Category Archives: utility vehicles

Arctic Cat Reports Earnings For Fiscal 2015 2Q

Posted on by
Reply
Despite weak ATV sales, side-by-side revenue increased as Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail models continued to sell well.

Despite weak ATV sales, side-by-side sales increased as demand for Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail models remained strong.

Arctic Cat reported revenue of $262.5 million for the fiscal 2015 second quarter, an increase of about 10% from last year. Sales were driven by their snowmobile and parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) divisions which offset weakness in their ATV business that includes ATVs and side-by-sides. The ATV business declined 4% from the previous year’s quarter and 10% year to date. The company fell short of their expectations for ATV sales but strong sales continued for their Wildcat side-by-side models. There was also a significant charge for a recall of some of their older ATVs. Some highlights of the earnings call as it relates to utility vehicles/side-by-sides include:

  • 15 new 2015 model year ATVs and side-by-sides were unveiled in the quarter
  • Demand for their side-by-side products remains strong driven by the Wildcat Trail line and recently introduced Wildcat Sport
  • Wildcat sales also helped generate revenue for the PG&A business
  • Management reports Arctic Cat is outperforming the overall side-by-side market

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

Comment:?? Despite weakness in their ATV business Arctic Cat remains a strong competitor to Polaris in the high performance segment of the side-by-side market. They are particularly strong in the trail sub-segment where the vehicles are narrower to allow access to legacy ATV trails.

Polaris Reports Strong Quarterly Earnings for Q3 2014

Posted on by
Reply
New 2015RZR XP 1000 EPS Desert Edition

RZR XP 1000’s like the new 2015 RZR XP 1000 EPS Desert Edition helped drive sales.

Polaris reported an 18% year over year increase in revenue for third quarter 2014 driven by increases in their motorcycle, PG&A and Off-road Vehicle (ORV) divisions. ORV which includes side-by-sides and ATVs recorded a 17% increase. With another strong quarter, management raised their guidance for full-year results in 2014. Some highlights of the earnings call as it relates to Small, Task-Oriented Vehicles include:

  • ORV revenue up 14% year-to-date
  • Market share gains in the quarter for both side-by-sides and ATVs in North America adds to their #1 positions
  • ORV revenue was driven by side-by-sides that outpaced the industry believed to be growing at 10%
  • The 2 and 4 seat RZR XP 1000’s as well as the RZR 900 Trail are selling well
  • In the commercial UTV segment??Brutus retail sales continue to grow sequentially and year-over-year for both Polaris and Bobcat
  • Commercial national accounts and fleet sales were strong
  • The Gravely Atlas UTV was launched in the quarter
  • Defense related ORV revenue was flat for the quarter but up 25% year-to-date with international sales of the MRZR contributing
  • The Small Vehicle division reported an 8% revenue increase in the quarter due to GEM and Aixam
  • Year-to-date Small Vehicle revenue is up 52%
  • GEM reported retail sales increase of 20% on action in B2B and GSA sales
  • While Aixam grew despite a weakening European market, Goupil revenue decreased with softness in the French economy, their major market
  • The Opole, Poland factory opened and will produce ORV and other products for the European and Middle East markets
  • International sales were helped by strong ORV sales in India and Australia
  • Currency issues provided some headwind in foreign markets

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

Comments:?? Despite some macro economic issues the Polaris juggernaut keeps on rolling as they continue to add market share despite increased competition in the side-by-side and ATV markets. Their large market share and subsequent production volume gives them an advantage in driving down vehicle costs and provides funding for their robust R&D budget and new model pipeline. The large number of models they market allows them to target specific sub-segments with specific vehicle capabilities and characteristics. In turn this makes it more difficult for competitors to match up on a vehicle to vehicle basis in each sub-segment.

Honda Recalling 2014 Pioneer 700 UTVs

Posted on by
Reply
All the two and four passenger versions (shown here) of the Honda 2014 Pioneer 700 are being recalled.

All the two and four passenger versions (shown here) of the Honda 2014 Pioneer 700 are being recalled.

Honda announced a recall of all models of the 2014 Honda Pioneer 700 utility vehicle because of an issue with debris and vegetation accumulation on the middle skid plate. The buildup can come in contact with the exhaust system resulting in smoke or fire. There have been 10 reports of incidents involving fires but no injuries have been reported. The recall involves both two and four passenger versions sold from August 2013 through September 2014. The following vehicle models and serial numbers are affected by the recall:

Model Number ?? ?? ?? ?? ????Serial Number Range (All begin with 1HF) ?? ?? ?? ????Number of Seats
SXS 700M2 2AC ?? ?? ?? ??VE0225E4000006 to VE022XE4006304 ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ????2
SXS 700M2 4AC ?? ?? ?? ??VE0284E4000003 to VE0284E4001202 ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ????2
SXS 700M4 AC ?? ?? ?? ?? ??VE0204E4000013 to VE020XE4006849 ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ????4
SXS 700M4 3AC ?? ?? ?? ??VE0268E4000004 to VE0269E4001503 ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ????4

