Category Archives: utility vehicles

Polaris Plans To Introduce Non-Pneumatic Tire

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Polaris Non-pneumatic tire technology

Polaris Industries is taking their non-pneumatic tire (NPT) technology developed for military applications and is planning to commercialize it for other markets. The tires feature a web made of proprietary plastic, a solid outer band of rubber for the tread and an inner steel rim. In testing the tires have been able to withstand 0.50 caliber bullets and railroad spikes and continue to perform for hundreds of miles or more. A significant portion of the webbing can be compromised and the tire will remain functional.

The NPT tires also have the added advantages over pneumatic tires of being more shock absorbing for a better ride and contact with the driving surface and quieter since there is no air-filled cavity to amplify sounds. ??The NPT tires may be available as soon as early 2014. The technology originated with Resilient Technologies which Polaris acquired last year.

In early estimates management expects there to be a 30% to 50% premium over traditional tire and rim assemblies. One potential consumer segment that would want the tire would be recreational trail riders. They spend significant dollars on upgrades and drive their vehicles hard in difficult terrain. The convenience of not having to fix one or more flats on a ride could be compelling. In addition, commercial applications where UTVs are being used in particularly harsh and/or remote areas could make the tires worth the extra expense. SVR knows of one other major STOV manufacturer that is looking to introduce a NPT by the end of 2014.

Learn more: ??Foxnews.com (video)

Bobcat Launches New UTVs with PTO Feature

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New Bobcat 3600 and 3650 UTVs co-developed with Polaris

New Bobcat 3600 and 3650 UTVs co-developed with Polaris

Bobcat has launched the 3600 and 3650 utility vehicles, the latter features powert take-off (PTO) attachments. The vehicles are similar to the recently introduced Brutus line from Polaris that the companies co-developed. Both the 3600 and 3650 feature a 24.8 hp Yanmar diesel engine, hydrostatic drive and a top speed of 30 mph. They also have 4×4 and AWD capabilities. The 3650 offers more attachments including??PTO attachments: snowblower, mower, angle broom and non-PTO attachments snowblade, pallet fork and bucket. A spreader and sprayer are available for both. Other comparative features for the models include:

  • 1,250 lb cargo box capacity for both models
  • 2,200 lb towing capacity for the 3600 vs 2,000 lb for the 3650
  • 500 lb in lift and 2 feet in height ??capacity for the 3650 attachments
  • Factory cab comes standard with heat and air
  • MSRPs of $15,000 for the 3600 and $25,000 for the 3650

Learn more: Equipmentworld.com

Polaris Launches BRUTUS Utility Vehicle Line for Commercial Segment

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The New BRUTUS Line of Commercial UTVs from Polaris

Polaris Industries has introduced their BRUTUS line of utility vehicles for the commercial work segment. Their first purpose-built commercial vehicle line offers front-end power take-off capability. The product line includes the BRUTUS, BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HDPTO models with MSRPs of $15,999, $17,999 and $23,999 respectively. Developed as part of their partnership with Bobcat, Polaris will manufacturer the vehicles while Bobcat will provide an assortment of attachments. Key features of the vehicles include:

  • 24 hp diesel engine
  • Front-end power take-off option powered by the vehicle’s engine
  • Hydrostatic transmission
  • Treadle pedal that allows travel in forward or reverse without shifting gears
  • 6 inch of suspension travel
  • On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive
  • 1,250 pound cargo capacity and 2,000 lb towing capacity
  • Pro-Tach attachment system for the HD and HDPTO models
  • PTO powered attachments: ??angle broom, finishing mower and snow blower and hydraulically-powered attachments: ??snow blade, pallet forks and materials bucket
  • Enclosed cab with heat, defrost and AC is standard on the HDPTO

Polaris will sell the vehicles through their existing dealership network and start shipping the vehicles in April 2013. Learn more: ??Greenindustrypros.com and Polaris.com/Commercial

Comment: ??This new line introduction is more evidence of the continuing trend in the STOV market of product diversification by many of the manufacturers. Polaris is a prime example, from their strength in the recreational and general work UTV markets they have expanded into more focused commercial segments with their Bobcat alliance and into electric utility vehicles and personal transportation segments with their acquisition of GEM. Golf car manufacturers have also done the same from their fleet golf car base into heavier duty off-road UTVs and into the LSV markets. The challenge these companies face is developing a distribution network for these new product lines. Typically their traditional dealer networks do not reach or only partially reach the customer base in the segments they are newly targeting. In addition, the sales process may be different such as selling UTVs to colleges and universities compared to selling to a retail customer.

