Category Archives: new vehicle

Artic Cat Reports Strong Quarterly Results

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Last week Arctic Cat reported the results for their third quarter which ended December 31, 2011.  Management reported net sales of $207.0 million  compared to $152.0 million for the the prior-year third quarter.  Net earnings for the same time periods was $17.0 million and $9.3 million respectively.  The sales increase was driven by increased snowmobile sales and international all-terrain vehicle (ATV) sales, as well as the first shipments of their new Wildcat sport side-by-side vehicle.  Arctic Cat’s ATV sales include ATVs and side-by-side vehicles.  “ATV sales increased 12 percent to $54.4 million in the fiscal 2012 third quarter versus $48.6 million in the same period last year, with strong contributions from Arctic Cat’s Prowler line of side-by-sides.”  The company expects to increase production of the Wildcat in the fourth quarter.  Learn more:  Arcticcat.com

Earnings Call Highlights:

  • ATV sales increased 14% to $151.1 million from $133 million for the first three quarters of the fiscal year
  • Management reports a decline of 7% in the quarter for industry ATV sales in North America.  Side-by-side sales continue to grow however and Prowler sales were up for the quarter and first three quarters.
  • Management expects ATV division sales to increase 19% to 22% for the full year, driven by Q4 shipments of the new Wildcat sport side-by-side
  • Arctic Cat has shipped 200 Wildcat side-by-sides to date and estimates based on Q&A comments indicate orders in the range of 6,000 to 10,000 vehicles. Sales are meeting expectations according to management.
  • Arctic Cat has switched to a monthly ordering system for dealers compared to what was more of a quarterly program.  Comment: This will likely be a continuing trend with manufacturers in the industry as Polaris has also already made this transition to shorter ordering time frames.  The shorter time frame has reportedly allowed for lower inventories and costs, better matching of vehicles to customer needs and faster response to changing market conditions.

New Vehicle Introductions

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ACG Cars T-Sport LSV

T-Sport LSV recently introduced by ACG Cars

ACG Cars – ACG Cars of California recently launched their T-Sport LSV, a four passenger all electric vehicle. Features include  including a 17.5 hp brushless A/C motor, Sevcon computerized controller and LCD in-dash display.  The vehicle has a top speed of 25 mph and an estimated range of 40 miles.  MSRP is $7950. Learn more:  News.yahoo.com

AGT Electric Cars – AGT Electric Cars of Ontario, Canada recently introduced their Marrow Waste Management Vehicle.  The company usually manufacturers manufactures low-speed vehicles, neighborhood electric vehicles, utility task vehicles, burden carriers and golf cars.  The new vehicle is based upon their Marrow Electric Industrial Vehicle but is fitted with a 1-ton capacity trash bin.  The vehicle is powered by 12 6-volt batteries and management reports a range of 35 miles when fully loaded.  The vehicle is currently undergoing pilot tests and will be launched in Canada this month with a price of around $25,000.  The company is talking with potential distributors for the US market.  Learn more:  Wastecyclingnews.com

Mitsubishi Planning Small Electric Truck

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According to reports, Mitsubishi Motors is currently developing a small electric truck for the farm and contractor market.  Technical specifications on the vehicle are limited, but it is expected to be a light weight, rear drive truck.  It is not known if it will operate at LSV speeds or higher.  The truck will be the third electric vehicle model produced by Mitsubishi. Learn more:  Rushlane.com

Viridian Motors: Electric Truck Start-up

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Viridian Motors of Virginia expects to enter the small, electric utility truck market early next year.  Similar in design to a mini-truck, the Work Ready truck comes in two models, the WR100 and WR200, has a top speed of 25 mph and is priced at $13,500.  Target markets include farms, golf courses and apartment complexes.  The vehicle is a mix of US and China sourced parts with the assembly being performed in Norfolk, VA.

According to the company president Terry Langhorne the chassis and cabin are made in China and Chinese sourced parts constitute 15-20% of the sales price.  Parts sourced from the US include electric AC motor, controller, contactor, wiring harness, seats, transaxle rear end, fuse links, tires, brake lines, interior sheet metal components, steel chassis modifications, 12v battery system, throttle plates, gauges and dashboard switch assemblies.  Learn more:  Hamptonroads.com

2012 Teryx4 Review

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2012 Teryx4

Motorcycle-USA editors take the 2012 Teryx4 for a test drive

Motorcycle-USA.com recently took a look at the 2012 Teryx4 which targets the recreational market.  As the name would suggest the UTV seats four and it comes in three versions.

The base model ($13,399) has black doors and no electronic power steering. A mid-level EPS model ($14,399) adds upgraded suspension, two-tone seats, matching colors for doors and body panels, A-pillar covers and over fenders. Kawasaki also builds a luxury model for buyers looking for top-end components. The Teryx4 LE ($15,199) comes in special colors with the same benefits of the EPS models as well as a plastic roof and cast aluminum wheels. 