Owners should immediately stop using the recalled vehicle and take it to an authorized Honda dealer to have the original middle skid plate removed and an updated middle skid plate installed free of charge. ??Learn more: ??CPSC.gov

Comment:?? This is a large recall, about four to five times the number of utility vehicles that we typically see recalled. This is also a blow to Honda in their efforts to become more competitive in the UTV market. The Pioneer models, both the 700 and the 500 which were not recalled, were their latest entry into the market. The introduction of the Pioneer UTVs represented a renewed commitment and dedication of resources by Honda towards the side-by-side market.

Polaris Reveals DAGOR: Ultra Light Vehicle For Defense Applications

Posted on by
Reply
The DAGOR during testing.

The DAGOR during testing in challenging terrain.

The DAGOR loaded with troops and their gear.

The DAGOR loaded with troops and their gear.

A rear view of the DAGOR loaded with troops and their gear.

A rear view of the DAGOR loaded with troops and their gear.

Polaris Industries will be debuting DAGOR, their new ultra light vehicle for defense applications at the??2014 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting, in Washington, D.C. , Oct. 13-15. The vehicle is designed to provide??rapid air transportability, payload capabilities and advanced mobility in off-road conditions to meet a wide range of expeditionary missions. DAGOR can carry 3,250 lbs. of payload or nine infrantryman and incorporates off-the-shelf components such as a J98 diesel engine for easier maintenance in combat operations.??The open design of the cargo bed maximizes loading space, flexibility and access for mission-essential equipment. The weight and dimensions of the vehicle are designed to increase range and facilitate rapid air transport. The DAGOR has been??certified for??CH-47 Chinook Internal Air Transport??(IAT), air drop, and UH-60 Black Hawk Sling Load. Learn more: ??Seekingalpha.com

Comment:?? ??Growing revenue in military applications has been a strategic goal for Polaris for several years. A sizable portion of their military sales have been for US special forces and those of allied countries. In the past they have sold smaller vehicles whose design has been based in part on existing ATV and UTV technology. The DAGOR represents a significant step up in vehicle size and represents a new vehicle segment. This may portend a movement towards larger vehicles, although Polaris Defense vehicles to date have put an emphasis on mobility and lightweight vehicles. Moving to even larger vehicles than the DAGOR would likely mean a shift to different military applications. Another possibility is the transitioning of the DAGOR or some variation thereof into the civilian market. Some of the potential applications that come to mind are for use in disaster zones, forest fire fighting, logging and off-road work environments such as logging, pipelines or gas/oilfields.

Polaris Opens Manufacturing Facility In Poland

Posted on by
Reply
Polaris's new manfuacturing facility in Opole, Poland. (Photo: Business Wire)

Polaris’s new manfuacturing facility in Opole, Poland. (Photo: Business Wire)

Polaris announced the opening of their new 345,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Opole, Poland. The company will manufacture ATVs and utility vehicles at the site for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Opole will also house research and design for the Europe, Middle East and Africa markets allowing vehicles to be tailored to local needs.??The building features include a 2,500 meter product test track and energy saving paint systems. Products should begin shipping from the facility in early 2015.??Learn more: ??Seekingalpha.com

Comment:

Polaris Industries continues to lead the small, task-oriented vehicle (STOV) industry in an aggressive and highly effective strategic vision. This could not be better demonstrated than by its groundbreaking initiative to put engineering and manufacturing assets in Poland and to tie Opole-based production to a logistics and marketing strategy for the entire EMEA region. Management has made increasing international sales a long term strategic goal and has steadily been taking steps towards that end over the last few years. The new facility is testament to the growth they have experienced in the EMEA region.

It has to be said that Polaris is, far and away, the leader in terms of strategic vision, implementation (in engineering, production, and distribution systems), and market development. Moreover, Polaris is not wedded to ICE technology. It’s acquisition of GEM Electric Vehicles, a company long-established, but treading water for years, constituted a strategic move into electric power (along with their investment in Brammo). Polaris immediately upgraded the look of the product line with the eM1400–and gave its dealers more flexible offerings with the gas-powered M1400 series.

 

Arctic Cat Recalls 5,600 Wildcat Trail and Wildcat Trail XT Side by Side

Posted on by
Reply
The Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail XT in Mat Black being recalled.

The Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail XT in Mat Black being recalled.

WildcatTrail_Lime_2014 LARGE

The Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail in Lime Green being recalled.

