Category Archives: new vehicle

KYMCO To Launch 700cc UTV In The US

Posted on by
Reply

Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd. (KYMCO), the largest powered two-wheeler manufacturer in Taiwan recently announced major 2011 marketing initiatives including the introduction of a 700cc UTV in the US market.  The company which took over the remaining share of KYMCO US in 2010 expects to sell 1,000 UTVs in the US this year.  Management expects UTVs to eventually replace ATVs in the market.  Total revenue for the company is about $1 billion a year.  Learn more:  News.cens.com

Tata Launches Electric Mini Truck

Posted on by
Reply

Indian manufacturer Tata is planning on launching an electric mini truck based on their Ace light commercial vehicle in March 2011.  The UK will be the first market followed by Scandinavia.

The zero emission Ace is powered by an 85 Ah battery that produces 25kW of maximum power and a top speed of 25mph. With only a 25 mile range, on the European Combined Drive Cycle, the Ace EV is designed primarily for use by Local Authorities in town centres, parks and university campuses.

The vehicle will initially be sold directly to customers from the manufacturer.  Learn more:  Articledatabase.com

New GEMs Launched For 2011

Posted on by
Reply

Chrysler Group Global Electric Motorcars LLC (GEM) has announced their new product line for 2011.  New features for the six model product line include:

An energy monitoring system, which allows drivers to determine the total amount of energy in kilo-watt-hours (kWh) that the GEM vehicle has removed from the grid. By using the trip meter, odometer switch in the vehicle, drivers can view the energy saving information right on the vehicle’s LCD screen. This feature is the first of its kind in the industry and allows drivers to actually see, and quantify, the positive impact that a GEM vehicle makes to the environment.
Also new for 2011 are four vehicle options including:

  • 12” turf tires for off-road applications
  • Right-hand-drive package that converts the GEM vehicle into the perfect police or security vehicle
  • Short-bed package that provides a 34” x 48” cargo bed on the GEM e4 four-passenger coupe or the GEM e6 six-passenger shuttle vehicle
  • Utility tie downs that allow cargo to easily be secured in any of the GEM utility vehicles

Learn more:  Chrysler.com (pdf of press release)

Stealth To Unveil New Electric Vehicle At ATA Show

Posted on by
Reply
Stealth-4x4-Utility-Vehicle

Stealth 4x4 Utility Vehicle

Stealth Utility Vehicle will be using the Archery Trade Association show this January 6-8 in Indianapolis to introduce their latest electric utility vehicle, the Stealth 4×4.  in 2010 Stealth introduced a 64 volt model of their hunting UTV.  Learn more:  Ammoland.com

Garia LSV In NYC

Posted on by
Reply
Garia LSV In NYC

Street legal Garia on the streets of New York City

Garia recently premiered the street legal version of their luxury golf car in New York City.  Pictures and videos show the vehicle as it makes its way from Columbus Circle through Times Square into downtown Manhattan and across the Brooklyn Bridge into Brooklyn.  The press release follows below.  Learn more:  Garia.com

World Premiere: Luxury Golf Cart Goes Street Legal

With the street legal version of The Garia you can take luxury and comfort straight from the green to the street.

Built at the same factory as the Porsche Boxster and Cayman and with luxury features such as a super-car inspired steering wheel, a built-in refrigerator and hand-stitched seats, The Garia is the ultimate machine in its class.

Now, The Garia LSV*, a street legal version of The Garia, lets you drive directly from the golf course to the streets. Fitted with street legal safety equipment such as seatbelts, side mirrors and reflectors, The Garia LSV will take you straight from your home to the golf course, tennis club, grocery store or your favorite cafe.

With a 25 mph top speed, The Garia LSV features a double wishbone front suspension, automotive style shocks and springs and a unique digital instrument cluster with all relevant driver information.

Superb handling and stability, extra storage space and a comfortable car-like driving position simply makes The Garia LSV ideal for your short, daily commutes.

The Garia LSV features a drive train built by an Italian company that also produces Ducati gearboxes, and its components are made by the same company that supplies Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Volvo.

With automotive features unseen in the golf cart industry The Garia LSV has – as the first golf cart ever – entered the automotive league and earned its right to be called a car as opposed to a cart.

For videos of The Garia LSV in the perfect city scene, New York City, please visit www.garia.com

Nissan Planning A Small Urban Vehicle

Posted on by
Reply
Nissan New Mobility Concept

Nissan New Mobility Concept

Nissan recently announced that they are planning on introducing three additional electric vehicles besides the Leaf in the next three years.  One will be a small urban vehicle, referred to as the New Mobility Concept.  It is not known at this time what the performance parameters of the vehicle will be.  While the New Mobility Concept looks very much like a low speed vehicle, Nissan could design the vehicle to have a higher top speed than currently allowed for LSVs.  According to Nissan the vehicle could be the ideal last mile transportation solution for commuters connecting to public transit or for residents of planned communities.

