Category Archives: market trends

114-Mile Range for Lithium Powered Golf Car

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Lithium Boost system installed in EZGO by Advantage Golf Cars

Lithium Boost system installed in EZGO by Advantage Golf Cars

Lithium Boost Technologies, working with Advantage Golf Cars of the The Villages in Florida, announced that they were able to get 114 miles from a single charge in an E-Z-GO RXV golf car using the LithiumBoost Ultra battery system.??The Lithium Boost Technologies integrated battery system includes 200ah lithium-ion cells, 20a chargers, smart BMS (Battery Management System), and all the required wiring, gauge and accessories. Management states that the core value is in the patented BMS and individual-cell chargers system that was??designed to??optimize and control charging/discharging in order to yield maximum stored energy and assure long life cycle of the lithium cells.??The full press release follows below the comment section.

Comment:?? That is an impressive range for a single charge. The issue with lithium battery systems is the cost relative to lead acid battery systems. At this point, the technology appeals mostly to the higher end of the market as a replacement or option for a standard lead acid system. The golf car market is very price sensitive so the price of a Lithium based system will need to decrease significantly for widespread use to occur. Besides the advantages of more range and less weight, there is also need for a battery pack that is less maintenance intensive then lead acid batteries. If you talk to dealers or battery companies, they frequently point to poorly maintained batteries as an issue. It can impact the sales of electric powered golf cars or LSVs because a poorly maintained battery pack can result in a premature and expensive replacement of batteries. This can reflect poorly on the vehicle manufacturer, battery manufacturer and dealer, even though the fault often resides with the owner not properly maintaining the batteries. In turn, this??can lead consumers to a switch to a gas powered vehicle.??

Advantage Golf Cars Achieved 114-Mile Range Deploying Lithium-ion Battery System from Lithium Boost Technologies??

Smart Battery Management System (BMS) and innovative chargers allow enhancing the performance of lithium-powered golf carts

San Diego, CA, and The Villages, FL, September 29, 2015 ??? Lithium Boost Technologies Inc., the leading provider of innovative Lithium-ion battery systems to power low speed electric vehicles (LSEV) today announced a record of 114 miles per charge achieved by its customer Advantage Golf Cars (The Villages, Florida).

LithiumBoost Ultra battery system with 200ah lithium cells and 20a chargers, was installed by Advantage Golf Cars in an E-Z-GO RXV golf cart, replacing existing lead-acid batteries. After performing comprehensive tests and working closely with the Lithium Boost engineering team to enhance the battery system features, Advantage Golf Cars mechanics drove 114 miles per charge at an average speed of 17 miles per hour. This record was accomplished in one day, utilizing multiple drivers taking turns in driving each one hour shift.

???At Advantage Golf Cars in Florida, we aim at best serving our customers and providing them with advanced solutions to satisfy their needs??? Said Jason Martin, General Manager North at Advantage Golf Cars. ???We searched for a lithium-ion battery solution that could relieve our customers from the lead-acid maintenance and leakage hassle while allowing them to gain longer drive range and significantly reduce their cart weight. Our goal was to achieve 100 miles per charge and we are glad that choosing Lithium Boost???s solution allowed us to exceed our expectations.???

The Lithium Boost Technologies integrated battery system includes lithium-ion cells, chargers, smart BMS (Battery Management System), and all the required wiring, gauge and accessories for powering low speed electric vehicles. Its core value is in the patented BMS and individual-cell chargers system that was??designed to??optimize and control charging/discharging in order to yield maximum stored energy and assure long life cycle of the lithium cells.

???We are delighted to have Advantage Golf Cars install our lithium battery system and run comprehensive field tests that led us to enhance our system performance and features based on their feedback and requirements, said John Wade, Chief Engineer at Lithium Boost Technologies. ???At Lithium Boost we???re confident that the time has come for lithium-ion batteries to replace the existing lead-acid technology for low speed electric vehicles. However, we???re aware that changes take time and require innovation-seeking pioneers such as the team at Advantage Golf Cars,??? added Sam Lev, Lithium Boost Technologies CEO. ???We look forward to the day when customers can purchase golf cars with ???lithium inside??? rather than have to go through the costly hassle of replacing the old lead-acid batteries in order to benefit from the advantages of the more advanced lithium-ion technology.???