Recent Side-by-Side Dealer Survey Confirms Strong Market

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Powersports Business and RBC Capital Markets recently released their 2012 fourth quarter side-by-side dealer survey and it confirms a strong market and continued positive outlook for the side-by-side market. More than a third of the dealers surveyed reported new unit sales growth of 10% or more for the fourth quarter 2012 and over 40% of dealers expect sales to increase 10% or more in 2013. Thee figures are in line what Small Vehicle Resource (SVR) has found in interviews with dealers for our recent STOV market study.

Some other highlights from the study:

  • Side-by-side buyers spend money on accessories – often $1,000 but up to $5,000 is not uncommon helped by inclusion in financing plans. SVR has heard similar amounts from dealers ??- $1,000 to $1,500 spending on accessories is common.
  • Popular accessories: ??cabs, roofs, windshields, wheels, gun racks, plows, heaters, stereos and street kits. The last one is not too surprising. The trend for a few years had been for work UTVs to be made LSV compliant, but now more states and municipalities are passing ordinances to allow UTVs on streets with some modifications but not as stringent as LSV requirements.
  • A sizable portion of buyers, around half, are new to the industry attracted by the utility and convenience of the vehicles for: ??older buyers; seating capacity; a generally more comfortable riding experience;
  • 89% of Polaris Ranger and 73% of Polaris RZR dealers were extremely or somewhat satisfied with sales of the vehicles in comparison to 65% of Can Am Commander and ??50% of John Deere Gator dealers. ??Honda Big Red and Yamaha Rhino dealers were clear laggards in this measurement with 13% and 11% respectively.

The latter point is more proof that the recreational riding segment of the side-by-side market is the fastest growing segment. Part of the reason is that buyers in the segment tend to have a shorter buying cycle. They are interested in features and performance and are willing to upgrade to a newer vehicle sooner than buyers in other segments. These are also higher price point vehicles with the typical buyer having a higher household income. In a choppy and uncertain recovery this segment’s buyers have more money to spend than other side-by-side segments. The aggressive marketing and pace of model introductions in this segment as companies vie for market share is a factor as well.

Learn more: ??Powersportsbusiness.com

Small Vehicle Resource Announces New Market Study on the Small, Task-Oriented Vehicle Market in the US

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??New STOV Market Study: ??Trends, 2007-2011, Estimates and Forecasts 2012-2116

?? ?? ?? ??New Study Analyzes the Product Base of an $12 Billion STOV Industry

________________________________

Small Vehicle Resource, LLC (SVR) has published the sixth in a series of market research reports on the small, task-oriented vehicle (STOV) industry. The report covers small vehicle products ranging from golf cars, light transport and portage vehicles built off golf car frames, to heavy duty traditional turf vehicles and off-road utility and recreational vehicles (side-by-sides). The study concentrates on the product side of an estimated $12+ billion industry, including parts and service.

 

SVR is the successor company to International Market Solutions, LLC with the same principals involved. ???SVR,??? explains Managing Director, Stephen Metzger, ???is an appropriate rebranding of our research efforts, as ???Small Vehicle Resource??? gives clear view of our focus in the STOV industry.??? The Small, Task-Oriented Vehicle Market in the United States, Trends from 2006-2012, Forecasts to 2016 contains analyses and the outlook for:

??? The golf car industry???the market for fleet golf cars;

??? Privately-owned vehicles???golf cars, upgraded golf cars, low-speed vehicles (LSVs);

??? Utility vehicles built on golf car or modified golf car frames;

??? Heavy duty utility vehicles, focusing on off-road side-by-side vehicles;

??? Non-traditional, or ???crossover??? competition across industry segments;

??? Used vehicles as viable options to new vehicles;

??? Technologies that will have an impact on the industry;

??? State of the market survey from dealers??? perspective;

??? Latest regulations on small vehicles ownership and use.

