Category Archives: globalization

Hisun Adds Sector Crew Models

Posted on by
Reply
Hisun Sector 1000 Crew

The new Sector 1000 Crew from Hisun builds out their work-recreational product line.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Hisun Sector 750 Crew

The new Sector 750 Crew from Hisun.

Hisun Motors recently added two new Crew models to their Sector line of utility vehicles. The Sector 750 and the Sector 1000 expands Hisun’s work-recreational product lineup. Hisun’s 4-passenger Sector Crew series feature 4-wheel independent nitrogen suspension, 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, hydraulic assisted dump bed, bench seating and Electronic Power Steering. Each model features a 350 lb. capacity cargo bed and 1,200 lb. towing capacity. The new Crews come standard with roofs, windshields, turn signals, aluminum rims, and a 4500 lb. winch.

Compared to the 1000 Crew the 750 Crew has a smaller engine, slightly less ground clearance and 26″ rather than 27″ wheels. The Sector 750 Crew MSRP is $12,499 and the Sector 1000 Crew MSRP is $15,999. Hisun is following a similar pattern to other manufacturers of starting with a lineup of two-seat vehicles and then adding a crew version.

After being a contract manufacturer for a number of other brands, Hisun has been making a bigger push of late to develop their own vehicle brand. An important part of their dealer network are Rural King farm and home stores located primarily in the upper Midwest.

SVR recently added the complete array of Hisun utility vehicles to our vehicle database. This includes the sport oriented Strike product line as well as the Sector product line. If you are a Hisun dealer and not already in our dealer database you can add your listing for free.

 

4ekolka: A 3D Printed LSV

Posted on by
Reply
4ekolka

The 4ekolka, a prototype electric powered city car.

The 4ekolka is a 3D printed, electric powered vehicle out of Prague from Petr Chladek. The estimated cost to build this prototype vehicle was $12,000 with half of that for the batteries and battery management system. The vehicle is designed for a top speed of 55 km/h or approximately 34 mph. The 9.6 kWh battery pack consists of LiFePO4 batteries with a capacity of 200Ah @ 48V and the estimated range per charge is 200 km or 124 miles. The 4ekolka is expected to consume about 100 Wh compared to 200-300 Wh for most electric vehicles.

The expected market is for intra-city driving and as a secondary car. The designer is also investigating commercial uses. The vehicle is currently being tested on roads in Prague. Learn more:  Electrek.co

CFMoto Reveals 2017 UTVs

Posted on by
Reply
cfmoto zforce 1000

The new 2017 ZForce 1000 EPS sport utility vehicle from CFMoto.  Photo credit:  Powersportsbusiness

At a dealer meeting at company headquarters in Hangzou, China, CFMoto revealed new utility vehicles for model year 2017. The highlight of the line-up is the new sport side-by-side, the ZForce 1000 EPS with an MSRP of $13,999. Key features include:

  • 77 hp
  • 82 foot-pounds of torque
  • CV Tech clutching
  • 27″ mud tires
  • 14″ aluminum wheels
  • New seats

The rest of the 2017 sport line-up includes the following models:

  • ZForce 500 HO Trail EPS, $8,999
  • ZForce 800 Trail EPS, $10,799
  • ZForce 800 EX EPS, $11,599

The 2017 utility line-up includes the following models:

  • UForce 500 HO EPS, $8,999
  • UForce 500 HO EPS TT Camo/Hunting, $9,449
  • UForce 800 EPS, $10,799
  • UForce 800 EPS TT, $11,249

Learn more:  Powersportsbusiness.com

Tata Motors Launches SuperAce Mini-Truck in Vietnam

Posted on by
Reply
Tata Motors SuperAce

Tata Motors has launched their SuperAce mini-truck in Vietnam.

Tata Motors, with their partner TMT Motors, have launched the Tata SuperAce mini-truck in Vietnam. The SuperAce is positioned as a versatile replacement for a small pick-up truck. The vehicle has a one ton payload and comes with either a diesel or gas engine and has a top speed of 130 km per hour. The vehicle can be used for inter or intra-city transport and for a wide range of goods including construction material, produce and consumer goods. According to Tata Motors management, “Through our partnership with TMT Motors, we are committed to shaping the commercial vehicles industry here and are determined to build a long-lasting relationship with the customer for competitive business advantages and the trusted credentials of the Tata Motors brand,”. Tata Motors sees a lot of potential in the fast growing Vietnamese economy and announced their intention to enter the market last year.