About Lithium Boost Technologies

Based in San Diego, California, Lithium Boost Technologies Inc. provides innovative integrated Lithium-ion battery systems deploying high-quality LiFePO4 cells to power low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) and emerging applications.

Based on its proprietary technology, Lithium Boost has built a complete performance-optimized lithium-ion system with smart BMS (Battery Management System) and chargers that allow to best harness the power of lithium-ion technology.

Privately held, the company was founded in 2011 to lead the development of green energy system that can replace existing lead acid batteries in golf carts, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV), off-road, hunting, and similar low speed vehicles, while eliminating the maintenance hassle, and providing higher performance and longer life cycle at competitive cost. www.lithiumboost.com

About Advantage Golf Cars

Advantage Golf Cars is dedicated to serving the needs of their customers. The company has been in business since 1991 and has ten locations throughout Florida. Advantage Golf Cars offers the largest selection of New and Pre-Owned E-Z-GO, Cushman, Bad Boy, Club Car and XRT vehicles. Advantage Golf Cars has been a Factory Authorized Dealer for over 20 years, and in that time they have earned multiple Dealer of the Year awards.

Advantage Golf Cars also rents and leases golf cars. Advantage Golf Cars has contracts in place for golf car maintenance repair, lease, or rentals with special event coordinators, production companies, convention centers, clubs, marinas and professional sport entities like the Miami Heat and the Miami Marlins.

Advantage Golf Cars has fully stocked parts departments in most locations, as well as providing mobile service within a targeted two-business day turnaround, including battery and tire service if needed. Advantage Golf Cars service centers provide full repair and rebuild capabilities. www.AdvantageGolfCars.com

PR Contact:
Tsipi Landen
Lithium Boost Technologies,
San Diego CA, 92130
info@lithiumBoost.com
1-800-280-0943

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Can-Am Launches Defender Line of Utility Side-By-Sides

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

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

The Can-Am Defender with camo paint and cab options.

The Can-Am Defender with Camo paint and cab options.

Can-Am recently launched their Defender line of utility side-by-sides. The lineup includes four models: ??Defender, Defender DPS, Defender XT and Defender XT Cab. ??MSRPs range from $10,999 to $23,699. This represents Can-Ams first foray into the more pure work end of the side-by-side spectrum. Key features of the models include:

  • Two EFI engine options: ??The 72 hp 976 cc Rotax HD10 V-Twin engine with 61 lb-ft of torque for work or recreational use and the work focused 799.9 cc Rotax HD8 V-Twin with 50 hp and 50 lb-ft. of torque
  • High rigidity steel chassis
  • PRO-TORQ Transmission with Quick Response System (QRS), high airflow ventilation and Electronic Drive Belt Protection
  • 4-mode traction system -??Users, via a separate front-and-rear toggle switches, can select between a 2×4 open rear differential for tight turning and turf protection, a 2×4 lockable rear for improved 2WD traction, a 4×4 open rear for more maneuverability in rugged terrain and a 4×4 locked rear for maximum traction. This is optional on the Defender HD8
  • Electronic Hill Descent Control
  • Torsional Trailing A-arms rear suspension with 10″ of travel and dual A-arm front suspension with 10″ of travel
  • 11″ of ground clearance
  • 1,000 lb. capacity cargo box and 2,000 lb. towing capacity
  • 25″ Maxxis tires and 12″ steel wheels
  • Front steel bumper and central skid plate
  • Versa Pro 40/20/40 bench seating for three
  • Removable, water-resistant tool box
  • Adjustable tilt steering
  • Cargo box with indentations to fit five-gallon buckets and a tailgate with cup holders.

