Polaris Unveils New RZR XP Turbo Models

The 2017 RZR XP Turbo EPS raises the bar with 168 hp.

The 2017 RZR XP Turbo EPS raises the bar with 168 hp.

RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS

The four passenger RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS.

Polaris announced their new model year 2017 RZR XP Turbo EPS and RZR XP Turbo 4 EPS. Both models feature the new ProStar Turbo H.O. engine with 168 hp, which is 15% more than last year’s models and the most of any model on the market. In conjunction with the increased horsepower, Polaris improved engine cooling with a more powerful fan, larger front grill and larger radiator, and strengthened the driveline. Other key features include:

  • FOX Podium Internal Bypass Shocks (3″ in front, 2.5″ in rear) with five compression zones and three rebound zones
  • Front and rear stabilizer bars
  • Electronic power steering with a new 1.5-turn steering rack
  • 248-mm Hydraulic disc brakes with triple piston front calipers and double piston rear calipers
  • 29″ Maxxis Bighorn wheels
  • 14″ cast aluminum wheels
  • Both models will be available in late 2016 in Titanium Matte Metallic and Cruiser Black
  • MSRPs:  Two-seater – $24,999; Four-seater – $27,499

Polaris also lowered the prices for the model year 2016 RZR XP Turbo and RZR XP 4 Turbo.  Learn more:  Polaris.com

Comment:  The horsepower battles continue as Can-Am recently released their Maverick X3 with a 154 hp turbocharged engine. While the battle is most prevalent in the sport/high performance segment, it is prominent in other segments as well. One question is if there is a limit to how much horsepower can be put into these vehicles given the terrain and type of riding for which they are used.

CFMoto Reveals 2017 UTVs

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

UTV Maker Intimidator Plans $12M Expansion

Intimidator Classic UTV

The Intimidator brand of UTVs includes the Classic series shown here, a Crew series and a Truck series. Each series comes with several powertrain options including diesel, gas and electric depending on the series.

Utility vehicle and lawnmower manufacturer Intimidator, Inc. of Batesville, AK announced plans for a $12 million expansion to address growth in both product markets. The expansion will include a second manufacturing plant and the addition of 400 jobs over the next four years. The company makes Intimidator UTVs, Bad Dawg UTV accessories, Ground HogMax disc plow for ATVs/UTVs, Spartan zero-turn mowers and the Gourmet Guru Grill. The company is owned by Robert and Becky Foster.

As part of the expansion, the company will receive support from the state in the form a $1.5 million community development block grant, a cash rebate equal to 4.25 percent of annual payroll for the new jobs for five years, and sales tax refunds on building materials, machinery and equipment associated with the expansion.

Intimidator has partnered with Mahindra to develop Mahindra’s line of mPACT XTV utility vehicles. The expansion is tied in part to this partnership. The Intimidator line of UTVs was originally launched in 2013. The product line includes the Classic, Crew and Truck versions. There are several powertrains available depending on the version including a Kohler 1000cc diesel engine, a Kohler 750cc gas engine,  Intimidator’s own 800cc gas engine and a 48 volt AC electric motor. Learn more:  NWAonline.com

Nikola Motor Reveals Electric UTV Prototype

Nikola Zero

A prototype of the Nikola Zero all electric UTV from Nikola Motor.

Nikola Zero cockpit

A view of the Nikola Zero cockpit.

In May, Nikola Motor, known more for developing an electric powered long-haul truck, also announced that it was developing an impressive electric powered UTV, the Nikola Zero. Now, in September the company has unveiled a prototype vehicle. According to the company, here are some of the key specifications for the vehicle:

  • 100% electric powered vehicle
  • Range up to 200 miles
  • 400 volts
  • Up to 520 hp
  • Up to 467 ft-lbs of torque
  • 72kWh Battery
  • All-wheel Drive
  • Instant torque in < 1 sec
  • 0-60 mph in 3 seconds
  • 20″ suspension
  • 32″ tires
  • 14.5″ of ground clearance
  • Optional 10 degree rear steering box
  • Waterproof motor and gearbox
  • Two 7″ displays or one optional 15″ display
  • Seats 4

A 2-seat version will also be offered according to management. The vehicle will be priced at $37,000 and the target date for deliveries is Q3 2017. A model can be reserved with a $750 deposit. Learn more:  Electrek.co

Comment:  From the pictures, the Nikola Zero appears to also have solar panels on the roof. At 72kWh the battery pack for the Nikola Zero is very large. By comparison the Ranger EV Li-Ion battery pack features a 30v 8.3 kWh battery and a 15v 4.1 kWh battery. The price point also seems to be on the low side given the size of the battery pack. The Ranger EV Li-Ion with a much smaller battery pack sell for a $11,700 premium over their standard  Ranger EV. Given that high performance UTVs sell for $25,000  or more, the price premium of a similar vehicle with a large lithium ion battery pack should place the Nikola Zero at a price point well above $37,000. It will be interesting to see if the vehicle can make it to market. In any case, the vehicle is another indication of a continuing trend of electric UTVs being purposefully built for more demanding applications and uses other than hunting.

