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

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.

BRP Reports Fiscal Year 2016 Third-Quarter Results

The new Can-Am Defender utility side-by-side.

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)

CFMoto Introduces New Engine & 50″ Trail Side-by-Sides

The new 500HO high output engine from CFMoto.

The new 500HO high output engine from CFMoto.

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

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

CFMoto recently announced two new trail side-by-sides for 2016, the ZForce 500HO Trail and the ZForce 800 Trail. The ZForce 500HO Trail is powered by their new 500HO high output engine. The single-cylinder, four-valve overhead cam, liquid-cooled engine features BOSCH electronic fuel injection for instant starts, crisp throttle response and improved fuel economy. The new engine delivers 15 percent more power and 10 percent more torque than the 600 engine it replaces. The two new trail friendly models will be available at dealers in mid-January. The 2016 lineup will also feature new Sumitomo electrical connectors to improve performance in wet conditions and more durable front differentials as part of an effort to improve the overall durability of CFMoto’s side-by-sides. The MSRP for the ZForce 500HO Trail is $8,799 and for the ZForce 800 Trail it’s $9,999. Learn more:  Powersportsbusiness.com

Comment:  While the press release notes the vehicles being 50″ wide, on a couple of dealer websites I checked have the vehicles are listed as being 52″ wide. Nevertheless, this introduction is an indication that no segment in the side-by-side market is escaping increased competition. While the 50″ trail riding segment has largely been the battleground of major brands such as Polaris and Arctic Cat, the entrance of a value brand such as CFMoto indicates both the sales potential of the segment and the determination of companies to grab a piece of the pie.

Kubota Recalls Thousands of Utility Vehicles

Kubota is recalling approximately 11,500 RTV-X1100C utility vehicles due to a potential fire hazard.

Kubota is recalling approximately 11,500 RTV-X1100C utility vehicles due to a potential fire hazard.

Kubota has issued a recall for model year 2013, 2014 and 2015 RTV-X1100C diesel-powered utility vehicles. Debris can make contact with the exhaust manifold on the vehicles and potentially catch fire. There have been seven reports of debris-related fires but no injuries. The recall involves approximately 11,500 vehicles sold from October 2013 to October 2015. Consumers should stop using the vehicle and contact their local Kubota dealer for free inspection and repair.

Comment:  This is a significantly larger recall than most utility vehicle recalls which typically involve one thousand to four thousand vehicles. However, the fire hazard due to debris interacting with hot parts of the vehicle has been a fairly common cause for recalls in the industry.

 

The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission follows:

Recall Summary

Name of product:  Utility Vehicles

Hazard:  Combustible debris can make contact with the exhaust manifold and ignite, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy:  Repair

Consumer Contact:  Kubota Tractor Corp. toll-free at 800-752-0290 between 8a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or online at www.kubota.com and click on More, then Safety, then Safety Notices for more information. Kubota is contacting consumers directly.

Recall Details

Units:  About 11,500

Description:  This recall involves model year 2013, 2014 and 2015 Kubota RTV-X1100C series diesel-powered utility vehicles. Recalled utility vehicles come in the colors orange and camouflage and have serial numbers ranging from 10001 to 23172. The model number is on the side of the unit and on the data plate on the back of the cab, between the cab and the bed. The serial number is also on the data plate.

Incidents/Injuries:  Kubota has received seven reports of debris-related fires. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles, park them away from combustible materials and contact an authorized Kubota dealer for a free inspection and free repair and should follow their directions. Kubota is contacting consumers directly.

Sold at:  Authorized Kubota dealers nationwide from October 2013 to October 2015 for between $21,000 and $22,000.

Distributor(s):  Kubota Tractor Corp., of Torrance, Calif.

Manufactured in:  United States

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Club Car Launches UTV Support Program for Equipment Rental Market

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

Club Car is targeting the commercial market with the Carryall 700 and other vehicles as well as customer oriented service programs.

Club Car has formed a UTV Technical Support Team program that is dedicated exclusively to rental customers. The team provides a number of services including:

  • Serving as a liaison between customers and engineering, product development, aftermarket and other divisions of the company.
  • Providing regional and on-site classroom and hands-on training for mechanics, who work with actual Club Car vehicles on their sites.
  • Troubleshooting issues for customers remotely and on site.
  • Speeding parts delivery.
  • Serving as a single point of contact for Club Car.

In addition, Club Car is positioning dedicated technicians to serve rental customers in specific markets. Learn more:  Pressreleaserocket.com

Comment:  Club Car is continuing their concerted effort to target commercial vehicle markets for sales growth. They have rolled out new vehicles as well as new services such as this support program to improve their market share. Earlier this year they launched a fleet management program.

LEO Motors Introduces Electric Vehicles with “Swappable” Batteries

Newly launched electric vehicle from Leo Motors.