Learn more:  Thestatesman.com

Comment:  While not as popular in the US market, in Southeast Asia and in other countries mini-trucks are quite popular. They are integral for delivering goods in the hub and spoke system employed in these countries. The small-sized trucks can more easily maneuver in crowded and narrow city streets to deliver goods the “last mile” from large distribution centers. In the US they can be seen on farms and are usually imported used vehicles. With their top speeds mini-trucks don’t meet the safety standards for full on-road use in the US and are too fast too be considered low speed vehicles. Approximately 20 states allow mini-trucks on roads where it is locally permitted. Depending on the state mini-trucks are not allowed on highways or, in some cases, not allowed on roads with speed limits above 35 mph. Vantage Vehicle International offers vehicles that are mini-truck like in styling but are configured as LSVs.

Polaris Ranger vs. Kubota Comparison

Posted on by
Reply

The Polaris Ranger 4×4 570 being put to the test. Credit: Horticulture Week

Horticulture Week out of the UK features a comparison of the Polaris Ranger 570 to the Kubota RTV-X900 by several testers as they put the vehicles through their paces on varied terrain that included fields, college grounds and a quad bike training facility with steep hills. The three testers included a groundskeeper, gardener and forester.

As is noted in the review, the vehicles are both UTVs but quite different with the diesel powered Kubota geared more towards heavy duty work and the Ranger providing more speed. Some key specifications for comparison.

________________Kubota RTV-X900          Polaris Ranger 570

Engine                  21.6 hp Diesel                44 hp Gas

Top Speed            25 mph                         50 mph

Transmission        Hydrostatic                    Variable Transmission

Steering               Hydrostatic Power         No Power Steering

Cargo Capacity   1,102 lbs.                       1,000 lbs.

Towing Capacity  2,204 lbs.                       1,500 lbs.

Ground Clearance    10.4″                          10″

Drive System

Kubota:  Front: limited-slip differential; Rear:
foot-operated differential lock

Polaris:  On-demand true AWD/2WD/VersaTrac Turf Mode

Some of the testers’ takes on the Kubota:

  • The hydrostatic transmission may require a learning period but works well once you’ve adapted
  • Smooth riding and feels safe
  • Feels durable
  • Can go anywhere
  • Dynamic engine braking most impressive
  • Hydraulic dump bed works quickly
  • Good protection for vulnerable parts of the vehicle
  • Wide range of applications

In general the Kubota received positive reviews.

The reviewers testing of the Ranger 570 produced the following reaction:

  • Most noticeable is the speed of the vehicle, a result of the 44 hp ProStar engine. One tester easily reached 80 km/hr.
  • Seat belt sensors that govern the vehicle’s speed until the seats belts are engaged was a well received feature.
  • Easy to use multiple drive settings – 2WD/4WD/Turf
  • Smooth and responsive
  • Feels light and not always secure particularly in tight turns
  • Perhaps too much plastic to remain durable in really rough terrain and driving
  • Easy access for typical maintenance
  • Good for use in applications that requires the operator to cover a large area where its’ speed could save time. A good replacement for quads on farms and such where more hauling capability and/or the ability to carry a passenger is needed.

In general the Ranger received positive reviews as well. The most important determinant in choosing one vehicle over the other would be how the vehicle would be used. If you have heavy duty hauling in difficult terrain but in a more limited area then the Kubota would be more appropriate. If you need to use a vehicle over a wider range and with not as much heavy duty hauling then the Ranger would be the best.

Learn more:  Hortweek.com

Hisun Motors Introduces Electric UTV With 45 Mile Range

Posted on by
Reply
The new Sector E1 electric UTV from Hisun Motors.

The new Sector E1 electric UTV from Hisun Motors.

HISUN Motors takes a big step forward with the announcement of the all-new Sector E1 electric Utility Vehicle, adding yet another quality vehicle to their line-up. Building on the success of the Sector UTV line’s performance and modern advancements in electric technology, HISUN is excited to enter the growing electric UTV market. The Sector E1 4×4 is a mid-size UTV which provides quiet performance thanks to its powerful 48 volt 36hp AC drivetrain. The Sector E1 starts at an MSRP as low as $10,199.