BRP Quarterly Results for Q2 FY2017

Can-Am continues to build out their Defender lineup with the hunter oriented Defender Mossy Oak Hunting Edition.

Models from BRP’s Can-Am Defender product line, like the Mossy Oak Hunting Edition shown here, helped increase their market share in the utility UTV segment and drive revenue in BRP’s Year-Round products unit.

BRP, maker of Can-Am side-by-sides, recently announced their second quarter financial results for fiscal year 2017. The quarter ended July 31, 2016 and the year ends January 31, 2017.  Management reported revenues for the quarter to $856.1 million, an increase of 5.4% year over year. The increase was driven by higher wholesale in Year-Round Products, which includes ATVs, UTVs and the Spyder, and favorable exchange rates. Revenue from Year-Round products jumped 9% form $298.4 million to $326.3 million for the quarter. Gross profit increased 1.5% from $169.4 million to $172.0 million. For the first six months of the fiscal year revenue for Year-Round products increased from $696.5 million to $726.5 million. The following are some highlights from the earnings call related to the UTV market.

  • North American UTV market ended the season up mid-single digits %
  • The sport segment is down low teens % related to Polaris RZR issues, the crossover segment up mid-teens % and the utility/work segment up low teens %
  • Can-Am retail was up mid-single digits %
  • Can-Am Defender now the highest selling model in the Can-Am UTV line-up
  • Defender is performing well in New Zealand, Australia and Western Europe as well
  • Management is targeting on becoming the number 2 brand in the utility segment in two to three years
  • New Defender models will look to address other subsegments of the utility segment
  • Introduction of the Can-Am Defender and addition of new dealers increased dealer inventory but was offset by decreases in Commander and Maverick UTV inventory
  • Can-Am renewed their sponsorship agreement with NASCAR for another two years
  • The company introduced the new Maverick X3 side-by-side during the quarter
  • Management increased their full year guidance for Year-Round products from 6% to 10% revenue growth to 8% to 12%

Learn more:  BRP.com

New Models Reveal Market Trends

While the growth of the small, task-oriented vehicle market (STOV) may not be as strong as a few years ago, the proliferation of new models since the beginning of the year indicate a competitive and still growing market. The STOV market includes utility vehicles(UTVs)/side-by-sides, golf cars and LSVs. UTVs make up the largest share of the STOV market and not surprisingly that is where much of the action is. The UTV segment is also where much of the growth opportunity is as well.

A review of over 25 brands and product lines including all of the major players in the UTV market, as well as smaller ones, shows that approximately 80 new models were launched since the end of 2015. These have included completely new entrants, product line extensions, special edition models customized for specific applications and product line upgrades.

2017 Wolverine EPS

Yamaha continues to build out their UTV line with models like the 2017 Wolverine EPS.

A major factor in this large number of new models has been the re-entry of established powersports brands into the market over the last several years. For example, Honda after being somewhat dormant after their Big Red UTVs pursued the market with their Pioneer line. Meanwhile Yamaha had built out the work oriented Viking line, the Wolverine crossover line and more recently attacked the pure recreational/sport segment with their YXZ line.

The Ranger XP 1000 EPS in Nara Bronze.

The Ranger XP 1000 EPS in Nara Bronze features more horsepower than the XP 900.

An analysis of recent model introductions illuminates important trends in the market including the continued push for higher horsepower vehicles, targeting ‘value’ buyers with lower price point models, developing models with accessory packages for specialized applications, and shifts in the electric UTV segment. These trends and others are discussed in an article a I recently posted in our buying guide section.

 

 

 

 

Road Use Regulation Roundup: August 2016

The following is a summary of some of the road use regulations for golf cars, LSVs, ATVs and UTVs that have been passed or are being considered at the state, county and city levels since May 2016.

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • The ordinances were roughly split half and half between those dealing with golf cars and LSVs and those related to ATVs and UTVs.
  • ATV/UTV ordinances allow for higher vehicle speeds compared to golf car and LSV ordinances.
  • Regulatory activity is happening primarily at the town or city level, but there is some action at the county level as well.
  • Most of the regulations are in favor of allowing golf car, LSV, UTV or ATV access. Those towns restricting or prohibiting use tend to be concerned about vehicle congestion on particularly high use roads.

