2016 PGA Show: Torq Off-Road Electric Vehicles Showcases Suppressor VLE Electric Side-by-Side

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The spartan and aggressive looking Torq Suppressor VLE utility vehicle features a low-slung design, which results in a low center of gravity.

A frontal view of the Torq Suppressor VLE with seating for two.

A frontal view of the Torq Suppressor VLE Side X Side with racing-style four-point harnesses and seating for two.

A view of the vehicles quick-release steering wheel and instrument panel.

A view of the vehicle’s instrument panel and quick-release steering wheel.

The Torq Suppressor VLE’s AC powertrain.

Torq Off-Road Electric Vehicles used the 2016 PGA Show to showcase their Suppressor VLE Side X Side, an electric powered hunting and recreational vehicle. The company also has a single seat version, the Solo. VLE stands for Very Light Electric, and the models have a curb weight of about 1,020 lbs. Both models are powered by a 48-volt AC brushless powertrain with a 450 amp Curtis controller which produces 18 hp and a top speed of 25 mph. The battery pack consists of eight Crown 6-volt AGM batteries with an estimated run time of 3 to 3.5 hours. Other features include:

12.49:1 Team Industries Slip Disc Differential
Width of only 58.5″
10″ of ground clearance
PRP suspenison
Dual A-Arm front suspension with coil over, multi-position, pre-load adjusted shocks
A-Arm rear suspension with coil over shocks
All-wheel disc brakes
25″ tires
Four-point racing-style harness
Quick-release steering wheel
MSRPL Suppressor VLE Side X Side – $15,500; Suppressor VLE Solo – $14,500;

While hunting is a key application for the Torq vehicles, it is certainly not the only one as the company is also marketing the vehicle as a recreational vehicle as well. Compared to other electric hunting vehicles, Torq’s design and look will likely have more appeal to off-road recreational riders. This dual application design is also a good idea from a marketing standpoint. Research SVR has done in the market indicates that the electric hunting vehicle market is limited to only certain areas of the country where geography and the type of hunting lend itself to the use and expense of a dedicated hunting vehicle. The design of the Torq models should appeal to a wider potential market, although versions with a higher top speed would probably broaden the appeal in the recreational market. The company has started to build out their dealer network.

2016 PGA Show: Sunright International Introduces HJS Big Horn UTVs

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Sunright International introduced two new utility vehicles at the PGA Show, the HJS Big Horn 200VX priced at $4,199 and the HJS Big Horn 200GVX priced at $4,699. Sunright International operates as an importer, distributor and developer of motor vehicles and motorsports products from China and is the authorized importer of Jiangsu Linhai ATVs, UTVs and Scooters in North and South America.

The new HJS Big Horn UTV from Sunright International.

A view of the cockpit for the new HJS utility vehicle.

The Big Horn 200VX features include:

A CARB and EPA approved 4 Stroke Overhead Cam, Air/Oil Cooled 177cc Engine
CVT Transmission
Rear wheel drive
Four wheel hydraulic disc brakes
McPherson Strut Front Suspension
Double A-Arm Fully Independent Rear Suspension
10 in. of ground clearance
220 lb. cargo box capacity
Hydraulic assist Dump Bed and Under seat Storage
450 lb. towing capacity
Roof
Headlights, taillights and brake lights
24″ tires

The Big Horn GVX has a rear-facing bench seat instead of a dump bed and features:

Seating for four
A CARB and EPA approved 4 Stroke Overhead Cam, Air/Oil Cooled 177cc Engine
CVT Transmission
Rear wheel drive
Four wheel hydraulic disc brakes
McPherson Strut Front Suspension
Double A-Arm Fully Independent Rear Suspension
10 in. of ground clearance
220 lb. cargo box capacity
Hydraulic assist Dump Bed and Under seat Storage
450 lb. towing capacity
Roof
Headlights, taillights and brake lights
24″ tires

John Deere Introduces New Crossover XUV590i UTVs

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Marc Cesare

John Deere has introduced new crossover UTVs, the XUV590i and the four-passenger XUV590i S4. Both models also feature a power steering variant.

