Category Archives: utility vehicles

Indian Start-Up Gets Funds For Low-Cost Rural UTV

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Evomo Research & Advancement Pvt Ltd of India has received funds from a local business incubator for development of a low-cost rural utility vehicle. Started in 2010, Evomo, will use the unspecified amount of funds??to get to a stage where it can take preorders for actual sales. The management, in part, sees the vehicle as a safety issue since it can replace many of the dangerous makeshift vehicles that are now used in many rural areas.

The Evomo UTV is an off-road vehicle for both passengers and goods in rural areas. Management claims the vehicle is legal, less polluting, handles rough terrain, can be transformed from people carrier to goods carrier and performs some of the agricultural functions like pumping water and carrying cargo. Powered by a diesel engine it has a top speed of 50-60 km/hour.

Learn more: ??VCCircle.com

Kubota Introduces New X-Series UTVs

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The new RTV-X900 from Kubota

Kubota used their dealer meeting to introduce the new X-series line of UTVs. The model lineup includes the??RTV-X900, the RTV-X1120D, and the RTV-X1100C.?????The new Kubota X-Series is the perfect combination of beauty and brawn,??? said Dan Muramoto, Kubota RTV product manager. ???We have raised the bar on styling, ergonomics, comfort and storage without giving up the durability, ruggedness and reliability that Kubota utility vehicles are known for. We???ve taken a huge leap with feature enhancements for this line, and the powertrain componentry, fit and finish, and quality of materials are arguably best-in-class.???

Key features of the vehicles include:

RTV-X900

  • 21.6 HP diesel engine
  • Hydraulic power steering
  • 2 in. hitch receivers at the front and back
  • Steel cargo dump box with 1,102 lb capacity

The new RTV-X1120D from Kubota, the deluxe model of their X series

RTV-X1120D (Deluxe model in the line)

  • 24.8 HP diesel engine
  • 29 mph top speed
  • Blue tinted halogen headlights
  • Polished alloy wheels
  • Hydrostatic steering with tilt steering

The new RTV-X1100C from Kubota with factory installed cab

RTV-X1100C

  • Factory installed cab with heating and AC
  • Roll down windows and nearly airtight cab
  • Pre-wired for antenna and two speakers

All models feature Kubota’s diesel engines and Variable Hydraulic Transmission. The Kubota RTV-X900 and X1100C replace the RTV900XT and the RTV1100, respectively, and the RTV X1120D is an incremental new model. Kubota will continue to offer the RTV400, RTV500 and RTV1140CPX in 2014.

Comment: ??With this new line-up of vehicles it looks like Kubota is trying to improve the look and passenger comforts of the vehicle. Unlike the recreational end of the market where increasing the horsepower is important, the work oriented X900 and X1100C kept the same engine size as the vehicles they are replacing but added styling and comfort features.

Road Use Regulations Roundup ??? September 2013

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Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • Municipalities are passing ordinances that not only allow LSVs but a range of utility vehicles including UTVs, ATVs and mini-trucks on public roads. The ordinances for mini trucks, which operate at higher speeds, may be the beginning of a backdoor approach to more medium speed vehicle ordinances at the local level.
  • There appears to be less concerns being raised about safety issues of the vehicles in mixed traffic.
  • Ordinances governing LSV parking were common this roundup.
  • There appeared to be less road use regulatory activity at both the state and municipal level so far in 2013.

State Level Regulations

Florida – A new golf car law went into effect that allows for the??conversion of faster golf cars – or similar low-speed vehicles – to even lower-speed cars, saving golf car owners registration and insurance fees. A one-time $40 fee is charged.

Minnesota -??A bill that would allow operation of mini trucks on local roads as passenger automobiles has been introduced in the House and Senate.

Municipal Level Regulations

Garden City, KS – The Garden City Commission drafted an ordinance which would allow micro utility vehicles (UTVs) to be operated within the city limits. The vehicles will be subject to state safety requirements such as roll cages, head and tail lights, turn signals and seat belts and will only be allowed to be operated by legally licensed drivers.

Britt, IA – The City Council is considering an ordinance to allow low speed vehicles on Main Avenue where they currently are not allowed. Some council members are concerned about safety and creating an opening for golf car use on the street.

Nederland, CO – An ordinance allowing electric golf carts was discussed.

San Antonio, TX – City Council has approved an ordinance that allows owners of NEVs to operate their vehicles on city streets with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. Several accidents in 2006 resulted in the vehicles being banned.

Powell River, British Columbia – The Council considered a low speed vehicle ordinance. A number of cities in the province have passed similar ordinances.

