Category Archives: new vehicle

GEM Adds Gas & LSV Utility Vehicles to Their Product Lineup

Posted on by
Reply
The new 2015 Polaris M1400, a gas powered utility vehicle being sold by GEM dealers.

The new 2015 Polaris M1400, a gas powered utility vehicle being sold by GEM dealers.

GEM adds an LSV version of the electric eM1400 for 2015.

GEM adds an LSV version of the electric eM1400 for 2015.

The GEM brand of transport and light utility vehicle, owned by Polaris Industries,  recently expanded their product lineup to include a gas powered M1400 and a street legal version of the electric eM1400, the eM 1400 LSV. The eM1400 was introduced last year. The press release follows below with more details. The base MSRP for the M1400 is $7,999 and for the eM1400 LSV is $10,999, which is $1,000 more than the eM1400.

What’s interesting from a marketing perspective is that the gas-powered M1400 is carrying the Polaris brand but is available from GEM dealers and is included on the GEM website. While GEM has always been associated with electric powered vehicles, the distribution network and brand have a strong presence in commercial and institutional venues such as colleges, universities, municipalities and parks where customers are purchasing gas and diesel powered STOVs as well. GEM’s established distribution network and experienced commercial/institutional oriented sales force is an important asset. Polaris is trying to leverage this strength to sell more non-electric commercial vehicles but, at least for now, maintain a distinction between the electric GEM brand and non-electric vehicles. This expansion will also broaden the competition between Polaris and the golf car manufacturers that are already selling both electric and gas vehicles into these markets. Historically Polaris has attacked markets by segmenting them and creating models for specific sub-segments. It is likely that they will continue to add more gas-powered vehicles as well as electrics to be sold under the GEM umbrella.

GEM® Extends Offerings for Dealers with New Gas and LSV Models

Gas-powered Polaris® M1400™, electric eM™1400 LSV now available through nationwide dealer network

 MEDINA, Minn. (Aug. 21, 2014) – Polaris® Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) has expanded its GEM® line product offering of transport and light utility vehicles to include the new Polaris® M1400™ gas-powered commercial side-by-side utility vehicle and the GEM eM™1400 LSV street-legal electric utility vehicle.

 As the first gas-powered utility vehicle available for purchase through authorized GEM dealers, the Polaris M1400 is a 4×2 vehicle designed specifically for light-duty commercial utility applications. The vehicle is equipped to handle the demands of a jobsite with 1,400 pounds of payload, a cargo box capacity of 1,100 pounds and the ability to tow up to 1,500 pounds.

 “Our number one priority at GEM is to help customers find the right solution for their unique needs,” GEM General Manager Tim Blinkhorn said. “It is very common for accounts to require a fleet with a mix of electric and gas-powered vehicles. By adding a Polaris engineered gas utility vehicle to our line with an extensive range of accessories, GEM dealers are ready to provide the best tool – electric or gas – for the job.”

 The M1400 features a Polaris ProStar 31-horsepower engine with electronic fuel injection and reaches a top speed of 26 mph, which can be limited with the optional Polaris Speed Key. Independent rear suspension and front IFS MacPherson Strut ensures the safe and efficient transport of people and cargo even when hauling at maximum capacity.

 On the electric front, the GEM eM1400 LSV has all the features of the eM1400 introduced last fall, and is also LSV compliant with a horn, headlights/taillights, turn signals, an automotive-grade windshield, a windshield wiper and three-point safety belts.

 Like all of GEM’s street-legal models, the eM1400 LSV reaches a top speed of 25 mph, produces zero emissions, can be driven indoors or outdoors and on most city streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.  

 Available options and accessories make it easy for customers to configure the Polaris M1400 and GEM eM1400 for their specific jobsite application and unique needs. Factory installed options include removable bed sides and a fully enclosed max box. Additionally, both utility vehicles support Polaris’ innovative Lock & Ride® and Lock & Work™ accessories.

 The Polaris M1400 and GEM eM1400 come with a two-year limited warranty and can be ordered through more than 250 authorized GEM dealers in North America. To set up a test ride, or for more information on the complete Polaris GEM lineup, visit GEMcar.com.

