E-Z-GO Introduces Redesigned TXT Golf Car

Newly redesigned E-Z-GO TXT golf car

E-Z-GO has introduced a newly redesigned TXT golf car featuring updated styling and new features to improve durability and performance. The press release follows with more details but some of the major themes of the redesign include:

  • New features to better incorporate usage of personal electronic devices
  • Refinements of existing features for increased usability and easier maintenance
  • Updated styling
  • Stronger components for increase durability

Comment:  The level of the refinements speaks to the competitive nature of the fleet golf car market where small incremental changes can lead to a competitive advantage. Some of these incremental changes in this case include an optional USB port, larger and repositioned cup holders, repositioning key control switches, slight changes in canopy angles and bagwells that drain water better. Taken individually they may not seem like much but collectively they can produce a better vehicle for both the owner and the user. This level of refinement also takes a certain level of investment and resources to study vehicle usage in great detail and develop appropriate changes at a high level of refinement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 18, 2013

Contact: Brandon Haddock
Director, Communications
706.772.5931
bhaddock@textron.com
E-Z-GO® Introduces Redesigned TXT® Golf Car
to Deliver a Better Golf Experience and Proven Performance

AUGUSTA, Ga. — E-Z-GO is pleased to introduce its redesigned TXT® golf car, updating the model’s classic look and proven performance while delivering a host of refined features to offer a better golfing experience, increased fleet durability and simpler maintenance.

“We remade the TXT to give our customers a golf car that was even easier to maintain, and to provide the premium features and conveniences expected by today’s golfers,” said Michael R. Parkhurst, vice president, golf for E-Z-GO. “The refined TXT has more of what you need, while still providing the unmatched level of performance that’s made our TXT the industry’s most trusted golf car for more than 15 years.”

Multiple design updates were developed to increase golfer enjoyment and make the car simple to use and maintain. The dashboard can be equipped with an optional USB port to recharge mobile phones, rangefinders and other small electronics, while also providing 30 percent more storage — enough room for an iPad. Storage pockets are placed higher in the dash to protect stored items from the elements.

Cup holders provide 45 percent more volume and are relocated to a more central position in the vehicle to prevent spills. Seatbacks are 23 percent larger to make every round a more pleasant experience. Ball holders are now mounted in the outside dash pockets for easy access from outside the vehicle. The oversized bagwell accommodates larger golf bags, has fewer places for dirt to collect, and new drainage holes to help eliminate standing water.

The new TXT’s updated styling follows modern automotive design cues, giving the vehicle a sleek, contemporary appearance. The forward-neutral-reverse switch has been relocated to a central location along the spacious bench seat’s centerline, placing controls at the driver’s fingertips for easier access and quick changes of direction.

Many new features of the TXT redesign increase the unit’s durability and make cleaning and maintenance easier. The vehicle’s front struts are 25 percent thicker for longer life, and the TXT’s front cowl and body panels are crafted from durable automotive-quality materials with an attractive, painted finish resistant to scratches and fading. An optional front bumper withstands repeated 5-mph impacts, and the TXT’s steel-reinforced rear bumper is the strongest in the industry.

The new sun top boasts a double-walled construction and an industry-first molded-in grab handle. The canopy is angled downward three degrees to eliminate standing water. Built-in drainage channels and a 360-degree drip edge are placed at the top’s corner to funnel water away from golfers, while lack of an internal drainage channel ensures no clogging.

The redesigned TXT golf car retains its predecessor’s proven performance and standard features still not found anywhere else in the industry. TruCourse Technology allows golf course owners to tailor speed, acceleration and regenerative braking characteristics to optimize the vehicle’s performance for safe, efficient operation on their course, and also reduces energy costs and improves battery life and daily range. The new TXT’s 48-volt DC technology offers the most efficient and effective DC power in the industry, maximizing battery life and using less energy than competing models.

For more information about the redesigned TXT, visit ezgo.com or follow E-Z-GO on Facebook. To receive a demo of the new TXT, contact your local E-Z-GO sales representative or authorized distributor.

