Category Archives: golf car

New Florida Law Allows Conversion of LSVs to Golf Car Speeds

Posted on by
Reply

A new Florida law went into effect on July 1, 2013 that allows owners of low-speed vehicles to mechanically convert their vehicles to normal golf car speeds of 20 mph, which lowers their insurance costs. Reportedly thousands of Florida residents are waiting to make the change. The conversion can save an owner between $500 to $800 in insurance costs since a typical golf car can be insured for only $100 compared to $600 to $900 for an LSV. They can also save on the annual LSV registration costs of about $50. The conversion costs about $40.  Learn more:  WUSFNews

Comment:  This law further blurs the line between golf cars and LSVs. While most of the time this hurts the LSV market by making golf cars a more viable substitute, this time the law should help the LSV market by significantly reducing LSV operating costs in a major market for the vehicles. With its many retirement communities geared to golf car or LSV use, Florida has more than 5,000 registered LSVs or golf cars modified to meet LSV requirements.

E-Z-GO Introduces Redesigned TXT Golf Car

Posted on by
Reply

Newly redesigned E-Z-GO TXT golf car

E-Z-GO has introduced a newly redesigned TXT golf car featuring updated styling and new features to improve durability and performance. The press release follows with more details but some of the major themes of the redesign include:

  • New features to better incorporate usage of personal electronic devices
  • Refinements of existing features for increased usability and easier maintenance
  • Updated styling
  • Stronger components for increase durability

Comment:  The level of the refinements speaks to the competitive nature of the fleet golf car market where small incremental changes can lead to a competitive advantage. Some of these incremental changes in this case include an optional USB port, larger and repositioned cup holders, repositioning key control switches, slight changes in canopy angles and bagwells that drain water better. Taken individually they may not seem like much but collectively they can produce a better vehicle for both the owner and the user. This level of refinement also takes a certain level of investment and resources to study vehicle usage in great detail and develop appropriate changes at a high level of refinement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 18, 2013

Contact: Brandon Haddock
Director, Communications
706.772.5931
bhaddock@textron.com
E-Z-GO® Introduces Redesigned TXT® Golf Car
to Deliver a Better Golf Experience and Proven Performance

AUGUSTA, Ga. — E-Z-GO is pleased to introduce its redesigned TXT® golf car, updating the model’s classic look and proven performance while delivering a host of refined features to offer a better golfing experience, increased fleet durability and simpler maintenance.

“We remade the TXT to give our customers a golf car that was even easier to maintain, and to provide the premium features and conveniences expected by today’s golfers,” said Michael R. Parkhurst, vice president, golf for E-Z-GO. “The refined TXT has more of what you need, while still providing the unmatched level of performance that’s made our TXT the industry’s most trusted golf car for more than 15 years.”

Multiple design updates were developed to increase golfer enjoyment and make the car simple to use and maintain. The dashboard can be equipped with an optional USB port to recharge mobile phones, rangefinders and other small electronics, while also providing 30 percent more storage — enough room for an iPad. Storage pockets are placed higher in the dash to protect stored items from the elements.

Cup holders provide 45 percent more volume and are relocated to a more central position in the vehicle to prevent spills. Seatbacks are 23 percent larger to make every round a more pleasant experience. Ball holders are now mounted in the outside dash pockets for easy access from outside the vehicle. The oversized bagwell accommodates larger golf bags, has fewer places for dirt to collect, and new drainage holes to help eliminate standing water.

The new TXT’s updated styling follows modern automotive design cues, giving the vehicle a sleek, contemporary appearance. The forward-neutral-reverse switch has been relocated to a central location along the spacious bench seat’s centerline, placing controls at the driver’s fingertips for easier access and quick changes of direction.

Many new features of the TXT redesign increase the unit’s durability and make cleaning and maintenance easier. The vehicle’s front struts are 25 percent thicker for longer life, and the TXT’s front cowl and body panels are crafted from durable automotive-quality materials with an attractive, painted finish resistant to scratches and fading. An optional front bumper withstands repeated 5-mph impacts, and the TXT’s steel-reinforced rear bumper is the strongest in the industry.

The new sun top boasts a double-walled construction and an industry-first molded-in grab handle. The canopy is angled downward three degrees to eliminate standing water. Built-in drainage channels and a 360-degree drip edge are placed at the top’s corner to funnel water away from golfers, while lack of an internal drainage channel ensures no clogging.

