Pricing For Green Tech Automotive LSVs

Posted on September 27, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The G2 sedan a LSV from Green Tech Automotive

Green Tech Automotive recently announced pricing for their MyCar and G2 sedan with the MyCar starting at $17,140 and the G2 sedan at $21,250. Green Tech Automotive is projecting to build 30,000 vehicles annually, down from earlier projections of 250,000 several years ago. Learn more: Torquenews.com

Comment: As the article notes, these price points are pretty high. They will be double or close to double the price of some of the other LSVs on the market. In addition these vehicles appear to be targeting the personal transportation segment of the LSV market. This is not the majority or the fastest growing portion of the LSV market. The biggest market for LSVs in recent years has been commercial/institutional uses such federal, state and local governments, colleges and universities and parks departments. As Polaris has found out with GEM this is a slower sales process than the consumer end of the market. The current LSV market does not have the demand to meet production volume of 30,000 vehicles annually. I would be surprised if Green Tech Automotive can even reach 10% of their target.

EV-Fleet Begins Selling Electric Truck

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The Condor electric truck from EV-Fleet

EV-Fleet of North Carolina has started selling a pick-up sized electric truck, called the Condor which features a robust 5 speed transmission, a carrying capacity of 1000 lbs, and multiple configurations for the rear cargo area. The vehicle has a range of more than 100 miles when equipped with a 50 kWh battery and can be recharged in under an hour when using a 90 amp DC charger. The programmable powertrain has a top speed of 85 mph. The Condor’s MSRP is $49,995. Learn more: EV-Fleet.com

Comment: The Condor is more of a full-sized highway speed vehicle but I thought it was worth a mention since it could appeal to certain segments of the STOV market such as universities and parks. There has been a trend in this market to replace gas-powered pickup trucks with STOVs, often electric but sometimes gas. The trend is being driven by both green and sustainability initiatives as well as cost-savings and work efficiency. An electric truck such as this might provide some competition to STOVs in certain circumstances. There is obviously a green element to the truck but it would have trouble matching STOV performance for off-road use as well as access to tight spaces. On the other hand, a sprawling campus or one with satellite locations might be a good fit for this vehicle by cutting down on travel time. The other issue of course is price, at almost $50,000 multiple STOV vehicles and even highway capable pick-up trucks could be purchased instead of one Condor.

Eicher-Volvo Joint Venture May Enter Mini-Truck Market

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Marc Cesare

eicher-volvo-joint-venture-ve-commercial-vehicle-studying-plans-to-enter-mini-trucks-segment

Eicher is considering a mini-truck offering to enter the small commercial vehicle market through their joint venture with Volvo.

A joint venture between Eicher Motors Ltd. of India and Volvo, VE Commercial Vehicle, may enter the growing small commercial vehicle market in India. The small commercial vehicle market consists of the vehicles of 5 tonnes or less. The joint venture is considering a mini-truck offering in the 1-3 tonne range. This segment already features vehicles like the Ashok Leyland Dost, Tata Ace and Mahindra’s Maxximo Plus. The decision to enter the market will be made within the next six months with a potential product launch in 2016-17.

The small commercial vehicle market represents over 50% of the commercial vehicle market with an estimated 359,000 vehicles sold every year and growth to over 500,000 expected by 2019. The market is driven by the hub and spoke distribution system in India where large trucks transfer goods to or between hubs and smaller vehicles deliver the goods the last few miles. Learn more: Economictimes.com

Comment: For regulatory reasons, mini-trucks have not been a major market in the US although farmers often purchase used mini-trucks coming out of Japan and use them as of-road work vehicles. In some areas they are being allowed more access to public roads, but this is often in the context of agricultural use rather than the general public. Eicher, which also makes motorcycles, has a joint venture with Polaris that started in 2012. This joint venture is focused more on a range of personal vehicles with reports of a four-wheeled vehicle to be launched in 2015. At the same time, there could be opportunities for the companies to work together in the small commercial vehicle space given Polaris’s acquisitions in the past few years of GEM, Aixam and Groupil.

New Tracked Utility Vehicle From Fecon

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new EX60 Tracked Utility Vehicle from Fecon.

Fecon, a maker of vegetation management equipment such as mulchers and stump grinders, recently introduced their new EX60 Track Vehicle. The EX60 has a 6,000-lb payload capacity and all-terrain rubber tracks. The company is targeting applications such as fleet service, fire-fighting, material handling, or spraying vegetation and insects where trucks or larger vehicles can’t go. Two standard auxiliary hydraulic circuits can power optional equipment. A load sense pump is offered as an option for more demanding applications. The EX60 features a universal mounting plate in the payload area to easily switch between solutions, whether skid mounted equipment or material handling apparatus. A reversible operator station and operator controls add to the flexibility of the EX60. The 46HP diesel engine enables transport of the impressive payload and 7-MPH travel speed.

