Category Archives: market trends

Yamaha Viking VI Earns 2015 FinOvation Award

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The new Yamaha Viking VI EPS side-by-side.

The Yamaha Viking VI EPS side-by-side that earned a 2015 FinOvation Award from Farm Industry News magazine.

From the press release:

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., was awarded the 2015 FinOvation Award from Farm Industry News magazine for its Viking VI Side-by-Side (SxS) utility vehicle. The FinOvation Award is designed to celebrate the spirit of innovation and recognize new products that have received the most interest from Farm Industry News readers. This is the second consecutive year Yamaha has received the award. In 2014, the premier Viking model that introduced the first true three-person seating capacity in a SxS vehicle earned a FinOvation Award.
???We???re honored to receive the FinOvation award for a second consecutive year,??? said Steve Nessl, ATV/SxS marketing manager, Yamaha Motor Corporation. ???It???s especially rewarding to know the award is based on positive responses from people who rely so heavily on their utility vehicles for day-to-day toughness, durability and performance in the field.??? Nessl accepted the award on behalf of Yamaha at the 50th Annual National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville.
In its report announcing the 2015 FinOvation Award winners, Farm Industry News wrote, ???Yamaha made a statement with the new Viking side-by-side. This machine offers six-person seating, more room for cargo and has a number of convenience features, including electronic power steering and differential lock.???
Yamaha introduced the Viking VI EPS six-person SxS in June 2014. The extended cab Viking VI combines Yamaha performance and durability with the comfort and convenience of a Viking???with maximum headroom, legroom and shoulder room for six occupants.
Similar to the three-seat Viking introduced in 2013, the Viking VI is made for tough off-road duty and features Yamaha???s industry-leading Ultramatic??? fully automatic transmission, On-Command?? four-wheel drive system, Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Yamaha???s proven and powerful 700cc-class engine. With 600-pounds hauling and 1,500-pounds towing, the Viking VI is made to be the toughest, hardest working and most off-road capable six-person SxS ever.
???We know farmers and ranchers demand the hardest-working and most dependable equipment for use on their operations,??? added Nessl. ???It???s rewarding to know the Viking models have earned their stamp of approval.???
Yamaha is committed to continually expanding its line of class-leading SxS vehicles and has recently unveiled the all-new Wolverine R-Spec. ???With the introduction of the Wolverine R-Spec, Yamaha is furthering its position in the growing multipurpose SxS segment of the off-road business,??? added Nessl. All of Yamaha???s ATV and SxS vehicles are being assembled in the U.S.A. at Yamaha???s factory in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution. Learn more: ??PRWeb.com

XY Powersports Introduces Vaterra 1100

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The Vaterra 1100L, the four person versio of the new Vaterra side-by-side by XY Powersports.

The Vaterra 1100L, the four person versio of the new Vaterra side-by-side by XY Powersports.

XY Powersports, an Ohio based distributor, recently introduced their new Vaterra 1100 side-by-side. The new side-by-side is powered by an electronic fuel injected 1100cc engine that produces 71.5 horsepower and 67 pounds of torque at 4000 RPM. The Vaterra is offered in a two or four person version. Other key features include:

  • Rear-wheel driveshaft
  • Switchable to 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive with a differential lock
  • Automatic CVT
  • Power steering
  • Liquid twin-fan cooling system
  • DOHC 16 valves
  • Electronic e-brake
  • Hydraulic assist bed with mounted rails on both sides
  • Protective overfenders
  • Alloy wheels
  • Half doors
  • Plastic canopy
  • 3000 lbs. winch
  • 3500 lbs. hitch ball
  • Sealed under-seat storage

The two seat Vaterra 1100 EFI is priced at $12,599 and the four seat Vaterra 1100L EFI is priced at $13,999. Learn more: ??XYOutdoors.com

Comment:?? The XY Powersports products are value priced. The name brand manufacturers have been able to raise prices on their vehicles for a number of years without hurting sales. The demand for vehicles has been increasing and the features and capabilities of the vehicles has increased as well, so customers have been willing to pay the price. However, rising price points have provided some room in the market for value priced brands such as Kymco, XY Powersports and others to find some success. The challenge for these value oriented companies is to maintain a steady stream of new models that provide value through a combination of price and features in comparison to name brand vehicles.