Other features include in a 749cc V-twin engine with 85 x 66mm bore and stroke cylinders with a 9.3:1 compression ratio, larger air filter and radiator, CVT transmission with centrifugal clutch, an engine braking feature, a new chassis (compared to the Teryx 2 seaters) and electronic power steering.  The Motorcycle-USA editors gave it a favorable review.

Overall the Teryx4 is a great side-by-side. Kawasaki already impressed us with the standard Teryx, but we actually prefer the ride quality of the Teryx4 all around. Unlike a RZR 4, which is completely different from a Polaris two-seater, the Teryx4 doesn’t give up much to its little brother. With such good handling it more than makes up for any weakness with added stability and comfort. Adding an improved user interface, beefier engine, EPS, quieter ride and the ability to carry two extra people easily makes this our favorite Kawasaki RUV.

Learn more:  Motorcycle-usa.com

 

 

Garia News

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Garia has developed a special edition golf car, the Garia Mansory Edition.  The vehicle is a collaboration between Garia and Mansory, a high-end customizer of cars from luxury brands such as Rolls Royce, Austin Martina and Bentley.

Carbon fiber – an ultra-light yet exceptionally strong material normally used in the motor sports and aircraft industries – has been used on body panels on the front, side steps and tail. The cabin floor is lined with teak tree, while the specially designed headlights, air scoop and fender gills complete this unique and complex transformation.

The Garia Mansory Edition comes in street legal and non-street legal versions and will be on display at the Top Marques Macau 2011 which takes place from November 24-27 2011 at The Venetian Macau.

In other Garia developments, the company has partnered with Hank Haney a leading golf instructor for a number of professional golfers and host of “The Haney Project.” on the Golf Channel.

Learn more:  Garia.com

Advance Vehicle Research Center To Import Korean NEV

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Korean NEV from AD Motors

NEV from AD Motors of Korea will be imported by AVRC for the US market

The Advance Vehicle Research Center (AVRC) of Danville, NC will be the importer and sales agent for a NEV produced by Korea-based AD Motors.  The NEV is called the “Change” in Korea and has a top speed of 45 mph and a range of 70 miles.  The US version will have be restricted to a 25 mph top speed.  A 9 kw lithium-ion battery pack powers the vehicle.  Other features include  a steel-cage passenger compartment, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, air conditioning, heated seats, power windows, AM/FM stereo with MP3, CD player and USB connection.  The vehicle is expected to be available before the end of the year.

Comment:  The vehicle continues the trend of NEVs with a more car-like design as opposed to a more golf-car design.   Learn more:  GoDanRiver.com

Update:  I contacted AVRC and the CEO Dick Dell said the vehicle’s MSRP is $24,450 and that is fully loaded with air conditioning, power windows, heated seats, a stereo system and a lithium-ion battery pack.

More Robotic Military Vehicles

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Robotic "mule" military vehicle developed by Lockheed Martin

I recently wrote a post about a robotic Gator that has been developed for military applications.  Another vehicle with a similar purpose, helping haul gear for combat troops, is now being tested in Afghanistan.  This “mule” was developed by Lockheed Martin and is much larger than the M-Gator, weighing in at 3,800 lbs for the six-wheeled vehicle.

Four of the vehicles will be tested over several months by troops operating in the field.  The vehicles will be used to haul gear, water, ammunition and other supplies.  In addition, the vehicles have a battery recharger onboard for the plethora of batteries that troops now need to operate a range of high tech equipment.  The vehicle also has a “follow me” operating mode. ” The vehicle will memorize the optical profile or shape and size of a person that it is told to follow, and it will track the person and stay a certain distance behind, moving around obstacles that fall in its path.” If the vehicle performs well, the Army could initiate a bid competition in late 2012.  Learn more:  Nationaldefensemagazine.org

2012 Renault Twizy Urban EV

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Renault Twizy Z.E. Electric Vehicle

Renault has announced the pricing for their Twizy Z.E. urban electric vehicle.  Targeting the European and possibly Japanese markets, the Twizy has a starting price of $10,350 with a monthly battery rental of $61.  The Twizy is a NEV with a stated range of 60 miles and a driver’s airbag.  There is no mention of whether or not the vehicle will ever be offered in the US.  Learn more:  Greencarreports.com

STOV Market Trender: Hybrid UTV

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Recently launched ASW Landmaster Crew Hybrid from American Sportsworks

American Sportsworks recently introduced a hybrid utility vehicle, the ASW Landmaster Crew Hybrid.  The vehicle features two drive systems a 48V electric drive in the front and a 653cc gasoline, V-Twin Subaru, powered rear wheel drive system.  The vehicle can be driven with either drive system alone or using both together.  The batteries can be recharged while operating the gas engine.

This vehicle really exemplifies two trends in the market:  the first is the increasing presence of electric powered UTVs and the second is the ongoinging adoption of technologies and features from highway capable on-road vehicles.  Learn more:  UTVweekly.com