STOV Market Trender: Hybrid UTV

Recently launched ASW Landmaster Crew Hybrid from American Sportsworks

American Sportsworks recently introduced a hybrid utility vehicle, the ASW Landmaster Crew Hybrid.  The vehicle features two drive systems a 48V electric drive in the front and a 653cc gasoline, V-Twin Subaru, powered rear wheel drive system.  The vehicle can be driven with either drive system alone or using both together.  The batteries can be recharged while operating the gas engine.

This vehicle really exemplifies two trends in the market:  the first is the increasing presence of electric powered UTVs and the second is the ongoinging adoption of technologies and features from highway capable on-road vehicles.  Learn more:  UTVweekly.com

Boeing UK & John Deere Introduce Robotic Gator For Military Market

R-Gator A3 ACS developed jointly by Boeing UK and John Deere

Boeing UK and John Deere recently introduced the R-Gator A3 Assisted Carriage System (ACS) robotic utility vehicle for military applications.  In development for two years, the vehicle has a 635 kg payload to help carry some of the gear modern soldiers require in the field.  The vehicle can operate autonomously or manually under daylight or night conditions.  John Deere borrowed from their M-Gator platform as well as their navigation, guidance and obstacle avoidance technology and expertise developed for the agriculture sector.  The vehicle also features “…multiple tie-down points for sling loading, underbody skid plates, a front cargo rack and a rifle mount system to carry military specific loads.”  Learn more:  Defense-update.com

Polaris Invests In Electric Motorcycle Manufacturer Brammo

Polaris Industries is the lead investor for Brammo’s second round of financing totaling $28 million.  Existing investors Alpine Energy and Northport Investments are also involved in supporting the electric motorcycle manufacturer for this round of financing.  In total the company has raised nearly $40 million in financing since 2008.

Brammo is known for their battery and electric powertrain technology.  The investment by Polaris should not only have synergies with their motorcycle products but with their electric utility vehicles and recently acquired GEM product line.  Brammo has also partnered with Flextronics for manufacturing.  Learn more:  Techcrunch.com

News Briefs

Group Promotes LSVs in Augusta, GA – A newly formed group, the Augusta Greenway Alliance, has been formed to help increase awareness and support of LSVs.  One vision includes linking the medical and downtown districts with LSV lanes.  Learn more:  Chronicle.augusta.com

Polaris Chooses Agency for GEM – Polaris Industries has chosen Nelson Schmidt Inc as the new agency to provide marketing and sales support for the recently acquired GEM business.  Learn more:  Wisbusiness.com

GM’s EN-V for China’s Eco-City – GM’s trio of two-wheeled neighborhood electric vehicles are being incorporated into plans for Tianjin, China’s futuristic eco-city.  Being developed in conjunction with partners from Singapore, Tianjin will be

“…a large-scale prototype for the sort of sustainable, high-density communities we’re expected to see in the coming decades. Key features include a focus on renewable energy, mass transit (in the form of a light rail system) and – you guessed it – a development of GM’s EN-V.”  

Learn more:  Carscoop.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomberlin & Fallbrook Technologies Expand Joint Efforts

The Tomberlin Group and Fallbrook Technologies along with TEAM Industries have announced that they will be expanding their product development efforts to include additional Tomberlin product lines. Originally focused on the Anvil, Fallbrook’s NuVinci transmission technology will now be put into other vehicles. They will also be accelerating the integration of the technology into the Anvil.

Fallbrook Technlogies CVP

Continuously Variable Planetary (CVP) Transmission

Unlike conventional gear and clutch transmissions, the NuVinci CVP uses a set of rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and output components of the transmission that adjust to vary the speed of the transmission.  Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio.  As a result, the NuVinci CVP offers a seamless and continuous transition to any ratio within its range in a compact, easy to manufacture and cost effective package that improves system performance. 

Learn more:  Tomberlin.net

STOVs For The Farm or Ranch

I came across a couple of stories about the use of small, task-oriented vehicles on farms/ranches.  One considered the virtues of UTVs over ATVs while the other discussed the advantages of mini-trucks over UTVs.  In the former, the rancher fashioned his own fencing attachment for his UTV that would allow him to carry all the necessary tools and material for fixing fences. The story also noted that UTVs were safer and lasted longer than ATVs.

In the other story, the enclosed cab of the mini-truck in inclement weather was a big plus compared to UTVs. Also noted was the cheaper cost and higher speed for traveling long distances between fields.

