SVR Adds Model Year 2016 Polaris, Arctic Cat and Can-Am UTVs To Database

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Smallvehicleresource.com has added the recently announced 2016 utility vehicle models for Polaris, Arctic Cat, and Can-Am to our vehicle database. Here is an overview of the key 2016 additions for each manufacturer.

The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS

Polaris

New turbocharged RZR XP Turbo EPS
New RZR S 1000 EPS
Ergonomic improvements for much of the RZR product line
New Ranger 570 Full-Size
New mud riding model, the Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Edition Stealth Black
New lithium battery powered EV Li-Ion Polaris Pursuit Camo
New Ranger 570 EPS Hunter Edition Polaris Pursuit Camo
Increased horsepower for the Ranger Crew 900-5, Ranger Crew 900-6, Ranger XP 570 and Ranger Crew 570-6
Styling and drivetrain enhancements for other select 2016 Ranger models
New Polaris ACE 900 SP

The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.

Arctic Cat

Wildcat Sport models: 5% increase in engine power from a new exhaust system
New Wildcat X Special Edition
New Wildcat Trail Special Edition
Wildcat X and 4X get new Duro PowerGrip tires and new pricing
New Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition
New Prowler HDX 500 XT

The2016 Maverick X rs 1000R Turbo in Carbon Black – Can-Am Red

Can-Am

Increased turbo engine horsepower to 131 hp for the Maverick Turbo, Maverick X ds Turbo and Maverick X rs Turbo
New Can-Am Commander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition
Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo also available on the Commander XT and Commander MAX XT
New belt monitoring system and improved maintenance schedule for Commander Max models

What’s Cooking on the STOV: Ordinance Enforcement & Off-Road Emergency Response

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Highlighting some of the many applications for Small, Task-Oriented Vehicles

One of the GEMs being used by local police for ordinance enforcement. Photo: Kendra Peek

Ordinance Enforcement: In Lancaster, KY the local police department received a donation of two military surplus GEM vehicles from the US Defense Department. They are putting the vehicles to use to patrol for ordinance violations and for use at community events. While not appropriate for instances where they need to transport someone who has been arrested, the vehicles have so far been a good fit for their current tasks. The police chief finds the GEM vehicles make officers more approachable when interacting with the public. Other positives include less pollution and lower fuel costs. The chief estimates that fuel savings for the year will be about $3,000 when compared to a full-size patrol vehicle. The vehicle’s low traveling speed is not an issue since most of the small town’s roads have speed limits of 30 mph or less. They will assess the vehicles after a year but are already looking for a larger electric vehicle to pilot test, one that is more truck like and could haul barricades, signs and other items. Learn more: Centralkynews.com

The recently acquired Polaris Ranger for use in off-road emergency response.

Off-Road Emergency Response: In Mokena, IL the local fire department used a grant to purchase a Polaris Ranger for emergency response in difficult to access areas. The Mokena Fire Protection District includes 2,000 acres of forest preserves as well as some trails and 15 parks. The six-wheeled Ranger will now provide them with a greater ability to respond to emergencies in these areas. Learn more: Mokenamessenger.com

Comment: These are great examples of how STOVs can be used in very specific applications that are more effective and cost efficient than traditional vehicles. The six-wheeled Ranger vehicles have been used by the US Forest Service for many years. The use of LSVs for specific aspects of local police enforcement represents a potentially very large market for these vehicles.

Arctic Cat Launches New SPEED SxS Accessory Line Developed with Robby Gordon and Todd Romano

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Arctic Cat recently announced their new SPEED brand of accessories for side-by-sides. The accessory line is the result of an exclusive product development agreement the company has with Robby Gordon and Tony Romano, who have recently formed SPEED RMG. Under the agreement, Gordon and Romano are providing research and development consulting on new technologies, and assisting with the development of new Wildcat racing and high-performance accessories being launched under the SPEED brand. Among the full line of SPEED accessories initially launched are: high-back racing and suspension seats; multi-point harnesses designed for performance and rider comfort; stylish, lightweight aluminum racing wheels; durable radial tires; rigid, contoured steering wheels; high-strength suspension and shocks; and SPEED garments. Learn more: Businesswire.com

Comment: Accessories have become an important profit center for side-by-side manufacturers and dealers. The margins can be high and, especially in the high-end recreational segment, customers are willing to spend thousands of dollars on accessories when purchasing a new vehicle.

