Arctic Cat Introduces the 2017 Prowler 500 Side-by-Side

The new 2017 Prowler 500 from Arctic Cat

The new 2017 Prowler 500 from Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat recently introduced the new 2017 Prowler 500. With an MSRP of $9,499, the Prowler 500 is priced considerably less than the 2016 1000 XT ($15,299) and the 700 XT ($13,999). Compared to the 700 XT the 500 has a smaller engine, no electronic power steering, less suspension travel, 25″ tires, no LED accent lights, less underhood storage, bench rather than bucket seats and slightly less cargo bed capacity. Key features of the Prowler 500 include:

  • 443cc, SOH, 4-stroke, 4-valve EFI engine
  • 2-passenger bench seating
  • 2/4 WD with electronic front differential lock
  • Automatic CVT with engine braking system
  • Hydraulic disc brakes
  • 7.5″ of front and rear suspension travel
  • 10″ of ground clearance
  • 25″ tires
  • 1,500 lb. towing capacity
  • 500 lb. cargo box capacity
  • Halogen headlights
  • Side restraint nets
  • Tilt steering
  • Digital sport gauge
  • 3.5 gallon underhood storage

Learn more:  Arcticcat.com

Comment:  With their lowest priced Prowler at $14,000, Arctic Cat did not have a Prowler for the lower priced segment. While this price point is crowded with competitive offerings from imports to brands like Cub Cadet as well as the larger players, Arctic Cat needs to have some presence in this part of the market. Not everyone that wants a utility vehicle can afford to spend $14,000 or more on a vehicle, but models under $10,000 are much more affordable and can offer a good value depending on the feature set.

Arctic Cat Introduces HDX Crew Utility Vehicle

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

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

Arctic Cat has announced the new HDX 700 Crew XT for model year 2017. Key features of the HDX 700 Crew XT include:

  • 695cc, SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve engine with electronic fuel injection
  • Bench seating for 6
  • 2/4 WD and electronic front differential lock
  • Automatic CVT with engine braking system
  • Hydraulic disc brakes
  • Electronic power steering
  • 1,500 lb. towing capacity and rear 2″ receiver
  • 1,000 lb. cargo box capacity convertible to flatbed
  • 22.4 gallon underhood storage
  • 10″ of front and rear suspension travel
  • Fox Float rear shocks
  • 10″ of ground clearance
  • 26″ Duro Kaden tires with aluminum wheels
  • Halogen headlights with LED light bar
  • Side restraint nets
  • Tilt steeing

The HDX 700 Crew XT is available in Team Arctic Green, Fire Red (MSRP $15,499) or True Timber Camo ($15,999).

Learn more:  Arctic Cat

Comment:  With most of their competitors offering a crew size utility vehicle in the work segment, Arctic Cat really needed to add a crew version of the HDX to fill out their product line. It’s interesting that they are introducing the model as part of the 2017 model year. Typically, vehicles for the next model year don’t start appearing until May or June.

Google Releases Report On Self-Driving Car Fleet

The data indicates a decreasing incidence of disengagements over the time period covered by the report, Sept. 2014 to Nov. 2015.

According to the report the DMV defines disengagements as deactivations of the autonomous mode in two situations: (1) “when a failure of the autonomous technology is detected,” or (2) “when the safe operation of the vehicle requires that the autonomous vehicle test driver disengage the autonomous mode and take immediate manual control of the vehicle.” Google states that they take a conservative approach to recognizing disengagements as they are trying to gather “…as much data as possible to enable us to improve our self-driving system.”

 

Google Prototype self-driving low-speed vehicle.

Google Prototype self-driving low-speed vehicle.

Examples of the failure of autonomous technology include broken wires that lead to failure between primary and back-up self-driving systems, sensor reading anomalies related to accelerometers or GPS or anomalies in the monitoring of key functions like steering and braking. For safe operation of the vehicle drivers “…are directed to take control of the vehicle as often as they feel is necessary and for a variety of reasons relating to the comfort of the ride, the safety of the vehicle, or the erratic or unpredictable behavior of other road users.” Afterwards, the safe operation disengagements are replicated in thousands of variations in a simulator to fine tune or fix problems in the self-driving system.

In total the self-driving fleet drove over 424,000 miles on California public roads. The majority of the miles were logged on streets rather than highways because these are typically the most complex driving environments and present the biggest challenge for self-driving cars. A total of 341 disengagements were reported during the period covered by the report with 272 related to failure of the technology and 69 to safe operation of the vehicle. The following chart shows that miles driven per disengagement as it relates to autonomous technology failure has increased during the test period.