Learn more:  Cattlenetwork.com     Ozarksfn.com

Polaris Introduces New 2012 RZR & Ranger Models

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 RZR 570

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:

  • A new, lightweight transmission
  • 9 inches of suspension travel front and rear
  • Front and rear anti-sway bars for flat cornering
  • On-demand all-wheel drive
  • Width of only 50 inches
The MSRP is $9,999 for the base vehicle. Other changes to the RZR lineup include upgrades to the 900 XP with Fox 2.0 shocks that feature new, convenient compression adjustment knobs for tool-less tuning, a rubber isolated prop shaft, new  front suspension geometry and a new passenger grab bar tube with an anti-rattle bushing for reduced noise.  The various RZR 800 models will all have
“…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.”
For the Ranger line Polaris has updated the Ranger 800 HD with their new Engine Braking System (EBS) which controls downhill braking to provide optimum control and smooth, even deceleration during descents.  Polaris has also added the Ranger Crew Diesel with a 904cc, three-cylinder YANMAR engine, a fully-sealed, fixed center distance clutch driveline, a 55 amp alternator to operate electric powered accessories, one-ton towing capacity, 2 inch hitch receiver and a 1,000 lb cargo dump bed with gas-assist dumping.  Learn more:  ATVMagonline.com

Can-Am Adds Model To SxS Lineup

Can-Am Commander 1000 LTD

For the 2012 model year Can-Am adds the Commander 1000 LTD

For the 2012 model year Can-Am is adding a Limited model to their Commander 1000 lineup.  The company refers to the new addition as the “…industry’s first luxury, touring side-by-side.”  The Comander 1000 LTD is similar to the Commander 1000 XT but adds the following package of features:

  • Front and rear Air Control Suspension (ACS) with Fox Racing Shox
  • Two-piece roof
  • Half windshield
  • Rear net
  • Removable Limited seats
  • Custom steering wheel
  • Two premium painted-plastic color options (Pure Magnesium and Orbital Blue)
  • Analog / digital gauge
  • Garmin GPS
  • Sound system with four speakers
The LTD’s suspension offers up to six different preset suspension preload levels selectable via a LCD display.  Other features available across the Commander product line include a 85 hp engine, selectable 2WD/4WD and a dual level cargo box with tilt assist for dumping that can handle 400 lbs up top and 200 lbs below.  Learn more:  Motorcycle-USA.com
Comment:  I would anticipate that we will see more “luxury” UTVs coming into the market moving forward. After adding performance features of on-road vehicles such as electronic fuel injection, I anticipate that they will follow the pattern of both pick-up trucks and SUVs which moved from utilitarian models to those with more comfort, convenience and luxury features. Of course, the slow economic recovery may put a damper on this trend in the short term.

Rinspeed BamBoo Concept Electric Vehicle

Rinspeed Bamboo Concept Vehicle

BamBoo Concept Electric Vehicle From Rinspeed

An auto tuning company, Rinspeed, debuted their BamBoo Concept Electric Vehicle at the recent Geneva Motor Show.  The European-based company was showcasing technologies for the NEV market.  The BamBoo features…

….a 54kW electric motor and enough battery capacity to give it a 104 km (65 mi.) range. The German made high-torque motor can accelerate the 1,090Kg vehicle to a top speed of 120 km/h. This lightweight vehicle features a steel chassis with horizontal shock absorbers with a sturdy composite body and extensive use of polymer plastic materials. The BamBoo sits on 17″ AEZ three-spoke billet aluminum wheels and eco-friendly Goodyear “EfficientGrip” energy-saving tires.

While not likely to ever be put into production, the vehicle’s styling continues to point to a movement in some parts of the NEV market away from the golf car look and more towards the styling of highway capable vehicles.  In addition, the effort shows that Rinspeed, which usually works with companies such as Porsche and BMW, sees potential in the NEV market.   Learn more:  Golfcartcityonline.com

Olin College Engineers Automate A Gator XUV

In conjunction with Draper Laboratory, engineers at Olin College in Needham, MA have been using artificial intelligence, sensors systems and other technology to automate and remotely operate a Gator XUV.  The program is in its second year and each small group of students spends two semesters on a project.

The Gator XUV can now identify trails and maneuver around obstacles. Beginning with their college campus’ car lanes, the team of students soon put the customized equipment to the test in forest areas, where the vehicle had to operate in places GPS was not available.

Learn more:  Machinefinder.com