Georgia Tech University, Atlanta, GA – A new low speed vehicle and golf car policy was passed requiring that any Georgia Tech unit owning or purchasing LSVs or golf carts must ensure these vehicles are street legal and register each of them with Georgia Tech Fleet Services. LSVs must not be driven on high-speed streets (above 35 mph), and golf carts must not be driven on streets with speed limits above 25 mph.

Grayson County, TX – Grayson County Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday to allow golf carts or similar utility vehicles to operate on some roadways in unincorporated areas of the county. Licensed drivers will be allowed to operate the carts on public roadways with speed limits of 35 mph or less. The resolution is only for unincorporated areas of the county, not inside city limits. Utility vehicles are defined as being designed for off-highway utility work, not for recreation.

Poth, TX – The City Council is considering adopting an ordinance currently being used in Rockport, which requires annual inspections of neighborhood electric vehicles at a cost of $10, and insurance coverage. Each vehicle must have headlamps, tail lamps, reflectors, parking brakes, rear view mirrors, turn signals, seat belts, and a flag, mounted on a 6-foot pole, attached to the rear.

Panama City Beach, FL – A regulation was passed in May preventing the registration of LSVs unless they can prove they had ordered them before May 12. The city is concerned that the increasing number of LSVs, which grew from 93 to 194 in the past year, will become a road hazard on Front Beach Road. Many of the LSVs are from LSV rental businesses.

Canton, IL – A new ordinance allowing golf cars and UTVs generated more interest than expected as the city quickly went through the original 20 permit stickers they purchased in the first month. Utility vehicles must be issued a $50 annual permit by the city, renewable mid-year, and provide proof of liability insurance that has at least the same limits of coverage required by law for regular cars. Operators must also be at least 16 years old and licensed drivers.

Landis, NC – The town board passed ordinances that would allow low-speed vehicles on public roadways. Lowering the speed limit on a key roads for LSV travel was required. The Police Chief supported the ordinance.

China Grove, NC – The town passed an ordinance that would allow golf cars and low speed vehicles to travel between China Grove and nearby Landis. Insurance, drivers license and permit are required to the drive the vehicles on local streets but an operator would not need a permit from both towns. Lights are needed to drive the vehicles at night.

Wake Forest, NC – Town leaders are considering allowing golf cars on some city streets at the urging of local residents. The local police department is against the ordinance for safety reasons.

Red River, NM – The town repealed an ordinance allowing ATVs and UTVs to access certain roads because of concerns over safely operating ATVs at high speeds on road rather than off-road. Manufacturers state that ATVs shouldn’t be operated on paved roads. The town expects to pass a new ordinance that will prohibit ATVs but allow UTVs on certain roads and at speeds up to 45 mph.

Ames, IA – The town started issuing ATV and UTV licenses in August. ATVs/UTVs are able to travel on gravel roads during daylight hours but cannot exceed 45 mph. The vehicles must have front and rear lights and the owner/operators must be insured, over 16 and have a valid driver’s license.

Peosta, IA – The City Council shelved an ordinance regarding the use of golf cars, ATVs and UTVs on city streets . There is concern over vehicle congestion on the already highly trafficked streets that the vehicles would most likely use.

Girard City, KS – The City Council voted down a ordinance that would have allowed the use of golf cars, ATVs and UTVs on city streets.

Squamish, British Columbia, CA – District of Squamish staff is drafting a bylaw, which, if passed by council, would see low-speed, zero-emissions vehicles allowed on Squamish neighborhood streets. Staff is also investigating the possibility of a future bylaw to allow medium-speed vehicles. A low-speed bylaw would allow the vehicles to travel as slow as 40 kilometers per hour, while a medium-speed bylaw would cover vehicles that travel 60 kilometers per hour.

Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, CA – Premier Christy Clark has announced a pilot project that will allow golf carts on local roads (but not major highways) in the Township of Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island and the Village of Chase in the southern Interior. The move, which starts in September, is intended to give senior citizens another method of transportation around town to run errands.

Martex Global Launches War Horse Line of Electric UTVs

War Horse 4x4 All Electric.

The new War Horse 4×4 All Electric is part of a new electric product line from Martex Global Enterprises.

War Horse 4x4 Crew All Electric

There is also a crew version of the 4×4 All Electric.

