Category Archives: utility vehicles

Polaris Ranger To Be Used In DARPA Robotics Challenge

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Polaris is providing a modified Ranger XP 900 EPS for the DARPA Robotics Challenge

Polaris is providing a modified Ranger XP 900 EPS for the DARPA Robotics Challenge

A Limited Edition DARPA Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS will be used in part of the DARPA Robotics Challenge held??June 5-6, at the Fairplex, in Pomona, CA.

This DARPA Robotics Challenge was created to spur development of robotic technology that can help humans to better respond to future disasters. The Challenge Finals will have robots perform a number of tasks in a continuous course, simulating what might be encountered in a real disaster situation. DARPA will use the RANGER XP 900 EPS in one of the most difficult tasks to help demonstrate a robot???s ability to operate and to egress from a vehicle, since they are among the tools commonly on hand in disaster zones.

The Ranger XP 900 EPS was modified for use in the event including:

  • A remote SafeStop electronic throttle kill
  • Brake actuation technology
  • A 1,000 lb. capacity bed for the robot’s power supply
  • Bench seat and tilt steering to create more room for a robotic driver
  • Terrainarmor airless tires

For Polaris the event is an opportunity to further develop a vehicle platform with which robotic companies can integrate their own products. Polaris is also providing GEM vehicles for robot, people and supply transport at the event. Learn more: ??Polaris.com

Comment:?? The Challenge is a good opportunity for Polaris to work on product development for autonomous vehicles for both disaster relief and military applications as well as creating a vehicle platform for robotics companies. Building vehicles for speciality applications with specific features and options is also an effective way to produce higher margins in an increasingly competitive UTV market.

How To Extend Battery Life

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An article from Battery Watering Technologies has been posted in our Buying Guides/Tech section. The article provides some tips on when and how to water your electric vehicle batteries and provides some information about their single point watering system and new i-Lite sensor which helps you keep track of water levels. Learn more: ??Smallvehicleresource.com

Polaris Chooses Design & Construction Firms For Huntsville Plant

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Rendering of the new Polaris facility in Huntsville, AL

Polaris Industries has chosen two Nashville, TN firms for the design and construction of their new manufacturing plant in Huntsville, AL.??T.W. Frierson Contractor, Inc. and the architectural firm Design Constructors, Inc. were chosen for the $48 million,??775,000-square-foot??plant that is scheduled to be operational within a year.??The production facility is the first for Polaris in the southern half of the United States, and will initially be producing the Ranger side-by-side utility vehicles including vehicle assembly, chassis and body painting, welding, fabrication and injection molding. Learn more: ??Madisoncountyrecord.com

Value Priced UTVs & Cargo Capacity In The Work Segment

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A new UTV from Cub Cadet's new Challenger series.

UTVs from Cub Cadet’s new Challenger series are part of a cost/benefit analysis.

My colleague Stephen Metzger has performed a cost/benefit analysis of the light duty utility vehicle segment with a focus on price versus cargo box capacity for vehicles priced between $5,200 and $10,000. He used the mid-point in the price range to examine two sets of vehicles from a range of manufacturers. Comparing the two price ranges, vehicles in the lower price range had a slightly higher variation in price but a lower variation in cargo box capacity. The higher priced vehicles showed a significant variation in cargo box capacity. In conclusion he states:

In comparing the two sets of vehicles, it appears to be more difficult to place a superior cost/benefit value in the lower price range. The variation in the cost/benefit ratio is relatively small. Yet the opportunity lies in raising the cargo box capacity, while maintaining price. Then lower price range vehicles begin to encroach on capacity featured in the higher priced models.

To see the full analysis view the article.

Startups Aggregating Mini-trucks In India’s Local Delivery Market

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Some of the mini-trucks and owner-operators part of the LOTrucks.com network.

Some of the mini-trucks and owner-operators part of the LOTrucks.com network.

LOTrucks.com, an Indian startup, is using technology to aggregate the highly fragmented local delivery market in the country. Major cities such as Bangalore employ a hub and spoke delivery system where the last mile is handled by mini-trucks and other vehicles driven by owner-operators. The problem has been connecting the large number of owner-operators with potential clients in an efficient and cost-effective manner. LOTrucks joins similar companies such as??The Porter, Blowhorn and Shippr who are operating in Mumbai and Bangalore. LOT stands for Logistics, Optimization and Transportation.