“The XUV590i and XUV590i S4 four-passenger models were designed to get more chores checked off your to-do list, in a more comfortable setting,” said Mark Davey, John Deere marketing manager, Gator utility vehicles. “Outdoor enthusiasts can navigate terrain faster with a top speed of over 45 mph thanks to quick acceleration powered by a 586 cc, 32 horsepower, liquid-cooled inline twin-cylinder gasoline engine.”

The new crossover UTV from John Deere, the XUV590i.

Key features of the XUV590i include:

586cc, 32 hp, 4-cycle gas, Inline-twin engine with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Overhead Valves (OHV)
45 mph top speed
4WD with limited slip front differential, plus locking rear differential
Fully independent front and rear suspension with 8 in. of front and rear travel
10.5″ of ground clearance
Hydraulic disc brakes
Ancla M-T or Terrahawk AT tires
400 lb. cargo box
1,100 lb. towing capacity
65 amp alternator and 12V DC outlet
Backlit digital instrument panel
Ample legroom
MSRP $9,799
Power steering version for $10,899

A four-passenger version, the XUV590i S4, was introduced as well.

Key features of the XUV590i S4 include:

4-passenger seating
586cc, 32 hp, 4-cycle gas, Inline-twin engine with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Overhead Valves (OHV)
45 mph top speed
4WD with limited slip front differential, plus locking rear differential
Fully independent front and rear suspension with 8 in. of front and rear travel
10.5″ of ground clearance
Hydraulic disc brakes
Ancla M-T or Terrahawk AT tires
400 lb. cargo box
1,100 lb. towing capacity
65 amp alternator and 12V DC outlet
Backlit digital instrument panel
Ample legroom
MSRP $11,399
Power steering version for $12,499

Learn more: Deere.com

Comment: These new models essentially offer a faster version of the XUV560 with similar cargo box and towing capacity. They also match the speed of the XUV825i (MSRP $12,059) at a lower price, but are a smaller vehicle with less horsepower, 600 lbs. less cargo box capacity and 400 lbs. less towing capacity. I would assume that the management was hearing that customers were looking for more speed, as well as comfort in the mid-size class. In any case, this launch is another indication of the ongoing competitiveness in the utility vehicle market as manufacturers continue to churn out new models across the range of market segments.

Arctic Cat Introduces the 2017 Prowler 500 Side-by-Side

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new 2017 Prowler 500 from Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat recently introduced the new 2017 Prowler 500. With an MSRP of $9,499, the Prowler 500 is priced considerably less than the 2016 1000 XT ($15,299) and the 700 XT ($13,999). Compared to the 700 XT the 500 has a smaller engine, no electronic power steering, less suspension travel, 25″ tires, no LED accent lights, less underhood storage, bench rather than bucket seats and slightly less cargo bed capacity. Key features of the Prowler 500 include:

443cc, SOH, 4-stroke, 4-valve EFI engine
2-passenger bench seating
2/4 WD with electronic front differential lock
Automatic CVT with engine braking system
Hydraulic disc brakes
7.5″ of front and rear suspension travel
10″ of ground clearance
25″ tires
1,500 lb. towing capacity
500 lb. cargo box capacity
Halogen headlights
Side restraint nets
Tilt steering
Digital sport gauge
3.5 gallon underhood storage

Learn more: Arcticcat.com

Comment: With their lowest priced Prowler at $14,000, Arctic Cat did not have a Prowler for the lower priced segment. While this price point is crowded with competitive offerings from imports to brands like Cub Cadet as well as the larger players, Arctic Cat needs to have some presence in this part of the market. Not everyone that wants a utility vehicle can afford to spend $14,000 or more on a vehicle, but models under $10,000 are much more affordable and can offer a good value depending on the feature set.

Arctic Cat Introduces HDX Crew Utility Vehicle

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new Arctic Cate HDX 700 Crew XT for model year 2017.