The Defender DPS ($12,799 MSRP) adds the following features:

  • Dynamic Power Steering
  • Mossy Oak Break-up Country Camo and Yellow color options
  • Cast aluminum wheels

The Defender XT ($15,599 MSRP) features:

  • 27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires on 14″ black cast aluminum wheels
  • Dynamic Power Steering
  • Mossy Oak Break-up Country Camo, Intense Red and Pure Magnesium Metallic color options
  • Multifunction analog/digital gauges
  • 4,500-lb winch with roller fairlead
  • Steel front bumper
  • Full skid plate
  • Full hard roof

The Defender XT Cab ($23,699 MSRP) features:

  • 72 HP Rotax HD10 engine as the only option
  • Dynamic Power Steering
  • 27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires on 14″ black cast aluminum wheels
  • Mossy Oak Break-up Country Camo, Intense Red and Pure Magnesium Metallic color options
  • 9″ of ground clearance
  • Multifunction analog/digital gauges
  • 4,500-lb winch with roller fairlead
  • Steel front bumper
  • Full skid plate
  • Full hard roof with line
  • Full black doors with electric opening windows
  • 3-position full glass tilt up windshield with wiper/washer kitRear glass with sliding opening

A crew version of the Defender will likely be introduced in the next 6 to 12 months.

Learn more: ??Can-am.brp.com

Comment:?? The competition in the side-by-side market continues to heat up. Many of the larger players have now launched models into market segments they did not previously compete in directly. This will likely create downward pricing pressure for manufacturers through either more competitive MSRPs and/or more promotional dollars. However, product innovation and more marketing dollars and awareness should be an impetus for growing the overall market. Consumers should win with an improved and wider selection of product offerings.

Lithium Boost Technologies Announces New Smart Lithium-Ion Battery Chargers

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The new smart charger from Lithium Boost Technologies

The new smart charger from Lithium Boost Technologies

Lithium Boost Technologies Inc., the leading provider of innovative Lithium-ion battery systems to power low speed electric vehicles (LSEV) has introduced enhanced and redesigned chargers to assure high performance and reliability.

Lithium Boost has developed the smart chargers in conjunction with innovative Battery Management System (BMS), based on its proprietary technology, in order to optimize the performance of lithium-ion cells targeted for use in low speed electric vehicles. The smart charging system consists of individual chargers, one for each lithium cell to assure balanced charging and completed-charge monitoring per cell. The BMS monitors the cell voltages through communication with the chargers and disables vehicle operations when any cell voltage remains too low for an extended period of time. When switched on, the BMS has an output wire that can provide up to 5Amps of power at the pack voltage for accessories, such as a DC to DC converter used for 12 volt lighting.

Lithium Boost smart chargers are now available in two sizes: 10Amps and 20Amps. Each individual charger delivers full current during most of the charge cycle, and tapers off to a trickle charge near the end of charge. The charger module accepts AC power in the range of 100-240 Volts, 50-60Hz. The 10Amp chargers set con??sumes approximately 6.5Amps at 115Volts, and 3.2Amps at 230Volts, and the??20Amp set consumes 13Amps at 115Volts and 6.5Amps at 230Volts.

Learn more: ??PRurgent.com

Comment:?? While lithium-ion batteries are still pricey compared to lead-acid batteries, they are slowly making in-roads into the STOV market. One example is the new lithium powered 2016 Ranger EV from Polaris. However, the price differential is still substantial and the price for lithium batteries needs to decrease substantially before they are more widely used in the STOV market. An additional obstacle is that the weight differential between lead-acid and lithium battery packs of similar power output is substantial. Therefore, the packs cannot be simply swapped out but the vehicles need to be re-engineered to accommodate the change in weight distribution and vehicle performance.

Tampa Considers LSV “Taxis” For Downtown

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A 6-seat LSV like the GEM pictured would be used in Tampa's pilot program.

A 6-seat LSV like the GEM pictured would be used in Tampa’s pilot program.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership is considering a pilot program to use LSVs for short trips in the downtown area. The rides would be free and designed to plug a hole in the public transportation system, namely the lack of transit options downtown and moving people between their homes and the nearest public transportation. The program would start with four six-seat electric LSVs that could be called via a smartphone app or a dispatcher. A recently awarded Federal grant will likely provide the funding for the project. The plan is not expected to generate much opposition from local taxi drivers because the rides are so short and not desirable from a taxi driver’s point of view. The pilot program is part of an overall effort to improve Tampa’s transportation options including recently adding a rental bike fleet and pushing to expand the streetcar system. The Partnership is??a non-profit agency that contracts with Tampa to attract and retain businesses in the city???s downtown and Channelside areas.??Learn more: ??TBO.com

Comment:?? LSV fleets for downtown transportation is becoming a growing market, whether it is provided by for-profit companies or non-profit groups trying to improve the local business environment. Some sell ad space on the vehicles to offset costs or turn a profit. However, there can be resistance from local taxi driver associations depending on the scope of the services provided, and in some cities there may not be any regulations in place for this type of service.