According to the founders “When we noticed some important issues like large idle time of vehicles, no standard pricing, customer-driver communication gap and billing problems, we thought this can be addressed using technology.” LOT has reduced the time from order booking to processing to 30 minutes, implemented a standard mileage based pricing system to eliminate negotiating and trains drivers for communicating in the diverse city. An online payment system using a mobile is in the works. LOT currently has over 500 trucks including the??LOT MINI, aTata Ace with 800kg capacity, and the LOT MAX , a Tata 407 with 2.5ton capacity. The founders plan to perfect their system in Bangalore before expanding to other cities. ??Learn more: Yourstory.com

Columbia ParCar Purchases Tomberlin

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The Tomberlin Anvil is one of the more consumer-oriented vehicles Columbia ParCar will be adding to their offerings.

The Anvil is one of the more consumer-oriented vehicles Columbia ParCar will be adding to their portfolio under the Tomberlin brand.

Columbia ParCar Custom Carts, Inc., a Nordic Group company, announced that they are in the process of acquiring the assets of Tomberlin Automotive Group. In a statement to dealers, Scott Breckley , President of Columbia ParCar stated

The combined product portfolios across multiple commercial and consumer based platforms will create the worlds leading privately held EV company and a very compelling message for our Dealers, Distributors and Consumers. The result will blend product innovation with superb branding into our heritage of customer care that dates back to 1946. A winning combination in any strategic initiative??.

The deal is expected to take another 45 days to close. The Tomberlin brand will continue to stand alone along side the ParCar brand. The merger will be kicked off with a series of regional launch parties starting in the Villages in Florida.??Learn more: ??Parcar.com

Comment:?? This is a good match of complementary strengths. Tomberlin will add a lineup of vehicles primarily focused on the consumer personal transportation and recreation market but applicable to some commercial applications as well. Tomberlin’s product line includes LSVs and an off-road electric utility vehicle. The deal will allow Columbia ParCar to expand the breadth of their offerings as well as their dealer network. Tomberlin also adds some expertise in sourcing and manufacturing in China and a track record of innovation. When Tomberlin first came to the market they were one of the first companies to design an LSV that looked much more like a car than a golf car or a GEM. With some additional resources available, it will be interesting to see what new products will be launched. The deal also points to the continued effort by companies in all segments of the STOV market to expand their distribution and reach new customers.

Polaris Reports Record First Quarter 2015 Results

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Polaris yet again reported record quarterly results with first quarter 2015 sales reaching $1,033.3 million, up 16% compared to the previous year.??Operating income increased 19% to $150.3 million during the 2015 first quarter. Currencies in the 2015 first quarter had a $32 million negative impact on total company sales versus Q1 of last year.??Here are some of the highlights related to the STOV market. Comparisons are between first quarter 2015 to first quarter 2014, unless otherwise stated. The highlights have been updated following the earnings conference call with analysts.

  • Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) sales, which includes UTVs and ATVs increased 11% to $645.4 million.
  • ORV inventory increased primarily in the ATV segment.
  • Polaris North American ORV unit retail sales were up mid-single digits percent, with consumer purchases of Rangers and RZRs each increasing from the first quarter last year.
  • RZR sales are stronger than Ranger sales but the latter grew “nicely”.
  • North American ATV retail sales decreased low-single digits percent due to heavy competitive promotional spending during the 2015 first quarter with ACE up significantly.
  • Management reports a “fair amount” of wholesale discounting by competitors but this is not expected to continue. Promotional activity is more pronounced for ATVs but is occurring for side-by-sides as well.
  • Management sees the Hammerhead brand acquisition as a good way to attack the value end of the UTV market.
  • North American industry ORV retail sales in the first quarter 2015 increased an estimated mid-single digits percent according to management.
  • Sales of Polaris ORVs outside of North America decreased 10% ??primarily due to weak economic conditions in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, as well as the currency impact of a strengthening U.S. dollar.
  • ORV industry in EMEA region grew mid-single digits in terms of volume but was driven by smaller value products and discounting.
  • Average sales per ORV unit increased 7% in the quarter.
  • The Eicher-Polaris JV will begin shipping the new utility vehicle in Q3.
  • Global Adjacent Markets, which includes GEM, Aixam, Goupil as well as government and military sales, increased 7% to $65.4 million.
  • Government/military group experienced double digit percent sales growth during the 2015 first quarter.
  • Work and Transportation (W&T) group sales (part of Global Adjacent Markets) increased mid-single digits percent with North American W&T sales increasing double digits percent while W&T outside North America declined partly resulting from lower Aixam sales in EMEA due to the impact of negative currencies.
  • North American W&T was up over 30% on strong partnership shipments, national account growth and 40% GEM retail increase.
  • Brutus retail increased low double digits in volume but revenue was hurt by promotions and the loss of some dealers. The PTO and high end models are performing well but base models are underperforming.
  • Goupil and Aixam increased shipments and future orders are up 20% but currency headwinds remain a drag.
  • Aixam made market share gains in a flat industry performance.
  • Defense revenue grew double digits on strength of M RZR in international markets and DAGOR shipments to special forces.