Arctic Cat has announced the new HDX 700 Crew XT for model year 2017. Key features of the HDX 700 Crew XT include:

695cc, SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve engine with electronic fuel injection
Bench seating for 6
2/4 WD and electronic front differential lock
Automatic CVT with engine braking system
Hydraulic disc brakes
Electronic power steering
1,500 lb. towing capacity and rear 2″ receiver
1,000 lb. cargo box capacity convertible to flatbed
22.4 gallon underhood storage
10″ of front and rear suspension travel
Fox Float rear shocks
10″ of ground clearance
26″ Duro Kaden tires with aluminum wheels
Halogen headlights with LED light bar
Side restraint nets
Tilt steeing

The HDX 700 Crew XT is available in Team Arctic Green, Fire Red (MSRP $15,499) or True Timber Camo ($15,999).

Learn more: Arctic Cat

Comment: With most of their competitors offering a crew size utility vehicle in the work segment, Arctic Cat really needed to add a crew version of the HDX to fill out their product line. It’s interesting that they are introducing the model as part of the 2017 model year. Typically, vehicles for the next model year don’t start appearing until May or June.

Polaris Adds Mid-Model Year 2016 Models

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 2016 Ranger XP 900-6 in Black Pearl.

Polaris announced the addition of new Ranger and RZR vehicles to their model year 2016 lineup, along with new ACE models. The new vehicles primarily feature new paint colors for various models, and mostly across the RZR product line. The exceptions are two new Ranger models, the Ranger XP 900 EPS Matte Sagebrush Green, which features a new paint color as well as Russet Brown cut-and-sew seats, and the Ranger Crew XP 900-6 EPS Black Pearl, which features a Velocity Blue graphics package along with the new paint color. MSRPs are not currently available but similar models with special paint colors are priced at $15,299 for the Ranger XP 900 EPS and $16,499 for the Ranger Crew XP 900-6 EPS.

The 2016 RZR S 1000 EPS in Blue Fire Metallic.

The RZR models with new paint colors include:

RZR XP Turbo EPS Matte Sunset Red
RZR XP Turbo EPS Matte White Lightning
RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS Matte White Lightning
RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS Matte Sunset Red
RZR XP 1000 EPS Sunset Red
RZR XP 4 1000 EPS Sunset Red
RZR S 1000 EPS Blue Fire Metallic
RZR 4 900 EPS Spectra Orange
RZR 4 900 EPS Matte Sunset Red
RZR S 900 EPS Spectra Orange
RZR S 900 EPS Matte Sunset Red
RZR 900 EPS XC Edition Titanium Matte Metallic
RZR 900 EPS Trail Stealth Black
RZR 570 EPS Trail Sunset Red

The 2016 ACE 570 SP in Titanium Matte Metallic.

The ACE models featuring new paint colors include:

Polaris ACE 570 Indy Red
Polaris ACE 570 Velocity Blue
Polaris ACE 570 SP Titanium Matte Metallic

All of the new models will begin shipping in January.

Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: This is a typical mid-model year product introduction for Polaris. While they occasionally introduce a significantly new model at this time or special editions of existing models, the additions are typically new paint colors and/or graphic schemes. It is also an indicator of how well they handle their dealer inventory and manufacturing process. The ability to offer such a wide range of colors across many models in a timely manner while not bloating dealer inventory requires a very responsive and efficient manufacturing process.

CFMOTO 2016 Models Added To SVR Database

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 CFMoto ZForce 500 which uses the new high output engine.

We recently added CFMOTO’s 2016 model year vehicles to our database. These include the ZForce line, which is designed for trail riding and recreational use, and the UForce line, which is designed for work. Some of the 2016 models feature CFMOTO’s new 495cc high output engine, which replaces a larger but less powerful engine in previous models.