John Deere Offers Security Option for Gators in the UK

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John Deere is now offering the CESAR security option for Gators in the UK. The CESAR system started in the construction and then the agricultural markets and is supported by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) and the Construction Equipment Association (CEA).

The system??works by giving each piece of equipment a unique and permanent identity using state of the art Datatag security marking technology. This cannot be removed by thieves, and is linked to a secure, 24/7 dedicated call centre. Since 2007, CESAR has reduced overall equipment theft in the UK by 46 per cent, increased the rate of recovery of stolen equipment by a factor of six, and also helped reduce insurance premiums.

The security system is being offered as a factory added option for Gator utility vehicles. Learn more: ??Pitchcare.com

Comment:?? Anecdotal evidence I’ve seen from tracking news stories appears to indicate that theft of utility vehicles has been on the rise. This is not surprising given their growing popularity. While this security system seems to be more targeted towards commercial users, it could be an appealing option for consumers, especially those with more expensive recreational vehicles or higher end work vehicles.

Ashok Leyland Plans for Electric Version of Dost Mini-truck

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The current ICE powered Dost from Ashok Leyland may get an electric brethren.

The current ICE powered Dost from Ashok Leyland may get an electric brethren.

India-based Ashok Leyland is working on an electric version of their Dost light commercial vehicle. A prototype was recently revealed along with electric versions of a larger truck and a bus. The Dost will be undergoing testing by the company to validate the concept. There is no timetable for when the vehicle will be commercially available. Learn more: ??Thehindu.com

Textron Acquires Douglas Equipment

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The Tugmaster DC5 - 42 from Douglas Equipment is part of the product line Textron is adding to their Specialized Vehicle division.

The Tugmaster DC5 – 42 from Douglas Equipment is part of the product line Textron is adding to their Specialized Vehicle Group with their latest acquisition.

Textron has acquired Douglas Equipment, a UK-based supplier of ground support equipment to airlines, from Curtiss-Wright Flow Controls. Douglas Equipment will become part of the Textron’s subsidiary Textron Specialized Vehicle Group which manufacturers golf cars, utility vehicles and ground support equipment under brands such as E-Z-GO, Cushman, Bad Boy Buggies and TUG. The subsidiary already sells ground support equipment to airlines under the TUG brand and Douglas Equipment products are expected to complement those products. Douglas Equipment specializes??in conventional aircraft tractors and runway friction measuring devices. Textron management expects the acquisition to expand their ground support equipment product line and add customers. Learn more: ??Zacks.com

Comment:?? Golf car manufacturers are looking for new growth areas with the continued decline of the golf fleet market. They are attempting to do this with new product offerings to boost sales in existing markets or to target new markets. Another method is through complementary acquisitions such as this. What we haven’t seen yet is an acquisition in a completely untapped market, such as an acquisition in the recreational vehicle segment of the STOV market. While golf car manufacturers have made some moves into the off-road UTV segment, it has been primarily been with work vehicles with some light recreational crossover applications but nothing in the purely recreational segment.

Toro Expands UTV Lineup

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A new electronic fuel injected utility vehicle from Toro.

A new electronic fuel injected utility vehicle from Toro.

Toro recently announced the addition of two gas-powered utility vehicles to their product line, the 500 EFI and 700 EFI. As the model names suggest, the vehicles both feature electronic fuel injection for their 4-stroke engines. Additional features include:

  • Duramatic automatic transmissions
  • Dynamic engine braking
  • Electronic 2WD/4WD selection
  • Digital display for fuel level, temperature, oil pressure, speedometer/tachometer
  • ??Tilting rear cargo box convertible to a flatbed
  • Payload capacity of 1,100 lbs for the 500 EFI and 1,500 lbs for the 700 EFI
  • 10 inches of ground clearance
  • Standard brush guard an adjustable CAM-style shocks
  • Integrated front and rear two-inch receivers
  • Available accessories include but not limited to??windshields, cabs, plow blades, light kits, winches, and stereo

The UTVs will be available at Toro dealers in the spring.

