Category Archives: Market entrants

Mini-Truck Developments

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Sarge mini-truck from Sokon USA Photo by Branimir Kvartuc

Sokon USA – After encountering quality issues with their first attempt several years ago under the Mattruck brand, Hal Ferrell and Michael Lewis of Sokon USA have launched a mini-truck based hunting vehicle.  Selling under the brand Sarge, these mini-trucks feature four wheel drive, a 45 hp engine and a 25 mph top speed.  The company claims the vehicles are classified as LSVs and are street legal depending on state and local regulations.

The vehicle, which seats five, is sourced from China based DFM (Dong Feng Motor), a subsidiary of Chongqing Yuan Group and will retail for about $14,500.  In addition to the hunting market, the vehicle will compete against utility vehicles in the construction, turf, ranching, farming and government markets.  Learn more:  Dealernewsblog.com

DFM Mini-truck (Thailand) –  Driven by rising demand in the Thai market, the company is talking to the parent company DFM of China about  manufacturing vehicles in Thailand rather than importing them from China.  Learn more:  Thailandchat.org

Company News

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Global Motor Services – This newcomer to the electric vehicle market is using former Bears coach Mike Ditka to promote their products.  Their current line-up includes a converted Chevy Aveo and a three-wheeled scooter.  They expect to add an LSV in the future and currently have dealers in San Diego, New Jersey, Las Vegas and Chicago.  Learn more:  Autobloggreen

Zap – Zap has shipped a Zaptruck XL equipped with a solar panel to a large government agency.  The solar panel supplements normal charging and provides some extra range. Learn more:  Zjucnc.org

Also the company has been awarded “…an engineering prototype contract for the design and development of an electric mail truck.”  This project is for converting a US Postal Service gas vehicle to electric propulsion.  Learn more:  Autobloggreen

Cruise Car – Adam Sulimirski has been promoted to the position of General Manager from Global Sales Director.  Learn more:  Madduxpress.com

Deere & Boeing Defence UK Working On Robotic Gator

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John Deere R-Gator Utility Vehicle

John Deere and Boeing Defence UK have announced a 17 month development project to enhance the capabilities of the R-Gator, Deere’s robotic utility vehicle for the military market.  Boeing will be adding technologies to the vehicle to improve performance as an Assisted Carriage System (ACS).

The John Deere R-Gator™ ACS can support an infantry section of up to eight men, and offload 1400 lbs. of individual equipment. It is designed to carry an increased level of ready combat supplies for more effective patrolling and re-supply operations. Most importantly, the vehicle can operate autonomously, be driven manually, and be reconfigured to meet a multitude of ground support needs.

The R-gator is based on Deere’s Gator XUV utility vehicle.  Learn more:  Deere.com

Electric Truck Developments

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ZeroTruck Corp. – The company’s ZeroTruck, an all-electric zero emission medium duty truck based on the Isuzu N series chassis, was recently added to the GSA schedule for government purchasing. The ZeroTruck features a low cab-forward design, a fully automated transmission, a range u to 100 miles and is fully highway capable. The vehicle is available at Central Truck Center of Landover, Maryland and through select Isuzu dealerships in California, Colorado, North Carolina, and New York. Learn more: Your-story.org Comment: While in theory a vehicle like this could offer competition to utility vehicles that are displacing pickup trucks in certain market segments, at a cost of over $100,000 this is not likely to happen anytime soon. – Marc Cesare

Electric Motor Cars – The company has just introduced a two-seat electric pickup which is based on the Dacia Logan. Dacia is a subsidiary of Renault and the trucks are built in Romania. The company reports the vehicles may be assembled in Florida or Iowa in the future. The pick up sells for $33,950 and van and station wagon versions will also be available. The vehicles are powered by nickel sodium chloride, “ZEBRA” batteries, which will charge in 3 hours on 220 volts or up to 8 hours when powered by 110 volts. The company claims a range of 260 miles and reports that around 100 vehicles will be available in about one month. Currently three dealers distribute the vehicles. Learn more: Trucktrend.com

Zap – According to this post Zap is rolling out a larger electric truck for industrial and fleet use. Learn more: Hybridfriends.com

India Electric Truck Market -Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Reva Electric Car Company are planning to launch electric trucks and passenger carriers in the sub-one-tonne segment. Tata Motors has developed an electric version of the Ace which could debut soon. M&M, likewise, is working on a variant for the recently launched 0.9-tonne Maxximo.  The sub-tonne segment in India numbers 100,000 vehicles annually.  The companies are targeting applications for large shopping mall and residential complexes, airports and  intra-city transport.  While there is no mention of  exporting the vehicles to other markets , previously Tata and GEM announced they were working on an electric version of the ACE for the US.

Learn more:  Thehindubusinessline.com

American Custom Golf Carts Develops Highway Speed Prototype

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American Custom Golf Carts Pulse Electric Car

American Custom Golf Carts a producer of LSVs that look like Escalades, Hummers and Roadsters has produced a prototype highway speed electric vehicle.  The Pulse Electric reportedly reaches speeds of 70 mph and is based on a gas powered vehicle from China.  There is no timetable for market launch since the company needs several million dollars for crash testing and airbag system development. Learn more: Carconcerns.blogspot.com

STOV Technology Developments

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I came across some new technology developments that have potential applications in the STOV market.