The ZForce lineup includes the 500, 500 Trail, 800, 800 EPS, 800EX and 800 EX EPS. All of the ZForce models come standard with selectable 2WD/4WD, double A-arm independent suspension in the front and rear with nitrogen gas shocks, contoured roof, cargo and side nets, 3,000 lb. winch, 14″ aluminum wheels, 26″ tires, LED headlights and a multi-function digital display. The main difference between the 500 and 800 models is that the 800 models feature a 800cc engine with 62 hp and have an electronic power steering option. The 500 Trail, 800 and 800 EPS models are only 50″ wide while the standard 500 model is 52″ wide. If you favor a wider vehicle, then the 800EX model is 59″ wide and is also available with electronic power steering. The 800EX has a slightly higher ground clearance at 11.8″ compared to 11.2″ for the other models. The list prices for the ZForce lineup range from $8,799 to $11,599.

The 2016 CFMOTO UForce 800 in Crystal Orange.

The UForce lineup offers fewer models with the 800, 800 EPS and the 500 EPS. The latter model uses the new high output engine. All of the UForce models come standard with selectable 2WD/4WD, double A-arm independent suspension in the front and rear, safety doors, contoured roof, a winch, 14″ wheels, 26″ tires, a large capacity dump box with nitrogen gas spring assist lift, LED headlights and a multi-function digital display. All the models have 10.2 inches of ground clearance and are 57.6 inches wide. The 800 models features a 3,500 lb. rather than 3,000 lb. winch, 1,250 lbs. of towing capacity versus 1,025 lbs. for the 500 EPS, and aluminum rather than steel wheels. The list prices for the UForce lineup range from $8,999 to $10,799.

Learn more: Search Database

Kawasaki Expands Recall of Teryx and Teryx4 Side-by-Sides

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Marc Cesare

One of the Teryx4 side-by-sides from Kawasaki being recalled.

One of the Teryx4 side-by-side models from Kawasaki being recalled.

Kawasaki has expanded a recall of Teryx and Teryx4 side-by-sides due to the potential for sticks or other debris to break through the vehicle’s floor board and pose an injury hazard. The recall now includes approximately 19,500 vehicles and includes 2012 and 2013 model year Teryx4™ 750 4×4 (four seats) and 2014, 2015, 2016 model year Teryx® 800 4×4 (two seats) and 2014, 2015 and 2016 model year Teryx4 800 4×4 (four seats). To date Kawasaki has received 628 incident reports of debris cracking or breaking through the floor boards of the vehicles, including eight reports of injuries to riders’ lower extremities.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units: About 19,500 (an additional 11,000 were recalled for the same hazard in July 2014 and 7,000 for a different hazard in August 2012)

Description and Models: The recall involves 2012 and 2013 model year Teryx4™ 750 4×4 (four seats) and 2014, 2015, 2016 model year Teryx® 800 4×4 (two seats) and 2014, 2015 and 2016 model year Teryx4 800 4×4 (four seats) recreational off-highway vehicles. These four-wheel off-highway vehicles have automotive style controls and seating for two or four. The Teryx 800 has side-by-side seating for two people, two doors, a roll bar with hand holds and a cargo bed. The Teryx4 750 and Teryx 4 800 have side-by-side seating for four people, four doors, a roll bar with hand holds and a cargo bed. The models come in three different styles: Non-EPS, EPS and EPS LE. The LE style has a roof and aluminum wheels. The model name is printed on the driver’s side of the hood or on the left and right front fender.

The 2012 Teryx4 750 model comes in blue, camo, green, yellow, and red. The 2013 Teryx4 750 model comes in black, camo, green, red, white, and yellow. The 2014 Teryx4 800 model comes in green, camo, yellow, and orange. The 2015 Teryx4 800 model comes in green, orange, white, camo, and black. The 2016 Teryx4 800 model comes in camo, white, green, red, and gray. The 2014 Teryx 800 model comes in camo, green, and blue. The 2015 Teryx 800 comes in green, white, black and camo. The 2016 Teryx 800 comes in green, gray, camo, and white.