About E-Z-GO
E-Z-GO, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is a leading global manufacturer of golf cars, utility and personal transportation vehicles. Products sold under the E-Z-GO brand include RXV® and TXT® fleet golf cars, Freedom® RXV and Freedom TXT personal golf cars, E-Z-GO Terrain™ and Express™ personal utility vehicles, and the 2Five® street-legal low-speed vehicle. E-Z-GO also produces the Cushman® line of heavy-duty material carriers and utility vehicles, and the Bad Boy Buggies® line of off-road utility vehicles for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Founded in 1954 in Augusta, Ga., E-Z-GO became part of Textron Inc. in 1960.

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron in known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Yamaha Announces New Viking UTV

Yamaha’s new Viking utility vehicle

Three person seating in the Yamaha Viking

Yamaha Motor Corp USA has announced their new side-by-side vehicle, the Viking. A key feature of the Viking is the three person seating. The pass-through bucket seating has an center position set back 5 degrees to improve comfort with maximum shoulder room for all three occupants. The new utility vehicle also features 686cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, 4-valve fuel-injected engine that delivers a top speed of 50 mph. A crossover vehicle, the Viking is targeted towards work and trail riding applications. Other key features include:

  • Fuel injection
  • 9.7 gallon fuel tank
  • Electric power steering
  • Driver controlled On-Command® system, featuring 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with differential lock selections
  •  Ultramatic™ transmission with dual speed gearing and an automatic centrifugal clutch
  • 12 inches of ground clearance
  • Full steel/composite smooth skid plate front to back and side to side
  • Assisted dump bed with 600 lb payload capacity
  • 1,500 lb towing capacity
  • Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 tires were designed specifically and exclusively for the Viking
  • 4 wheel disc brakes

The Viking will be available in August with standard models coming in Steel Blue, Hunter Green (with sun top), Red (with sun top) and Realtree AP HD camo (with sun top).  The non-EPS models start at $11,499 MSRP while the EPS models start at $12,499 MSRP.  A Special Edition Tactical Black model will be available in spring 2014. Learn more:  Agweb.com

In a related note Yamaha is expanding production at the Newnan, GA facility, in part to build the new Viking utility vehicle. The company will hire 100 people to work on the vehicle. The facilities will also be producing all of the company’s ATVs.  The US market represents 70% of their ATV sales. Learn more:  AJC.com

Comment:  It has been a few years since Yamaha has come out with an entirely new utility vehicle. This is another sign of the strength of this market. In the last few years all the major players are not only upgrading existing lines but pushing into new market segments:  Yamaha with the Viking, Polaris with the Brutus, John Deere with their RSX line, etc. The additional marketing dollars and new features coming into the market should help grow the market further and offer good values for customers.

John Deere To Expand Gator RSX Line

John Deere RSX850i

John Deere plans to add new models to their RSX line of utility vehicles. The current RSX 850i pictured here.

John Deere has plans to add new models to their Gator RSX line that targets the recreation/sport side-by-side segment. The current line features three models:  the Base, Trail and Sport. The RSX line was specifically developed to appeal to recreational riders and expand John Deere’s presence in the UTV market beyond their traditional work segments. John Deere started the UTV market with their early Gators focusing on work applications and expanded their reach in 2007 with the Gator XUV line which appeals to crossover users that want vehicles for a combination of work and play.  The Gator RSX line is a natural progression towards the pure play applications. It is also a higher priced, highly profitable and becoming a highly competitive segment.  Management reports that the RSX models have brought in new customers to the brand and is particularly strong in the West Coast market, a major recreational side-by-side market.  Learn more:  Powersportsbusiness.com

Comment:  It’s not surprising to see John Deere expanding the RSX line.  This segment of the market is performance and feature driven and highly competitive.  Polaris, Arctic Cat and Can-Am are considered the leaders and continuously trying to one-up each other so product development must be relatively fast and ongoing.  On the other hand, vehicles in this fast growing segment sell for upwards of $15,000 to $20,000 or more and buyers frequently spend thousands more on accessories and options so there is a lot of profit to be made.  I see two challenges for John Deere in this segment.  First their brand is associated more with work applications than sport, especially in light of their main competitors that come from a powersports heritage.  Second, their distribution network is, not surprisingly, designed to reach customers buying work related vehicles. However, their  original RSX line had solid reviews, and with customers using so many online resources to research vehicle purchases, distribution alignment issues can be mitigated to a certain extent.

