Kawasaki Reveals New 2016 Side-by-Side Models

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Kawasaki announced an extensive lineup of new 2016 side-by-side, revealing new models for both work and recreational uses. Kawasaki filled out their full size work utility vehicle offerings by adding single seat Mule FX and DX variations to their Mule FXT and DXT models. If you recall, the FXT and DXT models can fit three people or be reconfigured to fit six by transforming the cargo area into an additional bench seat with a smaller cargo bed. For those buyers who only need three person capacity, the FX and DX variations offer a less expensive option for essentially the same vehicle. Offerings in the traditional Mule 4000 and 4010 work utility vehicle lineup remain essentially the same, although a couple of special edition models were added.

In the recreational Teryx and Teryx4 product lines the 2016 models offer a mix of changes in performance, styling and ergonomics. Performance changes include optimized shocks and larger tires for certain models. The front of the vehicle has been restyled and certain models add LED headlights. The vehicle cockpits have been redesigned with tilt steering, new steering wheel, easily adjustable driver’s seat and new dash layout. Kawasaki is the first of the major manufacturers to launch a full complement of 2016 models.

Here is a summary of some of key features of the 2016 models

The Mule Pro FX lineup is a variant of the existing FXT lineup.

Mule Pro-FX Models

Single-row seating allows for larger steel cargo bed with 1,000 lb. capacity
New 3-cylinder 812cc fuel injected engine
2,000 lb. towing capacity
Independent front and rear suspension, disc brakes, CVT
Electric Power Steering for most models
Tilt-steering except non-EPS model
LCD Display
Multiple 12 volt outlets
Pro-FX line includes four models: Base non-EPS, EPS, EPS LE and EPS Camo
EPS model adds EPS and tilt steering
EPS LE further adds LED auxiliary headlights, aluminum wheels and a composite sun top
EPS Camo adds EPS, tilt steering, LED auxiliary headlights and Realtree Xtra Green Camo color scheme
MSRPS: Mule Pro-FX, $11,999; Mule Pro-FX EPS Camo, $14,199; Mule Pro-FX EPS, $12,999; Mule Pro-FX EPS LE, $14,199

The Mule Pro DX, a variant of the existing diesel powered DXT lineup is also new for 2016.

Mule Pro-DX Models

New three-cylinder 993cc diesel engine
55-amp alternator
Cargo bed with 1,000 lb. capacity and fits standard pallets
2,000 lb. towing capacity
Independent front and rear suspension, disc brakes, CVT
Electric Power Steering for most models
Tilt Steering
LCD Display
Multiple 12V outlets
Pro-DX line includes three models: Base non-EPS, EPS, and EPS LE
EPS model adds electronic power steering and Timberline Green color option
EPS LE further adds LED auxiliary headlights, a composite sun top and Dark Royal Red color option
MSRPs: Mule Pro-DX $13,199; Mule Pro-DX EPS, $13,999; Pro-DX EPS LE, $14,899

The Mule 4000 and 4010, (shown here) models have minor changes for 2016.

Mule 4010 & Mule 4000 Models

These models are similar to the 2015 models with the exception of the special edition 4010 4×4 SE and 4010 Trans4x4 SE which feature LED headlights and a composite sun top.
Depending on the model available colors include Timberline Green, Dark Royal Red, Realtree Xtra Green Camo and Super Black
Trans models allow for re-configuration of the seating and cargo area to carry 2 people and 800 lbs. of cargo or 4 people and 400 lbs. of cargo.
MSRP: Mule 4000, $8,999; Mule 4010 4X4 SE, $10,549, Mule 4010 4X4, $10,199; Mule 4010 TRANS4X4 SE, $11,999; Mule 4010 TRANS4X4, $11,199 ($11,699 Camo model)

The new 2016 Teryx with redesigned front.

This earlier version of the Teryx shows the design differences in the front of the vehicle.

Teryx Models

A number of new features have been introduced for the 2016 models
New redesigned front face
New dashboard layout
Tilt steering is standard along with thicker and sportier steering wheel
Electronic Power Steering on all models
New tool-free adjustment for driver’s seat
New optimized setting for the Fox Podium 2.0 shocks
Bigger 14″ wheels on the Teryx LE
Four LED headlights on LE and Camo models
Standard hard top on LE and Camo models
Available in three models: EPS in Bright White; LE with 14″ aluminum wheels, LED headlights, hard top and choice of Candy Lime Green or Metallic Flat Raw Graystone paint; Camo with LED headlights, hard top and Realtree XtraGreen Camo
783 V-twin engine remains the same
MSRPs: Teryx EPS, $12,999; Teryx Camo, $14,299; Teryx EPS LE, $14,999

The new 2016 Kawasaki Teryx4 Camo.

