Category Archives: utility vehicles

Polaris Makes Another Move In The EV Market – Acquires Goupil Industrie of France

Posted on by
Reply
Goupil industrie electric truck

Goupil Industrie electric truck

Diversifying their portfolio of electric vehicle offerings, Polaris Industries recently purchased Goupil Industrie SA. ??The privately owned French manufacturer produces a line of light duty electric trucks for a variety of commercial uses. ??There were no comments by management on whether the Goupil product line would be exported to or produced in the US.

This??is the third major transaction in the small electric vehicle space by Polaris this year following the acquisition of GEM and a major investment in Brammo, an electric motorcycle manufacturer known for electric powertrain expertise. The work and hauling oriented Goupil product line will complement the more people mover oriented GEM line. ????Goupil’s estimated annual sales of $25 million adds to the estimated $30 million in annual sales that Polaris gained from the GEM acquisition.

Comment: ??After testing the LSV market with their Breeze model for personal transportation and the electric UTV market with their electric Ranger, Polaris has now moved decisively into the space. ??Management sees the global market for small electric vehicles as a growth area and have executed on that belief by purchasing this manufacturer in France and initiating GEM distribution in India. ??Polaris now has a range of small EV product offerings spanning off-road and on-road, consumer and commercial, as well as work and transportation applications. ??Learn more: ??BizJournals.com

In related news, I noticed that Polaris also has a new website for GEM. ??On their home page it is accessible under the tab “Low Emission Vehicles” along with the Breeze LSV.

Club Car Extends European Tour Partnership

Posted on by
Reply

Club Car has??extended??their partnership with professional golf’s European Tour through 2014 including the 2014 Ryder Cup. ??As part of the deal Club Car provides 70 or more golf cars and utility vehicles at each of 26 tournaments during the year. ??At the Ryder Cup upwards of 300 vehicles are provided for promoters anda variety of support staff. ??Club Car has worked with the tour since 1999. ??Learn more: ??Thesportscampus.com

Advance Vehicle Research Center To Import Korean NEV

Posted on by
1
Korean NEV from AD Motors

NEV from AD Motors of Korea will be imported by AVRC for the US market

The Advance Vehicle Research Center (AVRC) of Danville, NC will be the importer and sales agent for a NEV produced by Korea-based AD Motors. ??The NEV is called the “Change” in Korea and has a top speed of 45 mph and a range of 70 miles. ??The US version will have be restricted to a 25 mph top speed. ??A 9 kw lithium-ion battery pack powers the vehicle. ??Other features include????a steel-cage passenger compartment, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes,??air conditioning, heated seats, power windows, AM/FM stereo with MP3, CD player and USB connection. ??The vehicle is expected to be available before the end of the year.

Comment: ??The vehicle continues the trend of NEVs with a more car-like design as opposed to a more golf-car design. ????Learn more: ??GoDanRiver.com

Update:?? I contacted AVRC and the CEO Dick Dell said the vehicle’s MSRP is??$24,450 and that is fully loaded with air conditioning, power windows, heated seats, a stereo system and a lithium-ion battery pack.

GGT Electric Vehicles Qualify For Tax Credit

Posted on by
Reply

GGT Electric’s lineup of electric vehicles was recently “…certified to claim the qualified plug-in electric vehicle credit under Internal Revenue Code Section 30.” ??The tax credit is based on 10% of the purchase price of the vehicle and can be worth up to $2,500 per vehicle. ??Seven GGT vehicles qualify for the credit including the E-Dyne Electric Van, the E-Dyne Electric Truck, the Scout 72-volt Electric Van, the Scout 98-volt Electric Van, the Scout 72-volt Electric Truck, the Scout 98-volt Electric Truck, and the Cozmo electric car. ??Learn more: ??Theopenpress.com

More Robotic Military Vehicles

Posted on by
1

Robotic "mule" military vehicle developed by Lockheed Martin

I recently wrote a post about a robotic Gator??that has been developed for military applications. ??Another vehicle with a similar purpose, helping haul gear for combat troops, is now being tested in??Afghanistan. ??This “mule” was developed by Lockheed Martin and is much larger than the M-Gator, weighing in at 3,800 lbs for the six-wheeled vehicle.