Highlights from the Polaris Earnings Call – Q1 2013

The following are the highlights of the Polaris earnings call for their first quarter 2013 earnings report as it relates to the STOV market.

  • Total sales for the first quarter increased 11% to a record $754.9 million
  • First quarter net income increased 26% to $75.5 million
  • Gross profit margins were up a modest 10 basis points to 29%
  • Full year sales expected to be up 12% to 15% over 2012.
  • Polaris’ first quarter Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) revenue increased 7% driven by side-by-side sales.
  • In the first quarter consumer demand for the RANGER 900XP outpaced all other ORVs in the industry.
  • Polaris gained market share in both ATVs and side-by-sides.
  • ATVs down low single digits and for industry as well
  • Polaris side-by-side retail grew mid-single digits in an industry estimated to grow low single digits.
  • The new RZR XP 900 Jagged X has been a hit with consumers
  • Major strategic initiatives included launch of Brutus commercial line, acquisition of Aixam and start of plant construction in Poland
  • Brutus line will be sold through dedicated new Polaris commercial channel that already includes 400 dealers
  • Initial orders for both the Brutus product and the attachment have been better than are than expected.
  • Small vehicle business consisting of GEM and Goupil grew double digits
  • GEM and Goupil both had good quarters, as GEM retail more than doubled in its best first quarter since 2008, while Goupil retail orders were up about 20%, significantly outperforming the European economy.

Looking Forward

  • Sales of Off-Road Vehicles are expected to increase in the 8% to 10% range, with retail sales of side-by-side vehicles and ATVs outpacing the overall market in North America and internationally.
  • Management expects to increase ORV market share in 2013 although at a more moderate rate than the past 3 years.
  • Management optimistic about new model introductions for model year 2014
  • Poland facility to be online in the 2nd half 2014 mainly for producing ATVs for the European market with some side-by-side capability as well.
  • Management expects to realize sourcing and engineering synergies between Goupil, Aixam and Gem
  • Goal is to decrease the delivery time of for side-by-side products to dealers from 6 weeks down to 4 weeks

Learn more:  Seekingalpha.com (earnings call transcript)

First Polaris & Bobcat Co-Developed Commercial UTVs Roll Off the Line

Bobcat & Polaris executives join workers at Milford, IA factory to celebrate the first commercial UTVs to roll off the production line.

Executives from Polaris and Bobcat made an appearance at the Milford, IA assembly plant to commemorate the first Bobcat 3600 and Bobcat 3650 and Polaris BRUTUS models to roll off the production line. The commercial UTVs are the result of a strategic alliance between the two companies to co-develop products. The alliance leverages Polaris experience in utility vehicles and the powersports market, and Bobcat’s experience in work vehicle technology and attachments. Bobcat also brings to the table extensive knowledge of commercial customers and a dealer network to reach that segment.  Learn more: SXSNews.com

Hovercraft Golf Car

Prototype Hovercraft Golf Car

Bubba Watson and his sponsor Oakley have teamed up with Neoteric Hovercraft to develop a prototype hovercraft golf car. As evidence from the picture, the vehicle can travel over water hazards as well as sand traps and fairways. According to Neoteric the hovercraft has 33 times less foot print pressure than the human foot which translates into less damage on the golf course. Learn more:  Oakley.com

Bad Boy Mowers Launches New Line of UTVs

Bad Boy Mowers Intimidator XD4 UTV

Bad Boy Mowers New Intimidator XD4 UTV

Bad Boy Mowers has launched a new lineup of utility vehicles under the Intimidator name. The three vehicle lineup features three different power plants, a 1000cc diesel, a 750 cc gas and a 48 volt electric model. Key features of the models incllude:

  • 1,600 lb payload
  • Steel frame
  • Shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive
  • 10.25″ slop on brake rotors and with dual piston calipers
  • Four wheel independent suspension
  • 27″ tires with 14″ aluminum alloy
  • 10 inches of travel at each wheel
  • Colors:  orange, military (OD) green, midnight metallic black or Mossy Oak™ camouflage

Learn more:  Intimidator4x4.com

Piaggio Updates Vehicles for India LCV Market

After a not so successful first try, Piaggio Vehicles India, will be taking a second crack at the light commercial vehicle market in India with some updated models. Their current product lineup featuring the Ape Mini and the Ape Truck Plus in the 0.5 and 1 tonne categories respectively will be replaced by the Porter 600 and the Porter 1000 in the next two months.  The Porter 1000 is a 0.75 tonne vehicle and a 1.5 tonne vehicle based on the Porter platform is also on the horizon.