The redesigned TXT golf car retains its predecessor’s proven performance and standard features still not found anywhere else in the industry. TruCourse Technology allows golf course owners to tailor speed, acceleration and regenerative braking characteristics to optimize the vehicle’s performance for safe, efficient operation on their course, and also reduces energy costs and improves battery life and daily range. The new TXT’s 48-volt DC technology offers the most efficient and effective DC power in the industry, maximizing battery life and using less energy than competing models.

For more information about the redesigned TXT, visit ezgo.com or follow E-Z-GO on Facebook. To receive a demo of the new TXT, contact your local E-Z-GO sales representative or authorized distributor.

About E-Z-GO
E-Z-GO, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is a leading global manufacturer of golf cars, utility and personal transportation vehicles. Products sold under the E-Z-GO brand include RXV® and TXT® fleet golf cars, Freedom® RXV and Freedom TXT personal golf cars, E-Z-GO Terrain™ and Express™ personal utility vehicles, and the 2Five® street-legal low-speed vehicle. E-Z-GO also produces the Cushman® line of heavy-duty material carriers and utility vehicles, and the Bad Boy Buggies® line of off-road utility vehicles for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Founded in 1954 in Augusta, Ga., E-Z-GO became part of Textron Inc. in 1960.

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron in known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Club Car Awards Johnson Controls as a Top Supplier

Posted on by
Reply

Club Car recently gave their award for Overall Operations Excellence 2012 to Johnson Controls in recognition of being a top supplier. Johnson Controls supplies all the batteries to power Club Car’s fleet of Precedent golf cars and Carryall utility vehicles from facilities in Florence, SC. Besides providing deep-cycle lead-acid batteries, Johnson Controls is working with Club Car to develop and deploy advanced battery technologies that should be available in the next eighteen months as options for certain models..

Learn more:  SacramentoBee.com

New Electric 4WD Motor Kit for Golf Cars from SilverWolf Motors

Posted on by
3

SilverWolf Motors 4WD motor kit for golf cars

Exploded view of motor, wheel and tire

A new aftermarket electric motor kit from SilverWolf Motors can provide 4WD capabilities to golf cars. The sealed AC motors bolt on to the front suspension and “add independent electronically differentiated Drive System to the front wheels.” The kit provides a vehicle with more climbing and pulling power.  According to company information “The 4WD can be engaged by the operator using a dash mounted switch at any time. It provides additional traction in the forward direction as required.  Once the vehicle has attained a speed of approximately 10 – 12 mph (Hare Mode) it disengages automatically and re-engages when needed.” The MSRP for the kit is $1,195 CAD. Vehicle specific adapters are sold separately. The company is currently building up their dealer distribution network.

The kit can also be added on to gas powered vehicles to create a hybrid vehicle. The increasing use of hybrids is a market trend SVR expects to see in the next few years as more OEMs are expected to offer hybrid models.  Aftermarket kits like this one will only add momentum to the trend. Hybrids have applications for parts of the hunting market that require more range and in the parks/campus segment where organizations are “greening” their fleets but current all electric vehicles may not be feasible for some of their vehicle uses at this time. A kit like this opens up a range of personal use markets served by golf car dealers that offer rebuilding and customization services of new and used golf cars.

The press release follows:

4WD Kit for Golf Cars Delivers on Power Waterloo, Ontario – April 16, 2013

SilverWolf Vehicles Inc. has introduced a Motor Kit that bolts to the front suspension of a golf car to provide 4WD performance and act as an independent drive system. Two Motorized Wheels offer Ultra-High levels of Torque without limiting the vehicles top speed. “The motors provide over 250 Nm of torque to each of the front wheels”, says company CEO, Bill Jager, “which almost doubles the pulling power and traction of a standard golf car”. The Kit bolts easily to the existing steering and suspension system and works well with both lifted and stock vehicles. The 4WD is engaged by using a dash mounted switch that controls the amount of torque provided by the motors. The Motor Kit can also be adapted to gas UTVs and other vehicles to make them true Hybrids.

Contact Information: Claudia Demandt 1-888-398-7078 ext. 712

email: info@silverwolfmotors.com

www.silverwolfmotors.com

 

Hovercraft Golf Car

Posted on by
Reply

Prototype Hovercraft Golf Car

Bubba Watson and his sponsor Oakley have teamed up with Neoteric Hovercraft to develop a prototype hovercraft golf car. As evidence from the picture, the vehicle can travel over water hazards as well as sand traps and fairways. According to Neoteric the hovercraft has 33 times less foot print pressure than the human foot which translates into less damage on the golf course. Learn more:  Oakley.com

Where’s the Voice for the LSV Industry?