???Small, task-oriented vehicle or STOV is the generic term we created to describe exactly what these vehicles do,??? states Metzger. ???They are designed for a relatively narrow range of tasks, such as golf, personal transportation, haulage and other work functions, but for the most part are built off of a few universally applicable body frames and drive trains.??? ???This sets the stage,??? Metzger continues, ???for substantial crossover competition, with OEMs moving out of their traditional markets???a trend and development we analyze in detail.???

Major findings in the study are:

  • SVR forecasts new vehicle production for the overall STOV market to grow 18% from estimated 462,000 units in 2012 to approximately 545,000 units in 2016;
  • Excluding the off-road segment which is predominantly ICE, electric power continues to gain significantly in units sold, across all segments of the golf car-type market, that includes golf cars, privately-owned vehicles, and light portage and transport vehicles increasing from 72% in 2007 to a projected 82% in 2016.
  • Recovery from the recession has been spotty with some STOV market sub-segments growing strongly while others continue to struggle.;
  • STOVs continue to be upgraded, adopting automotive features and standards, which are starting to migrate from high-end recreational UTVs into other STOV segments, promoting market growth;
  • Golf cars remain a staple product in both new and used vehicle markets but the fleet market continues to face the challenge of a declining golf course population;
  • The high-end off-road market weathered the recession and slow recovery very well. The promise of profits is increasing segment competition, marked by frequent, feature laden model introductions and new sub-segments like crossover UTVs;
  • Commercial markets are a high growth area for LSVs while the personal transportation market without tax credits offers only low to moderate growth;
  • Schools, municipalities and even some corporate customers are increasingly turning to LSVs to fulfill ???green??? goals and policies with safety features a strong decision-making factor as well;

*?? *?? *?? *

Further information, including a detailed table of contents, can be obtained by contacting

Stephen Metzger, Managing Director, SVR

(914) 293-7577 or smetzger@azureblog.smallvehicleresource.com

John Deere Plans Gator Experience Days for UK/Ireland

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John Deere dealers in the UK and Ireland will be hosting Gator Experience Days this coming April and in parts of March and May as well. About 50 dealers in total will participate in the events that provide potential customers a chance to test drive a variety of Gator utility vehicles in an off-road setting. Special financing is being offered in conjunction with the promotional events. The new lineup of crossover utility vehicles, the XUV models, will be available for test drives. John Deere has developed a dedicated website for customers to find out more information and register for the events.

Comment: ??I just finished conducting some dealer interviews for our new Small, Task-Oriented Vehicle study and these demo days are a pretty effective marketing tool. As a dealer related to me, the best sales pitch can be just getting the customer in the vehicle and have them test it out. This can be particularly effective for first-time purchasers or those who haven’t driven a newer UTV with all the features that are available on today’s models.

Learn more: ??Pitchcare.com

Yamaha Powersports Sales Increase in North America in 2012

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North American net sales of powersports products were up 3.4 percent to about $555 million in 2012. Sales of golf cars and generators increased in the US, however ATV sales declined. In a recent interview management stated that side-by-side retail sales had increased by 60% for the year. They expect more growth in the future pointing to overall industry recovery from the recession, general consumer enthusiasm for powersports products, improved financing options for consumers and a more stabilized Yamaha dealership network. ??Learn more: ??Powersportsbusiness.com

Kolpin Powersports Launches New Cab Enclosures for UTVs

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Kolpin Powersports Launches New UTV Cabs

The new cab from Kolpin for the Polaris Ranger XP 900. The cabs are offered for a range of popular UTVs.