EV Platform for STOV Applications

Trexa EV Platform

The first is a new lithium-powered all-wheel-drive platform developed by Trexa.  One area the company is specifically targeting with the platform is STOV for commercial, military and municipal fleets.  The platform is made with with carbon steel tubing, aluminum and fiber-reinforced thermoplastics.  Trexa claims the lithium iron phosphate battery system is capable of range up to 105 miles with dual motors and a top speed of 100 mph.  The platform features a built-in 6 kW charger  that recharges the batteries in four hours and has the flexibility to accommodate other charging options.  Learn more:  Blueplanetnews.com

Ultracapacitor Cells for EV Applications

Ioxus, Inc. has introduced a new family of electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLC) for transportation and utility applications.  The company claims the 1,000-, 3,000- and 5,000-Farad (F) ultracapacitors are smaller in size with increased energy and power density than others on the market.  The products can be used as the only energy storage device or in combination with other devices such as batteries.  According to the company the 1,000F unit offers the same maximum power as competitive 1,200F products with 24% less volume.  This size is targeted towards golf-car type vehicles and utility vehicles.  Learn more:  Greencarcongress.com

New Vehicle Introductions from Case IH & Polaris

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Case IH compact Scout UTV

Case IH has introduced a new lineup of Scout utility vehicles targeting the farm segment.  The lineup includes a compact, two-passenger 14-hp (10-kW) gasoline-powered version and an XL version, which is available in two- and four-passenger configurations, with 23-hp (17-kW) gas or 20-hp (15-kW) diesel engines.  Learn more:  SAE.org

Ranger Crew 800 Limited Edition - Sunset Red with electronic power steering

Polaris Industries has introduced a new lineup of limited edition utility vehicles.  Beyond cosmetic upgrades such a new paint schemes some models include performance upgrades such as the Ranger Crew and Ranger RZR with electronic power steering and a 50-inch Ranger RZR with a premium Walker Evans shock package. 2010 Limited Edition models include:

  • 2010 RANGER 800 XP EPS LE-Sage Green
  • 2010 RANGER 800 XP LE-Turbo Silver
  • 2010 RANGER 800 XP EPS LE-Nuclear Sunset
  • 2010 RANGER 800 XP LE-Browning Edition with Pursuit® Camo
  • 2010 RANGER 800 CREW LE-Sunset Red with Electronic Power Steering
  • 2010 RANGER 800 CREW LE-Sunset Red with Electronic Power Steering
  • 2010 RANGER RZR LE-Walker Evans
  • 2010 RANGER RZR LE-Pearl White
  • 2010 RANGER RZR S LE-Purple Thunder

Learn more:  UTVweekly.com

Company News

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Global Electric Motorcars – Has produced a commercial to promote their vehicles and the federal tax incentives that are currently available for them.  Learn more & see the commercial:  Zachmarion.com

Valence Technology – Has won a $3.1 million contract to supply the Tanfield Group’s Smith Electric Vehicles with lithium iron magnesium phosphate batteries for their electric trucks.  The company also supplies batteries for Tanfield’s joint venture in the US, Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation, that makes similar trucks.  Learn more:  Streetinsider.com

CT&T – Bavarian Luxury Auto Sales LLC has become the first dealer to carry their vehicles in South Carolina, the e-Zone LSV.  Learn more:  Poastandcourier.com Comment: – What is interesting is that while CT&T has generated a lot of press I have not come across too much hard evidence related to actual vehicle sales.  This may be  a start. – Marc Cesare

Polaris Introduces Four-Seat Sport UTV

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Polaris Ranger RZR 4 - Robby Gordon Edition

Polaris has introduced the Ranger RZR 4 Robby Gordon Edition, a four-seat UTV targeting the recreational market.  Identifying an opportunity for a vehicle with a  significantly lower price point than an expensive sand car or rail, Polaris teamed up with Robby Gordon to produce this industry first four seat sport side-by-side.  Key features include:

  • 800 Twin Cylinder High Output EFI Engine
  • Industry-Leading 12 in. (30.5 cm.) Long-Travel Suspension
  • Fox Podium X® 2.0 Racing Shocks with Piggyback Reservoirs
  • Rolled Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
  • Maxxis® Bighorn® 26 in. Radial Tires With 12 in. Aluminum Rims
  • Top Speed – 61 mp

The vehicle has an MSRP of $14,999.

Learn more:  UTVGuide.net

Polaris Defense Introduces LSV For Military Market

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New Polaris EV LSV For The Military Market

Earlier this week Polaris Industries Defense division introduced the Polaris EV LSV which is targeting the military market and other government agencies.  The vehicle is based on the Range EV utility vehicle.  Key features besides basic LSV requirements include:

  • 48 volt AC induction motor with 30 horsepower
  • 50 mile range and 25 mph top speed
  • Three driving modes:  High for speed, Low for towing and hauling, and Max for maximum range
  • 1,000-pound payload capacity
  • 1,250 lbs. of towing capacity

The Polaris EV LSV will enable the company to bid for the contracts that the various US Armed Forces have started to award for LSVs.  These contracts could be for as many as 30,000 vehicles over the next 5 to 10 years. Columbia ParCar has won contracts for almost 1,000 LSVs in the past year.  In presentations for investors Polaris has pointed to the military market a an important growth driver for the company.  Learn more:  PolarisIndustries.com

On a related  note, in October, 2009 Polaris Defense was awarded a $2.4 million contract by the National Guard Bureau for their Ranger 800 Crew utility vehicles.  This contract probably represents about 200 vehicles.  Learn more:  MSN.com

Comment: This vehicle introduction continues a trend of utility vehicle manufacturers making their rough terrain utility vehicles LSV compliant.  Others that have done so previously include Bad Boy Enterprises, Stealth, HuntVe and Titan.  You might consider these crossover LSVs.  Although this market is in part driven by recent government tax cuts, I believe the need is real for a versatile vehicle that can handle rough terrain as well as street duties.  While Polaris is targeting the military market, their vehicle can easily be sold into this crossover market on the consumer side. – Marc Cesare