Guidance for the Year

  • Global adjacent market sales are now expected to grow 5% to 10% and total international sales are now expected to decline low single digits percent.
  • ORV’s are expected to increase mid-single digits percent after growing 11% in the first quarter benefiting from a 7% increase in the average sales per ORV unit.
  • Currency changes are expected reduce full year 2015 revenue by $140-160 million.

Learn more: ??Seekingalpha.com??(Earnings call transcript)

Mahindra USA Partners with Intimidator to Offer UTV

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The Mahindra mPact XTV 1000 L utility vehicle is one of six models developed by the company in partnership with Intimidator, Inc.

The Mahindra mPact XTV 1000 L utility vehicle is one of six models developed by the company in partnership with Intimidator, Inc.

From Mahindra USA:

Mahindra USA announced Monday it is teaming up with Intimidator Inc. to manufacturer an all-new line of utility vehicles, the Mahindra mPACT??? XTV. The mPACT??? XTV rollout will begin with six models available through Mahindra???s dealer network beginning in early 2015. Mahindra dealers were given a sneak preview of the new utility vehicles at Mahindra???s Regional Dealer Meetings in October.

???Our partnership with Intimidator brings together two companies with shared vision, an innovative approach to product design and a passionate commitment to quality. Mahindra is dedicated to investing in the future through new product development to provide our dealers and customers with products that continue our tradition of delivering the unmatched value they have come to expect from Mahindra,??? said Mani Iyer, President, Mahindra USA.

The Mahindra mPACT??? XTV are all designed to provide superior performance and deliver impressive work and transport capabilities. This XTV lineup offers category-leading cargo box and towing capacity. Each model offers spacious, comfortable seating for driver and passengers and is loaded with standard features such as true 4WD, 12-inch ground clearance, power cargo box lift, front and rear receiver hitches – all backed by an industry-leading three-year powertrain and one- year bumper-to-bumper warranty.

The gas and diesel versions will be available in three styles in early 2015:

??? Standard: three-passenger with cargo

??? Crew: six-passenger with cargo

??? Longbed: three-passenger with extra cargo that folds to a flatbed

???We are looking forward to a long-term and productive relationship with Mahindra to bring the mPACT??? XTV???s, that are built with pride from the ground up in Batesville, AR, to its strong and growing North American dealer distribution network. We will boost UTV production significantly in the coming years as we expand the rollout to all markets to meet demand,??? said Robert Foster, Owner, Intimidator, Inc.

Intimidator has immediate plans to add 7,600 sq. ft. to its 122,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Batesville, AR, and is working closely with the Independence County Economic Development Board on plans for a major facility expansion in the area???s new industrial park within three years. In addition, the expected demand for the Mahindra mPACT??? XTV???s will add 150 new jobs at the Intimidator manufacturing facility, which currently employs more than 50 people, as production is ramped up to meet this demand.

???The Mahindra mPACT??? XTV stole the show at our North American Regional Dealer meetings in October as our dealers responded with overwhelming support for this new product line. Pre-orders at the Regional Dealer Meetings exceeded our expectations and we are looking forward to getting these top-of-the-line utility vehicles in the hands of our customers in 2015,??? said Cleo Franklin, Mahindra USA???s Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Planning. ???The utility vehicle segment is a natural extension to our growing line of tractors and will add fuel to Mahindra???s rapid growth in North America.???

The new Mahindra XTV???s will begin to roll out in early 2015 to select markets and expand through the United States and Canada through the remainder of the year. For more details and weekly updates on the Mahindra mPACT??? XTV series, visit mahindraxtv.com.

Intimidator, Inc. is owned by Robert and Becky Foster, former co-owners of Bad Boy Mowers. Intimidator offers world-class American-made, side-by-side 4×4 Utility Vehicles with unparalleled strength, power and performance at an affordable price. The company???s expanding line of products includes the Intimidator Classic, Intimidator Crew Cab, and Intimidator Truck series utility vehicles built to suit a variety of needs???from hauling feed to hunting and more. Three engines choices are currently offered: 1,000cc Diesel, 750cc Gasoline, and a 48volt Electric.

Headquartered in Batesville, Arkansas, the family owned company has more than 50 employees. Intimidator products are sold through a growing network of more than 65 dealers in the United States. Intimidator and its sister companies, Bad Dawg Accessories and Ground Hog Maxx, provide the best aftermarket selection of accessory items the side-by-side market has to offer. Bad Dawg products are distributed through Bass Pro Shops, Cabela???s, and Tractor Supply stores nationwide. For UTV accessory information, visit Bad Dawg Accessories.com or call (877) 522-3364. For more information on Intimidator, visit IntimidatorUTV.com or call (877) 522-3364.