Baton Rouge, LA – The city is discussing the regulation of LSV taxis. The Taxi Control Board wants them to be regulated similar to other taxis.

Medford, MN – The Medford City Council is considering an ordinance to allow residents to use golf cars, all-terrain vehicles and mini trucks on city roads.??The vehicles will need to be permitted, meet certain equipment requirements and operate on the streets only during specified hours.

North Wildwood, NJ – The City Council approved up to ??20 designated parking spaces for LSVs.??These spaces will be clearly marked and only low-speed vehicles may park in these spots.

Jascksonville Beach, FL – Council takes comments from the public on low speed vehicle parking in the city.

Santa Monica, CA – The city is trying to clarify free parking rules for electric vehicles that are tied to state issued zero emission stickers. The state rules governing the stickers narrowed the definition of eligible vehicles in such a way as to exclude LSVs, which previously had been included.

Yamaha Offers Prepaid Maintenance Program

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Yamaha’s prepaid maintenance program is available for a range of vehicles including the Viking utility vehicle

Yamaha recently announced a prepaid maintenance program for motorcycles, scooters, UTVs and ATVs. The Y.E.S. Maintenance product will be available on new purchases and the cost can be folded into the financing for the vehicle. Yamaha claims that customers can save up to 30% compared to pay as you go maintenance. The program uses the maintenance schedule as laid out in the vehicle manual and can be purchased as a 4 year or 6 year plan. Owners will be sent maintenance reminders by Yamaha. While the program is designed to be a profit source for dealers, Yamaha corporate states that the long term win is a better relationship between dealers and customers as dealers have more frequent contact with the customer.??Learn more: Powersportsbusiness.com

Comment:?? While I believe the larger target market is for motorcycles, non-powersports dealers in the STOV market might be able to learn from a program such as this. You frequently hear complaints from golf car and LSV dealers that customers don’t know how to take care of their batteries and could get more life out of their batteries if they did. This can also lead to a negative impression of electric powered vehicles if the battery packs have to be replaced sooner than the customer expects. A prepaid maintenance program for these vehicles could lead to more profit, more customer contact and better vehicle performance.

Consumers Switching From ATVs To UTVs In Australia

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Similar to the US market, a story out of Australia indicates that UTVs are displacing ATVs. The switch started occurring over the last four years or to five years and is expected to continue. The main reasons for the switch are safety and the ease in which users, especially older users, can get into and out of utility vehicles compared to getting onto and off an ATV. Safety is important for larger corporations and government entities supplying vehicles to workers. One dealer noted that in more rural areas and for smaller private operations ATVs are still holding their own. Learn more: ??ABC.net.au

Comment:?? This is not surprising to hear since the end user applications for STOVs have many similarities across the world, and market forces can be the same as well. UTVs can be more versatile with their cargo and seating capacity. UTVs also offer more safety features. ATVs offer a significantly lower cost and are better for narrow trails and work environments with limited space for maneuvering. ??UTVs are likely to continue to take market share from ATVs but there will always be a demand for these vehicles that are more affordable and can perform very well in specific applications that don’t require all the functionality of a UTV.

A story out of Texas talks about the versatility of UTVs and their growing use over the last ten years. The ability to hunt, work and trail ride with a UTV makes them a year round multi-use vehicle. The safety features of the UTVs and the additional skill to use an ATV is also noted. ??Learn more: ??Amarillo.com

BRP Earnings Call Highlights – FY 2014 Q2

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The Can Am Maverick Side-by-Side helped drive quarterly sales growth for BRP

BRP, manufacturer of Can Am side-by-sides and other products recently reported its financial results for the three and six-month periods ended July 31, 2013. What follows are some of the highlights with a focus on utility vehicles.

  • Revenues excluding sport boat figures increased to $620.9 CAN compared to $583.1 for the same quarter last year
  • Revenue for the quarter are up 6.5% in year over year comparison excluding sport boat sales.
  • Growth, in part, was driven by sales of the Maverick side-by-side
  • International sales up 14% with the off road vehicle segment which includes ATVs and side-by-sides up 35%
  • Solid performance for side-by-sides in Europe, Australia and Latin America.
  • 35 to 40 new dealers in North America this year
  • North America side-by-side industry grew mid double digit with BRP growing more than 30% in the 2013 season ending june 30 with a particularly strong 2nd quarter
  • 50% growth in ORV parts and accessories with good growth in Maverick parts and accessories sales
  • White Mavericks proved more popular than yellow Mavericks resulting in a change in production
  • Just started shipping the Maverick 4 seater which has received good comments and strong orders from dealers
  • Of all their products which includes the Spyder, snowmobiles, personal watercraft, ATVs and side-by-sides the side-by-sides stand out as a strong driver with an overall market that is outpacing the other product categories
  • Management remarked that although there have been a number of new product introductions in the UTV market, nothing is a game-changer and they believe their products are very competitive