There is no additional information on the cost of the vehicle or other specifications. Fecon existing lines of equipment are for the right-of-way, land clearing, firebreaks, pasture restoration, invasive species and wildlife restoration markets.

Learn more: Fecon.com

Comment: This vehicle definitely pushes the envelope and falls in the more heavy duty range of the of STOV market. While the end market for a vehicle like this may be on the smaller size, it is another example of how the STOV market is being segmented by specialized application needs. While in many cases this segmentation can be handled by customization of base models with a wide range of uses, in other cases more specialized, purpose built vehicles are needed. Another less extreme example in the work UTV portion of the market would be the Brutus line of UTVs from Polaris with it’s PTO and multiple attachment capability. The EX60 may have appeal in other markets but Fecon’s distribution network focusing on the vegetation management markets will likely limit sales of the vehicle to this customer base.

Polaris Adds Two Diesel Work UTVs To Lineup

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new Polaris Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe with climate controlled cab.

The new Polaris Ranger Diesel HST with a Yanmar diesel engine and hydrostatic transmission.

Polaris Industries recently introduced two new diesel powered Ranger work utility vehicles to their product lineup, the Ranger Diesel HST and the Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe. Both vehicles are powered by a 24hp Yanmar diesel engine with engine braking which is paired with a hydrostatic transmission featuring Polaris’ exclusive On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive. The vehicles also include a treadle pedal and multi-link coil over De Dion rear suspension. The treadle pedal allows for travel in forward to reverse without shifting gears. The Deluxe model comes with a factory-installed cab with climate controls and an electric assist for the dump bed. Both models have a 1,250 lb cargo capacity and 2,000 lb towing capacity along with a 90 amp alternator for better cold weather starting and operating accessories. The models are targeted for the agricultural and rural customer. The vehicles will be available in April with the Ranger Diesel HST starting at $15,199 and the Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe at $20,999. Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: Polaris continues to build out their work utility vehicle lineup, targeting different customer segments of the consumer work and commercial portions of the market. While these new Ranger models are primarily aimed at the agricultural and work customer, they could also be used in the construction market or other segments that might use diesel vehicles. The company has been making a particularly strong push into the commercial area over the last several years with their Brutus vehicle partnership with Bobcat, the GEM lineup which is primarily for commercial and institutional use and now these models provide a slightly different flavor. The question in the STOV market often returns to how well the distribution channel matches to the target customer. Since the agricultural segment has historically been served by the powersports dealer to a certain degree this should not be an issue with these models. For other more purely commercial segments where these vehicles could find traction, a more efficient distribution channel may be needed to fully exploit their potential.

Sportsman ACE From Polaris May Open New Off-Road Vehicle Category

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Marc Cesare

Beauty shot of the new Sportsman ACE from Polaris.

The overhead view shows the rider cockpit and overall narrowness of the vehicle.

Polaris recently introduced the Sportsman ACE, an ATV/UTV hybrid vehicle that, if successful, could launch a whole new category of off-road vehicles. The Sportsman ACE is a single-passenger vehicle with a sit-in chassis. The design combines the small size, responsiveness and maneuverability of an ATV with the more comfortable rider position and safety features of a UTV. According to David Longren, vice president of Polaris’ Off-Road Division. “In creating the Sportsman ACE, we wanted to not only appeal to current off-road enthusiasts, but develop a vehicle that brings new customers to off-road recreation. We accomplished this by coupling an easy-to-use, nimble platform with a confident and secure ride that, together, provides drivers of all experience levels a new way to experience the outdoors.” Some of the key features of the vehicle include:

Trail-capable and easily-transportable 48 in. width
10.25 in/26.04 cm of ground clearance and 9.5 in/24.1 cm of rear travel
Fully independent rear suspension (IRS) outfitted with performance, twin tube shocks featuring adjustable preload
32 horsepower ProStar™ Electronic Fuel Injected Engine
ROPS cab frame
Bucket seat with three-point seatbelt
Integrated 2.8 gal/10.6 liter semi-dry, front storage compartment, and a high-capacity Lock & Ride® cargo box with rack extenders and rear tie down rails combine for 575 lbs of cargo capacity
1,500 lb towing capacity
Polaris On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system
Optional roof, door, windshield, tires and other accessories
Winch ready

The MSRP for the base vehicle is $7,499 and it will be available in White Lightning at dealerships in February.

Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: This is another example of why Polaris is the leader in this market. They continue to keep churning out new vehicles, whether slight variations of existing models to target sub-segments or improve performance in existing segments, or, as in the case Sportsman ACE, to break entirely new ground. From a marketing standpoint this vehicle could be very versatile in attracting a range of buyers. At such a low price point compared to UTVs it can definitely attract the buyer with less money to spend or someone who wants to try out trail-riding but is maybe reluctant to spend the money on a more expensive UTV. Thus the Sportsman ACE provides an entry point to new customers who can move into UTVs later.

It also offers riders who want access to narrow trails a more affordable alternative to some of the newer, narrower and pricey high-performance UTVs. While some areas of the country have wide-open trails, in many areas only vehicles the size of an ATV can access trails. Potentially existing UTV owners could also purchase a Sportsman ACE as a second vehicle for riding narrower trails or for solo riding. Another potential market could be farmers and other commercial users of ATVs looking for more comfort, safety and payload in a similarly priced vehicle. In the long term, this vehicle could become a replacement for the ATV category, offering a more comfortable and safer alternative to existing ATVs designs.

Star EV Launches New Electric Utility Vehicle Models

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new heavy duty electric utility vehicle from Star EV

Star EV recently launched a new lineup of electric utility vehicles for commercial and industrial use. The U series HA 1 vehicles come in a number of configurations and feature cabs from Curtis Industries. The vehicles are available with a 48-volt electric drivetrain with a 5kW (6.7hp) DC motor or a 72-volt drivetrain with a 6.7kW (9hp) AC motor. The vehicles have a 2,200 lb cargo load capacity. Other key features include:

400 amp (DC) or 500 amp (AC) Curtis controller
4 wheel hydraulic brakes
Seating for 2
Fold-down bed with tailgate
Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals
Horn, reverse beeper and parking brake
19.5 mph top speed or 20-25 mph with the LSV configuration
Heavy duty bed liner and full chassis undercoating

Available options include:

LSV configuration
AGM batteries
Battery filling system
Heater/defroster
Beacon light
LED roof mounted lights
Enclosed aluminum boxes
Ladder racks

The rear cargo area can be customized with different types of beds and enclosures.

Learn more: Starev.com

Comment: GEM and now Star EV have come out with new electric utility vehicles with a heavier payload. Both feature AC drive systems as well, while the GEM eM1400 does not offer an LSV version. For a new research report on the college market, I spoke with a fleet manager who was looking for an electric UTV with an increased payload. If his interview is any indicator, this market segment is looking to use these electric utility vehicles in more specific applications than just general maintenance and therefore require some more capabilities like higher payloads. In the college market at least, a LSV configuration is often a desired option. If manufacturers can produce electric utility vehicles that can perform and meet these new demands, it starts opening up even more market potential.

Arctic Cat Launches Wildcat Trail UTV

Posted on December 5, 2013 by Marc Cesare

The new 50-inch wide Wildcat Trail XT from Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat introduced their new 50-inch wide Wildcat Trail and Trail XT UTVs. The models are designed for narrower trails and feature a new Arctic Cat-designed 700 inline twin with EFI, 4 valves per cylinder and liquid cooling. The 700cc 60-plus horsepower engine was designed specifically for the Wildcat Trail chassis. Other key features of the vehicle include:

10 Inches of ground clearance 10.5 Inches of rear suspension travel
The Wildcat Trail and Trail XT models get double a-arms front and rear sporting top quality FOX nitrogen charged shocks all the way around.2-Inch receiver
Digital gauge with14 indicators: clock/hour meter, fuel level, mode button, set/reset button, odometer/trip, gear position, speedometer/tachometer, needle display, differential lock, high beam, temperature and oil pressure.
Color-matched bucket seats
Tilt-steering
Passenger handholds
Selectable on-the-fly 2WD/4WD with locking front differential
TEAM® Rapid Response Clutch
12” rims with 4-ply, Carlisle Trail Pro tires, designed exclusively for the Wildcat Trail.
300 lb rear cargo box capacity

The base model has an MSRP of $10,999.

Learn more: Arcticcat.com

Comment: These vehicles will give riders access to some of the ATV trails, particularly in the East and other regions with trail networks in forests that have historically been too narrow for side-by-sides. In some areas these trails have numerous gates that make it impossible for wider side-by-sides to use the trails. In certain parts of the country this will likely further erode the ATV market which has seen consumers swap UTVs for ATVs over the last several years. Designed to compete against the Polaris RZR 800, it will be interesting to see the competition between these companies and others plays out in this segment of narrow width UTVs.