Newly launched electric vehicle from LEO Motors. 

Leo Motors  of South Korea, launched a line of electric vehicles with “swappable” batteries. The vehicles include an electric cargo one-seater car, a delivery truck and a garbage truck. The company also introduced two electric fishing boats.

A key differentiator for the vehicles is that customers rent charged batteries from the company’s Battery Swap Centers, thereby reducing their costs. The vehicle lineup includes:

  • E-Dot, a 100% electric cargo one-seater with a cargo space of 7 cubic feet. Its maximum weight capacity is 220 pounds and the cargo space can be replaced with a second passenger seat.
  • LC-1 –  a light delivery truck with low decks and wide ramps for easy loading, and a maximum carrying capacity of 1,100 pounds.
  • LC-2 – Similar to an LC-1 but with an 1,100 pound capacity garbage collection container.

Batteries at Leo’s battery swap stations are owned by the station operators and rented to the electric vehicle owners. This not only significantly reduces the price of the vehicle but also eliminates concerns about battery life span. Leo’s battery swapping machines are carts which replace battery cartridges eliminating the need for expensive large robot arms to handle massive battery packs. Using this shopping cart sized device, a typical 20 cartridge replacement takes 5 minutes. Learn more:  Baystreet.ca

Comment:  It will be interesting to see if the rental battery concept will work. Advanced batteries, such as lithium ion, can be very expensive, especially for LSVs and lower priced utility vehicles where the cost of the lithium batteries compared to the overall cost of the vehicle is very high. A battery rental approach could lower the up front costs of the battery pack.

 

Winterizing Your UTV for Work or Play

A Polaris Ranger with Glacier Pro plow system.

A Polaris Ranger with Glacier Pro plow system.

With the winter months approaching some UTV owners may have thoughts of winterizing their vehicle for either winter work, such as plowing or traversing farm or ranch land, or for recreational use such as trail riding or traveling to and around winter camps. To discuss some of the options and accessories you might consider, as well as winter maintenance and other tips, I spoke with Rolly who works in the Mies Outland service department.  Mies Outland is a Polaris dealer located in Watkins, MN, so the personnel there have some experience with cold and snowy winters. I also priced out some of the typical winter options and accessories for models from Polaris and a few other brands. Full article

 

Polaris General: A New UTV Product Line is Launched

 

The base model General 1000 EPS is Indy Red with an MSRP of $15,999.

The base model General 1000 EPS in Indy Red with an MSRP of $15,999.

The premium model General 1000 EPS Velocity Blue with an MSRP of $17,499.

The premium model General 1000 EPS Velocity Blue with an MSRP of $17,499.

The Polaris General 1000 EPS Deluxe Orange Burst with an MSRP of $19,999.

The Polaris General 1000 EPS Deluxe Orange Burst with an MSRP of $19,999.

Polaris Industries is launching the Polaris General, a new product line positioned between the Ranger and RZR product lines, that is designed for work and recreational use. “Today is a great day at Polaris! Once again, we are launching a game-changing new product,” said Tim Blinkhorn, GM, RANGER & Polaris GENERAL. “This vehicle is the most versatile sideby-side ever built, made for those who want to battle it all. Whether it’s dominating any trail, or conquering any job, The Polaris GENERAL delivers.”

The General product line initially features three models, a base model in Indy Red with an MSRP of $15,999, a model in Velocity Blue at $17,499 and a Deluxe model in Orange Burst priced at $19,999. The price points and features such as one of the more powerful Polaris ProStar engines indicate a higher-end crossover UTV. Some of the key figures across all models include:

  • 100 hp ProStar 1000 engine
  • Electronic Power Steering
  • High Performance Close Ratio On-Demand AWD/2WD
  • Engine Braking System
  • 12.25″ of front suspension travel and 13.2″ in the rear
  • Front and rear sway bars
  • 12″ of ground clearance unloaded and 7.4″ when cargo box is loaded
  • 600 lb. cargo box capacity
  • 1,500 lb. towing capacity
  • Full-body skid plate
  • Factory installed doors with armrests
  • Dual bolstered bucket seats with adjustable driver seat
  • Space-optimized foot rests
  • All-new customizable digital/analog instrumentation cluster that tilts with the steering wheel
  • 23 liters of integrated storage
  • 27″ tires
  • 30 brand new Polaris Engineered Accessories™ and 90-plus common fit items

The Velocity Blue model features:

  • Automotive-style paint
  • Sport low profile front bumper
  • Polaris HD 4,500 lb. winch
  • 14″ Matte Black cast aluminum wheels
  • Eiight-ply, 27″ GBC Dirt Commander Tires

The DeluxeOrange Burst Model has all the features of the Velocity Blue model plus:

  • Adjustable Fox Podium X 2.0 QS3 shocks
  • Pro-Fit Lock & Ride Sport Roof
  • Rear-view mirror
  • MTX Premium Soundbar with eight speakers and blue-tooth connectivity

The Velocity Blue and Deluxe Orange Burst models will be available at Polaris dealerships starting in December. The Indy Red will be available in March 2016. Learn more:  Polaris.com

Comment:  While Polaris Ranger and RZRs are certainly used as crossover UTVs, the product lines are delineated with the Ranger for work applications and the RZRs for recreation. The General provides Polaris with a more targeted line of crossover UTVs. The launch is another indicator of the continued high level of competition in the UTV market. The General provides Polaris with more models to directly compete with John Deere’s XUV line, the Honda Pioneer line, the Yamaha Viking line and Can Am’s Commander line. The Polaris General, given the model price points and features, appears to be targeting a higher priced end of the crossover market. As these product launches continue in the market, most of the major brands are building out specific product lines for work, recreation and crossover applications.

GEM Director John Stockman Talks About the New Model Year

The new GEMs for model year 2016.

The new GEMs for model year 2016.

I recently interviewed GEM Director John Stockman about the changes to the GEM lineup for model year 2016, the vision for the brand and how it fits within the overall small vehicle portfolio of Polaris. Here is an excerpt from the larger article posted in our Buying Guide section:

Polaris has made extensive changes to the GEM lineup for the 2016 e2, e4, e6 and eL XD models. Stylistically the iconic “bubble” design is still noticeable from a side view, but a frontal view reveals significant changes. The new design was in large part based on customer research. According to Stockman, in the neighborhood of 10 different designs were vetted by customers and consumers before a final design was chosen.

Even more important than stylistic changes, were the engineering changes made under the skin in direct response to several phases of customer research, including multiple ride clinics with dozens of customers and consumers, feature and finish related research, as well as feedback from dealers. The research focused the product development process on a number of key areas. One was the comfort of users as they ingress and egress from the vehicles all throughout their day. Towards that end, more legroom and headroom has been created. A past complaint about hot seats was also addressed as well as items as minor as having self-canceling turn signals.

A second issue highlighted by the research was vehicle safety. Stockman states that, “We are hearing more and more from corporate campuses, colleges and universities, hotel and resorts, that they are moving away from the traditional golf carts towards LSVs because of their safety features.” With that in mind the safety features the GEM is known for were kept but also improved. This included better brakes, vehicle handling in evasive situations and seatbelts. “We really focused on making sure that this was the safest LSV you could get”, remarked Stockman.

Another focus… View Full Article

I will be following up this article with some impressions from GEM dealers on the changes for the 2016 model lineup. For detailed vehicle specifications for the 2016 and past GEMs, search the SVR vehicle database.

 

Bureau of Reclamation Goes Green with e-Ride Industries

The e-ride Industries EXV4 for people transport.

The e-ride Industries EXV4 for people transport.

An e-Ride Industries EXV2 Patriot configured with a sliding cargo tray and roof rack.

An e-Ride Industries EXV2 Patriot at Grand Coulee Dam configured with a sliding cargo tray and roof rack.

The Bureau of Reclamation has purchased a fleet of 27 electric vehicles from e-Ride Industries of Princeton, MN for the Grand Coulee Dam Project in Washington state. With the addition of 130 new employees over the last two years, the management required more vehicles but also need to meet the federal government’s greenhouse gas emission goals. The electric powered, zero-emission LSVs from e-Ride Industries fit their needs.

e-Ride Industries has already supplied 16 of the 27 vehicles under a total contract for $900,000. The vehicles will be a mixture of the EXV2 Patriot designed for maintenance and utility duties and the EXV4 which can transport up to four people.  Both vehicles are ruggedly built for industrial applications, have a top speed of 25 mph and are powered by 72-volt lithium-ion battery packs. The utility version features an enclosed cargo area, 1,000 lb. cargo capacity, built-in toolbox on the outside of the cargo area and a roof rack.

Management expects the fleet of vehicles which will be powered by renewable energy produced by the dam to save 10%-15% in fossil fuel costs, which currently run $111,000 annually. They also expect to save money on vehicle maintenance, and reduce pollution as well. Maintenance on the vehicles requires no disposal of hazardous materials such as used oil, antifreeze, or other liquids associated with gas-powered vehicles. The vehicles are made in America. Learn more:  Grandcoulee.com

Comment:  Federal and state vehicle fleet mandates continue to be a factor in the electric vehicle market, and the LSV market in particular. While the growing array of options of highway speed electric vehicles may cut into LSV sales moving forward, LSVs will continue to be a viable option for government agencies that need to meet greenhouse gas and emission standards. In particular, applications where utility vehicle versatility and functionality is needed and/or where vehicle travel is in a limited area and at lower speeds, LSVs will remain a cost-effective choice.