Kolpin Powersports have launched their new cab enclosure system for UTVs. The new enclosures feature:

  • Doors and windshield with automotive glass
  • 5mm thick polycarbonate door panels,??double-hard-coated with a steel understructure
  • Maximum visibility design
  • Components that are computer designed for each UTV model for easy and quick installation, removal or re-installation
  • Windshield??of automotive safety glass that tilts outward
  • Sound absorbing, insulated, metal roof
  • Two-stage latch and keyed locking feature on cab doors
  • Optional kit for windshield and wiper kit
  • Optional heater/defroster

Learn more: ??Outdoorhub.com

Arctic Cat Earnings Call Recap

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Here are some of the highlights from Arctic Cat’s most recent earnings call. They focus on the side-by-side part of the business. Their fiscal year ends March 31.

  • ATV sales (includes ATVs and side-by-sides) increased 28% to $69.6 million from $54.4 million for the quarter compared to last year driven by strong Wildcat side-by-side sales. ATV sales increased 40% year to date to $212.2 million from $151.1.
  • North American side-by-side retail sales increased over 35% for the quarter and year-to-date retail sales increased over 50% driven by both our Wildcat Sports side-by-side and Prowler HDX utility vehicle.
  • Recently announced a new 4-seat Wildcat 1000 model and a new high performance 90-plus horsepower Wildcat model. Both of these will begin shipping in the fiscal fourth quarter.
  • Expect the ATV and side-by-side business to grow sales 36% to 41% for the full year driven by shipments of the Wildcat side-by-side models.
  • “Extremely positive” feedback received from dealers on the new Wildcat models. Extra horsepower is good for dune riding.
  • Demo rides for media and customers went “extremely well” for Wildcat X and Wildcat 4
  • Side-by-side market as a whole is up and estimated 10% and 20% for the year.
  • On option and accessory spending: ??Maybe spend $300 or $400 on Prowler or but “…you???re seeing customers that will come in and spend over $1000 and $1500 putting on roof, windshield, things of that nature on a Wildcat.“
  • The 64.5-inch width of the Wildcat makes it more suitable for out west on dunes and more wide open trails rather than narrower ATV trails in the east.

Learn more: ??Seekingalpha.com

John Deere Introduces Four Seat Gator XUVs

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John Deere's New Four Seat XUV 825i S4

John Deere’s New Four Seat XUV 825i S4

Earlier this month John Deere announced the addition of a four seat model to their XUV line.  The  XUV 825i S4 is a crossover UTV designed to be used for work and recreational riding. There is also a diesel powered version, the XUV 855D S4. An important feature of the vehicle is a convertible rear seat cargo space that offers under seat storage in the four passenger configuration. In the two passenger configuration there is more cargo space and an additional 400 lbs of payload capacity. Other key features include:

  • 50 hp, 812 cc, inline 3-cylinder engine
  • Electronic fuel injection
  • Top-speed of 44 mph
  • Fully locking 4-wheel drive system
  • Fully independent, double wishbone suspension with 8 inches of wheel travel and 11 inches of ground clearance
  • Power steering, with anti-kickback feature
  • 16.4 cubic feet cargo box with a 1,000 pound payload capacity
  • Diesel engine version has a 23 hp, liquid cooled 3-cylinder diesel engine

There are also upgrades for the XUV 825i, 625i and 855D including:

  • New CVT transmission with dynamic downhill engine breaking
  • Seven-gallon fuel tank with digital readout
  • Digital display cluster standard for all the models
  • Optional power steering for the 825i and 855D models.

Comment:  This vehicle introduction continues the trend of four-seat vehicles entering the highly competitive recreational and crossover segment of the market. It started with four seat versions of the Polaris RZR 900 and Arctic Cat’s Wildcat in the pure recreation end of the market. Four seat versions will now be a standard element of product lines moving forward. The ability to carry one or more passengers comfortably is one of the reasons the UTV market is still experiencing customer conversion from the ATV market.

Learn more:  Deere.com