT&T is working with the governor of Hawaii to build an electric vehicle assembly plant. According to reports, Oahu is the general location mentioned in the memorandum of understanding signed with the governor. CT&T reports looking at four potential sites in the area for a facility that will produce up to 10,000 low speed vehicles annually. The company hopes to have the plant operating in two years.

Hawaii is considered favorable market for LSVs by some people for a number of reasons. The government is pro-green and pro electric vehicle, travel distances are short and the large tourist market would be ideal for rental fleets. Learn more: Hawaiinewsnow.com

Comment: Hawaii now joins Pennsylvania and North Carolina as potential locations for assembly plants. To date none of these plans have come to fruition beyond the early planning stages. The company was talking about Pennsylvania locations back in September 2009. A plant with the capacity to produce 10,000 vehicles seems very high for the Hawaiian market and shipping them from Hawaii, at first glance, would appear to be an expensive way to supply other markets. It remains to be seen if plans for any of these potential plant locations moves to the next stage.

CNG Mini-truck Launched In India

Posted on April 29, 2010 by Marc Cesare

Hindustan Motors announced the launch of their compressed natural gas (CNG) powered mini-truck for the Indian market. The vehicle is based on their existing Winner model and is compliant with the latest emission standards. Local regulations in Dehli regarding the conversion of diesel powered vehicles is expected to help the company sell 2,000 vehicles by the end of the year in the city. The Intraco group of Singapore will sell the vehicle in Bangladesh. The vehicle is considered a light commercial vehicle (LCV) and management expects the market for these vehicles to grow from 240,000 to 450,000 in 2014. Learn more: Sindhtoday.com

Dealer News

Posted on April 9, 2010 by Marc Cesare

Arnell Auto Group A New GEM Dealer – Arnell Auto Group in Burns Harbor, IN recently became the only dealer for Global Electric Motorcars in Indiana. The GEM line includes six vehicle models that operate on a chargeable 72-volt battery and can seat between two and six passengers. David Arnell is the president of the Arnell Auto Group, which sells new and used vehicles, also sells Chevrolet, Chevrolet Commercial, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram brands. Learn more: NWItimes.com

North Shore Auto Group Provides Solar Charged Vehicles – North Shore Auto Group of Highland Park, IL has partnered with The Solar Electric Vehicle Company (SEVC) to provide solar-charged Cruise Car NEVs. The vehicles travel up to 60 miles on a single charge using a solar panel system that provides constant supplemental charging throughout the day. The line-up of vehicles includes 4 and 6 passenger NEVs and multi-passenger shuttles, security and utility NEVs as well as solar-canopied golf carts. Learn more: EVworld.com

5 Star Mini Trucks To Market Chinese Brand – 5 Star Mini Trucks of Yukon, OK recently announced an exclusive contract with Shandong Liangzi Power Co. Ltd. of China to market their trucks and set up dealerships around the U.S. The vehicles are street legal in Oklahoma except on highways and can travel 40 miles on a gallon of gasoline. Owner Rick Opitz said “...the partnership could also lead to an Oklahoma assembly plant or parts warehouse for the mini trucks.” Learn more: OKNews.com

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