Posted on by
Reply

A number of events have occurred recently that demonstrate the need for an advocate for the LSV industry and raises the question of why there currently isn’t one. First, at the beginning of the year when the “fiscal cliff” bill was passed, a package of electric vehicle tax provisions were extended but LSVs were specifically excluded. The exclusion was typically framed as no tax credits for “golf cars”. In part this was the result of politics dating back to the original tax credits in the stimulus bill. A number of news outlets promoted the idea that these were tax credits for golf cars, which was factually wrong. At the time, the only push back I saw from the LSV manufacturers came from Tomberlin.  For this latest bill where was the advocacy for extending the tax credits for LSVs. These had provided a significant boost to the market when they were in place.

There was also NHTSA’s proposed rule regarding a warning alarm for electric vehicles. It’s application to LSVs in low speed environments such as university campuses and parks makes no sense since the alarm would be continuously sounding. This is a major market segment for LSVs. The rule also applies to electric motorcycles and within days the relevant industry association had commented on the ruling but there were no comments from LSV manufacturers.

Another event was the recent funding increase for California’ Clean Vehicle Rebate Fund. The increased funding was earmarked for only highway capable vehicles. Now, I understand that CARB wants to promote advanced technology, but at the same time LSVs have been successful in displacing fossil fuel use. They are being used as primary transportation in gated communities, viable secondary vehicles in communities with public road access and replacements for pickup trucks on college campuses and in public parks. They may not be advanced technology but they are affordable technology that can help towards the same goals.

More of a trend than a single event, is the use of golf cars on public streets. While early on local officials, usually with the support of the local police chief, were voting to not allow golf cars on public streets for safety reasons, that trend seems to be reversing based on what we have been tracking. In addition, some states allow golf cars to be modified to meet LSV standards. Both of these trends undercut the LSV market. Many people will choose to purchase a cheaper golf car without the safety features than an LSV or they can highly customize a golf car for the same price as an LSV and add the safety standards.

Part of the reason there is no voice for the LSV industry is that the market is still small in size. There are quite a few manufacturers but many are small and the for larger manufacturers LSVs represent only a small portion of their sales.  In addition, golf car manufacturers, logical choices to be more aggressive advocates, entered the LSV market relatively late. The market for LSVs continues to grow and hopefully in the future a forceful voice for the industry will develop. It would be helpful for not only LSVs but also if manufacturers ever want to establish a medium speed vehicle standard which would increase the utility of these types of vehicles and broaden the potential market.

 

Garia Announces Limited Edition Roadster: Garia Mansory Currus

Posted on by
Reply
Garia Mansory Currus

The new limited edition Garia Mansory Currus

Garia, maker of luxury golf cars, announced the launch of a limited edition version of their Garia Roadster. Named the Garia Mansory Currus, the golf car is truly a limited edition with only 7 available for sale. Designed with Mansory, the luxury car customizer, the roadster features a dashboard in genuine leather, custom seat, and carbon fiber rear body.

For a genuine race car feel, it also comes with an adjustable setting for maximum motor braking and battery regeneration while driving as well as a speed switch with different driving modes called Golf, Street and Race, which adjust top speed and acceleration parameters. These settings are unique to Garia Mansory Currus and not available on any other golf cars currently on the market.

It is fitted with lithium batteries for an extended range of up to 60 km / 37 miles, and a speed package for increased speed of up to 60 km/h / 37 mph. The Garia Mansory Currus is street legal in Europe.

The speed package is not available in the US. This limited version vehicle marks the launch of an entirely new Garia model, the Garia Roadster. Learn more:  Garia.com

 

Small Vehicle Resource Announces New Market Study on the Small, Task-Oriented Vehicle Market in the US

Posted on by
Reply

 New STOV Market Study:  Trends, 2007-2011, Estimates and Forecasts 2012-2116

       New Study Analyzes the Product Base of an $12 Billion STOV Industry

________________________________

Small Vehicle Resource, LLC (SVR) has published the sixth in a series of market research reports on the small, task-oriented vehicle (STOV) industry. The report covers small vehicle products ranging from golf cars, light transport and portage vehicles built off golf car frames, to heavy duty traditional turf vehicles and off-road utility and recreational vehicles (side-by-sides). The study concentrates on the product side of an estimated $12+ billion industry, including parts and service.