Incidents/Injuries: Kawasaki has received 628 incident reports of debris cracking or breaking through the floor boards of the vehicles, including eight reports of injuries to riders’ lower extremities.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact an authorized Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair, consisting of the installation of floor board guards and replacing damaged floorboards. Consumers with previously repaired vehicles should contact Kawasaki dealers to receive this additional repair.

Sold at: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from November 2011 through November 2015 for between $13,400 and $16,300.

Distributor(s): Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif.

Manufactured in: United States

Learn more: CPSC.gov

Comment: Encompassing nearly 20,000 vehicles this is a much larger than usual recall for the side-by-side market. It spans multiple models and several model years. This recall is also somewhat unusual in that many side-by-side recalls involve fire hazards related to debris touching hot parts or leaks in some type of fuel or fluid lines. This is the first time that I remember a recall involving floor boards. I’m curious to know whether this is related to a defective part or a more fundamental flaw in the design of the floor board. From perusing an online forum, it appears that the fix is the addition of metal guards.

Polaris Recalls RZR XP Turbo Side-by-Side

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The Polaris RXR XP Turbo is being recalled because of a potential fire hazard.

Polaris has issued a recall for model year 2016 RZR XP Turbo side-by-sides due to a potential leak in the oil drain line, which can pose a fire hazard. To date the company has received two reports of the vehicles catching on fire. The recall involves approximately 2,230 vehicles sold between September and November 2015. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting its customers directly and sending a recall letter to each registered owner.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units: About 2,230 vehicles

Description: This recall involves model year 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo recreational off-highway vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) 3NSVDE925GF454105 through 3NSVDE923GF459495. RZR XP Turbos were sold in graphite, orange and blue color schemes. A “Turbo” decal is located on the right and left front fenders and a “RZR” decal on the right and left rear fenders. The VIN is on the driver’s side rear frame rail, above the PVT cover. VINs are not sequential and not all VINs in the range are included in this recall. A complete list of recalled vehicles including VINs is available at www.polaris.com

Incidents/Injuries: Polaris has received two reports of RZR XP Turbos with oil leaks and two reports of the vehicles catching on fire. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting its customers directly and sending a recall letter to each registered owner.

Sold at: Polaris dealers nationwide from September 2015 through November 2015 for about $25,000.

Distributor(s): Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Learn more: CPSC.gov

Comment: The recall is not very large but management probably isn’t happy that they have to recall their first side-by-side which uses a turbocharged engine. The RZR XP Turbo is top of the line Polaris sport side-by-side and a direct competitor to Can-Am’s turbocharged models.

BRP Reports Fiscal Year 2016 Third-Quarter Results

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Introduction of the new Can-Am Defender utility side-by-side line was a third quarter highlight.

BRP, manufacturer of Can-Am side-by-sides, recently announced their fiscal year 2016 third-quarter (ending Oct. 31, 2015) results. Financial highlights in Canadian dollars include:

Revenues of $1,010.2 million, a 10.0% increase compared to the third quarter of FY2015;
Normalized EBITDA of $141.5, a 5.5% increase compared to the same period last year;
Net income of $65.5 million, an increase of $28.3 million compared to the same period last year;
Normalized net income of $72.8 million resulting in a normalized diluted earnings per share of $0.62;
Guidance remains unchanged for the full fiscal year

A summary of highlights from the earnings call that relate to the side-by-side market include:

BRP is tracking to reach the objective of signing 75 to 85 new dealers for the year
Launched the Can-Am Defender side-by-side vehicle in the largest segment of the off-road vehicle market
Defender has been well received by side-by-side, farm and hunting media
First Defender units shipped in November and full production should be reached by end of February
Season to date side-by-side market is up mid-single digits while Can-Am is down mid-single digit driven by soft start to season, but US retail was up mid-single digits in September and October
Western Canada market is weak from the impact of low oil prices
Competition in the side-by-side market is higher driven by numerous new model introductions
Management expects industry growth in the utility segment for side-by-sides to be mid-single digits in the near future.

Learn more: phx-corporate-ir.net (PDF – Earnings Call Transcript)

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