HISUN’s Sector E1 features 4-wheel independent nitrogen suspension, 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, and an industry best run time. The Sector E1 is the first electric UTV on the market with the Discover EV Traction Dry Cell Battery technology that is maintenance free and designed for longer run times and a longer life. The Discover EV Traction Dry Cell Battery is also recyclable, built from recycled parts, and will deliver an estimated 45 miles on a single charge. HISUN has leveraged superior North American technology for integral components such as the Kinetek Motor, Delta Q IC1200 Chargers, and 450 Amp Sevcon Gen IV controllers. Dealer and customer feedback has helped refine the end product of the vehicle resulting in the Ultimate Electric Utility Vehicle.

The introduction of the Sector E1 will strongly position HISUN into a segment of the UTV market which has grown year over year in comparison to the gas UTV market. “We felt like with the improvements in battery technology coupled with the North American sourced supply chain of critical drivetrain components will lead to a much more reliable product and runtime that is “first in its class” compared with price,” said Shane Wilson, VP of Engineering and Operations. Learn more:  Hisunmotors.com

Comment:  Whereas in the past electric utility vehicles have mainly been targeted at the hunting market, newer models like the Sector E1 are looking for a broader appeal for work or recreation applications. In part the trend is because the hunting segment has turned out to be a niche market, but advances in battery and powertrain technology is also increasing the range and potential end use applications for electric UTVs.

Polaris Reports 2016 2nd Quarter Earnings

Posted on by
Reply
2015-RZR-XP-4-1000-eps

The very large recall of RZR vehicles impacted Polaris 2nd quarter side-by-side revenue.

Polaris Industries reported fiscal year 2016 second quarter earnings with sales increasing 1% from the same quarter last year to reach $1,130.8 million. Net income was down 29% to $71.2 million, reflecting approximately $25 million in warranty, legal and recall costs. Here are some of the highlights of the earnings callrelated to small, task-oriented vehicles.

  • ORV (ATV and UTV) sales decreased 6% in the quarter with Ranger shipments flat and RZR/ATV shipments down
  • RZR retail was down significantly more than RANGER and that was anticipated given the impact from the recall
  • North American (NA) ORV inventory was down 8%
  • Demand for the new General line of UTVs is exceeding company expectations
  • The Huntsville, AL plant is ramping up Ranger and Slingshot production
  • NA retail market for side-by-sides was flat and declining for ATVs
  • Management reports losing a few points of side-by-side market share attributable more to their product lineup in the utility segment in a competitive environment
  • NA retail market for side-by-sides was flat and declining for ATVs
  • Polaris NA retail was down double digits for ORV for the quarter impacted by the large product recall as well as weakness in the oil  and ag markets with side-by-side retail down high single digits
  • Product recall costs have been approximately $27 million for the first half of the year. The company has had a 30% response rate so far and the Consumer Product Safety Commission is targeting a response rate close to 80%
  • Global adjacent market sales increased 14% in the second quarter to $91 million including PG&A, driven by market share gains in Aixam and the added sales from the Taylor-Dunn acquisition.
  • Management reports that Taylor-Dunn’s “performance out of the gate, it’s been one of our best acquisitions yet” and they like what is essentially a made to order model along with synergies for the people mover segment with other global adjacent brands
  • The defense business was up over 30% and our PG&A related sales for the global adjacent division increased 21%.
  • Defense sales were up with the DAGOR vehicle gaining traction
  • Multix early sales have been disappointing but transmission issues were fixed during the 2nd quarter and the distribution network is expanding
  • Polaris will begin transitioning their RZR and Ranger lines to their retail flow management system to improve lead times and inventory management
  • ORV and Snowmobile sales are expected to decrease mid-single digits
  • Global Adjacent markets which includes GEM, Aixam, Goupil, etc. is expected to be up mid teens for the year with strength across brands

Learn more:  Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)

Polaris Recalls 43,000 Ranger 570 UTVs

Posted on by
16
The 2016 Polaris Ranger Crew 570 Mid-Size is one of the range of model year 205 and 2016 Ranger 570 models being recalled.

The 2016 Polaris Ranger Crew 570 Mid-Size is one of the model year 2015 and 2016 Ranger 570 models being recalled.

One of the 2015 models being recalled.

One of the 2015 models being recalled.

