Renault Twizy 45
A law is pending in the UK that would allow unlicensed drivers 16 years or older to drive lightweight vehicles with a top speed of 28 mph. The Renault Twizy 45 would fit the bill. The vehicle costs just under $10,000 but insurance premiums are estimated to be as high as $6,000 for younger drivers. The details of the law are not finalized so Renault has not announced any marketing plans for the vehicle in the UK. Learn more: Hybridcars.com
This is an update to an earlier Market Trender post about a county replacing pickups with UTVs for beach patrol. The initial impetus for the new vehicles was a string of accidents where sunbathers were accidentally run over by life guards driving pickup trucks. An issue in the incidents was the height of the trucks and the limited visibility they provided in the context of beachgoers laying down on the sand. The county has purchased two vehicles and will add eight more vehicles by March. Besides offering increased visibility, the UTVs operate better in soft sand and the open sides make it more inviting for beachgoers to approach lifeguards. The UTVs carry a surfboard, backboard and other safety equipment. Learn more: Orlandosentinel.com
Highlighting some of the many applications for small, task-oriented vehicles
Lewis County's New UTV: A Search & Rescue command center for backwoods operations
Search and Rescue Command Center Vehicle – In Lewis County in upstate New York a Polaris Ranger UTV was recently purchased to serve as a command center for search and rescue operations. The vehicle cost $19,000 and was funded with a grant from the Federal Department of Homeland Security. Other funding covered the $4,000 for a track kit that expands the vehicle capabilities in snowy conditions. The vehicle also includes a heated cab, 100 watt radio system, emergency floodlights, a winch and a small emergency generator. Any agency in the county will be able to use the vehicle in addition to it’s use as a search and rescue vehicle. Learn more: Watertowndailytimes.com
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
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
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
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.
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
Continuing their history of introducing new models and upgrading older ones, Polaris announced a number of new models and improvements to existing ones for their RZR and Ranger product lines. For the RZR line they have added the RZR 570 targeting consumers looking for the ride and dimensions of the RZR 800 but without all the power.
Polaris introduces the new RZR 570
The RZR 570 has an all-new ProStar 570 engine that’s a 4-valve DOHC unit which can power the side-by-side from 0 to 35 mph in 4 seconds according to Polaris. Other features include:
“…the new grab bar, improved cockpit fit and finish to reduce dust and heat on the operator, a front drive cage made from zinc for added durability, a durable dual clutch inlet for low and high speed cooling, and a 33-percent thicker skid plate. The RANGER RZR 800 also will receive a rubber jounce bumper in the shock assembly for improved durability and the RANGER RZR 4 800 also will feature the improved Fox 2.0 adjustable shocks with compression adjustable knobs.”
The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project operated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has exhausted the funding for zero emission vehicle rebates. Over 27 months the project doled out over $11 million for rebates on close to 2,000 vehicles. The rebates ranged from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the type of zero emission vehicle eligible – ranging from an electric motorcycle or NEV to highway capable passenger cars. CARB is proposing an expansion of the program by increasing funding to $15 million for 2011-12 and cutting the maximum rebate in half to $2,500 to allow a greater number of rebates.
According to the project website, the project has provided rebates for 38 NEVs, 45 zero emission motorcycles and about 1,900 zero emission passenger and commercial vehicles. Learn more: LATimesblogs.latimes.com