Arctic Cat’s New Wildcat Designed To Take On Polaris RZR XP 900

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Last week more information came out about Artic Cat’s Wildcat, an “ultra-performance” side-by-side, which is targeting the same market as the Polaris RZR XP 900. ??According to Arctic Cat management the vehicle is designed to exceed the performance of the Polaris offering. ??Some of the key features and capabilities include:

Engine: ??951 cc, V-twin, SOHV, four-stroke, four-valve
13 inches of ground clearance
Full perimeter frame
5-point multi-link trailing arm suspension with 18 inches of travel
17 inches of travel in the front suspension
Walker Evans Racing shocks in the front and rear
Electronic power steering
LED headlights and taillights
300 lb cargo bed capacity

Learn more: ??ATVMagonline.com

Artic Cat Reports Fiscal 1st Quarter Results

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Arctic Cat??reported that net sales increased 18 percent to $74.9 million in the fiscal 2012 first quarter ended June 30, 2011, up from net sales of $63.4 million in the prior-year first quarter. The company’s first quarter net loss improved to $2.3 million versus a net loss of $4.5 million. Arctic Cat typically reports a first quarter loss because most of its revenue is seasonal, occurring in their fiscal 2nd and 3rd quarters. Management reported that “Revenue grew across all product lines, with particularly strong sales of our Prowler side-by-side utility vehicles contributing to the quarter’s results.” ??Management also raised their guidance for full year sales to $520 to $530 million or a 12-14% increase over 2011. ??The increase is expected to be driven in part by the launch of their new sport utility vehicle the Wildcat. ??Learn more: ??Marketwatch.com

Polaris Introduces New 2012 RZR & Ranger Models

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Continuing their history of introducing new models and upgrading older ones, Polaris announced a number of new models and improvements to existing ones for their RZR and Ranger product lines. ??For the RZR line they have added the RZR 570 targeting consumers looking for the ride and dimensions of the RZR 800 but without all the power.

Polaris introduces the new RZR 570

The RZR 570 has an all-new ProStar 570 engine that???s a 4-valve DOHC unit which can power the side-by-side from 0 to 35 mph in 4 seconds according to Polaris. ??Other features include:

A new, lightweight transmission
9 inches of suspension travel front and rear
Front and rear anti-sway bars for flat cornering
On-demand all-wheel drive
Width of only 50 inches

The MSRP is $9,999 for the base vehicle. Other changes to the RZR lineup include upgrades to the 900 XP with Fox 2.0 shocks that feature new, convenient compression adjustment knobs for tool-less tuning, a rubber isolated prop shaft, new ??front suspension geometry and a new passenger grab bar tube with an anti-rattle bushing for reduced noise. ??The various RZR 800 models will all have

“…the new grab bar, improved cockpit fit and finish to reduce dust and heat on the operator, a front drive cage made from zinc for added durability, a durable dual clutch inlet for low and high speed cooling, and a 33-percent thicker skid plate. The RANGER RZR 800 also will receive a rubber jounce bumper in the shock assembly for improved durability and the RANGER RZR 4 800 also will feature the improved Fox 2.0 adjustable shocks with compression adjustable knobs.”

For the Ranger line Polaris has updated the Ranger 800 HD with their new Engine Braking System (EBS) which controls downhill braking to provide optimum control and smooth, even deceleration during descents. ??Polaris has also added the Ranger Crew Diesel with a??904cc, three-cylinder YANMAR engine, a fully-sealed, fixed center distance clutch driveline, a 55 amp alternator to operate electric powered accessories, one-ton towing capacity, 2 inch hitch receiver and a 1,000 lb cargo dump bed with gas-assist dumping. ??Learn more: ??ATVMagonline.com

Polaris Reports Record 2Q Earnings

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Polaris reported record 2Q earnings driven by growth across product lines and geographic areas with North American sales increasing 43% and International sales increasing 35%. ??Management now expects full year sales growth to be in the 25% to 28% range.

Off-road vehicle sales which includes ATVs and UTVs were $482 million for the quarter and $870 million for the first six months of 2011 compared to $342 and $592 million for 2010 respectively. ??These figures represent 41% year to year quarterly growth and 47% year to year six month growth. ??Management reports gaining market share in both the ATV and side-by-side market segments in North America with ATV sales up less than 10% for the quarter. ??Side-by-side sales were not specified but likely increased by over 20% for the quarter. ??Off-road military, Bobcat related sales and international sales all increased for the quarter, the latter by 35%. ??Learn more: ??Marketwatch.com

Can-Am Adds Model To SxS Lineup

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Marc Cesare

For the 2012 model year Can-Am adds the Commander 1000 LTD

For the 2012 model year Can-Am is adding a Limited model to their Commander 1000 lineup. ??The company refers to the new addition as the “…industry???s first luxury, touring side-by-side.” ??The Comander 1000 LTD is similar to the Commander 1000 XT but adds the following package of features:

Front and rear Air Control Suspension (ACS) with Fox Racing Shox
Two-piece roof
Half windshield
Rear net
Removable Limited seats
Custom steering wheel
Two premium painted-plastic color options (Pure Magnesium and Orbital Blue)
Analog / digital gauge
Garmin GPS
Sound system with four speakers

The LTD’s suspension offers up to??six different preset suspension preload levels selectable via a LCD display. ??Other features available across the Commander product line include a 85 hp engine, selectable 2WD/4WD and a dual level cargo box with tilt assist for dumping that can handle 400 lbs up top and 200 lbs below. ??Learn more: ??Motorcycle-USA.com

Comment:?? I would anticipate that we will see more “luxury” UTVs coming into the market moving forward. After adding performance features of on-road vehicles such as electronic fuel injection, I anticipate that they will follow the pattern of both pick-up trucks and SUVs which moved from??utilitarian??models to those with more comfort, convenience and luxury features. Of course, the slow economic recovery may put a damper on this trend in the short term.

Club Car Announces Recall Involving Brakes

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Marc Cesare

At the end of June??Club Car announced a voluntary a recall of golf cars and hospitality, utility and transport vehicles. The recall involves approximately 800 2011 DS golf cars and hospitality, utility and transport vehicles manufactured between April and May 2011. The specific reason for the recall:

The brake pedal mounting blocks can crack and separate, resulting in a loss of braking ability. This can result in a crash.

Club Car??is offering a free brake pedal replacement and owners should stop using the recalled vehicles until they are fixed. Club Car is contacting all known owners of the recalled vehicles.??For more information, contact Club Car at (800) 227-0739 ext. 3580 ??Learn more: ??Consumer.einnews.com

UK Hotel & Resort Group Places Large Order With Club Car

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Marc Cesare

The De Vere hotel and resort group based in the UK recently completed an order with Club Car for 227 electric vehicles. The order includes 203 Precedent i2 golf cars plus a range of turf utility vehicles and Caf?? Express mobile refreshment vehicles. The De Vere real estate portfolio consists of 11 golf properties and 16 courses. ??Club Car management points to deal as a sign of continuing growth in the demand for golf cars in the European golf market where historically the number of golfers that want to ride golf cars has been a minority. ??Learn more: ??Todaysgolfer.co.uk

GEM’s Fargo Plant To Close

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Polaris Industries, which recently acquired Global Electric Motorcars, will be closing GEM’s manufacturing facility and offices by the end of the year. ??GEM’s operations will be integrated into Polaris’ Spirit Lake, IA manufacturing plant, product development facilities in Wyoming and corporate headquarters in Medina, MN. ??Some of the 80 people now employed at the Fargo location have been offered jobs at these new locations. ??Learn more: ??Startribune.com

Polaris News

Posted on June 14, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Australian Market – Polaris introduced their Ranger Diesel utility vehicle in the Australian market not too long ago. ??Reports are that New Zealand and the Australian outback serve as a testing ground for some of the companies vehicle prototypes. ??International sales have been a significant growth area for Polaris UTVs and other vehicles as well. ??Learn more: ??Ferret.com.au

GEM Acquisition – In a recent interview Polaris CEO Scott Wine discussed the company’s recent GEM acquisition. ??Commenting on the potential GEM under the Polaris umbrella he stated “…if you think about Polaris’ ability to drive innovative design and performance, we really like what we can do with the GEM technology and brand.” ??He also remarked that they view the GEM as a vehicle for the electric city car/commuter car market, which they expect to grow “significantly??faster” than GDP.

What’s interesting is that historically the majority of GEM sales have been to parks, colleges and other commercial customers. ??If Polaris is looking to push more into the commuter market they could add some muscle to lobbying efforts to push NHTSA to develop a medium speed vehicle standard, which they have resisted to date. ??Learn more: ??Dealernews.com

Gas Prices Driving Municipalities To Electric UTVs?

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Marc Cesare

Some recent news stories point to the impact of gas prices on the STOV market as local governments try to reduce fuel costs by turning to electric vehicles. ??In some cases capital expenditures are reduced as well when these vehicles replace pickup trucks or highway capable cars. ??The cost effectiveness of these vehicles, in part, explains why the UTV market is significantly outpacing growth in the overall US economy.

One story comes from the Chicago area where the Naperville Park District is trying to manage a potential $30,000 budget shortfall driven by fuel costs. ??One of several responses by the district’s management is to purchase electric utility vehicles. ??Napervillesun.suntimes.com

In upstate New York the police department in the town of Rome are testing two Polaris EV LSVs. ??The electric UTVs, based on the popular gas-powered Ranger, are street-legal and will be tested for everyday use by patrolmen over a two to three week period. ??Besides cutting fuel costs, which can be substantial given the round the clock use of police vehicles, the police captain also noted the stealth nature of the vehicles. ??The Polaris vehicles were chosen for testing over vehicles such as the Chevy Volt and other electric UTVs from Bad Boy Buggies and Ruff and Tuff. ??Learn more: ??Romeobserver.com

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