Last week Arctic Cat announced the recall of approximately 5,600??Wildcat Trail and Wildcat Trail XT side by sides because of a potential fire hazard related to leakage from oil cooler lines. ??Arctic Cat has received 60 reports of oil leaking and one report of fire but no injuries have been reported.

The recall involves all 2014 Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail and Wildcat Trail XT side-by-side utility vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) 000001 through 316232. The VIN is located on the frame tube near the driver???s side front wheel. These units were sold in red, green, lime green, team arctic green and mat black. The words ???Arctic Cat??? and ???Wildcat Trail??? appear on the sides of these vehicles and on the hood.

Consumers should stop using the recalled side-by-sides and contact an Arctic Cat dealer to schedule a free repair. The vehicles were sold nationwide from December 2013 through July 2014 for about $11,400 to $12,400. Learn more: ??CPSC.gov

Comment:?? This UTV recall is a little larger than the usual UTV recalls we see which often involve up to 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles. The Wildcat Trail UTVs are more narrow than typical UTVs to access trails that in the past were only accessible by ATVs. Earlier this year Arctic Cat recalled some Prowler 500 HDX vehicles but had not recalled any UTVs for several years before then.

 

EV-Fleet Begins Selling Electric Truck

Posted on by
Reply
The Condor electric truck from EV-Fleet

The Condor electric truck from EV-Fleet

EV-Fleet of North Carolina has started selling a pick-up sized electric truck, called the Condor which??features a robust 5 speed transmission, a carrying capacity of 1000 lbs, and multiple configurations for the rear cargo area. The vehicle has a range of more than 100 miles when equipped with a 50 kWh battery and can be recharged in under an hour when using a 90 amp DC charger. The programmable powertrain has a top speed of 85 mph. The Condor’s MSRP is $49,995. Learn more: ??EV-Fleet.com

Comment:?? The Condor is more of a full-sized highway speed vehicle but I thought it was worth a mention since it could appeal to certain segments of the STOV market such as universities and parks. There has been a trend in this market to replace gas-powered pickup trucks with STOVs, often electric but sometimes gas. The trend is being driven by both green and sustainability initiatives as well as cost-savings and work efficiency. An electric truck such as this might provide some competition to STOVs in certain circumstances. There is obviously a green element to the truck but it would have trouble matching STOV performance for off-road use as well as access to tight spaces. On the other hand, a sprawling campus or one with satellite locations might be a good fit for this vehicle by cutting down on travel time. The other issue of course is price, at almost $50,000 multiple STOV vehicles and even highway capable pick-up trucks could be purchased instead of one Condor.

Work Utility Vehicle Reviews From The UK

Posted on by
Reply
Workman HDX-D 4WD from Toro on a test drive.

Workman HDX-D 4WD from Toro on a test drive.

Horticulture Week based in the UK test drove a Toro Workman MDE and HDX-D 4WD utility vehicles as well as a Brutus HD PTO from Polaris. They were operating in the vehicles in a golf course and park grounds type setting. In general they liked how all the vehicles performed. Here are some highlights from their review.

Toro Workman MDE (electric powertrain)

Likes

  • “nippy and grippy”
  • Low noise
  • Regenerative braking
  • Comfortable and ergonomic layout for driver
  • Performed well on hills
  • Comfortable ride and good handling

Dislikes

  • Play in the accelerator pedal
  • Steel diamond-plate floorboards slippery when wet

Toro Workman HDX-D 4WD (Diesel)

Likes

  • Easy to read gauges
  • 4WD on hills
  • Low engine noise
  • Good turning circle for a long vehicle
  • “But it???s a smooth ride. The steering is light, gear changes smooth and the seats comfortable. It???s a very stable vehicle.”
  • Third gear lockout for novice users cuts out engine
  • 1,229kg cargo bed capacity

Dislikes/Other

  • Looks like an airport baggage-handling vehicle

Polaris Brutus HD PTO

Likes

  • Easy to drive
  • Functionality of the PTO and attachments especially the angled broom
  • Ease of switching attachments
  • Ergonomic seats and controls
  • Smooth ride and light steering

Dislikes/Other

  • Noisy going up hill
  • Some limits to suspension
  • Niche vehicle for those who need attachment specific functionality – sweeping, pallet moving, snow removal and sanding/de-icing

Learn more: ??Hortweek.com

GEM Adds Gas & LSV Utility Vehicles to Their Product Lineup

Posted on by
Reply
The new 2015 Polaris M1400, a gas powered utility vehicle being sold by GEM dealers.

The new 2015 Polaris M1400, a gas powered utility vehicle being sold by GEM dealers.

GEM adds an LSV version of the electric eM1400 for 2015.

GEM adds an LSV version of the electric eM1400 for 2015.