Arctic Cat Launches New 2016 Side-by-Sides

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 Wildcat Trail Special Edition model from Arctic Cat.

The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.

Arctic Cat has announced their 2016 side-by-side lineup which includes a more powerful Wildcat Sport line, special editions for the Wildcat X and Wildcat Trail, and some new tires and pricing for the Wildcat X and 4X models. They also added to their Prowler line with the Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition and the new Prowler HDX 500 XT model. Key features of the 2016 models include:

Wildcat Sport models: 5% increase in engine power from a new exhaust system; MSRPs $13,599 to $15,999;
Wildcat X Special Edition: aluminum bumpers, color-matched beadlock wheels and roof, and desert tan colored bodywork. MSRP $19,999
Wildcat Trail Special Edition: full-sized doors, color-matched aluminum wheels, and an industry-first color combination of true timber camo and orange metallic paint. MSRP $13,599
Wildcat X and 4X: New Duro PowerGrip tires and new pricing; MSRPs $17,499 and $20,999 respectively.
Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition: Electric bed lift, painted aluminum wheels, a 5,000-lb. winch, gun scabbard and true timber camo paint; MSRP $15,799
Prowler HDX 500 XT: Tilting 2-in-1 cargo box that converts to a flatbed for 1,000 lbs. of carrying capacity, side and under hood compartments, three-person capacity, tilt steering, new body styling and an automotive-style hood; MSRP $11,999

The new models will be in dealerships starting in September.

Learn more: Businesswire.com

Comment: This is a fairly extensive model year introduction with some new models or changes across all the Arctic Cat side-by-side model lines. Not surprisingly, there was some increased horsepower for some models as the fight for engine power supremacy continues in the high-end recreational market segment. The introduction of the Prowler HDX 500 XT, which is priced $2,500 less than other HDX models and $2,000 less than the Prowler 700 XT, indicates Arctic Cat is trying to expand their offerings in the work utility vehicle segment. While not cheap, the new model hits more of the sweet spot in this segment in terms of pricing as a vehicle priced at $12,000 compared to $14,000 to $14,500 should appeal to a significantly broader range of customers.

Club Car Targeting Commercial Market

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Club Car is targeting the commercial market with the Carryall 700 and other vehicles.

With the golf car fleet market declining or stagnant the past few years, key suppliers like Club Car have had to look to other markets to find growth. A key target is the commercial UTV market. Towards that end Club Car has recently rolled out some new marketing initiatives emphasizing their Carryall utility vehicle.

One of the initiatives is Club Car’s Corporate Solution Program, which provides customers with fleet management and maintenance programs. The initiative is designed to address the problem of haphazard fleet vehicle development, where over the years an organization purchases a mixture of vehicles from a range of different manufacturers. This can lead to non-uniform vehicle standards and maintenance schedules, as well as more parts inventory, complexity and employee training. Under the Corporate Solution Program, experts from Club Car examine a customer’s vehicle needs and help them find the right mix of fleet vehicles to meet those needs. They also can establish maintenance schedules and logs and assign accountability for various aspects of fleet management. Key customer segments are universities, resorts and government agencies.

Another initiative targeting the commercial customer is Club Car’s new Bank on Carryall sales event which allows qualified commercial customers to purchase new 2015 or 2016 Carryall with no payments for six months or to lease 2015 and 2016 Carryall 500 or 700 models with special financing rates. With this initiative Club Car is hoping customers waiting for the next fiscal year’s budgets will be enticed to purchase now and pay later. One of the difficulties in selling to commercial customers is that they tend to purchase on a particular fiscal/budgetary cycle and within budgetary constraints, so there can be a limited time in which purchases or leases are made. It helps to have both purchase and leasing options available since funding can be drawn from either capital budgets or operating budgets depending on the customer, and the type of funding budget can determine whether a vehicle needs to be purchased or leased to “make the numbers work”. Learn more: Pressreleaserocket.com

Comment: The Corporate Solution Program is a clever way of leveraging one of the advantages that Club Car has, namely the range of vehicle types they offer. They can provide LSVs, people movers like trams as well as a range of utility vehicles. They also have extensive experience in both electric and gas powered vehicles. Target segments like universities, resorts and government agencies, or any customer that has diverse vehicle needs is well-suited for this program. Compared to say a Toro or John Deere, who only offer UTVs, this program could provide Club Car with an advantage. The one potential hurdle might be where a customer is looking for a more heavy duty UTV and may look more towards a John Deere or Polaris for that type of vehicle.