Teryx4 Models

Key features of the 2016 Teryx4 lineup include:

New redesigned front face
New dashboard layout
Tilt steering is standard along with thicker and sportier steering wheel
Electronic Power Steering on all models
New tool-free adjustment for driver’s seat
New optimized setting for the Fox Podium 2.0 shocks
Bigger 14″ wheels on the Teryx4 LE
Four LED headlights on LE and Camo models
Versatile cargo bed and large storage area behind front seats
Standard hard top on LE and Camo models
Available in three models: EPS in Bright White; LE with 14″ aluminum wheels, LED headlights, hard top and choice of Candy Lime Green, Metallic Flat Raw Graystone or Candy Persimmon Red paint; Camo with LED headlights, hard top and Realtree XtraGreen Camo
783 V-twin engine remains the same
MSRPs: Teryx4 EPS, $15,799; Teryx4 Camo, $16,299; Teryx4 EPS LE, $16,999

Learn more: Kawasaki.com

Google To Begin Testing Self-Driving LSVs

Posted on May 18, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Google Prototype self-driving low-speed vehicle.

Google is planning on testing its own Google prototype self-driving vehicles on the roads of Mountain View, with safety drivers aboard. The vehicles will be low-speed vehicles (LSVs) produced by Roush Industries and will be on the road this summer. Roush provides services to move from concept to prototype to manufacturing and has experience in the automotive, motorsports and alternative fuel vehicle markets. The vehicles will have manual controls to conform with California autonomous vehicle code but Google has reported that it plans to make vehicles in the future without steering wheels or manual brakes. Learn more: Autoconnectedcar.com

Comment: Perhaps the next place to test the vehicles will be in gated communities where there is a defined and limited road network and all the traffic is low-speed.

Yamaha Recalls 2015 Viking VI UTVs

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The 2015 Viking VI EPS Hunter from Yamaha is one of the models being recalled.

Yamaha has recalled approximately 3,500 Viking VI utility vehicles because the rear wheels can loosen and cause the rear end of the vehicle to wobble or the rear wheels to come off and cause the vehicle to crash. The recall involves the 2015 Viking VI, Viking VI Hunter, Viking VI EPS and Viking VI EPS Hunter.

The following information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Name of product: Yamaha Viking VI

Hazard: The rear wheels can loosen and cause the rear end of the vehicle to wobble or the rear wheels to come off and cause the vehicle to crash, resulting an injury or death hazard.

Recall Details

Units: About 3,500

Description: This recall involves 2015 model YXC700DF (Viking VI), YXC700DHFH (Viking VI Hunter), YXC700PF (Viking VI EPS) and YXC700PHFH (Viking VI EPS Hunter) side x side vehicles. Model numbers can be found on the owner’s manual. The letter F in the 10th position of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) indicates that the vehicle is 2015 model. The VIN is stamped on the frame behind the left rear wheel. The “Viking VI” model name is printed on the left side of the front hood. The vehicles come in Realtree (multicolor), hunter green, red and steel blue.

Incidents/Injuries: No reported injuries

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their local Yamaha dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.

Sold exclusively at: Yamaha side x side dealerships nationwide from June 2014 through March 2015 for $12,800 to $14,600.

Manufacturer(s): Yamaha Motor Corporation, of Cypress, Calif.

Manufactured in: USA

Consumer Contact: Yamaha at (800) 962-7926 anytime or go to www.yamaha-motor.com, click on “Outdoors” tab, and then click on “Recalls” in the Corporate Links menus.

Learn more: CPSC.gov

Comment: This is a fairly large sized UTV recall and appears to be a significant issue with the vehicle. The recall is a setback for Yamaha given that the Viking VI has not been on the market that long and is an important part of the company’s renewed push in the UTV market after several years of minimal product development.

Eicher-Polaris Joint Venture To Launch Flexituff Utility Vehicle For The Indian Market

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Eicher-Polaris-Flexituff-side-spied-900x549

The new Flexituff utility vehicle from an Eicher and Polaris collaboration was spied on the road recently while undergoing tests. Photo Credit: www.indianautoblog.com

A collaboration between Eicher and Polaris is set to release their first vehicle, something akin to a mini-truck, later this year for the Indian market. The Flexituff UV will be available in two configurations, a multi-passenger van (MPV) and a twin-cab pickup for hauling cargo. The vehicle will feature a Greaves Cotton 600cc diesel engine with claimed mileage of 25km/L. Based on pictures of the vehicle in testing, the vehicle will be slightly larger than competitive offerings, the Mahindra Maxximo and Tata Magic. Initial production is expected to be 10-12,000 vehicles per year with expectations that it will reach 100,000 units in the future. Learn more: Motoroids.com

Update: Some more information on the vehicle. It uses composite body panels to save weight and “…features a bare dashboard with a four-spoke steering wheel, a simple instrument cluster and a centre console-mounted gear level.” The double cab pickup with cargo area can fit five occupants. The price of the vehicle is expected to be about 1 lakh or about $1,500-1,600 US. The vehicle development project is reported to have cost $40 million US. Learn more: Inidancarsbikes.in

Comment: This type of vehicle is not as prevalent in the US but in India and parts of Asia the vehicles are common. Smaller sized delivery vehicles are an important part of a hub and spoke delivery system where they are used to deliver goods the last kilometer or so through small and crowded streets. Price points and cost of operation are important purchasing factors for owner/operators of these local shipping businesses.