Polaris Industries Inc.         Media Contact: Megan Langenkamp
2100 Highway 55              Phone: 414-292-0246
Medina, MN 55340-9770  mlangenkamp@n-s.com

 

John Deere Offers Two New Special Edition Gators

Posted on by
Reply

John Deere recently announced two new special edition Gators, the Midnight Black XUV825i and Midnight Black RSX850i. Appealing to customers who are looking for additional styling, the UTVs feature a matte black paint scheme with gray decals.

Key features of the  XUV825i Midnight Black Special Edition include:

  • Matte black paint scheme with charcoal gray decals
  • Sport steering wheel
  • Power steering
  • High performance exhaust
  • Long-range light kit
  • Poly half doors
  • Matte black alloy rims and Maxxis® 2.0 Bighorn tires
  • Deluxe cargo box with spray-on liner
  • Optional power and front protection package with power lift, a heavy-duty front brushguard and fender guard, as well as floor mats

Key features of the RSX850i Midnight Black Special Edition include:

  • Matte black paint scheme with charcoal gray decals
  • Black and silver alloy rims with Maxxis® 2.0 Bighorn tires
  • Trail-sport package with a special edition door closeout panel with Gator image, PreRunner bumper, and a Warn® 3,500 lb. winch
  • Full underbody aluminum skid plate
  • Mounted HELLA® HID Sport lights
  • FOX® 2.0 Performance Series shocks
  • 2-inch front receiver hitch
  • Side nerf bars
  • Cargo box rails.

The MSRP for both special edition UTVs is $15,999. Both vehicles are currently available in limited quantities at John Deere dealerships. Learn more:  Deere.com

Comment:  With MSRPs $3,000 more than their respective base models, these special edition Gators are at an entirely different price point. They are designed to appeal to the real Gator enthusiast who is looking to make a personal statement with their vehicle. It is also a way for John Deere to tap into the popularity of different paint and graphic schemes that have become more prevalent in the UTV market, especially at higher price points. While the iconic green and yellow John Deere paint scheme is an important part of the brand image, the company needs to be able to break away from that standard paint scheme to remain competitive and take advantage of consumer demand for different paint/graphics schemes. Rolling out special edition vehicles is one way to address this demand.

Polaris Announces New 2015 Side-by-Sides

Posted on by
Reply
New 2015 Ranger 570 Full-Size

New 2015 Ranger 570 Full-Size

New 2015 Ranger ETX

New 2015 Ranger ETX

New 2015Ranger RZR XP 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition

New 2015Ranger RZR XP 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition

New 2015RZR XP 1000 EPS Desert Edition

New 2015RZR XP 1000 EPS Desert Edition

Polaris announced their 2015 off-road vehicle lineup including the new RZR 900, RZR S 900, Full Size and Two-Passenger RANGER 570, as well as the Sportsman ACE 570.

Changes to the RZR product line include:

  • A 50 in. RZR 900 with a 75 hp ProStar engine and dual a-arm rear suspension
  • A 60 in. RZR S 900 with a 75 hp ProStar engine and dual a-arm rear suspension
  • Special edition RZR XP 1000’s for specific off-road terrain:  the RZR XP 1000 High Lifter Edition for mud and RZR XP 1000 Desert Edition for sand.
  • The Desert Edition also features the new Polaris Digital Interactive Display, a full-color, 4.3 in LCD display with Bluetooth™ capabilities.
  • Polaris Digital Interactive Display will be available on RZR 900 XC Edition and the RANGER XP 900 EPS Vogue Silver Deluxe.
  • Previously announced RZR XP 1000 and RZR XP 4 1000 with a higher output 110 horsepower engine and and new direct flow intake covers, new belt and a new clutch cover with more ducting providing two times more airflow directly to the clutches.

Changes to the Ranger product line include:

  • An upgraded 68 horsepower Ranger XP 900.
  • A new Ranger 570 Full-Size with a 44 hp ProStar 570 engine.
  • A Ranger Diesel, with a 3-cylinder, Tier 4 compliant KOHLER® diesel engine.
  • A new entry level Ranger ETX with 31 hp and electronic fuel injection.
  • Upgraded features on the Ranger 570, Ranger EV, Ranger ETX and Ranger Crew 900 include Lock & Ride™ PRO-FIT™ cab accessory integration, increased horsepower by 10 percent to 44 horsepower, and 20 percent more towing capacity, increased fuel range, more storage, and an improved bench seat for added comfort on the Ranger 570. All updates will also be integrated to the four-passenger Ranger Crew 900.
  • Three deluxe edition Ranger XP 900 EPS for specific uses including: the Ranger XP 900 EPS Vogue Silver Deluxe Edition for the trail, Ranger XP 900 EPS Hunter Deluxe Edition for hunting, and Ranger XP 900 EPS NorthStar Deluxe Edition for cold weather and work.