Autonomous miles driven per disengagement related to detection of a failure of the autonomous technology

Autonomous miles driven per disengagement related to detection of a failure of the
autonomous technology

The following chart shows the trend of miles driven per disengagement related to to safe operation of the vehicle. Google attributes the lack of a clear trend in the data to the low absolute number of disengagements which can lead to one month skewing the data.

Autonomous miles driven per driver-initiated disengagement related to safe operation of the vehicle

Autonomous miles driven per driver-initiated disengagement related to safe operation
of the vehicle

The report provides more detail on the different classifications of disengagement and performance of specific vehicle in the fleet. Learn more:  Self-Driving Car Report

Comment:  It appears that it is a case of when and not if self-driving cars will become widely available. While LSVs may appear at first to be a safer first step for implementing the technology by virtue of their low speed, the complex environments in which they operate may make them the most challenging. There is also the not so small issue of the cost of self-driving technology in relation to the total cost of the vehicle. As demonstrated by what is occurring in the highway capable automobile market, the most expensive vehicles tend to be the first to include aspects of self-driving technology such as lane detection and auto-braking. It may be the case that LSVs will provide an excellent test bed for the technology but will be the last in line to incorporate the technology once it becomes mainstream.

BRP Reports Fiscal Year 2016 Third-Quarter Results

The new Can-Am Defender utility side-by-side.

Introduction of the new Can-Am Defender utility side-by-side line was a third quarter highlight.

BRP, manufacturer of Can-Am side-by-sides, recently announced their fiscal year 2016 third-quarter (ending Oct. 31, 2015) results. Financial highlights in Canadian dollars include:

  • Revenues of $1,010.2 million, a 10.0% increase compared to the third quarter of FY2015;
  • Normalized EBITDA of $141.5, a 5.5% increase compared to the same period last year;
  • Net income of $65.5 million, an increase of $28.3 million compared to the same period last year;
  • Normalized net income of $72.8 million resulting in a normalized diluted earnings per share of $0.62;
  • Guidance remains unchanged for the full fiscal year

A summary of highlights from the earnings call that relate to the side-by-side market include:

  • BRP is tracking to reach the objective of signing 75 to 85 new dealers for the year
  • Launched the Can-Am Defender side-by-side vehicle in the largest segment of the off-road vehicle market
  • Defender has been well received by side-by-side, farm and hunting media
  • First Defender units shipped in November and full production should be reached by end of February
  • Season to date side-by-side market is up mid-single digits while Can-Am is down mid-single digit driven by soft start to season, but US retail was up mid-single digits in September and October
  • Western Canada market is weak from the impact of low oil prices
  • Competition in the side-by-side market is higher driven by numerous new model introductions
  • Management expects industry growth in the utility segment for side-by-sides to be mid-single digits in the near future.

Learn more:  phx-corporate-ir.net (PDF – Earnings Call Transcript)

CFMoto Introduces New Engine & 50″ Trail Side-by-Sides

The new 500HO high output engine from CFMoto.

The new 500HO high output engine from CFMoto.

The new 2016 CFMoto ZForce 500 which uses the new high output engine.

The new 2016 CFMoto ZForce 500 which uses the new high output engine.

CFMoto recently announced two new trail side-by-sides for 2016, the ZForce 500HO Trail and the ZForce 800 Trail. The ZForce 500HO Trail is powered by their new 500HO high output engine. The single-cylinder, four-valve overhead cam, liquid-cooled engine features BOSCH electronic fuel injection for instant starts, crisp throttle response and improved fuel economy. The new engine delivers 15 percent more power and 10 percent more torque than the 600 engine it replaces. The two new trail friendly models will be available at dealers in mid-January. The 2016 lineup will also feature new Sumitomo electrical connectors to improve performance in wet conditions and more durable front differentials as part of an effort to improve the overall durability of CFMoto’s side-by-sides. The MSRP for the ZForce 500HO Trail is $8,799 and for the ZForce 800 Trail it’s $9,999. Learn more:  Powersportsbusiness.com

Comment:  While the press release notes the vehicles being 50″ wide, on a couple of dealer websites I checked have the vehicles are listed as being 52″ wide. Nevertheless, this introduction is an indication that no segment in the side-by-side market is escaping increased competition. While the 50″ trail riding segment has largely been the battleground of major brands such as Polaris and Arctic Cat, the entrance of a value brand such as CFMoto indicates both the sales potential of the segment and the determination of companies to grab a piece of the pie.

Club Car Launches UTV Support Program for Equipment Rental Market

Club Car is targeting the commercial market with the Carryall 700 and other vehicles.

