Honda Unveils New 2015 Pioneer 500 Side-by-Side

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new 2015 Pioneer 500 from Honda.

Steering column mounted paddle shifters on Honda’s Pioneer 500

This month Honda announced their new 2015 Pioneer 500 side-by-side. Marketed as a crossover vehicle good for work duties or trail riding, the Pioneer 500 is a two passenger vehicle featuring a 475cc four-stroke engine and a five-speed gearbox with an electric shift system and steering column mounted paddle shifters. The side-by-side is designed for trail access/use or working in tight confines with a width of only 50 inches, 73.1 inch wheelbase and 13 ft. turning radius. The side-by-side can fit in a full-size pick-up, has 450 lb. payload capacity and nearly 10 inches of ground clearance. With an MSRP of only $8,499 the Pioneer 500 is targeting entry level and price conscious buyers. Learn more: Honda.com

Comment: After several years of not aggressively pursuing the UTV market, Honda now seems to be putting resources behind their efforts as they follow up last year’s introduction of the Pioneer line with a new addition. They are also continuing two trends we have seen in the overall UTV market. First the Pioneer 500 is being positioned as a crossover type vehicle, albeit at the lower price/performance levels. Second, this is a narrow width model designed to provide access to trails for which more traditional UTVs are too wide. We have seen this in higher performance, more recreational riding oriented models from a number of manufacturers but this vehicle is clearly targeting more of a casual trail rider than a high speed trail jockey. Nevertheless, the narrowness of the vehicle could be important for customers in the eastern part of the US where trails are more narrow and/or have narrow gates that restrict access.

Eicher-Volvo Joint Venture May Enter Mini-Truck Market

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Marc Cesare

eicher-volvo-joint-venture-ve-commercial-vehicle-studying-plans-to-enter-mini-trucks-segment

Eicher is considering a mini-truck offering to enter the small commercial vehicle market through their joint venture with Volvo.

A joint venture between Eicher Motors Ltd. of India and Volvo, VE Commercial Vehicle, may enter the growing small commercial vehicle market in India. The small commercial vehicle market consists of the vehicles of 5 tonnes or less. The joint venture is considering a mini-truck offering in the 1-3 tonne range. This segment already features vehicles like the Ashok Leyland Dost, Tata Ace and Mahindra’s Maxximo Plus. The decision to enter the market will be made within the next six months with a potential product launch in 2016-17.

The small commercial vehicle market represents over 50% of the commercial vehicle market with an estimated 359,000 vehicles sold every year and growth to over 500,000 expected by 2019. The market is driven by the hub and spoke distribution system in India where large trucks transfer goods to or between hubs and smaller vehicles deliver the goods the last few miles. Learn more: Economictimes.com

Comment: For regulatory reasons, mini-trucks have not been a major market in the US although farmers often purchase used mini-trucks coming out of Japan and use them as of-road work vehicles. In some areas they are being allowed more access to public roads, but this is often in the context of agricultural use rather than the general public. Eicher, which also makes motorcycles, has a joint venture with Polaris that started in 2012. This joint venture is focused more on a range of personal vehicles with reports of a four-wheeled vehicle to be launched in 2015. At the same time, there could be opportunities for the companies to work together in the small commercial vehicle space given Polaris’s acquisitions in the past few years of GEM, Aixam and Groupil.

New Tracked Utility Vehicle From Fecon

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new EX60 Tracked Utility Vehicle from Fecon.

Fecon, a maker of vegetation management equipment such as mulchers and stump grinders, recently introduced their new EX60 Track Vehicle. The EX60 has a 6,000-lb payload capacity and all-terrain rubber tracks. The company is targeting applications such as fleet service, fire-fighting, material handling, or spraying vegetation and insects where trucks or larger vehicles can’t go. Two standard auxiliary hydraulic circuits can power optional equipment. A load sense pump is offered as an option for more demanding applications. The EX60 features a universal mounting plate in the payload area to easily switch between solutions, whether skid mounted equipment or material handling apparatus. A reversible operator station and operator controls add to the flexibility of the EX60. The 46HP diesel engine enables transport of the impressive payload and 7-MPH travel speed.

There is no additional information on the cost of the vehicle or other specifications. Fecon existing lines of equipment are for the right-of-way, land clearing, firebreaks, pasture restoration, invasive species and wildlife restoration markets.

Learn more: Fecon.com

Comment: This vehicle definitely pushes the envelope and falls in the more heavy duty range of the of STOV market. While the end market for a vehicle like this may be on the smaller size, it is another example of how the STOV market is being segmented by specialized application needs. While in many cases this segmentation can be handled by customization of base models with a wide range of uses, in other cases more specialized, purpose built vehicles are needed. Another less extreme example in the work UTV portion of the market would be the Brutus line of UTVs from Polaris with it’s PTO and multiple attachment capability. The EX60 may have appeal in other markets but Fecon’s distribution network focusing on the vegetation management markets will likely limit sales of the vehicle to this customer base.