Polaris also added to their new Sportsman Ace product line with the Sportsman Ace 570 which uses a ProStar 570 engine with 45 hp.

Comment:  Polaris keeps on rolling out new vehicles and upgrades faster than any other manufacturer in the market. They saturate a market segment with specific price points and feature combinations to target specific sub-segments. While some OEMs may have one or two vehicles in a particular segment, Polaris will have numerous models and keep adding to the lineup if they see potential in dissecting the market segment even further. This also makes it difficult to compete against them since you either put out models with a more general feature set that must compete against a range of vehicles with feature sets more tailored to certain end-use applications or you have to limit your focus to a particular sub-segment and compete on a model to model basis. In recent years they have also leveraged their own engine development efforts as they recognized the importance of horsepower and other engine characteristics as critical selling points in the side-by-side market. On that note, I noticed they now display horsepower information for each model directly on the home pages of their 2015 Range and Sportsman product lineups.

Flex L3 Electric Utility Truck Available In UK

Posted on by
Reply
The Flex L3 electric truck produced by Ligier is now available in the UK.

The Flex L3 electric truck produced by Ligier is now available in the UK.

ePower Trucks will be the UK distributor for Ligier’s Flex L3 electric utility truck. Ligier is a French manufacturer. Powered by lead gel batteries, the street legal Flex L3 has a top speed of 25 mph and a range of 35 mph. The target applications for the vehicle, which can come in a flat bed, cage, box body or tipper configuration, are urban delivery and estate management. The payload capacity is up to 400 kg. The Flex L3 is priced at 13,500 pounds and is available in white, red or gray. Learn more:   Transportengineer.org

Comment:  The urban delivery market application is a good niche market for electric vehicles especially for the delivery of goods that are neither too large or heavy. This type of application requires slower speeds and less range so more expensive lithium-based battery packs and more powerful electric powertrains are not necessary. This type of application is more prevalent in Europe and Asia. For similar reasons, light-duty maintenance applications on college or corporate campuses or city parks are also a good fit for this type of vehicle.

Polaris Launches Ranger Crew With Integrated HIPPO Multipower System

Posted on by
Reply
Polaris Ranger with HIPPO Multipower System at a recent trade show.

Polaris Ranger with HIPPO Multipower System at a recent trade show.

Polaris recently launched their Ranger Crew Diesel utility vehicle with an integrated HIPPO™ Multipower™ System (MPS) from the Mobile Hydraulic Equipment Company. The MPS allows users to power hydraulic, pneumatic, electric and welding equipment directly from the vehicle’s diesel engine, in this case a 24 hp engine. Polaris points to rail, municipal, construction, oil and gas, rental, utilities and mining industries as well as the military as potential markets for the vehicle. The integrated HIPPO 1041CP Multipower System has one hydraulic tool circuit, two quick disconnect pneumatic fittings, two 120 volt electric outlets at 20 amps and one welding console with quick disconnects.The RANGER with HIPPO MPS is currently available for sale through authorized dealers, Polaris Fleet Sales and defense channels. Learn more:  Polaris.com

Comment:  This vehicle is a continuation of Polaris’ strong push In the last several years into the commercial, government and military utility vehicle segment. With a sales process and longer selling cycle than what their typical dealers are accustomed to, management has not been satisfied with their rate of progress in the commercial and government segments. To that end they have developed partnerships with companies and brands with a strong presence and marketing experience in the commercial markets such as Bobcat, Ariens and now Mobile Hydraulic Equipment Company.

Polaris Adds Horsepower To The 2015 RZR XP 1000 and XP 4 1000

Posted on by
Reply
The new RZR XP 1000 is the fastest-selling side-by-side in Polaris history.