Yamaha’s Wolverine R-Spec UTV Shipping To Dealers

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec UTV hitting dealer showrooms this month.

Yamaha’s new UTV, the Wolverine R-Spec, is coming off the production line in Georgia and will be available at dealers this month. The Wolverine R-Spec is targeting hunters and off-road recreation users. Key features of the vehicle include:

708cc EFI engine
2WD, 4WD, locked 4WD Drive Train
Yamaha Ultramatic V-Belt transmission with all-wheel engine braking
26″ tires and steel wheels
Hydraulic disc brakes
Independent double wishbone suspension front and rear with 9.7″ and 10.6″ of travel respectively
Ultra-long-stroke KYB nitrogen gas charged piggyback shocks
11.4″ of ground clearance
300 lb. cargo bed capacity
1,500 lb. towing capacity
Sun hard top
Electronic power steering (EPS) versions

The models are currently available in Hunter Green and Steel Blue with a RealTree Xtra Camo version available in May/June. MSRP for non-EPS models starts at $12,199 and for EPS models starts at $13,199. Learn more: Powersportsbusiness.com

Comment: After several years of minimal UTV product development Yamaha has come back in a big way the last few years. First with their Viking lineup of UTVs targeting work and crossover recreation use in the 2014 model year and further expanded for model year 2015, and now with the new Wolverine series targeting purely recreational use. I would expect Yamaha to expand the Wolverine lineup with a 4-person version and more sportier models. Although the latter might be handled by another product line launch specifically targeting high performance/sport recreational use.

Cub Cadet Expands UTV Lineup With Challenger Series

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Marc Cesare

A new UTV from Cub Cadet’s new Challenger series.

Cub Cadet is expanding their utility vehicle lineup with a pair of new models, the Challenger 500 and Challenger 700, which launch their new Challenger series of UTVs. The 500 is powered by a 471cc EFI engine and the 700 by a 686cc EFI engine. Other key features for both models include:

350 lb. cargo box capacity
1,200 lb. towing capacity
Four-wheel drive with a front locking differential
Four-wheel independent, adjustable suspension
Four-wheel disc brakes
Large-capacity, mid-mount air intake
Hard-top roof
Quick-release windshield
Alloy wheels
Front-mount winch
26-inch off-road tires
Digital display
2 person capacity

The specs for the Challenger 700 show a top speed of 45 mph and 11″ of ground clearance. Similar specs are not available on the Cub Cadet website for the 500. The MSRPs for the Challenger 500 and 7000 are $8,499.99 and $9,499.99 respectively. Both models will be at Cub Cadet dealers in May and are available in yellow or camo. A four person version will be available later in the summer. Learn more: agriculture.com

Comment: This launch is another sign of the intense competition in the UTV market. Not only are more well known powersports brands launching new vehicles and new product lines but smaller volume brands as well. If they want to stay relevant in the market they must, given the fast pace of product development and innovation for UTVs. With the nice set of desirable features and price points, these vehicles are clearly targeting the value segment of the market. Kymco and CFMoto have found some success in this price range, which is several thousand dollars less than many offerings from more well known UTV brands. Being an American brand with some history may give Cub Cadet an edge against the foreign competitors in this space.

XY Powersports Introduces Vaterra 1100

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Marc Cesare

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.

Exmark Adds Utility Vehicles to Product Lineup

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 700S utility vehicle from Exmark.

Exmark, a manufacturer of commercial mowers and lawn care equipment, recently announced the addition of two gas-powered utility vehicles to their product line, the Exmark 500S and 700S. Both vehicles feature electronic fuel injection for their 4-stroke SOHC engines. Exmark is a Toro owned brand and the new utility vehicles appear to be the same new utility vehicles offered under the Toro brand. Additional vehicle features include:

Automatic CVT
Dynamic engine braking
Hydraulic disc brakes
2WD/4WD selection
Tilting rear cargo box convertible to a flatbed
Cargo box capacity of 600 lb. for the 500S and 1,000 lb. for the 700S
Fully independent suspension with dual A-arms front and rear
10 inches of ground clearance and 10 inches of front and rear suspension travel
Standard brush guard an adjustable CAM-style shocks
Integrated front and rear two-inch receivers

The vehicles will be available March 2015.

Learn more: Agprofessional.com

Comment: SVR believes Arctic Cat is producing these utility vehicles for both Toro and Exmark. It’s an example of the different methods companies are using to expand their distribution channels in the UTV market. Arctic Cat can reach the work UTV segment by manufacturing for Toro and Exmark while those companies can concentrate on their strengths, developing lawn care equipment, but still have a presence in the growing UTV market. In addition these vehicles offer more recreational crossover appeal then the traditional work vehicles Toro has and continues to offer. By selling under the Exmark brand as well, Toro further expands their UTV distribution.

Ashok Leyland Plans for Electric Version of Dost Mini-truck

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Marc Cesare

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

Toro Expands UTV Lineup

Posted on February 24, 2015 by Marc Cesare

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.

Small Vehicle Resource Blog

Information on the small, task-oriented vehicle market

Category Archives: new vehicle