Cub Cadet Challenger Targets The UTV Value Segment

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The 2015 Cub Cadet Challenger 700 utility vehicle.

The 2015 Cub Cadet Challenger utility vehicle.

SVR recently interviewed Jeff Salamon, Director of Marketing for MTD Products, the manufacturer of the Cub Cadet brand of products including the new Challenger series of UTVs, which we discussed at length. The Challenger represents a renewed commitment to the UTV market for Cub Cadet whose Volunteer line of UTVs has been on the market for a number of years. While the Volunteer is more of a heavy duty work UTV, the new Challengers, the 500 and 700, are more of a mixed use line that can be for both work and recreation. As Salamon states “Whereas we say work and off-road for the Volunteer we say task and off-road trail for the Challenger.”

With MSRPs starting at $8500 and $9500 respectively, the 500 and 700 are clearly priced for the value segment of the UTV market. But that is not to be confused with being low quality or bare boned in the features department. In fact, one of the prime selling points for the Challenger is their wealth of standard features including large 26″ off-road tires, alloy wheels, windshield, roof, 3,500 lb. winch, horn, digital dash display, bumper guard, halogen lights and hand brake. They also beefed up the vehicle’s hardware with a reinforced frame, high-strength steering components and dual row wheel bearings.

At these price points Cub Cadet is competing against the value priced imports from the likes of Kymco and CFMoto as well as the lower priced UTVs of the major players in the market like Polaris and John Deere. Against the former Salamon believes Cub Cadet has an edge with their strong and established American brand combined with a well-trained and well-stocked dealer network. Against the more established brands, the wealth of standard features gives Cub Cadet the advantage.

Cub Cadet expects to launch a crew version of the Challenger in the near future and will be building out the Challenger line on an ongoing basis driven by consumer demand and dealer feedback. Learn more: Cub Cadet Interview

Polaris India Expects Strong Revenue Growth In India

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Executives at Polaris’ subsidiary in India, Polaris India, expect strong revenue growth over the next three to five years. By 2020 they are targeting a 100% to 200% sales increase at the subsidiary which sells ATVs, UTVs and motorcycles. The long term strategy is to build up enough volume to justify investment in local assembly plants. This would be the plan for motorcycles and off-road vehicles. Currently Polaris India imports all the Polaris vehicles they sell including the complete line of Indian motorcycles.

The management reports good sales of the Ranger EV in certain parts of the country and is exploring adding the GEM line of vehicles to their offering. Off-road vehicle sales are helped by the 39 Polaris Experience Zones, which are off-road vehicle tracks. They have also made sales to the Indian army and police. Polaris India distributes products through 16 dealerships in India and two more in Nepal and Kazakhstan. Export sales are made to Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and Pakistan. Unrelated to Polaris Inida is the Polaris joint venture with Eicher. Learn more: Timesofindia.com

Comment: Of course, having sales targets and meeting them are two different things, but Polaris has consistently hit most of their long term strategic goals across many products. A lot will depend on how well the Indian economy grows but even slower growth in such a large market offers great potential.

American SportWorks Recalls 3,500 UTVs

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Marc Cesare

One of the UTVs manufactured by Amercican SportWorks that is being recalled.

One of the UTVs manufactured by American SportWorks that is being recalled.

American SportWorks announced the recall of approximately 3,500 utility vehicles because the throttle can fail to return to idle and cause the rider to lose control of the vehicle, posing a risk of injury. The recall includes certain Bulldog 300, Chuckwagon 300, Landmaster 300, Landmaster 400 and Trailwagon 400 UTVs sold between September 2014 and June 2015. Owners should stop using the vehicle and contact American SportWorks at 800-293-0795 to arrange for repairs.

The following information is from Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Recall Summary

Name of product: Off Road Utility Vehicles

Hazard: The throttle can fail to return to idle causing the rider to lose control, posing a risk of injury.

Consumer Contact: ASW toll free at 800-293-0795 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.amsportworks.com at the top of the page under the SAFETY tab under Recalls click on “TSB167 & TSB168” for more information.