Jacobsen Launches Professional Series Utility Vehicles

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Jacobsen???s gas-powered Truckster MS/MX utility vehicle

Jacobsen???s gas-powered Truckster MS/MX utility vehicle

Jacobsen???s electric powered Truckster MS-E/MX-E utility vehicle

Jacobsen???s electric powered Truckster MS-E/MX-E utility vehicle

Jacobsen???s gas-powered Truckster LS/LX utility vehicle

Jacobsen???s gas-powered Truckster LS/LX utility vehicle

Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. company, has launched its Professional Series commercial-grade line of utility vehicles. There are six utility vehicles in the product line including the gas powered Truckster MS and Truckster MX, the electric powered Truckster MS-E and Truckster MX-E and the Truckster LS and Truckster LX. Key features include:

  • Truckster MS – 1,200 lb. capacity and 17 mph top speed
  • Truckster MX – Optional link suspension for rough terrain
  • Truckster E-MS/E-MX – 72-volt electric drivetrain and 1,000 lb. capacity
  • Truckster LS/LX – 800 lb. capacity and polyethylene bed

The vehicles will be at??at next month???s GIE+EXPO, held Oct. 21-23 in Louisville, Ky.

Learn more: ??Golfdom.com

Comment:?? Textron also owns the Cushman brand of vehicles and these vehicles look similar to the Cushman Hauler 1000, Hauler 800 and the electric powered Hauler Pro with the exception of the colors, tires for rougher terrain and possibly more ground clearance.

New Yamaha YXZ1000R Targets Pure Sport Side-by-Side Market

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The new Yamaha YXZ1000 targets the "pure sport" side-by-side segment, with an eye toward dune riding.

The new Yamaha YXZ1000R targets the “pure sport” side-by-side segment, with an eye toward dune riding.

A shot of the YXZ1000's cockpit.

A shot of the YXZ1000R’s cockpit.

The hybrid analog-digital instrument panel.

The hybrid analog-digital instrument panel.

A side view of the new Yamaha YXZ1000.

A side view of the new Yamaha YXZ1000R.

Yamaha has announced they will now be competing in the pure sport side-by-side segment with the introduction of the all-new YXZ1000R side-by-side. The YXZ1000R features a high-performance, 3-cylinder 998cc engine and 5-speed sequential shift manual transmission. The 12-valve, DOHC, liquid cooled engine has a 11.3:1 compression ration and 10,500 RPM redline. The powertrain also has high-mounted, high volume air inlets, dual air filters and stainless steel exhaust system. The 5-speed transmission is manually operated via a clutch pedal and short-stroke shift lever. The new clutch design incorporates a foot-operated hydraulic clutch system.

Other key features include:

  • Yamaha’s On-Command 2WD/4WD/4WD with full differential lock
  • Electric Power Steering
  • Hydraulic disc brakes with 245mm rotors and twin piston calipers
  • FOX 2.5 Podium Shocks with 16″ of travel in the front and 17″ in the rear feature??adjustable hi- and low-speed compression, adjustable rebound, and adjustable preload settings.
  • Color-matched A-Arms
  • Aggressive styling and design
  • Four LED headlight system and LED taillight
  • 300 lb. capacity cargo box
  • Sun top and full doors
  • Adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering
  • Passenger hand-holds
  • Hybrid digital-analog instrument panel
  • Center console and 12V power outlets
  • 27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
  • 14″ cast aluminum wheels
  • 12.9″ of ground clearance
  • 64″ wide with a 90.6″ wheelbase
  • MSRP $19,799

