2016 PGA Show: Club Car Pushes Visage Mobile Information System

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Visage screen with food and beverage menu.

Visage screen with overview of hole.

Similar to Yamaha, Club Car did not introduce any new vehicles at the PGA Show but was touting their fleet management solution, the Visage Mobile Golf Information System. Club Car representatives claim they currently control 90% market share for these type of systems. At this point, Club Car’s Visage with a golfer facing video component is more advanced than Yamaha’s Yamatrack. The on vehicle screen allows the Visage to be used to provide a host of services to golfers and revenue opportunities to fleet managers.

Golfers can get precise yardages, hole flyovers, easy access to food and beverage options and email their scorecard to themselves. For fleet managers, merchandise and other marketing offers can be made to golfers during their many hours on the course. In addition, there are all the fleet management tools such as keeping track of vehicles, their operating performance, maintenance schedules and using geo-fencing to protect areas of the golf course. The enhanced golfer experience can also allow managers to charge higher golf car rental fees.

According to Club Car representatives, the Visage system is most in demand at resorts but they are also making inroads into private courses, where members are looking to improve their golfing experience. The system is currently being used on approximately 50,000 vehicles. Learn more: Visagegolf.com

PGA Show 2016: Yamaha Pushes Yamatrack Fleet Management Solution

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Marc Cesare

At the 2016 PGA Show Yamaha was pushing their Yamatrack fleet management system. Yamaha partnered with iGolf to develop a wireless system to provide real-time tracking, live diagnostics and golf car control for fleet managers. The system includes a GPS device that plugs into the golf car’s control unit and communicates with an enterprise level platform. Fleet operators use iGolf DNA, a web-based application to control the fleet and access vehicle information via computer, smart phone or tablet.

The iGolf DNA application includes the Yamatrack Asset Tracker that provides real-time tracking and maintenance alerts. Some the information available through the app includes:

Pace of play analysis
Fleet rotation
Amp hour totals
Battery power level
Car location history

A course’s golf car fleet can also be controlled through the app to restrict golf cars to cart paths only, lock-down a fleet, set speed and brake parameters, create geo-fencing for certain areas, set geo-fencing limitations on a car by car basis and shutdown cars. In the future, the system will include a video screen of some type at the vehicle.

While Yamaha did not introduce any new vehicles at the show, they did dress up their Personal Transportation Vehicle (PTV) with some LED lighting in the front and fancier trim around the wheels.

The redesigned front of the Yamaha gas PTV.

Fancier fender flares added to the Yamaha PTV.

2016 PGA Show: Flow-Rite Battery Steward

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Continuing the focus on battery maintenance at the PGA Show, the Flow-Rite booth featured their Battery Steward product, which combines a mobile app with scannable labels to help operators manage battery maintenance. While Flow-Rite has been using the technology in the industrial space where the batteries for forklifts are very expensive and so can be the maintenance mistakes, they are just starting to introduce the technology to the golf car market.

A partial screenshot from Flow-Rite’s Battery Steward app.

The company’s website describes four easy steps for using the Battery Steward.

Use your mobile device and identifying labels to create easy-to-follow battery care task lists.
Check off batteries by scanning the Battery Steward identifying label that has been attached to your battery.
Record and analyze important battery maintenance data through the online portal.
Identify neglected, misused, or abused batteries.

The company generates revenue by selling the scannable labels. While the product is clearly aimed at the fleet owner, I wonder if a dealer might be able to use the technology to manage a “fleet” of disparate customer vehicles. Learn more: Batterysteward.com

2016 PGA Show: Battery Watering Technologies i-Lite Sensor

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Last week I attended the PGA Show down in Orlando, FL, so this week I’ll be posting about some brand new and relatively new developments from the show that relate to the small, task-oriented vehicle markets. I’m going to kick it off with a relatively new product from Battery Watering Technologies, their i-Lite Sensor. The i-Lite Sensor uses an LED light to provide a visual indication when it is time to water the batteries. According to company, if the indication is ignored, the sensor is so smart, it can tell the operator how long the battery went without water.

The LED indicator and wiring is shown sitting on top of the battery. The indicator can be wired into the dash or other area of the vehicle for easy viewing. Green means the electrolyte level is sufficient and red indicates water is needed.

A battery from US Battery using the i-Lite Sensor showing the black valve that is inserted into the battery and connected to the watering system.

Currently, the product is only available for US Battery products but the company is developing a variant for other brands as well. Some variance with the height of the lead plates in Trojan batteries is an issue. Although, the product may work with some of the Trojan batteries, they cannot guaranty that it will work with all.

The sensor takes a reading from one cell and uses it as a proxy for the whole battery bank. According to US Battery, this method has been effective in the industrial battery market for forklifts. This approach assumes all the batteries in the pack are the same brand and type and were installed at the same time as a complete set.

The sensor is trying to address an ongoing problem with electric STOV vehicles – getting owners and operators to properly take care of their batteries. I consistently hear from dealers, battery manufacturers and watering technology companies that owners/operators are not properly taking care of batteries. This leads to a shortened battery life, an expensive consequence which makes customers angry, can reflect poorly on the battery brand and probably doesn’t endear the dealer to the customer. What is fascinating is how this problem persists despite decades of golf cars using essentially the same battery technology. The i-Lite sensor and single-point watering systems are both steps in the evolution of simplifying the whole process of battery maintenance. In effect they are an attempt to put a layer of user-friendly technology between the operator and the battery pack to improve battery performance.

John Deere Introduces New Crossover XUV590i UTVs

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Marc Cesare

John Deere has introduced new crossover UTVs, the XUV590i and the four-passenger XUV590i S4. Both models also feature a power steering variant.