The GEM brand of transport and light utility vehicle, owned by Polaris Industries, ??recently expanded their product lineup to include a gas powered M1400 and a street legal version of the electric eM1400, the eM 1400 LSV. The eM1400 was introduced last year. The press release follows below with more details. The base MSRP for the M1400 is $7,999 and for the eM1400 LSV is $10,999, which is $1,000 more than the eM1400.

What’s interesting from a marketing perspective is that the gas-powered M1400 is carrying the Polaris brand but is available from GEM dealers and is included on the GEM website. While GEM has always been associated with electric powered vehicles, the distribution network and brand have a strong presence in commercial and institutional venues such as colleges, universities, municipalities and parks where customers are purchasing gas and diesel powered STOVs as well. GEM’s established distribution network and experienced commercial/institutional oriented sales force is an important asset.??Polaris is trying to leverage this strength to sell more non-electric commercial vehicles but, at least for now, maintain a distinction between the electric GEM brand and non-electric vehicles. This expansion will also broaden the competition between Polaris and the golf car manufacturers that are already selling both electric and gas vehicles into these markets. Historically Polaris has attacked markets by segmenting them and creating models for specific sub-segments. It is likely that they will continue to add more gas-powered vehicles as well as electrics to be sold under the GEM umbrella.

GEM?? Extends Offerings for Dealers with New Gas and LSV Models

Gas-powered Polaris?? M1400???, electric eM???1400 LSV now available through nationwide dealer network

??MEDINA, Minn. (Aug. 21, 2014) ??? Polaris?? Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) has expanded its GEM?? line product offering of transport and light utility vehicles to include the new Polaris?? M1400??? gas-powered commercial side-by-side utility vehicle and the GEM eM???1400 LSV street-legal electric utility vehicle.

??As the first gas-powered utility vehicle available for purchase through authorized GEM dealers, the Polaris M1400 is a 4×2 vehicle designed specifically for light-duty commercial utility applications. The vehicle is equipped to handle the demands of a jobsite with 1,400 pounds of payload, a cargo box capacity of 1,100 pounds and the ability to tow up to 1,500 pounds.

?????Our number one priority at GEM is to help customers find the right solution for their unique needs,??? GEM General Manager Tim Blinkhorn said. ???It is very common for accounts to require a fleet with a mix of electric and gas-powered vehicles. By adding a Polaris engineered gas utility vehicle to our line with an extensive range of accessories, GEM dealers are ready to provide the best tool ??? electric or gas ??? for the job.???

??The M1400 features a Polaris ProStar 31-horsepower engine with electronic fuel injection and reaches a top speed of 26 mph, which can be limited with the optional Polaris Speed Key. Independent rear suspension and front IFS MacPherson Strut ensures the safe and efficient transport of people and cargo even when hauling at maximum capacity.

??On the electric front, the GEM eM1400 LSV has all the features of the eM1400 introduced last fall, and is also LSV compliant with a horn, headlights/taillights, turn signals, an automotive-grade windshield, a windshield wiper and three-point safety belts.

??Like all of GEM???s street-legal models, the eM1400 LSV reaches a top speed of 25 mph, produces zero emissions, can be driven indoors or outdoors and on most city streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. ??

??Available options and accessories make it easy for customers to configure the Polaris M1400 and GEM eM1400 for their specific jobsite application and unique needs. Factory installed options include removable bed sides and a fully enclosed max box. Additionally, both utility vehicles support Polaris??? innovative Lock & Ride?? and Lock & Work??? accessories.

??The Polaris M1400 and GEM eM1400 come with a two-year limited warranty and can be ordered through more than 250 authorized GEM dealers in North America. To set up a test ride, or for more information on the complete Polaris GEM lineup, visit GEMcar.com.

Polaris Industries Inc. ?? ?? ?? ?? Media Contact: Megan Langenkamp
2100 Highway 55 ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??Phone: 414-292-0246
Medina, MN 55340-9770 ??mlangenkamp@n-s.com

 

String Of UTV Thefts At Minnesota John Deere Dealership Group

Posted on by
Reply
The type of Gator UTV being stolen from SEMA Equipment dealerships.

The type of Gator UTV being stolen from SEMA Equipment dealerships.

SEMA Equipment, a John Deere dealership group, has reported the theft of eight Gator utility vehicles across three locations in 2014. Despite locking and chaining the vehicles, thieves are coming equipped to steal the vehicles valued around $15,000 each. Learn more: ??Kare11.com

Comment:?? This story highlights what seems to be a growing trend of UTV thefts. With the increasing popularity of work and recreational UTVs it should not be surprising that thefts appear to be on the increase. We have no hard numbers but from tracking news stories across the US, thefts of these vehicles appear to be on the rise. While many stories point to a crime of opportunity and sometimes joyriders, these thefts point to a more purposeful and planned thefts. If it becomes a bigger issue, manufacturers may respond with more robust anti-theft technology for these vehicles.