 

SVR is the successor company to International Market Solutions, LLC with the same principals involved. “SVR,” explains Managing Director, Stephen Metzger, “is an appropriate rebranding of our research efforts, as ‘Small Vehicle Resource’ gives clear view of our focus in the STOV industry.” The Small, Task-Oriented Vehicle Market in the United States, Trends from 2006-2012, Forecasts to 2016 contains analyses and the outlook for:

• The golf car industry–the market for fleet golf cars;

• Privately-owned vehicles–golf cars, upgraded golf cars, low-speed vehicles (LSVs);

• Utility vehicles built on golf car or modified golf car frames;

• Heavy duty utility vehicles, focusing on off-road side-by-side vehicles;

• Non-traditional, or “crossover” competition across industry segments;

• Used vehicles as viable options to new vehicles;

• Technologies that will have an impact on the industry;

• State of the market survey from dealers’ perspective;

• Latest regulations on small vehicles ownership and use.

“Small, task-oriented vehicle or STOV is the generic term we created to describe exactly what these vehicles do,” states Metzger. “They are designed for a relatively narrow range of tasks, such as golf, personal transportation, haulage and other work functions, but for the most part are built off of a few universally applicable body frames and drive trains.” “This sets the stage,” Metzger continues, “for substantial crossover competition, with OEMs moving out of their traditional markets–a trend and development we analyze in detail.”

Major findings in the study are:

  • SVR forecasts new vehicle production for the overall STOV market to grow 18% from estimated 462,000 units in 2012 to approximately 545,000 units in 2016;
  • Excluding the off-road segment which is predominantly ICE, electric power continues to gain significantly in units sold, across all segments of the golf car-type market, that includes golf cars, privately-owned vehicles, and light portage and transport vehicles increasing from 72% in 2007 to a projected 82% in 2016.
  • Recovery from the recession has been spotty with some STOV market sub-segments growing strongly while others continue to struggle.;
  • STOVs continue to be upgraded, adopting automotive features and standards, which are starting to migrate from high-end recreational UTVs into other STOV segments, promoting market growth;
  • Golf cars remain a staple product in both new and used vehicle markets but the fleet market continues to face the challenge of a declining golf course population;
  • The high-end off-road market weathered the recession and slow recovery very well. The promise of profits is increasing segment competition, marked by frequent, feature laden model introductions and new sub-segments like crossover UTVs;
  • Commercial markets are a high growth area for LSVs while the personal transportation market without tax credits offers only low to moderate growth;
  • Schools, municipalities and even some corporate customers are increasingly turning to LSVs to fulfill “green” goals and policies with safety features a strong decision-making factor as well;

*  *  *  *

Further information, including a detailed table of contents, can be obtained by contacting

Stephen Metzger, Managing Director, SVR

(914) 293-7577 or smetzger@azureblog.smallvehicleresource.com

Yamaha Powersports Sales Increase in North America in 2012

Posted on by
Reply

North American net sales of powersports products were up 3.4 percent to about $555 million in 2012. Sales of golf cars and generators increased in the US, however ATV sales declined. In a recent interview management stated that side-by-side retail sales had increased by 60% for the year. They expect more growth in the future pointing to overall industry recovery from the recession, general consumer enthusiasm for powersports products, improved financing options for consumers and a more stabilized Yamaha dealership network.  Learn more:  Powersportsbusiness.com

Club Car Recalls Vehicles

Posted on by
Reply

Club Car modified a previous recall of utility vehicles and golf cars, and has issued a new recall for a limited number of golf cars and transport vehicles. The modification of a previous recall from September 2012 involves a change in model and serial numbers. The complete list of relevant model and serial numbers is available at CPSC.gov. The recall still involves approximately 4,000 vehicles.

A separate recall involving approximately 950 golf cars and transport vehicles was initiated earlier this week. The recall involves five different gas-powered 2013 Precedent models.  The fuel hose could separate from the fuel tank, posing a fire hazard. Consumers should contact any Club Car dealer for a free inspection and repair of the fuel hose system. Club Car is also contacting owners directly. The relevant models and serial numbers follow:

Model Model number Serial number range
Prec i2 Signature 4 Pass Gas PW 1307-346775
Prec i2 Signature Gas PY 1307-346310 to 1307-346312
Precedent i2 4 Pass Gas PF 1307-345436 to 1311-352118
Precedent i2 Gas PR 1306-344140 to 1311-352109
Precedent i2L Gas CF 1307-345914 to 1310-349283

Learn more:  CPSC.gov