Nissan’s entry into the LSV market would be an important event in the market since major auto manufacturers have not been active in the market, except for Chrysler which has operated under the GEM not Chrysler brand.  Earlier forays into the previously labeled NEV  market by the majors was essentially only to meet California ZEV mandates.  Nissan’s move appears to be part of a strategic plan to develop a robust electric vehicle product line.  Their market entry could also create more demand for NHTSA to develop a medium speed vehicle classification.  Learn more:  Reviews.cnet.com

UTV Reviews From The UK

Posted on by
Reply

UK-based Pitchcare magazine, which focuses on the turf care industry, recently put 11 utility vehicles from 9 manufacturers to the test.  The testing ground was a sports facility with rugby, field hockey, polo and cricket fields, so meeting user needs was definitely in the context of the turf care environment.  The article discusses a number of aspects relating to cargo beds including ability to handle loads on pallets, powered dumping ability and the shift to moulded plastic beds.  Other issues include driver comfort and usability, noise, the pros and cons of electric UTVs and tire choices.

The reviewers rated the Kubota RTV 900 the highest followed by the Polaris Ranger Diesel and the Toro Workman MDX to round out the top three.  The UTVs were scored on the following parameters:  First impressions, Layout/Comfort, Ride, Noise, Visibility/Access, Power/Efficiency, Service access, Equipment levels, Safety features, Build quality, and Load box/Towing.  Learn more:  Pitchcare.com

 

Gator Review

Posted on by
Reply
John Deere 825i at play

John Deere Gator 825i 4x4 at play

Earlier this year John Deere launched their crossover utility vehicle the XUV 825i.  The vehicle was developed to capture the part of the UTV market that is using vehicles for both work and recreation.  One of the fastest growing segments in the UTV market, in recent years John Deere has lost some market share in this area to the powersports manufacturers.  Side by Side News put the 825i to the test in a recreational setting and came away impressed with the vehicle’s performance.  Learn more:  sxsnews.com

Gators spotted on UK beach – On another Gator related note, I came across a story about the town of North East Lincolnshire in the UK using TH 6×4 Gators to patrol their local beaches.  The diesel powered vehicles are “…equipped with a cab for winter protection, plus a PA system, internal two-way radio, siren, warning beacons, a detachable winch and a land anchor.”  Besides general patrol duties, the vehicles are used to warn and help visitors stranded by changing tides and clearing paths and leveling sandbanks.  Learn more:  Pitchcare.com

Cub Cadet Unveils Crossover UTV

Posted on by
Reply
Cub Cadet VTX

Cub Cadet Volunteer VTX Crossover UTV

Cub Cadet is using the upcoming SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufactuers Association) show to unveil their crossover concept vehicle the Volunteer VTX.  The VTX is designed to appeal to those using UTVs for both work and recreation.  Management is touting the vehicle’s ability to transform into different configurations as a defining feature of the vehicle.  Transformable features include:

  • Foldable jump seats that provide the flexibility to carry up to five riders or create more space behind the front seats for cargo or as a work area.
  • Bed sides that fold down to transform the VTX into a mobile work station complete with tool hookups.
  • Speed keys to set separate top speeds

Other features include:

  • 850cc Weber engine that can power the vehicle to 45+mph
  • 12-volt power outlets, hook-ups for air-powered tools and multi-functional high-intensity lighting
  • Digital display
  • In-dash monitor with GPS and rear-facing camera view

Learn more:  PRNewswire.com

Vehicle OEM News

Posted on by
Reply

Kubota Introduces Two UTVs in Australia – Kubota Tractor Australia recently introduced the diesel powered RTV1140 and the gas  powered RTV500.  The RV1140 features four-wheel drive and a 28.5 hp engine along with 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, hydrostatic power steering and hydraulic bed lift as standard.  The smaller RTV500 features electronic fuel injection, a 200 kg payload and can easily be transported to work areas.  Learn more:  Fatcow.com.au

AVID Vehicles e-Warrior

AVID Vehicles e-Warrior

AVID Vehicles of the UK Launches Electric UTV – AVID Vehicles based in Cramlington, UK recently launched their e-Warrior electric utility vehicle.  The vehicle features dual DC motors, a range of 40 miles, a top speed of 25 to 30mph  and a 250kg payload.  MSRP is US$15,600.  The company plans to produce 500 vehicles in 2011 and 1,000 in 2012.  Learn more:  Greencarcongress Journallive.co.uk

LSV Maker Wheego Unveils Full-speed EV – Wheego Electric Cars, manufacturer of the Wheego Whip LSV, will unveil the two-seat subcompact Wheego LiFe at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November.  The car has a 100 mile range, 20 kWh Li-ion battery pack and a MSRP of $32,995.  Learn more:  Greencarcongress.com