Four of the vehicles will be tested over several months by troops operating in the field. ??The vehicles will be used to haul gear, water, ammunition and other supplies. ??In addition, the vehicles have a battery recharger onboard for the plethora of batteries that troops now need to operate a range of high tech equipment. ??The vehicle also has a “follow me” operating mode.??” The vehicle will memorize the optical profile or shape and size of a person that it is told to follow, and it will track the person and stay a certain distance behind, moving around obstacles that fall in its path.” If the vehicle performs well, the Army??could initiate a bid competition in late 2012. ??Learn more: ??Nationaldefensemagazine.org

Curtis Industries Cab For Polaris Ranger 800 Crew

Posted on by
Reply
Polaris Ranger 800 Crew with Curtis Industries PathProSS Cab System

Polaris Ranger 800 Crew with Curtis Industries PathProSS Cab System

Curtis Industries announced that their PathProSS Cab System is now available for the Polaris Ranger 800 Crew. ??The cab systems includes “…steel powder-coated roof and acoustic headliner, a polycarbonate windshield which allows optional wiper use and 30 oz. double-polished vinyl side panels. The cab systems also feature optional heaters, work lights, plows and spreaders.” ??Learn more: ??Wisconsinagriculturist.com

ePower Trucks: Exclusive GEM Distributor in UK

Posted on by
Reply

ePower Trucks of??Oldham, Greater Manchester in the UK has been named the exclusive distributor for GEM vehicles in the country. ??The company already sells a wide range of electric vehicles for commercial utility and transportation applications. ??Learn more: ??Fleetnews.co.uk

People On The Move

Posted on by
Reply

Polaris CEO joins Terex Board: ??Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris Industries has joined the Board of Directors of Terex Corporation which manufactures equipment for the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, refining, energy and utility industries.?? Learn more: ??SXSNews.com

Brenan takes new position at Kawasaki: ??Russ Brenan has changed positions at Kawasaki, moving from advertising supervisor to senior advisor for government relations and public affairs. ??He will represent all the companies product categories??including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, and personal watercraft. ??Learn more: ??UTVGuide.net

 

 

 

 

STOV Market Trender: Hybrid UTV

Posted on by
Reply

Recently launched ASW Landmaster Crew Hybrid from American Sportsworks

American Sportsworks recently introduced a hybrid utility vehicle, the??ASW Landmaster Crew Hybrid. ??The vehicle features two drive systems a 48V electric drive in the front and a 653cc gasoline, V-Twin Subaru, powered rear wheel drive system. ??The vehicle can be driven with either drive system alone or using both together. ??The batteries can be recharged while operating the gas engine.

This vehicle really exemplifies two trends in the market: ??the first is the increasing presence of electric powered UTVs and the second is the ongoinging adoption of technologies and features from highway capable on-road vehicles. ??Learn more: ??UTVweekly.com

Boeing UK & John Deere Introduce Robotic Gator For Military Market

Posted on by
1

R-Gator A3 ACS developed jointly by Boeing UK and John Deere

Boeing UK and John Deere recently introduced the R-Gator A3 Assisted Carriage System (ACS) robotic utility vehicle for military applications. ??In development for two years, the vehicle has a 635 kg payload to help carry some of the gear modern soldiers require in the field. ??The vehicle can operate autonomously or manually under daylight or night conditions. ??John Deere borrowed from their M-Gator platform as well as their navigation, guidance and obstacle avoidance technology and expertise developed for the agriculture sector. ??The vehicle also features “…multiple tie-down points for sling loading, underbody skid plates, a front cargo rack and a rifle mount system to carry military specific loads.” ??Learn more: ??Defense-update.com