Learn more: ??Marketwatch.com

Comment:?? This is a natural progression for Yamaha as they first introduced the utility/recreation Viking and then the more recreational/trail leaning Wolverine product line and now the high-performance YXZ. The lucrative sport segment of the market keeps getting more and more competitive. With the stronger US dollar, Yamaha, for at least the time being, may have a pricing advantage. We could also see some more aggressive promotions in this market segment as the competition heats up. I would anticipate some special edition models based on the YXZ1000R to be introduced in the not to distant future as well as additional models to build out the product line. It will be interesting to see if Honda decides to target this end of the market as well as they have been expanding their UTV roster as well or if Kawasaki offers some higher performance Teryx side-by-sides.

SVR Adds Model Year 2016 Polaris, Arctic Cat and Can-Am UTVs To Database

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Smallvehicleresource.com has added the recently announced 2016 utility vehicle models for Polaris, Arctic Cat, and Can-Am to our vehicle database. Here is an overview of the key 2016 additions for each manufacturer.

The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS

The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS

Polaris

  • New turbocharged RZR XP Turbo EPS
  • New RZR S 1000 EPS
  • Ergonomic improvements for much of the RZR product line
  • New Ranger 570 Full-Size
  • New mud riding model,??the Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Edition Stealth Black
  • New lithium battery powered??EV Li-Ion Polaris Pursuit Camo
  • New??Ranger 570 EPS Hunter Edition Polaris Pursuit Camo
  • Increased horsepower for the??Ranger Crew 900-5, Ranger Crew 900-6, Ranger XP 570 and Ranger Crew 570-6
  • Styling and drivetrain enhancements for other select 2016 Ranger models
  • New Polaris ACE 900 SP
The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.

The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.

Arctic Cat

  • Wildcat Sport models: 5% increase in engine power from a new exhaust system
  • New??Wildcat X Special Edition
  • New Wildcat Trail Special Edition
  • Wildcat X and 4X get new Duro PowerGrip tires and new pricing
  • New Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition
  • New Prowler HDX 500 XT
The2016 Maverick X rs 1000R Turbo in Carbon Black - Can-Am Red

The2016 Maverick X rs 1000R Turbo in Carbon Black – Can-Am Red

Can-Am

  • Increased turbo engine horsepower to 131 hp for the Maverick Turbo, Maverick X ds Turbo and Maverick X rs Turbo
  • New Can-Am Commander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition
  • Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo also available on the Commander XT and Commander MAX XT
  • New belt monitoring system and improved maintenance schedule for Commander Max models

Arctic Cat Launches New 2016 Side-by-Sides

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The new 2016 Wildcat Trail Special Edition model from Arctic Cat.

The new 2016 Wildcat Trail Special Edition model from Arctic Cat.

The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.

The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.

Arctic Cat has announced their 2016 side-by-side lineup which includes a more powerful Wildcat Sport line, special editions for the Wildcat X and Wildcat Trail, and some new tires and pricing for the Wildcat X and 4X models. They also added to their Prowler line with the??Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition and the new Prowler HDX 500 XT model. Key features of the 2016 models include:

  • Wildcat Sport models: ??5% increase in engine power from a new exhaust system; MSRPs $13,599 to $15,999;
  • Wildcat X Special Edition:??aluminum bumpers, color-matched beadlock wheels and roof, and desert tan colored bodywork. MSRP $19,999
  • Wildcat Trail Special Edition:??full-sized doors, color-matched aluminum wheels, and an industry-first color combination of true timber camo and orange metallic paint. MSRP $13,599
  • Wildcat X and 4X: ??New Duro PowerGrip tires and new pricing; MSRPs $17,499 and $20,999 respectively.
  • Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition: Electric bed lift, painted aluminum wheels, a 5,000-lb. winch, gun scabbard and true timber camo paint; MSRP $15,799
  • Prowler HDX 500 XT: Tilting 2-in-1 cargo box that converts to a flatbed for 1,000 lbs. of carrying capacity, side and under hood compartments, three-person capacity, tilt steering, new body styling and an automotive-style hood; MSRP $11,999

The new models will be in dealerships starting in September.

