Category Archives: Pricing info

LSVs Popular In China

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A Chinese low-speed vehicle.

A Chinese low-speed vehicle.

A recent article discusses the surprising large size of the low-speed electric vehicle market in China. With over 200,000 LSVs produced there in 2013, it dwarfs the nearly 15,000 sold in the US. Some interesting characteristics of the market include, according to the article, a complete lack of regulation. Not surprisingly, hand in hand with this is a lack of safety features on the vehicles. On a more positive note, a host of component manufacturers and innovative low cost manufacturing processes have also cropped up to support this market and enabled many manufacturers to enter the fray.

A common design for a Chinese LSV is four doors with one seat in the front and two side-by-side in the back. The seating room would be considered small by Western standards. Chinese LSVs typically use lead-acid batteries and are powered by 1.5-kW to 4-kW DC motors with a top speed of around 38 miles per hour and costs range from $2,000 to $12,000. They are particularly popular in rural areas. Learn more:  Green.autoblog.com

Comment:  As the article points out, the small size of the US LSV market makes it a less appealing export market to Chinese manufacturers with so much opportunity at their doorstep. A friend of mine tried for several years to import a quality LSV from China that met the US safety standards and consumer requirements. He had a difficult time finding any company willing to spend the money to do the testing and meet the standards for a relatively small market opportunity. At the time, the quality of many of the vehicles he looked at was also not going to meet the needs of the US market.

Another difference in the markets is that the US market has become more of a commercial/institutional market. In the US, many of the consumer markets where LSVs would be useful are already served by golf cars and from what I’ve seen the trend among municipalities has been to allow golf cars on public streets rather than restrict them. This negates to a large degree the necessity of having purposely built LSV compliant vehicles. The commercial/institutional buyers however are looking for vehicles with those added safety features and official designation as an LSV.

In general, international markets offer greater potential for small electric vehicles than the US. From other developing countries in Asia to urban environments in Europe, from both a regulatory and market demand perspective, these markets are more conducive to creating a substantial market for these vehicles.

Flex L3 Electric Utility Truck Available In UK

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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.

Yamaha Announces 6-Passenger Viking Side-by-Side

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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.

Honda Unveils New 2015 Pioneer 500 Side-by-Side

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15_Pioneer500_Red

The new 2015 Pioneer 500 from Honda.

Steering column mounted paddle shifters on honda's Pioneer 500

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.

Polaris Adds Two Diesel Work UTVs To Lineup

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

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.

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.

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

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Beauty shot of the new Sportsman ACE from Polaris.

Beauty shot of the new Sportsman ACE from Polaris.

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

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

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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

Arctic Cat Launches Wildcat Trail UTV

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The new 50-inch wide Wildcat Trail XT from Arctic Cat

The new 50-inch wide Wildcat Trail XT from Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat introduced their new 50-inch wide Wildcat Trail and Trail XT UTVs. The models are designed for narrower trails and feature a new Arctic Cat-designed 700 inline twin with EFI, 4 valves per cylinder and liquid cooling. The 700cc 60-plus horsepower engine was designed specifically for the Wildcat Trail chassis. Other key features of the vehicle include:

  • 10 Inches of ground clearance 10.5 Inches of rear suspension travel
  • The Wildcat Trail and Trail XT models get double a-arms front and rear sporting top quality FOX nitrogen charged shocks all the way around.2-Inch receiver
  • Digital gauge with14 indicators: clock/hour meter, fuel level, mode button, set/reset button, odometer/trip, gear position, speedometer/tachometer, needle display, differential lock, high beam, temperature and oil pressure.
  • Color-matched bucket seats
  • Tilt-steering
  • Passenger handholds
  • Selectable on-the-fly 2WD/4WD with locking front differential
  • TEAM® Rapid Response Clutch
  • 12” rims with 4-ply, Carlisle Trail Pro tires, designed exclusively for the Wildcat Trail.
  • 300 lb rear cargo box capacity

The base model has an MSRP of $10,999.

Learn more: Arcticcat.com

Comment:  These vehicles will give riders access to some of the ATV trails, particularly in the East and other regions with trail networks in forests that have historically been too narrow for side-by-sides. In some areas these trails have numerous gates that make it impossible for wider side-by-sides to use the trails. In certain parts of the country this will likely further erode the ATV market which has seen consumers swap UTVs for ATVs over the last several years. Designed to compete against the Polaris RZR 800, it will be interesting to see the competition between these companies and others plays out in this segment of narrow width UTVs.

 

Polaris Introduces The New Ranger XP 900 Deluxe

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The new Ranger XP 900 Deluxe in nuclear sunset orange from Polaris.

The new Ranger XP 900 Deluxe in nuclear sunset orange from Polaris.

The new model features cockpit changes from the Ranger XP 900 EPS on which it is based.

The new model features cockpit changes from the Ranger XP 900 EPS on which it is based.

Polaris announced their latest addition to the Ranger product line, the Ranger XP 900 Deluxe in nuclear sunset orange. Based on the Ranger XP 900 EPS the new vehicle includes the following changes:

  • The bench seating is replaced with ‘bolstered cut-and-sew bucket seats’ with an adjustable driver’s seat
  • Center console with integrated storage
  • Color-matched half doors for protection from branches and mud
  • Factory installed in-dash audio system

The Deluxe model had a 1,000 lb cargo box capacity and 2,000 lb towing capacity. The MSRP is $16,499 for the base version.  Learn more:  Polaris.com

Comment:  Polaris continues to pump out new models targeting different slices of the market. While the recreational and crossover UTV segments have become more competitive with other companies introducing new models as well, no company seems to be able to match the speed and volume with which Polaris brings new models to the market. Their product development cycle is one of the reasons they continue to be the dominant brand in the market.

LSVs Show Strength in Government & Commercial Markets

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A six passenger transport vehicle from Cruise Car with a solar array on the roof for battery recharging.

Cruise Car out of Sarasota, FL reports growing sales on the strength of orders for  government and commercial markets. The company manufacturers golf cars and low speed vehicles for transport and utility. A key differentiator for the company is their Sunray Solar Roof Canopy which uses solar power to recharge vehicle batteries. They also feature an aluminum chassis and AC electric motors. According to management the company has been successful selling vehicles to military installations and last month was awarded a contract to supply fleets of shuttles and light utility runabouts to VA Hospitals and VA Cemeteries nationwide. Hotels and resorts are also an important market segment for the company. Many of the vehicles they sell to these markets are LSVs which can be used on public roads. Learn more:  HeraldTribune.com

Comment:  The companies success confirms with what we have been hearing from dealers around the country. Namely that STOVs and in particular LSVs are selling well in the commercial and government markets. The military and other government sectors are attracted in part to the fact that the vehicles are electric powered, whether to reduce fuel costs and/or meet sustainability goals. This is also true of the college/market where they can be used for personnel transport or light utility work around campus. The safety features of LSV compliant vehicles are appealing to buyers as well.