Club Car is targeting the commercial market with the Carryall 700 and other vehicles as well as customer oriented service programs.

Club Car has formed a UTV Technical Support Team program that is dedicated exclusively to rental customers. The team provides a number of services including:

  • Serving as a liaison between customers and engineering, product development, aftermarket and other divisions of the company.
  • Providing regional and on-site classroom and hands-on training for mechanics, who work with actual Club Car vehicles on their sites.
  • Troubleshooting issues for customers remotely and on site.
  • Speeding parts delivery.
  • Serving as a single point of contact for Club Car.

In addition, Club Car is positioning dedicated technicians to serve rental customers in specific markets. Learn more:  Pressreleaserocket.com

Comment:  Club Car is continuing their concerted effort to target commercial vehicle markets for sales growth. They have rolled out new vehicles as well as new services such as this support program to improve their market share. Earlier this year they launched a fleet management program.

LEO Motors Introduces Electric Vehicles with “Swappable” Batteries

Newly launched electric vehicle from Leo Motors.

Newly launched electric vehicle from LEO Motors. 

Leo Motors  of South Korea, launched a line of electric vehicles with “swappable” batteries. The vehicles include an electric cargo one-seater car, a delivery truck and a garbage truck. The company also introduced two electric fishing boats.

A key differentiator for the vehicles is that customers rent charged batteries from the company’s Battery Swap Centers, thereby reducing their costs. The vehicle lineup includes:

  • E-Dot, a 100% electric cargo one-seater with a cargo space of 7 cubic feet. Its maximum weight capacity is 220 pounds and the cargo space can be replaced with a second passenger seat.
  • LC-1 –  a light delivery truck with low decks and wide ramps for easy loading, and a maximum carrying capacity of 1,100 pounds.
  • LC-2 – Similar to an LC-1 but with an 1,100 pound capacity garbage collection container.

Batteries at Leo’s battery swap stations are owned by the station operators and rented to the electric vehicle owners. This not only significantly reduces the price of the vehicle but also eliminates concerns about battery life span. Leo’s battery swapping machines are carts which replace battery cartridges eliminating the need for expensive large robot arms to handle massive battery packs. Using this shopping cart sized device, a typical 20 cartridge replacement takes 5 minutes. Learn more:  Baystreet.ca

Comment:  It will be interesting to see if the rental battery concept will work. Advanced batteries, such as lithium ion, can be very expensive, especially for LSVs and lower priced utility vehicles where the cost of the lithium batteries compared to the overall cost of the vehicle is very high. A battery rental approach could lower the up front costs of the battery pack.

 

NHTSA Delays Rules for Electric Vehicle Audio Alerts

The all new 2016 GEM e2.

LSVs like the 2016 GEM e2 may need audio alerts in the future to improve pedestrian safety, but the rules have yet to be finalized by NHTSA.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is delaying rules that would require hybrid and electric vehicles to emit sounds during low speed operation to alert blind, visually-impaired and other pedestrians of their “presence, direction, location and operation”. The rules would apply low speed vehicles (LSVs), as well as highway-capable vehicles. Originally, the rules were supposed to be finalized by January 2014 with compliance by manufacturers by September 2018, but the finalization date was pushed back to November, 2015, and now to March, 2016. The chances of hybrid vehicles being involved in pedestrian accidents are 19 percent higher than traditional gas-powered cars, according to the NHTSA. NHTSA expects that the rules, if implemented, would prevent 2,800 fewer pedestrian and bicyclist injuries annually.

Learn more:  Marketbusinessnews.com

Comment:  Market forces could drive adoption of this safety feature by LSV manufacturers faster than regulators. Commercial sales continue to be a growth market for LSVs, and one reason is their safety features. LSVs are a popular vehicle choice in pedestrian heavy environments such as college and corporate campuses, where such a safety feature could be of benefit. Another interesting question is how these regulations will influence vehicles in places like gated communities where many consumers opt for golf cars, which have fewer safety features than LSVs. These communities, which typically have an older population, could potentially benefit from this safety feature as well.

Polaris General: A New UTV Product Line is Launched

 

The base model General 1000 EPS is Indy Red with an MSRP of $15,999.

The base model General 1000 EPS in Indy Red with an MSRP of $15,999.

The premium model General 1000 EPS Velocity Blue with an MSRP of $17,499.

The premium model General 1000 EPS Velocity Blue with an MSRP of $17,499.

The Polaris General 1000 EPS Deluxe Orange Burst with an MSRP of $19,999.

The Polaris General 1000 EPS Deluxe Orange Burst with an MSRP of $19,999.