Recall Details

Units: About 3,500

Description: This recall includes six models of American SportWorks Four Wheel Off-Road Utility Vehicles. The name of each model is located above each front fender and along the sides of the dump bed. Affected vehicles include:

BullDog 300, ChuckWagon 300 and LandMaster 300 all powered by Kohler 277cc engines with the last 6 Characters of the product identification number between A11746 and A13294, and LandMaster 400, TrailWagon 400 and ChuckWagon 400 all powered by Honda 390cc engines with the last 6 Characters of the product identification number between A24835 and A26806. The product identification numbers can be found on a sticker on the firewall above the accelerator and brake pedal.

Model Color
LandMaster 300 Red, Green, Black, White, Camo
LandMaster 400 Red, Green, Black, White, Camo
BullDog 300 Red
Trail Wagon 400 Red, Camo
Chuck Wagon 300 Red, Green, Camo
Chuck Wagon 300 Red, Green, Camo

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold at: Atwood Distributing, Rural King, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Company and other dealers from September 2014 through June 2015 for between $4,300 and $5,300.

Manufacturer(s): American SportWorks, of Roseland, La.

Manufactured in: United States

Learn more: CPSC.com

Comment: While the size of this recall is typical for the industry, for a smaller manufacturer of UTVs this a significant number. The cost to repair each vehicle will determine how big an impact the recall has on the company. A number of the models were manufactured by American SportWorks and sold under different product line names through retail stores rather than American SportWorks dealers; the Chuck Wagon for Rural King stores, the Trail Wagon for Tractor Supply Co. and the Bulldog for Home Depot.

Arctic Cat Recalls Prowler 500 HDX Side-by-Sides

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The 2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX is being recalled due to a fuel leak issue.

The 2014 and 2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX is being recalled due to a potential fuel leak issue.

Arctic Cat is recalling approximately 2,700 model year 2014 and 2015 Prowler 500 HDX side-by-sides due to an issue with the fuel fitting at the throttle body than can cause a fuel leak and create a fire hazard. Owners should stop using the vehicles and contact a local dealer for a free repair. For more information Arctic Cat can be contacted at (800) 279-6851 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.arcticcat.com and click on Customer Care, then Product Recall and List of Safety Bulletins for more information. The following information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details: About 2,700 units

Description: This recall involves model year 2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX and model year 2015 Prowler 500 HDX models. The recalled vehicles include vehicle identification numbers (VIN) from 303194 through 305166. The VIN number is located on the rear frame tube under the rear of the box. The vehicles are green, red, vibrant red metallic, or emerald green metallic. “Arctic Cat” is printed on each side of the hood. Also 500 is printed on each side on the front fenders, HDX on each side of the rear cargo box, and “Arctic Cat” on the cargo box tail gate.

Hazard: Fuel can leak from the fuel fitting at the throttle body, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Prowlers and contact an Arctic Cat dealer to schedule a free repair. Arctic Cat is contacting its customers directly.

Sold at: Arctic Cat dealers nationwide from August 2013 to July 2015 for between about $11,000 and $12,400.

Manufactured in: United States

Learn more: CPSC.gov

Comment: While this isn’t a large sized recall in the context of the side-by-side industry, it isn’t helpful for Arctic Cat as the management is in the middle of turning around their ATV/ROV business. Most of their issues have happened on the ATV side of the business, and the Prowler 500 HDX has been a solid performer. What is also notable is that many of the recalls in the side-by-side industry involve potential fuel leaks and fire hazards.

Polaris Announces New Side-By-Side Models For 2016

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS

Polaris has announced their model year 2016 line-up including a new turbocharged RZR, the RZR XP Turbo EPS. The RZR XP Turbo EPS is powered by a turbocharged Prostar engine that produces 144 hp. Additional key features of the vehicle include:

Fox Podium Internal Bypass Shocks
Lighter-weight progressive rate upper spring and stiffer main spring
New front swaybar and re-tuned rear swaybar
Bolstered seats
Tilt steering
Factory installed quarter doors
MSRP $24,999

The new 2016 Polaris RZR S 1000 EPS

An additional new model is the 60 inch wide RZR S 1000 EPS featuring a 100 hp Prostar engine, Dual A-Arm rear suspension, Fox 2.0 Podium X shocks, True All-Wheel Drive, bolstered seats and factory installed quarter doors. The MSRP is $17,999. The 2016 RZR line also includes some comfort and ergonomic improvements including:

New seat angle that brings the driver’s elbows closer to the body providing less arm fatigue and a more natural driving position for the RZR 1000 EPS, RZR 900 EPS, RZR S 900 EPS, RZR XC 900 EPS, RZR 4 900 EPS, RZR XP 1000 EPS, RZR XP Turbo EPS, RZR XP 4 1000 EPS and non-EPS vehicles.
Adjustable seatbelt sliders for the RZR XP 1000

The value priced 2016 Polaris Ranger 570 Full-Size

The new 2016 Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Stealth Black for mud riding.

In the Ranger lineup Polaris is adding the Ranger 570 Full-Size with a 60 inch three seat chassis, tubular ROPS, 44 hp Prostar 570 engine, 1,500 lb. towing capacity, 800 lb. cargo bed capacity and value targeted MSRP of $9,999. They are also adding a three-seat mud riding model, the Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Edition Stealth Black. This model features reduced gearing for more mud-specific torque with an added a heavy-duty reverse chain, high engine air and clutch intakes and outlet, arched lower A-Arms, 28 in/71.12 cm High Lifter Outlaw II tires and an improved drainage skid plate. The vehicle also features a Pro-Lock™ On-Demand All-Wheel Drive for quicker four-wheel drive engagement in the mud, electronic power stering, 4,500 lb. winch with integrated in-dash switches, specially designed front bumper to allow winch access, rear bumper, half doors and special graphics kit.

Another Ranger addition for 2016 is the pure electric Ranger EV Li-Ion Polaris Pursuit Camo. This model includes:

48-volt Ac-induction motor
Battery management controller to more accurately represent battery life
Vehicle Control Module with new digital gauge and better accessory integration
On-vehicle diagnostics
MSRP $22,999

A Ranger 570 EPS Hunter Edition Polaris Pursuit Camo is new for model year 2016. This model includes Active Descent Control for more control in mountainous terrain, Pro-Lock On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, 3,500 lb. winch, and dual Lock & Ride Scabbards.

Other Ranger models will get a power boost in 2016 with the addition of high output Prostar engines for the Ranger Crew 900-5 and Ranger Crew 900-6 (68 hp) as well as the Ranger XP 570 and Ranger Crew 570-6 (46 hp). Other Enhancements to the Ranger line include an updated hood design with an aggressive new look for the Ranger XP 900 and Ranger XP 570 and Crew vehicles. For maximum power delivery to the ground, the Ranger XP 900 EPS and Crew 900 painted models are now equipped with Pro-Lock On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.

The 2016 Polaris Ace 900 SP adds power and high performance features.

There is also a new Polaris ACE model for 2016, the ACE 900 SP, which features a 60 hp Prostar 900 engine with electronic fuel injection and electronic throttle control. Notable features include:

Front stabilizer bar
New dual rate springs in the independent rear suspension
25 inch tires
Polaris’ High Performance Close Ratio On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
MSRP $11,499

Learn more: UTVguide.net

Comment: Polaris continues to add to their armada of vehicles. The turbocharged model is a response to Can Ams turbocharged offering. Their other new models demonstrate how they pursue market niches with very specific models such as those for hunting or mud riding. They also make a number of tweaks to the rest of their lineup, many of which focus on comfort or ergonomics. Combined, the niche marketing and tweaking, I believe demonstrate the level of customer research that they put into their product development. Many of these changes are quite specific which I don’t believe they would be making without customer research to justify them.

The new value priced Ranger is most likely a response to the increased competition in this segment of the market where promotions from established brands and offerings from companies like Kymco and CFMoto may be impacting sales. The new electric Ranger injects some of the Brammo acquired expertise in lithium ion technology into their side-by-side product line. It will be interesting to see how the vehicle sells with an MSRP that’s over $10,000 more than their lead-acid battery based EV Rangers. The pricing makes it a niche vehicle and its wise that it is essentially a high-end, electric hunting vehicle where the extra battery range can make a difference and possibly open up new markets, where electric hunting vehicles previously may have struggled to gain traction because of range issues. The new ACE model indicates a demand for and expansion into higher performance riding for the one-seater market.

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