>>Industry hit by recession in 2009 will make a comeback with gains through 2014

>>Low-speed vehicles, properly certified, will encourage growth of the LSV product line and the overall market for privately-owned small, electric-powered vehicles

>>New study features increased product scope to include off-road utility vehicles

International Market Solutions announces the publication of its latest report on the market for small, task-oriented vehicles (STOVs). Included in the report are golf cars, low-speed electric vehicles (LSVs and inclusive of neighborhood electric vehicles), and light and heavy duty utility vehicles. The study is the fifth in a series of studies, which have tracked the industry since 2000, and marks a significant extension of coverage to the market for off-road utility vehicles.

Small, task-oriented vehicles, all the diverse types combined, realized an end market value in vehicle sales of between $4.2-$4.6 billion in 2009, despite the recession. The outlook should see this overall market size grow to $6.5 billion. It should be noted that these dollar revenues do not include either parts and accessories, or servicing. While not a focus of the report, these additional products and services could double industry size.

The report, entitled The Small, Task-Oriented Vehicle Market in the United States–Golf Car-Type Vehicles, LSVs & Heavy Duty Utility & Off-Road Vehicles–Trends 2003-2009; Forecasts to 2014, is available in both electronic and hard copy form.

States co-author, Stephen Metzger, and IMS Director, “We have to apologize for the length of the title, but it is such because there is still a prevailing unfamiliarity with the generic concept of these small, electric, gas, and diesel-powered vehicles, specifically designed as solutions to relatively narrowly-defined tasks—whether for types of transport and work and addressing both commercial and consumer markets.”

“What we will see, and our research bears it out,” Metzger continues, “is that because of economy and relatively green operation, STOVs will progressively take over specific areas of mobile operations, replacing larger, more costly, and more polluting general purpose vehicles, which characterize the on-road automobiles and light trucks.”

Detailed data on three major market segments

The study covers three major product areas: golf car fleets, privately-owned vehicles, and utility vehicles. Detailed trend data from 2003 is compiled for the three segments and broken out by gas and electric power and new vs. used sales. Forecasts for all segments are presented to 2014 and broken out in similar fashion.

Major findings

Major findings in the study are:

• Not surprisingly the market took a major hit beginning late 2008 and extending through 2009, but the outlook—forecasts to 2014—are generally positive with significant recovery in all major market segments;

• Golf cars remain a staple product in both new and used vehicle markets but are the exception to overall growth in that the golf fleet market is negatively affected by the lack of growth in golf course construction;

• Federal LSV certification, which is linked to tax credits and regulations relative to on-road use, resulted in heavy sales activity in the second half of 2009, but over and above the price breaks, lends important credibility to the product class and will have a significant positive effect on future sales;

• STOVs continue to be upgraded, adopting automotive features and standards, such that this trend of on-going product improvement, including better enclosures and other comfort factors will be a major growth promoter in the consumer and utility vehicle markets;

• The off-road market should recover from the 2009 setback, and, in addition, see considerably more competition from a number of established participants who are traditionally associated with other market segments;

• Electric power should continue to increase share in all segments and see more participation even in the off-road market;

• The study’s exclusive dealer survey found that a high percentage of customers and potential purchasers had used the internet before coming to the dealership—indicating that the internet will become a progressively more important marketing tool in the future.

In regard to the last finding, co-author Marc Cesare, who directed the dealer survey, stated, “If anything the internet, as a marketing and sales tool, is underutilized. More effective use of the internet could well broaden the sales base of the STOV industry.”

* * * *

For further information, including links to a detailed table of contents, see the STOV study web page on this blog or contact Stephen Metzger, IMS Director directly via phone (914) 293-7577 or email

Wheego Electric Cars is recalling 308 Wheego Whip LSVs produced from January 1, 2009 to July 31, 2009 because of an issue with the vehicle’s reflectors.  The side and rear reflex reflectors may not be reflective enough to meet LSV vehicle safety standards.  Wheego will send 4 compliant refectors to dealers and owners free of charge.  The company can be contacted at (678) 904-4795.  Learn more:  NHTSA

RSM and Associates of Jackson, MI have announced the availability of three new gas powered utility vehicles.  Sold under the Suzuki brand, this lineup of LSV compliant vehicles includes the two passenger pick-up called the Super Stalker LS, the four passenger Mail-Mate delivery van and four passenger, 5 door, micro-van called the Shuttle.  The mpg for the fuel efficient vehicles ranges from 42 to 52 mpg.  The pick-up payload bed can operate similar to a dump bed or be raised horizontally to operate as a work platform.  It also has a half ton payload capacity and fold down sides.

All vehicles are available in 2WD or 4WD with either an automatic or manual 5-speed transmission.  Standard equipment includes speedometer/odometer, turn signals, safety glass, seatbelts, emergency flashers, power steering, back-up light, horn, spare tire and jack.  Air conditioning is also available. … All of the vehicles have standard heating systems, dash clusters, suspensions, drive-trains and ergonomics for driver comfort.   They are right hand drive and the servicing requirements are similar to any other vehicle.  Just change the oil and air filters as scheduled.  There is no other maintenance required until 60,000 miles.

Market segments for the vehicles include property owners, universities, municipalities, park services.  Learn more:   Usedminitrucks.com

According to news reports the Oklahoma Legislature recently passed a law that eliminated tax credits for electric vehicles.  In previous years the tax credits were 50% of the purchase price, and, combined with federal tax credits, created a large market for LSVs in 2009 while negatively impacting state revenues.  Learn more:  Adaeveningnews.com

A couple of weeks ago I posted a story about IIHS crash testing of LSVs and their  belief that the vehicles shouldn’t be used on public roads.  Since then I’ve noticed that IIHS has been very successful in getting their of point view out in traditional media and blogs.   Weeks later and the story is still being picked up various media outlets.  It is too early to tell if the extensive coverage of these crash tests will lead to any restrictions on the use of LSVs on public roads.

However, I believe the course of events highlights an issue in the LSV industry.  There is no “voice of the industry” that can forcefully and effectively articulate a point of view about issues that matter to the industry.  In part, this is because of the relatively small size and young age of the industry.  In addition, for many manufacturers LSVs are a relatively new and small addition to other established lines of business that produce the bulk of their profits.  That being said, LSV manufacturers should start thinking about establishing a manufacturers association or similar body to promote LSVs and respond to industry threats.  Instead of having the focus be crash tests, the industry needs to be in the public forum advocating greater integration of LSVs into the overall transportation system that could create a safer environment for all concerned. – Marc Cesare

Abound Solar (formerly AVA Solar), a manufacturer of low-cost, thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, today appointed Thomas Tiller Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Tiller comes to the company from Polaris Industries, where he served as CEO for 9 years. He will assume the position of CEO effective January 18, 2010, at which point current interim CEO of Abound Solar, Doug Schatz, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors.  Learn more:  Benzinga.com