Learn more: ??Mahindrausa.com

Comment:?? The Mahindra and Intimidator partnership is another sign of the robustness and competitiveness of the UTV market. While some companies have exited the market, new companies continue to enter the market. Farm equipment and other manufacturers such as Mahindra are partnering with UTV manufacturers to enter the market. These partnerships allow them to participate in a growing and complementary market without devoting as many resources as they would if they developed the vehicles themselves. In addition, they gain access to the expertise of manufacturers that focus on UTVs as compared to farm equipment in Mahindra’s case.

Yamaha Recalls 2015 Viking VI UTVs

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The 2015 Viking VI EPS Hunter from Yamaha is one of the models being recalled.

The 2015 Viking VI EPS Hunter from Yamaha is one of the models being recalled.

Yamaha has recalled approximately 3,500 Viking VI utility vehicles because the??rear wheels can loosen and cause the rear end of the vehicle to wobble or the rear wheels to come off and cause the vehicle to crash. The recall involves the 2015 Viking VI, Viking VI Hunter, Viking VI EPS and Viking VI EPS Hunter.

The following information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Name of product: ??Yamaha Viking VI

Hazard: ??The rear wheels can loosen and cause the rear end of the vehicle to wobble or the rear wheels to come off and cause the vehicle to crash, resulting an injury or death hazard.

Recall Details

Units: ??About 3,500

Description: ??This recall involves 2015 model YXC700DF (Viking VI), YXC700DHFH (Viking VI Hunter), YXC700PF (Viking VI EPS) and YXC700PHFH (Viking VI EPS Hunter) side x side vehicles. Model numbers can be found on the owner???s manual. The letter F in the 10th position of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) indicates that the vehicle is 2015 model. The VIN is stamped on the frame behind the left rear wheel. The ???Viking VI??? model name is printed on the left side of the front hood. The vehicles come in Realtree (multicolor), hunter green, red and steel blue.

Incidents/Injuries: ??No reported injuries

Remedy:????Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their local Yamaha dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.

Sold exclusively at: ??Yamaha side x side dealerships nationwide from June 2014 through March 2015 for $12,800 to $14,600.

Manufacturer(s): ??Yamaha Motor Corporation, of Cypress, Calif.

Manufactured in:????USA

Consumer Contact: ??Yamaha at (800) 962-7926 anytime or go to www.yamaha-motor.com, click on ???Outdoors??? tab, and then click on ???Recalls??? in the Corporate Links menus.

Learn more: ??CPSC.gov

Comment:?? This is a fairly large sized UTV recall and appears to be a significant issue with the vehicle. The recall is a setback for Yamaha given that the Viking VI has not been on the market that long and is an important part of the company’s renewed push in the UTV market after several years of minimal product development.

Eicher-Polaris Joint Venture To Launch Flexituff Utility Vehicle For The Indian Market

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The new Flexituff utility vehicle from an Eicher and Polaris collaboration was spied on the road recently while undergoing tests. Photo Credit: ??www.indianautoblog.com

A collaboration between Eicher and Polaris is set to release their first vehicle, something akin to a mini-truck, later this year for the Indian market. The Flexituff UV will be available in two configurations, a multi-passenger van (MPV) and a twin-cab pickup for hauling cargo. The vehicle will feature a Greaves Cotton 600cc diesel engine with claimed mileage of 25km/L. Based on pictures of the vehicle in testing, the vehicle will be slightly larger than competitive offerings, the Mahindra Maxximo and Tata Magic. Initial production is expected to be 10-12,000 vehicles per year with expectations that it will reach 100,000 units in the future. Learn more: ??Motoroids.com

Update: ??Some more information on the vehicle. It uses composite body panels to save weight and “…features a bare dashboard with a four-spoke steering wheel, a simple instrument cluster and a centre console-mounted gear level.” The double cab pickup with cargo area can fit five occupants. The price of the vehicle is expected to be about 1 lakh or about $1,500-1,600 US. The vehicle development project is reported to have cost $40 million US. Learn more: ??Inidancarsbikes.in

Comment:?? This type of vehicle is not as prevalent in the US but in India and parts of Asia the vehicles are common. Smaller sized delivery vehicles are an important part of a hub and spoke delivery system where they are used to deliver goods the last kilometer or so through small and crowded streets. Price points and cost of operation are important purchasing factors for owner/operators of these local shipping businesses.