Tata Motors To Launch New Mini-Truck

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The current Tata Ace mini-truck

Tata Motors announced plans to launch a new mini-truck for the Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) segment within the next month. The new vehicle will be targeting the segment between Tata’s Ace mini-truck and their Super Ace pickup truck. The SCV segment, which comprises sub-1 tonne payload mini trucks and above 1-tonne payload pick- ups is below the 3.5 tonne (gross vehicle weight) Light Commercial Vehicle segment. The segment has become a competitive segment as more companies have launched vehicles for the market. Tata holds an estimated 48% share of the market.

In India and other countries in the region SCVs are used for the delivery of goods in the last mile of the distribution network. This service need often offers an opportunity for entrepreneurs to start their own business as a local shipper. They typically will get financing to purchase a vehicle. Despite a sluggish economy of late the, market segment is expected to grow as penetration in rural areas is low and when compared to other developing countries, India’s use of SCVs is low as well. Learn more: Thehindu.com

Comment: The SCV market in India is dominated by Tata and other local or regional manufacturers. It should be noted though that Polaris has started to enter other vehicle segments in India. In the future there could be potential for their GEM line or some of their vehicles from European acquisitions for use in this market. For electric vehicles, the ability of the local electrical grid to provide reliable charging opportunities, could be a significant hurdle though.

Polaris Adds Two Diesel Work UTVs To Lineup

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new Polaris Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe with climate controlled cab.

The new Polaris Ranger Diesel HST with a Yanmar diesel engine and hydrostatic transmission.

Polaris Industries recently introduced two new diesel powered Ranger work utility vehicles to their product lineup, the Ranger Diesel HST and the Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe. Both vehicles are powered by a 24hp Yanmar diesel engine with engine braking which is paired with a hydrostatic transmission featuring Polaris’ exclusive On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive. The vehicles also include a treadle pedal and multi-link coil over De Dion rear suspension. The treadle pedal allows for travel in forward to reverse without shifting gears. The Deluxe model comes with a factory-installed cab with climate controls and an electric assist for the dump bed. Both models have a 1,250 lb cargo capacity and 2,000 lb towing capacity along with a 90 amp alternator for better cold weather starting and operating accessories. The models are targeted for the agricultural and rural customer. The vehicles will be available in April with the Ranger Diesel HST starting at $15,199 and the Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe at $20,999. Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: Polaris continues to build out their work utility vehicle lineup, targeting different customer segments of the consumer work and commercial portions of the market. While these new Ranger models are primarily aimed at the agricultural and work customer, they could also be used in the construction market or other segments that might use diesel vehicles. The company has been making a particularly strong push into the commercial area over the last several years with their Brutus vehicle partnership with Bobcat, the GEM lineup which is primarily for commercial and institutional use and now these models provide a slightly different flavor. The question in the STOV market often returns to how well the distribution channel matches to the target customer. Since the agricultural segment has historically been served by the powersports dealer to a certain degree this should not be an issue with these models. For other more purely commercial segments where these vehicles could find traction, a more efficient distribution channel may be needed to fully exploit their potential.

Update on EVDrive’s Terra-Torque-Technology

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Marc Cesare

A look at that the front wheel motors in a Kawasaki Teryx modfied by EVDrive with their Terra Torque Drive.

A recent post discussed EVDrive’s Terra-Torque-Drive technology and it’s demonstration in a Kawasaki Teryx4. I thought the electric UTV technology, which among other capabilities enabled the demonstrator vehicle to perform zero-radius turns, could be an important development in the UTV market. I followed up with a call and fairly lengthy discussion with Steve Tice,COO, President, Co-Founder of EVDrive to talk more about their technology and plans for the UTV market. I put the information into an article in the Tech content section of this website. Learn more: EVDrive Terra-Torque-Drive

Sportsman ACE From Polaris May Open New Off-Road Vehicle Category

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Marc Cesare

Beauty shot of the new Sportsman ACE from Polaris.

The overhead view shows the rider cockpit and overall narrowness of the vehicle.

Polaris recently introduced the Sportsman ACE, an ATV/UTV hybrid vehicle that, if successful, could launch a whole new category of off-road vehicles. The Sportsman ACE is a single-passenger vehicle with a sit-in chassis. The design combines the small size, responsiveness and maneuverability of an ATV with the more comfortable rider position and safety features of a UTV. According to David Longren, vice president of Polaris’ Off-Road Division. “In creating the Sportsman ACE, we wanted to not only appeal to current off-road enthusiasts, but develop a vehicle that brings new customers to off-road recreation. We accomplished this by coupling an easy-to-use, nimble platform with a confident and secure ride that, together, provides drivers of all experience levels a new way to experience the outdoors.” Some of the key features of the vehicle include:

Trail-capable and easily-transportable 48 in. width
10.25 in/26.04 cm of ground clearance and 9.5 in/24.1 cm of rear travel
Fully independent rear suspension (IRS) outfitted with performance, twin tube shocks featuring adjustable preload
32 horsepower ProStar™ Electronic Fuel Injected Engine
ROPS cab frame
Bucket seat with three-point seatbelt
Integrated 2.8 gal/10.6 liter semi-dry, front storage compartment, and a high-capacity Lock & Ride® cargo box with rack extenders and rear tie down rails combine for 575 lbs of cargo capacity
1,500 lb towing capacity
Polaris On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system
Optional roof, door, windshield, tires and other accessories
Winch ready

The MSRP for the base vehicle is $7,499 and it will be available in White Lightning at dealerships in February.

Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: This is another example of why Polaris is the leader in this market. They continue to keep churning out new vehicles, whether slight variations of existing models to target sub-segments or improve performance in existing segments, or, as in the case Sportsman ACE, to break entirely new ground. From a marketing standpoint this vehicle could be very versatile in attracting a range of buyers. At such a low price point compared to UTVs it can definitely attract the buyer with less money to spend or someone who wants to try out trail-riding but is maybe reluctant to spend the money on a more expensive UTV. Thus the Sportsman ACE provides an entry point to new customers who can move into UTVs later.

It also offers riders who want access to narrow trails a more affordable alternative to some of the newer, narrower and pricey high-performance UTVs. While some areas of the country have wide-open trails, in many areas only vehicles the size of an ATV can access trails. Potentially existing UTV owners could also purchase a Sportsman ACE as a second vehicle for riding narrower trails or for solo riding. Another potential market could be farmers and other commercial users of ATVs looking for more comfort, safety and payload in a similarly priced vehicle. In the long term, this vehicle could become a replacement for the ATV category, offering a more comfortable and safer alternative to existing ATVs designs.

Yamaha Introduces Special Edition Tactical Black Viking Side-by-Side

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new Special Edition Tactical Black Viking EPS 4x4 from Yamaha

The new Special Edition Tactical Black Viking EPS 4×4 from Yamaha

Yamaha has introduced a new addition to their Viking side-by-side product line, the Special Edition Tactical Black Viking EPS 4×4. The new model has all of the features of Yamaha’s standard Viking SxS plus molded sun top, overfenders, mud flaps, an under-seat storage box, bed rail accessory mounts and exclusive black cast aluminum wheels. To refresh your memory some of the key features of the standard Viking include:

Three-person seating utilizing Yamaha’s exclusive pass-through bucket seating with a unique off-set center position.
A 686cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, 4-valve fuel-injected engine
Yamaha’s three-way On-Command® system, featuring 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with differential lock, is a driver-controlled system with an automotive-type rotary dial selector.
Ultramatic™ CVT with dual speed gearing and an automatic centrifugal clutch.
Four wheel independent suspension
600 lb cargo bed capacity and 1,500 lb towing capacity.
Nearly 12 inches of ground clearance

The SE Tactical Black Viking 4×4 EPS will be available in the spring of 2014 with an MSRP of $13,749. Learn more: Yamaha.com

Star EV Launches New Electric Utility Vehicle Models

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new heavy duty electric utility vehicle from Star EV

Star EV recently launched a new lineup of electric utility vehicles for commercial and industrial use. The U series HA 1 vehicles come in a number of configurations and feature cabs from Curtis Industries. The vehicles are available with a 48-volt electric drivetrain with a 5kW (6.7hp) DC motor or a 72-volt drivetrain with a 6.7kW (9hp) AC motor. The vehicles have a 2,200 lb cargo load capacity. Other key features include:

400 amp (DC) or 500 amp (AC) Curtis controller
4 wheel hydraulic brakes
Seating for 2
Fold-down bed with tailgate
Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals
Horn, reverse beeper and parking brake
19.5 mph top speed or 20-25 mph with the LSV configuration
Heavy duty bed liner and full chassis undercoating

Available options include:

LSV configuration
AGM batteries
Battery filling system
Heater/defroster
Beacon light
LED roof mounted lights
Enclosed aluminum boxes
Ladder racks

The rear cargo area can be customized with different types of beds and enclosures.

Learn more: Starev.com

Comment: GEM and now Star EV have come out with new electric utility vehicles with a heavier payload. Both feature AC drive systems as well, while the GEM eM1400 does not offer an LSV version. For a new research report on the college market, I spoke with a fleet manager who was looking for an electric UTV with an increased payload. If his interview is any indicator, this market segment is looking to use these electric utility vehicles in more specific applications than just general maintenance and therefore require some more capabilities like higher payloads. In the college market at least, a LSV configuration is often a desired option. If manufacturers can produce electric utility vehicles that can perform and meet these new demands, it starts opening up even more market potential.

Golf Car Companies Pursue Work UTV Segment with New Vehicles

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Marc Cesare

The new Cushman Hauler Pro with a 72-volt AC drivetrain.

Carryall 2 from Club Car

Faced with slow or no growth in their primary market, fleet golf cars, Club Car and E-Z-GO are pursuing higher growth opportunities in the commercial and consumer work UTV segments. To do this both companies have recently producing revamped product offerings. Club Car has come out with their new Carryall line of vehicles and E-Z-GO is attacking their market with the new Cushman Pro Hauler. The Pro Hauler uses a 72-volt AC drivetrain to provide longer runtime at golf courses and other maintenance environments. The whole Carryall line has been redesigned to appeal to a wide range of consumer and commercial customers. Learn more: The Augusta Chronicle

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