GE Capital to Provide Dealer Financing to Massimo Motor

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Marc Cesare

UTV from Massimo Motor

Massimo Motor’s dealer network will now have access to inventory financing from GE Capital’s Commercial Distribution Finance division. Massimo Motor is based in Irving, TX and was started in 2009. They produce ATVs and UTVs which primarily serve the agriculture and hunting markets but are looking to expand their appeal. The company produces 500cc and 700cc UTVs and are developing a 1000cc product for the race/high end recreational market segment. Learn more: Businesswire.com

Comment: The high-end recreational market segment has been getting more and more competitive as competitors like Polaris, Arctic Cat and Can Am continue to pump out new models for the segment. The entry of Massimo Motor into the segment will only increase the competition. One challenge they will face is their relatively small dealer network in comparison to their more established rivals.

GEM Introduces New Electric UTV: GEM eM1400

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Marc Cesare

The new GEM eM1400 marks a departure from the traditional GEM models.

GEM has added a totally new member to their product lineup, the GEM eM1400. The all electric utility vehicle is a more heavy duty utility vehicle than the rest of the product line and, significantly, is not an LSV. It has an MSRP of $9,999. I spoke with GEM as well as GEM dealer about the vehicle to get some more information.

In part, the vehicle is a response to demand for an electric utility vehicle that does not have to be used on public roads and therefore does not need to be LSV compliant. This may be up to half of the GEMs sold today. The main differentiating features of the eM1400 are the 1,400 lb payload, 1,250 lb towing capacity, 8.5 inch ground clearance and the fully independent suspension. GEM claims the ride will be significantly better than other UTVs in its class. While not using the same parts as suspensions from the Polaris Ranger line of UTVs it does borrow the “same architecture and design philosophy”.

The main competitors for this vehicle currently in the market are the e-Gator and the electric Toro Workman UTV, the Carryall models from Club Car, electric UTVs from E-Z-GO and Cushman as well as gas powered alternatives. This entry into the market is definitely pushing GEM into more direct competition with these other brands.

While GEM has a strong presence on college campuses for transport and general maintenance, according to the dealer I spoke with, the demand for such a heavy payload in this market segment is limited. Combined with it not being LSV compliant, sales to this segment will probably be lower than other GEM models. On the other hand, I believe it might have more appeal to grounds crews on college campuses where a more rugged and heavy duty UTV is needed. GEM management sees the vehicle as having a much wider appeal than just the university market, basically anywhere a rugged, electric UTV is needed from landscaping to plants to golf courses. The dealer noted that use in industrial settings is most likely where the demand for the payload capacity will be. Users who mount special equipment like compressors or welders will be prospects.

Polaris will start building the GEM eM1400 in early November and they should be in the market by the end of November. The company is already taking orders from dealers. According to management, there may be some GEM dealers, like the legacy Chrysler dealers and those focused on the LSV market that may choose not to carry the new model. At the same time there is also the possibility that some Polaris dealers may have interest in carrying this GEM model. How that is handled by the company will depend on dealer interest.

The dealer I spoke with also remarked that if you add accessories including a cab, which is needed in some areas, the price could easily reach $13,000 which is pretty pricey. He also noted that GEM is known for their LSV compliance, 72 volt system, maintenance-free batteries, aluminum frame and unique styling and the eM1400 has none of those features. It might thus detract from the GEM image or falsely attract prospects who assume it has the normal GEM features. I would say he has point here, the eM1400 is clearly a departure from the traditional GEM product line. On the other hand, this vehicle could move the GEM brand more strongly into additional market segments. If done well the new vehicle could help reposition the brand more broadly as an electric small, task-oriented vehicle brand as opposed to the more limited positioning as an electric LSV brand. This would be relevant for markets outside the US as well.

Lastly, the dealer noted that some of the new GEM dealers come from a powersports background and are not as experienced in selling to commercial or institutional purchasers which usually require more direct outreach from the dealer as opposed to waiting for customers to walk through the door. I think this point is valid and it remains to be seen if newer GEM dealers can adapt their sales approach. The more successful dealers I know in this market are the ones that actively go out and demo vehicles for potential customers. This means having the time, people and equipment to make appointments, haul vehicles around the sales territory and demo the vehicles on site for potential customers.

The press release from GEM follows:

The long-awaited GEM® innovation is finally here! All electric-powered and purpose-built to last, the GEM eM1400 is the ultimate work vehicle. It delivers more power, more payload, and an exceptional ride backed by Polaris’ 60 years of performance and innovation.

Perfect for applications in industrial, commercial, government and education markets, the GEM eM1400 balances performance and versatility to tackle the work your customers need. Classified as a LEV (Low Emission Vehicle), this is the perfect vehicle for hauling cargo across your property or jobsite.

Key features of the GEM eM1400 include:

1400 lb payload
7 HP AC motor
1,250 lb towing capacity
Range of up to 45 miles, top speed of 19 mph
Rugged, ergonomic design
Independent front and rear suspension
Lock & Ride®, Lock & Work™ configurability options