Learn more: ??Businesswire.com

Comment:?? This is a fairly extensive model year introduction with some new models or changes across all the Arctic Cat side-by-side model lines. Not surprisingly, there was some increased horsepower for some models as the fight for engine power supremacy continues in the high-end recreational market segment. The introduction of the Prowler HDX 500 XT, which is priced $2,500 less than other HDX models and $2,000 less than the Prowler 700 XT, indicates Arctic Cat is trying to expand their offerings in the work utility vehicle segment. While not cheap, the new model hits more of the sweet spot in this segment in terms of pricing as a vehicle priced at $12,000 compared to $14,000 to $14,500 should appeal to a significantly broader range of customers.

Club Car Targeting Commercial Market

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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.

With the golf car fleet market declining or stagnant the past few years, key suppliers like Club Car have had to look to other markets to find growth. A??key target is the commercial UTV market. Towards that end Club Car has recently rolled out some new marketing initiatives emphasizing their Carryall utility vehicle.

One of the initiatives is Club Car’s??Corporate Solution Program,??which provides customers with fleet management and maintenance programs. The initiative is designed to address the problem of haphazard fleet vehicle development, where over the years an organization purchases a mixture of vehicles from a range of different manufacturers. This can lead to non-uniform vehicle standards and maintenance schedules, as well as more parts inventory, complexity and employee training. Under the Corporate Solution Program, experts from Club Car examine a customer’s vehicle needs and help them find the right mix of fleet vehicles to meet those needs. They also can establish maintenance schedules and logs and assign accountability for various aspects of fleet management. Key customer segments are universities, resorts and government agencies.

Another initiative targeting the commercial customer is Club Car’s new Bank on Carryall sales event which allows qualified commercial customers to purchase new 2015 or 2016 Carryall with no payments for six months or to lease 2015 and 2016 Carryall 500 or 700 models with special financing rates. With this initiative Club Car is hoping customers waiting for the next fiscal year’s budgets will be enticed to purchase now and pay later. One of the difficulties in selling to commercial customers is that they tend to purchase on a particular fiscal/budgetary cycle and within budgetary constraints, so there can be a limited time in which purchases or leases are made. It helps to have both purchase and leasing options available since funding can be drawn from either capital budgets or operating budgets depending on the customer, and the type of funding budget can determine whether a vehicle needs to be purchased or leased to “make the numbers work”.??Learn more: ??Pressreleaserocket.com

Comment:?? The Corporate Solution Program is a clever way of leveraging one of the advantages that Club Car has, namely the range of vehicle types they offer. They can provide LSVs, people movers like trams as well as a range of utility vehicles. They also have extensive experience in both electric and gas powered vehicles. Target segments like universities, resorts and government agencies, or any customer that has diverse vehicle needs is well-suited for this program. Compared to say a Toro or John Deere, who only offer UTVs, this program could provide Club Car with an advantage. The one potential hurdle might be where a customer is looking for a more heavy duty UTV and may look more towards a John Deere or Polaris for that type of vehicle.

Data Shows Decline In Indian Mini-Truck Market

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The Tata Ace mini-truck

The Tata Ace mini-truck is the leader in the Indian mini-truck market.

Data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers shows that the mini-truck market is declining as larger pickup trucks are displacing them. Last year’s figures have pickups outselling mini-trucks 140,000 vehicles to 131,000. Estimates for this year put the pickup market at nearly 200,000. Increased urbanization and improving road conditions are driving the pickup trend according to industry executives. The pickup trucks can carry more cargo and have more horsepower than mini-trucks whose sales declined last year by 21% from nearly 167,000 units the year before. ??Learn more: ??Business-standard.com

Comment:?? The decline in the mini-truck market would appear to be a problem for the Polaris-Eicher joint venture which just launched their Multix vehicle. However, the Multix is being positioned as a multi-purpose vehicle that users can easily transition from using for work to using for family purposes to even using for power generation, since the vehicle also has a generator that can be used for operating tools or provide electricity to the home. A primary target for the Multix is the rural and semi-urban independent business person. In contrast, urbanization is cited as one reason for the decline in the mini-truck market. It would be interesting to see the breakdown of where mini-truck sales have been declining, in terms of urban versus rural.