Learn more: ??Toro.com

Comment:?? The new Toro vehicles continue some trends we have been seeing in the work utility vehicle market and other areas of the STOV market. One is the move towards EFI engines. While more common in the recreational UTV market for performance reasons, in the last few years golf and turf vehicle manufacturers have been switching over to EFI engines as well. Another trend is the high pace of new product introductions. This is related to the increased competition across many markets but in particular in the work and commercial UTV markets as traditional golf car manufacturers seek growth outside of fleet sales and power sports manufacturers look to expand beyond recreation and crossover applications into the work utility segment in general and commercial sub-segment specifically.

Utility Vehicles Top Equipment List for Golf Course Superintendents

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Planned equipment purchases for 2015 from Golf Course Industry's State of the Industry survey.

Planned equipment purchases for 2015 from Golf Course Industry’s State of the Industry survey.

According to the recent State of the Industry survey by Golf Course Industry, utility vehicles top the list of equipment that golf course superintendents are planning to purchase in 2015. A third of the respondents are planning on acquiring the vehicles. UTVs topped the list in all regions, the West, Northeast, Midwest and South. A deeper dive into the data reveals some prime markets… “Broken down further, 43 percent of respondents at private courses, 51 percent at western courses and 55 percent at courses operating with budgets in excess of $1 million all indicated utility vehicles as their top purchases.” ??Learn more: ??Golfcourseindustry.com

??Comment:?? The positive outlook for utility vehicles in this segment is similar to what SVR is projecting for the market in our latest STOV market study. However, utility vehicle offerings from traditional golf car manufacturers will continue to face stiff competition from power sports and other manufacturers that are more aggressively pursuing other utility vehicle markets in the search for growth.

Renault Debuts Twizy Delivery Concept

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The Twizy Delivery Concept vehicle from Renault.

The Twizy Delivery Concept vehicle from Renault.

Renault has introduced a concept delivery vehicle based on their Twizy two seat passenger vehicle. The Renault Twizy Concept has a specially-modified short-cab big enough for just the driver. Instead of a second seat behind the driver as in the regular production Twizy ??? or the small cargo-carrying space found in the single-seat Twizy Cargo ??? the Delivery concept features a flat pickup-style bed onto which a tiny two-wheeled trailer is hitched. A one meter square cargo box fits on the rear trailer platform which is rigidly attached to the front. The vehicle has six wheels instead of four and the middle axle provides motive power. The vehicle will be used in a pilot project in Paris to test the viability of using the vehicle for deliveries where larger vehicles can’t go. Learn more: ??Transportevolved.com??

Comment:?? The vehicle, although small, looks like it might be slightly oversized for its intended use and maneuvering the six-wheeled vehicle in tight spots might be difficult. It will be interesting to see how the pilot project turns out. The article notes that the passenger version has very low sales but I think that requirements for a passenger vehicle are much more demanding. A smaller, niche application such as “final kilometre” delivery may prove to be a more viable market for the Twizy vehicle platform, but perhaps not with this specific design.

Google Self-Driving Car: The New LSV

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Google plans on testing??a fleet of prototype fully autonomous vehicles without a steering wheel later this year and they may technically fall under the low speed vehicle classification. According to a Google spokesman the test fleet will operate???????at lower speeds to reduce the risk when something should go wrong.??? They have been testing vehicles already but a person is present to handle driving in certain weather conditions and other critical driving situations. Google does not believe it needs permission from NHTSA to put the vehicles on the road but like other manufacturers needs to certify that the vehicles meet existing vehicle safety standards. NHTSA is currently working on regulations regarding autonomous vehicles. ??Learn more: ??Detroitnews.com

Club Car Introduces The Precedent Stretch PTV

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The new four person Precedent Stretch PTV from Club Car.