Polaris has announced the recall of approximately 43,000 model year 2015 and 2016 Ranger 570 vehicles due to a potential overheating and fire hazard. The recall covers a range of model variations for the two model years. The vehicles can overheat during heavy engine loading, slow-speed intermittent use and/or high outdoor temperatures and catch fire. No injuries have been reported due to the problem. This is the second very large recall from Polaris, which in April recalled 133,000 RZR UTVs.

The following information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units:  About 43,000

Description:  This recall involves 2015 and 2016 model year Polaris Ranger 570 recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs). They have either two or four seats and a rear box. “Ranger” is printed on the rear box and “570” is printed on the hood. “Polaris” is stamped onto the front grill. The ROVs were sold in several colors. The following models are included in the recall.

Model Year 2015:  Ranger 570, Ranger 570 EPS, Ranger 570 EPS HD, Ranger Crew 570, Ranger Crew 570 EPS

Model Year 2016:  Ranger 570 2×4, Ranger 570, Ranger 570 EPS, Ranger 570 EPS HD, Ranger 570 EPS ZUG, Ranger Crew 570, Ranger Crew 570 EPS

Incidents/Injuries:  Polaris has received seven reports of the recalled ROVs overheating and catching on fire. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact Polaris to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Sold at: Polaris dealers nationwide from August 2014 through June 2016 for between $10,000 and $12,500.

Importer(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Distributor(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Manufactured in:  Mexico

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  One very large recall is bad enough but a second in a matter of months could present some significant problems for Polaris. Besides the sheer cost of repairing so many vehicles, there is also the operational difficulties in handling so many repairs in a reasonable amount of time. These are both relatively short term issues, but in the long term the impact on the Polaris brand may be more critical. For a company that prides itself on innovation and engineering prowess, and, in fact, considers such prowess a strategic advantage these recalls may have more of an impact on their brand image. I would imagine they also are generating some internal soul-searching regarding their product development processes as the issues appear to point to an underlying design flaw, as opposed to a faulty part.

What’s Cooking On The STOV: Mining Vehicles

Posted on by
Reply

Highlighting some of the many applications for Small, Task-Oriented Vehicles

The Tomcar LV1 is electric powered and designed for mining operations.

The Tomcar LV1 is electric powered and designed for mining operations.

tomcar-lv1_100556594_lThis November Australian based Tomcar will put into production their Tomcar LV1, an electric powered utility vehicle designed for mining applications. The zero emission, low operating noise and low maintenance powertrain should be an advantge in underground mining conditions. The LV1’s brushless permanent-magnet motor operates continuously at 80 hp and peaks at 135 hp and generates 111 lb.-ft. (150 Nm) of continuous torque or 221 lb.-ft. (300 Nm) of peak torque at a maximum 8,500 rpm. The LV1 will be available with battery packs ranging from 12kW to 20kW. Tomcar worked with Engergetique, a EV technology company, to develop the vehicle over the course of two years. Tomcar already produces a line of commercial and consumer-oriented utility vehicles that are gas or diesel powered with an electric motor option available as well. The Tomcar vehicles have evolved from early off-road military vehicles.  Learn more:  Greencarreports.com

What’s Cooking On The STOV: Sports Facility Vehicles

Posted on by
Reply

Highlighting some of the many applications for Small, Task-Oriented Vehicles

From left, Morgan O’Sullivan of Cushman, Simon Jennings of Ernest Doe & Sons, Darren Baldwin of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Andy Turbin, also fo Ernest Doe & Sons, with the fleet of electric vehicles supplied for the club's training ground.

From left, Morgan O’Sullivan of Cushman, Simon Jennings of Ernest Doe & Sons, Darren Baldwin of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Andy Turbin, also fo Ernest Doe & Sons, with the fleet of electric vehicles supplied for the club’s training ground.

In the UK, the Tottenham Hotspur football club of the Premier League recently replaced their fleet of transport and utility vehicles for their training facility. The all electric fleet from Ransomes Jacobsen and purchased through a local dealer, Ernest Doe & sons, features vehicles from sister brands Cushman and E-Z-GO. The fleet includes six Cushman Hauler PRO 72-volt electric utility vehicles, two Cushman four-seater Shuttles with custom cargo beds, two specially-designed stretcher/ambulance vehicles and an E-Z-GO Express Shuttle 6, for transporting VIP guests around the 77-acre site. The 72-volt vehicles represent an upgrade for the club whose previous fleet was three years old. Management expects to increase operating time and range with the vehicles. Learn more:  EADT.co.uk