The 2014 RZR XP 1000 shown here will feature additional horsepower in model year 2015.

Polaris recently introduced the 2015 RZR XP 1000 and XP 4 1000 which feature a 110 horsepower high output engine compared to 107 hp in the 2014 model. The 2015 models feature additional changes related to the boost in horsepower including:

  • New engine calibration with high-output cams, stiffer valve springs and a higher compression ratio of 11:1.
  • Revised exhaust system, incorporating closed loop control and catalyst technology improves emissions and efficiency.
  • New direct flow intake covers, new belt and a new clutch cover with more ducting providing two times more airflow directly to the clutches

The RZR XP 1000 will be available in Havasu Red Pearl, Voodoo Blue and White Lightning, and the RZR XP 4 1000 in Havasu Red Pearl and Voodoo Blue. All units feature standard Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and will be available in dealerships starting in July. Learn more:  Polaris.com

Comment:  The competition in the side by side market remains strong. In the high performance sport segment horsepower is one of the areas where competitors try to outdo each other. Suspension travel and handling are not far behind. I expect to see some new models or updates from Arctic Cat and/or Can Am in this segment.

Cenntro Motor To Produce Electric Utility Vehicles At Nevada Facility

Posted on by
Reply
Cenntro Motors Kombi EV electric utility vehicles to be produced in Nevada.

Cenntro Motors Kombi EV electric utility vehicles to be produced in Nevada.

Cenntro Motor plans to begin production of 1,650 electric vehicles at a Sparks, NV facility by August or September of this year. The $20.1 million, 150,000 square foot facility will also serve as the company’s headquarters. The facility will employ approximately 100 people and training grants along with tax deferrals were part of a $1.2 million incentive package to attract the company.

Cenntro Motors designs and builds lightweight electric commercial and passenger vehicles and their first vehicle is the Kombi EV designed for maintenance, delivery and light cargo transport. The vehicle currently comes in two configurations, the Green Space Version with a cargo bed and the City Version with a van box. Both vehicles are 2WD and use a 10 Stator KLD DC motor with max power of 12.5 kW. The vehicle’s KLD Energy Technologies oneDRIVE™ propulsion system uses a 48V system with a 6.8kW KLD Li-ion battery pack. Other key features include 800 payload capacity, 4-wheel hydraulic disk brakes, a range of 50 miles and top speeds of 31 mph for the Green Space and 25 mph for the City.

Cenntro Motors also recently acquired SITL-Brandt Motors located in Lyon, France, which will be the headquarters for their European operations. The acquisition was valued at $50 million and management plans to invest an additional $20 million. With the acquisition Cenntro’s lineup in Europe will include an all-electric CITELEC commercial truck, a two-person quadracycle and electric scooters. Learn more:  Reviewjournal.com and Cenntromotors.com

Comment:  The commercial/government market for small electric vehicles is attracting more attention as many companies believe this is where the growth is. From colleges and universities to municipalities and commercial entities organizations are finding these vehicles to be green, safe and cost-effective for applications that do not require traditional passenger vehicles or pick-up trucks. It continues to represent a growth segment for the STOV industry. It is also an international market with arguably better opportunities in European and Asian markets where smaller vehicles are more accepted, prevalent and have been used effectively for many years.

 

Yamaha Announces 6-Passenger Viking Side-by-Side

Posted on by
Reply
The new Yamaha Viking VI EPS side-by-side.

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

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., announced their new 2015 Viking VI EPS six-person side-by-side. Assembled in Newman, GA the Viking VI EPS features Yamaha’s Ultramatic™ fully automatic transmission, On-Command® four-wheel drive system, Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a 700cc-class engine. The new UTV can haul up to 600 lbs and tow up to 1,500 lbs.

All six passengers have bucket seats with headrests, dedicated handholds and foot rests and the middle seats are purposefully reclined five degrees providing more shoulder room for all occupants. The driver has an adjustable seat. Conveniences for all occupants include eight cup holders throughout the cab, a sealed storage container under the center front seat, additional storage under the remaining front seats, a large glove box on the front panel, and two DC power outlets – one in front and another in back. Other features include:

  • On-Command drive system with: 2WD, 4WD or 4WD with a fully locked front differential selections.
  • Specially designed Maxxis Big Horn tires.
  • 686cc 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder, 4-valve, fuel-injected engine
  • Pallet size cargo bed with one-touch tilt assist.
  • Steel skid plates across the entire undercarriage: front-to-back and side-to-side.
  • Row crop friendly track width.