Martex Global Enterprise, LLC of Fort Worth, TX, is introducing an all-electric and hybrid line under the War Horse™ brand. The company, under the direction of Ben King, President and CEO,has for many years manufactured and sold the HuntVe™ line of all-electric 4 X 4 hunting vehicles.  The War Horse is similar to the HuntVe, as a four-wheel drive vehicle, but as King explains, “Unlike the HuntVe 4×4 line which is marketed to, and targets only, the hunting industry, the War Horse 4×4 has a broader appeal and speaks to commercial/ industrial/ government applications as well as the general trail riding and outdoor loving consumer.” There are four models in the line, two all-electric, one of which is a crew-type vehicle, seating four, and two are hybrid vehicles, a two-seater and a four-seater crew model.

 

War Horse 4x4 Hybrid Maxx

The War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx features a 64 volt electric power train and 460cc gas engine for range extension.

War Horse 4x4 Hybrid Crew Maxx

There is a hybrid crew version as well with theWar Horse 4×4 Hybrid Crew Maxx.

The hybrid models, as well as the all-electrics, feature dual, 38 hp, direct drive motors. As King explains, “We considered moving to a single motor with drive shaft like most of the electric 4×4 competitors, but despite the cost savings, found that a single motor electric 4×4 will not perform to our expectations, and it makes so much more noise.” The expected range extension comes from a 480 cc gas generator, which can extend the range by approximately 30 miles. The War Horse specs call for a 20 mile off-road range in electric mode which looks very conservative for the vehicle when not in an off-road environment. Via the convenient on-board charger, the generator will keep the batteries charged for the extra mileage and can be used to recharge the batteries when not driving. In fact, the recharge time from a flat state of charge is only two hours, according to King.

The all electric models feature:

  • 72-volt high performance electric system
  • 38 hp dual direct drive motors
  • On-board charger
  • 4-wheel independent suspension
  • Switch on the fly 2WD/4WD
  • 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
  • Protective side doors
  • Head, tail and brake lights
  • 11″ of ground clearance

The hybrid models feature:

  • 64-volt high performance electric system
  • 38 hp dual direct drive motors
  • 460cc gas engine
  • 4-wheel independent suspension
  • Switch on the fly 2WD/4WD
  • 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
  • Protective side doors
  • Head, tail and brake lights
  • 11″ of ground clearance

The MSRPs for the models are as follows:

  • War Horse 4×4 All Electric $14,799
    War Horse 4×4 Crew All Electric $15,799
    War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx $16,499
    War Horse 4×4 Hybrid Maxx Crew $17,299

To learn more about the vehicle’s development see our article in our Buying Guide section.

Hisun Motors Introduces Electric UTV With 45 Mile Range

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.

Arctic Cat Reports Q1 2017 Results

The new Arctic Cat HDX 700 Crew XT for model year 2017.

The new Arctic Cat HDX 700 Crew XT for model year 2017 helped drive sales for the quarter.

Arctic Cat recently reported financial results for fiscal year 2017 first quarter which ended June 30, 2016. Management reported sales of $104.9 million and a loss of $0.81 million for the quarter compared to $134.4 million and $1.1 million for the prior year quarter.

The following are highlights from the earnings call related to the utility vehicle market.

  • Management reported progress on expanding their dealer network, adding 17 top tier dealers in underrepresented territories during the quarter. The goal is to add 75 top-tier dealers for the FY.
  • Dealer inventory was reduced during the quarter
  • A new state-of-the-art R&D facility expansion in St. Cloud, Minnesota, which will become home for all new wheeled product development, was finished
  • Sales of ATVs and ROVs (side-by-sides) in the 2017 first quarter totaled $43.7 million, down 17.3% compared to prior-year sales of $52.9 million.
  • Sales of ROVs including Wildcat were strong while core ATV sales decreased
  • Arctic Cat ROV retail sales declined high single digits versus a ROV market up low single digits compared to prior year quarter that had tough comparables. ROV retail picked up towards the end of the quarter driven by new products.
  • New models were introduced including the 6-passenger HDX Crew UTV and the entry priced Prowler 500
  • Key marketing initiatives include Arctic Cat 360 where virtual reality headsets allow consumers visiting Arctic Cat event displays and dealerships to feel the thrill of riding an Arctic Cat Wildcat side-by-side in a realistic 360-degree world, and Wildcat stadium side-by-side races.
  • Management reports a strong rebate and incentive environment. Pricing is competitive unless you have a “hero” product that can sustain a premium price.
  • Product mix indicates some shifting to lower priced vehicles
  • Guidance for the full fiscal year includes sales of $635 million to $655 million with second half sales driven by new product launches.  ATV/ROV sales should be flat to up low single digits.

Learn more:  Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)