The new four person Precedent Stretch PTV from Club Car.

Club Car has launched a new personal transportation vehicle (PTV), the Precedent Stretch. The four-person vehicle includes four forward-facing streets, an optional19-mph Private Use Speed Option,??3.7-hp IQ Plus??? electric motor, a 350-amp controller and ERIC, a new charging system.??ERIC issues audio and visual alerts to inform owners when charging begins, when the car is fully charged, when the battery state of charge drops below 20% and 10%, and of any problems with the charger. The Precedent Stretch, purposely built for four people, also features a tubular aluminum frame, spacious bagwell and??heavy-duty SportDrive??? Steering and Suspension System. ??The full press release follows the comment.

Comment:?? What I find interesting about this new vehicle is that it is a PTV and not an LSV. PTVs have a higher maximum speed than what is typically found for golf cars, 19 mph vs 15 mph, but is not as fast as an LSV, 25 mph. The vehicle is clearly aimed at gated communities where people would like to travel faster but don’t want the added expense of an LSV, which must have a set of mandated safety features. This choose may indicate that Club Car finds more potential in the non-LSV personal transportation market in gated communities than in the market for LSVs for use on local public roads.

Press Release

Club Car Introduces New Precedent Stretch PTV (Personal Transportation Vehicle) with 19-mph Private Use Speed Option
New Four-Passenger Electric Vehicle Is Great for Neighborhood Transportation, Small Businesses and Golf

Club Car introduces the versatile new Precedent Stretch personal transportation vehicle (PTV). It combines unsurpassed power and durability with four forward-facing seats and 35 additional inches of legroom, for people who want to take the long view. In the Precedent Stretch PTV, drivers don???t have to leave a friend or relative behind or sitting on a rear-facing seat.?????The vehicle???s automotive design fosters conversation, camaraderie and comfort. It delivers the most front and rear legroom of any four-passenger vehicle in its class,??? says Product Manager David Woodward.??The Precedent Stretch PTV comes with a maximum speed of 15 mph or with Club Car???s 19-mph Private Use Speed Option, making it ideal for neighborhood transportation.

Engineered to Carry the Load

Many small four-passenger vehicles are simply traditional golf cars that have been extended by a third-party provider, often putting the OEM warranty at risk. The Precedent Stretch PTV was designed to carry the additional length and weight. The car is equipped with 10 percent more battery capacity, providing more range than competitive vehicles. The system features:??

  • A rugged 3.7-hp IQ Plus??? electric motor
  • A 350-amp controller
  • A heavy-duty solenoid
  • Four-gauge battery wires
  • Regenerative brakes that capture and store energy used during braking, extending the miles per charge

Durable, Environmentally Safe and Family-friendly
The vehicle uses no gas and releases no carbon emissions. It comes with:

  • A spacious bagwell for groceries, gear or two sets of clubs.
  • An exclusive rustproof, corrosion-resistant, 2-x-3-inch tubular aluminum frame that makes it more impact resistant than steel frames.
  • An extended Monsoon Top??? Canopy with built-in drains that channel water to the ground.
  • A heavy-duty SportDrive??? Steering and Suspension System for a smoother ride and better handling.
  • An integrated rear-passenger grab bar, a five-panel mirror and improved rear braking for safety.
  • One of the longest, most inclusive warranties in its class.

Heads Off Charging Errors
The Precedent Stretch PTV has a new charging system known as ERIC (Efficient. Reliable. Intelligent. Connected.).
???The solid-state, high-frequency system works globally, keeps charging even during voltage fluctuations, and outsmarts common user errors,??? says Woodward.
ERIC issues audio and visual alerts to inform owners when charging begins, when the car is fully charged and of any problems with the charger. On-car dash lights alert drivers when the battery state of charge falls to 20 and then 10 percent charge so they don???t get stranded.
Unlike chargers in competitive vehicles, ERIC continuously monitors the battery pack after charging and delivers power as needed. It can be charged through a standard 110-volt outlet, and comes with a standard single-point watering system that makes battery maintenance quick and easy.