The Viking VI comes in Hunter Green, Red, and Realtree AP® HD camo. MSRP for standard versions starts at $12,799 for non-EPS and $13,799 for EPS models. A Viking VI EPS Special Edition in Matte Silver with Soft Suntop comes with an MSRP of $14,999 and incorporates aluminum wheels, overfenders, mud flaps, a soft sun top, a sealed storage compartment under the left rear seat and Yamaha’s bed rail accessory mounts. Learn more:  Yamahamotorsports.com

Comment:  The competition in the UTV market continues to remain strong. First Honda and now Yamaha have followed up important new product launches with additional new models to keep their momentum going. Yamaha is breaking new ground with this six passenger vehicle. Marketing material points to a range of potential users from hunting groups to ranch crews. It will be interesting to see how much demand there is for a higher passenger capacity vehicle and if other manufacturers follow suit with their own versions.

Polaris Boosts 2015 Ranger XP 900 Power By 13%

Posted on by
Reply
For 2014 the Polaris Ranger XP 900 receives a power boost.

For 2014 the Polaris Ranger XP 900 receives a power boost.

ThePolaris Ranger Crew 900 will be updated for 2015.

ThePolaris Ranger Crew 900 will be updated for 2015 as well.

Polaris announced updates for some 2015 side-by-side models including a 13% power increase for the 2015 Ranger XP 900. The 2015 model will feature a recalibrated, high output ProStar 900 engine with 68 horsepower. New intake openings, on the pillars behind the driver and passenger, allow for improved airflow for the engine and clutch air intake systems. The vehicles also feature edgier headrests, and new graphics packages and colors. Similarly the 2015 Ranger Crew 900 will feature improved air intake openings, edgier headrests and new graphics packages and colors. The Ranger XP 900 and Ranger Crew 900 will be available in Sage Green and Solar Red, with the Ranger XP 900 also available in Polaris Pursuit® Camo. The Ranger XP 900 EPS will be available in Sage Green, Solar Red, Sunset Red, Super Steel Gray, White Lightning, Black Pearl and Hunter Edition. The Ranger Crew 900 EPS will be available in Sunset Red, Super Steel Gray, White Lightning and Polaris Pursuit Camo. All vehicles will be in dealerships in June. Learn more:  Polaris.com

Can-Am Announces Updates To UTV Lines For 2015

Posted on by
Reply
The Can-Am Maverick 1000R X mr with the new digital camo and green manta color scheme and new Fox shocks for 2015.

The Can-Am Maverick 1000R X mr with the new digital camo and green manta color scheme and new Fox shocks for 2015.

The Commander 100 DPS showing off new wheels for 2015.

The Commander 1000 DPS showing off new wheels for 2015.

Earlier this month Can-Am announced updates for their 2015 Commander and Maverick UTV lineups. The updates focus mainly on new wheels and paint/graphic schemes. New 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels will accent the 2015 Commander models, with the Commander 800 DPS and Commander 1000 DPS getting updated silver-colored cast-aluminum wheels for 2015 while the Commander 1000 XT-P will receive updated beadlock wheels.

For paint and graphics updates the Commander 800R and 1000 DPS will have a new option of Light Grey with Can-Am Red graphics while the 2015 Commander 800R XT and Commander 1000 XT each have a painted pearl white finish option. The 1000 XT also offers a new, optional brushed aluminum color with Can-Am red highlights. A new, black-and-orange color scheme will be the sole choice for the Commander 1000 XT-P side-by-side. The Can-Am Maverick 1000R X mr is offered in the standard painted black-and-yellow X-team finish or the digital camo and manta green finish. Other updates to the lines include a 4,500-pound WARN winch kit with a roller fairlead, wired remote control and integrated remote storage. The winch is designed to compliment all Can-Am side-by-side vehicles with an XT package.  The Maverick 1000R X mr will feature large-diameter, 47-millimeter aluminum FOX piggyback shocks that are fully adjustable with high- and low-speed compression, rebound and multi-position preload adjustment. Learn more:  Off-road.com