 

 

Kawasaki Introduces Three New Teryx Models for 2014

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New 2014 Teryx base model from Kawasaki

New 2014 Teryx LE from Kawasaki

New 2014 Teryx Camo from Kawasaki

Kawasaki recently introduced three new Teryx models for 2014. The new models feature more??power, more room, a larger chassis, upgraded suspension and a new CVT clutch. Some of the key features for the two seater models include:

  • 783cc V-twin engine with 26% more horsepower over the previous version
  • CVT with changes to reduce belt wear and increase reliability
  • New Double X chassis to reduce flex and improve handling
  • 8 inches of travel in the front and 8.3 inches in the back
  • Electronic power steering
The base Teryx starts at $12,999. ??The Teryx Camo and Teryx LE are two special models with some additional features. The Camo has upgraded LED headlights, a roof and premium Real Tree APG HD camouflaged bodywork. The LE gets the same LED lighting and roof, but adds some bling with Premium Candy Lime Green automotive quality paint on the bodywork, suspension arms and shock springs as well as matching three-tone bucket seat covers. In addition, the LE gets a tubular steel brush guard and lightweight aluminum wheels. ??The Camo starts at $14,299 and the LE at $14,999. ??Learn more: ??Motorcycle-USA.com

 

How to Buy Used UTVs

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UK dealer Murray Boss gives some pointers on buying a used UTV
Credit: Farmers Guardian

I came across an article out of the UK about how to approach buying a used UTV. ??Not only is the article informative but it gives me a chance to make a few comments about the used UTV market.

In talks with dealers for our various research projects, most have told us that they do not sell a lot of used UTVs. One reason is that trade-ins are not that common. There is a good chance that the buyer has really worked their current UTV very hard and there is not much value left in it, if at all. In addition a lot of used UTVs are sold directly between private owners, bypassing the dealer channel. The UTV market has also seen a large number of first-time buyers in the last few years as ATV owners switch to UTVs and entirely new customers discover the advantages of UTVs, so they have no UTVs to trade-in.

It is likely in the coming years that the used UTV market will grow. The strong growth in the market over the last few years has built a large existing population of UTVs in the market. As that population grows the number of used UTVs available is likely to grow which brings us back to the article.

The heavy workload that many UTVs experience means buyer beware and knowledgeable about what to look for when buying a second hand vehicle. The article is worth a read if you are in the market for a used UTV and offers quite a few pointers on how to evaluate a vehicle and identify any potential problems. Some of these include:

  • Looking at tire wear for clues about the suspension
  • Using vehicle hours and miles to gauge how the vehicle was used
  • Considering the simplicity of the vehicle design in the context carrying out repairs

Learn more: ??Farmersguardian.com

Polaris Starts Construction on First European Factory

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In August Polaris started construction on it’s first European factory located in??Opole, Poland within the Wa??brzych Economic Zone Invest-Park. The factory will produce ATVs and UTVs for the European market and is expected to be completed in February, 2014. The facility will include approximately 200,000 square feet of production space, 37,000 square feet of warehouse space and another 42,000 square feet for administrative offices. Learn more: ??Property-magazine.eu

Utility Vehicle Reviews from the UK

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The Kubota RTV1140 being put through it’s paces. ??Credit: ??HW

 

HorticultureWeek based in the UK recently put a Kubota RTV400Ci, Kubota RTV1140 and John Deere XUV855D through their paces and offered their opinions. ??The reviewers were from college campuses, a park and a golf course. In general, all the vehicles received good reviews but the John Deere seems to garner the most praise. ??Here is a quick summary of their reviews:

Kubota RTV400Ci

  • Smaller than the others but compactness good for certain applications
  • Good ergonomics and usability
  • Handles tough terrain well
  • Powerful and agile
  • Cargo box size a little small

Kubota RTV1140

  • Utility with versatility
  • Large cargo area and convertible to 4 person seating
  • Good power and acceleration
  • Comfortable ride
  • Good engine braking
  • Long wheelbase offers stability but wider turning circle and ground clearance issues in some situations

John Deere XUV855D

  • Fast
  • Climbs hills well
  • Couldn’t get it stuck
  • Comfortable ride
  • Feels well-built
  • Good??maneuverability and suspension travel
  • Notable improvements on the previous version

Learn more: ??HorticultureWeek.com