The main competitors in this market are Tata Motors’ Ace Zip and Ace and Mahindra & Mahindra’s Maxximo. According to Piaggio’s According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers the new vehicles will provide more “power, fuel efficiency, gradability” than the competition and they hope to capture 10% of the market with the new vehicles.  The LCV market grew approximately 14% in the last year according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.  Learn more:  Domain-b.com

Bobcat Launches New UTVs with PTO Feature

New Bobcat 3600 and 3650 UTVs co-developed with Polaris

New Bobcat 3600 and 3650 UTVs co-developed with Polaris

Bobcat has launched the 3600 and 3650 utility vehicles, the latter features powert take-off (PTO) attachments. The vehicles are similar to the recently introduced Brutus line from Polaris that the companies co-developed. Both the 3600 and 3650 feature a 24.8 hp Yanmar diesel engine, hydrostatic drive and a top speed of 30 mph. They also have 4×4 and AWD capabilities. The 3650 offers more attachments including PTO attachments: snowblower, mower, angle broom and non-PTO attachments snowblade, pallet fork and bucket. A spreader and sprayer are available for both. Other comparative features for the models include:

  • 1,250 lb cargo box capacity for both models
  • 2,200 lb towing capacity for the 3600 vs 2,000 lb for the 3650
  • 500 lb in lift and 2 feet in height  capacity for the 3650 attachments
  • Factory cab comes standard with heat and air
  • MSRPs of $15,000 for the 3600 and $25,000 for the 3650

Learn more: Equipmentworld.com

Polaris Launches BRUTUS Utility Vehicle Line for Commercial Segment

The New BRUTUS Line of Commercial UTVs from Polaris

Polaris Industries has introduced their BRUTUS line of utility vehicles for the commercial work segment. Their first purpose-built commercial vehicle line offers front-end power take-off capability. The product line includes the BRUTUS, BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HDPTO models with MSRPs of $15,999, $17,999 and $23,999 respectively. Developed as part of their partnership with Bobcat, Polaris will manufacturer the vehicles while Bobcat will provide an assortment of attachments. Key features of the vehicles include:

  • 24 hp diesel engine
  • Front-end power take-off option powered by the vehicle’s engine
  • Hydrostatic transmission
  • Treadle pedal that allows travel in forward or reverse without shifting gears
  • 6 inch of suspension travel
  • On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive
  • 1,250 pound cargo capacity and 2,000 lb towing capacity
  • Pro-Tach attachment system for the HD and HDPTO models
  • PTO powered attachments:  angle broom, finishing mower and snow blower and hydraulically-powered attachments:  snow blade, pallet forks and materials bucket
  • Enclosed cab with heat, defrost and AC is standard on the HDPTO

Polaris will sell the vehicles through their existing dealership network and start shipping the vehicles in April 2013. Learn more:  Greenindustrypros.com and Polaris.com/Commercial

Comment:  This new line introduction is more evidence of the continuing trend in the STOV market of product diversification by many of the manufacturers. Polaris is a prime example, from their strength in the recreational and general work UTV markets they have expanded into more focused commercial segments with their Bobcat alliance and into electric utility vehicles and personal transportation segments with their acquisition of GEM. Golf car manufacturers have also done the same from their fleet golf car base into heavier duty off-road UTVs and into the LSV markets. The challenge these companies face is developing a distribution network for these new product lines. Typically their traditional dealer networks do not reach or only partially reach the customer base in the segments they are newly targeting. In addition, the sales process may be different such as selling UTVs to colleges and universities compared to selling to a retail customer.