Polaris Industries is launching the Polaris General, a new product line positioned between the Ranger and RZR product lines, that is designed for work and recreational use. “Today is a great day at Polaris! Once again, we are launching a game-changing new product,” said Tim Blinkhorn, GM, RANGER & Polaris GENERAL. “This vehicle is the most versatile sideby-side ever built, made for those who want to battle it all. Whether it’s dominating any trail, or conquering any job, The Polaris GENERAL delivers.”

The General product line initially features three models, a base model in Indy Red with an MSRP of $15,999, a model in Velocity Blue at $17,499 and a Deluxe model in Orange Burst priced at $19,999. The price points and features such as one of the more powerful Polaris ProStar engines indicate a higher-end crossover UTV. Some of the key figures across all models include:

  • 100 hp ProStar 1000 engine
  • Electronic Power Steering
  • High Performance Close Ratio On-Demand AWD/2WD
  • Engine Braking System
  • 12.25″ of front suspension travel and 13.2″ in the rear
  • Front and rear sway bars
  • 12″ of ground clearance unloaded and 7.4″ when cargo box is loaded
  • 600 lb. cargo box capacity
  • 1,500 lb. towing capacity
  • Full-body skid plate
  • Factory installed doors with armrests
  • Dual bolstered bucket seats with adjustable driver seat
  • Space-optimized foot rests
  • All-new customizable digital/analog instrumentation cluster that tilts with the steering wheel
  • 23 liters of integrated storage
  • 27″ tires
  • 30 brand new Polaris Engineered Accessories™ and 90-plus common fit items

The Velocity Blue model features:

  • Automotive-style paint
  • Sport low profile front bumper
  • Polaris HD 4,500 lb. winch
  • 14″ Matte Black cast aluminum wheels
  • Eiight-ply, 27″ GBC Dirt Commander Tires

The DeluxeOrange Burst Model has all the features of the Velocity Blue model plus:

  • Adjustable Fox Podium X 2.0 QS3 shocks
  • Pro-Fit Lock & Ride Sport Roof
  • Rear-view mirror
  • MTX Premium Soundbar with eight speakers and blue-tooth connectivity

The Velocity Blue and Deluxe Orange Burst models will be available at Polaris dealerships starting in December. The Indy Red will be available in March 2016. Learn more:  Polaris.com

Comment:  While Polaris Ranger and RZRs are certainly used as crossover UTVs, the product lines are delineated with the Ranger for work applications and the RZRs for recreation. The General provides Polaris with a more targeted line of crossover UTVs. The launch is another indicator of the continued high level of competition in the UTV market. The General provides Polaris with more models to directly compete with John Deere’s XUV line, the Honda Pioneer line, the Yamaha Viking line and Can Am’s Commander line. The Polaris General, given the model price points and features, appears to be targeting a higher priced end of the crossover market. As these product launches continue in the market, most of the major brands are building out specific product lines for work, recreation and crossover applications.

GEM Director John Stockman Talks About the New Model Year

The new GEMs for model year 2016.

The new GEMs for model year 2016.

I recently interviewed GEM Director John Stockman about the changes to the GEM lineup for model year 2016, the vision for the brand and how it fits within the overall small vehicle portfolio of Polaris. Here is an excerpt from the larger article posted in our Buying Guide section:

Polaris has made extensive changes to the GEM lineup for the 2016 e2, e4, e6 and eL XD models. Stylistically the iconic “bubble” design is still noticeable from a side view, but a frontal view reveals significant changes. The new design was in large part based on customer research. According to Stockman, in the neighborhood of 10 different designs were vetted by customers and consumers before a final design was chosen.

Even more important than stylistic changes, were the engineering changes made under the skin in direct response to several phases of customer research, including multiple ride clinics with dozens of customers and consumers, feature and finish related research, as well as feedback from dealers. The research focused the product development process on a number of key areas. One was the comfort of users as they ingress and egress from the vehicles all throughout their day. Towards that end, more legroom and headroom has been created. A past complaint about hot seats was also addressed as well as items as minor as having self-canceling turn signals.

A second issue highlighted by the research was vehicle safety. Stockman states that, “We are hearing more and more from corporate campuses, colleges and universities, hotel and resorts, that they are moving away from the traditional golf carts towards LSVs because of their safety features.” With that in mind the safety features the GEM is known for were kept but also improved. This included better brakes, vehicle handling in evasive situations and seatbelts. “We really focused on making sure that this was the safest LSV you could get”, remarked Stockman.

Another focus… View Full Article

I will be following up this article with some impressions from GEM dealers on the changes for the 2016 model lineup. For detailed vehicle specifications for the 2016 and past GEMs, search the SVR vehicle database.