“The XUV590i and XUV590i S4 four-passenger models were designed to get more chores checked off your to-do list, in a more comfortable setting,” said Mark Davey, John Deere marketing manager, Gator utility vehicles. “Outdoor enthusiasts can navigate terrain faster with a top speed of over 45 mph thanks to quick acceleration powered by a 586 cc, 32 horsepower, liquid-cooled inline twin-cylinder gasoline engine.”

The new crossover UTV from John Deere, the XUV590i.

Key features of the XUV590i include:

586cc, 32 hp, 4-cycle gas, Inline-twin engine with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Overhead Valves (OHV)
45 mph top speed
4WD with limited slip front differential, plus locking rear differential
Fully independent front and rear suspension with 8 in. of front and rear travel
10.5″ of ground clearance
Hydraulic disc brakes
Ancla M-T or Terrahawk AT tires
400 lb. cargo box
1,100 lb. towing capacity
65 amp alternator and 12V DC outlet
Backlit digital instrument panel
Ample legroom
MSRP $9,799
Power steering version for $10,899

A four-passenger version, the XUV590i S4, was introduced as well.

Key features of the XUV590i S4 include:

4-passenger seating
586cc, 32 hp, 4-cycle gas, Inline-twin engine with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Overhead Valves (OHV)
45 mph top speed
4WD with limited slip front differential, plus locking rear differential
Fully independent front and rear suspension with 8 in. of front and rear travel
10.5″ of ground clearance
Hydraulic disc brakes
Ancla M-T or Terrahawk AT tires
400 lb. cargo box
1,100 lb. towing capacity
65 amp alternator and 12V DC outlet
Backlit digital instrument panel
Ample legroom
MSRP $11,399
Power steering version for $12,499

Learn more: Deere.com

Comment: These new models essentially offer a faster version of the XUV560 with similar cargo box and towing capacity. They also match the speed of the XUV825i (MSRP $12,059) at a lower price, but are a smaller vehicle with less horsepower, 600 lbs. less cargo box capacity and 400 lbs. less towing capacity. I would assume that the management was hearing that customers were looking for more speed, as well as comfort in the mid-size class. In any case, this launch is another indication of the ongoing competitiveness in the utility vehicle market as manufacturers continue to churn out new models across the range of market segments.

Arctic Cat Introduces the 2017 Prowler 500 Side-by-Side

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new 2017 Prowler 500 from Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat recently introduced the new 2017 Prowler 500. With an MSRP of $9,499, the Prowler 500 is priced considerably less than the 2016 1000 XT ($15,299) and the 700 XT ($13,999). Compared to the 700 XT the 500 has a smaller engine, no electronic power steering, less suspension travel, 25″ tires, no LED accent lights, less underhood storage, bench rather than bucket seats and slightly less cargo bed capacity. Key features of the Prowler 500 include:

443cc, SOH, 4-stroke, 4-valve EFI engine
2-passenger bench seating
2/4 WD with electronic front differential lock
Automatic CVT with engine braking system
Hydraulic disc brakes
7.5″ of front and rear suspension travel
10″ of ground clearance
25″ tires
1,500 lb. towing capacity
500 lb. cargo box capacity
Halogen headlights
Side restraint nets
Tilt steering
Digital sport gauge
3.5 gallon underhood storage

Learn more: Arcticcat.com

Comment: With their lowest priced Prowler at $14,000, Arctic Cat did not have a Prowler for the lower priced segment. While this price point is crowded with competitive offerings from imports to brands like Cub Cadet as well as the larger players, Arctic Cat needs to have some presence in this part of the market. Not everyone that wants a utility vehicle can afford to spend $14,000 or more on a vehicle, but models under $10,000 are much more affordable and can offer a good value depending on the feature set.

Arctic Cat Introduces HDX Crew Utility Vehicle

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new Arctic Cate HDX 700 Crew XT for model year 2017.

Arctic Cat has announced the new HDX 700 Crew XT for model year 2017. Key features of the HDX 700 Crew XT include:

695cc, SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve engine with electronic fuel injection
Bench seating for 6
2/4 WD and electronic front differential lock
Automatic CVT with engine braking system
Hydraulic disc brakes
Electronic power steering
1,500 lb. towing capacity and rear 2″ receiver
1,000 lb. cargo box capacity convertible to flatbed
22.4 gallon underhood storage
10″ of front and rear suspension travel
Fox Float rear shocks
10″ of ground clearance
26″ Duro Kaden tires with aluminum wheels
Halogen headlights with LED light bar
Side restraint nets
Tilt steeing

The HDX 700 Crew XT is available in Team Arctic Green, Fire Red (MSRP $15,499) or True Timber Camo ($15,999).

Learn more: Arctic Cat

Comment: With most of their competitors offering a crew size utility vehicle in the work segment, Arctic Cat really needed to add a crew version of the HDX to fill out their product line. It’s interesting that they are introducing the model as part of the 2017 model year. Typically, vehicles for the next model year don’t start appearing until May or June.

Google Releases Report On Self-Driving Car Fleet

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The data indicates a decreasing incidence of disengagements over the time period covered by the report, Sept. 2014 to Nov. 2015.

According to the report the DMV defines disengagements as deactivations of the autonomous mode in two situations: (1) “when a failure of the autonomous technology is detected,” or (2) “when the safe operation of the vehicle requires that the autonomous vehicle test driver disengage the autonomous mode and take immediate manual control of the vehicle.” Google states that they take a conservative approach to recognizing disengagements as they are trying to gather “…as much data as possible to enable us to improve our self-driving system.”

Google Prototype self-driving low-speed vehicle.

Examples of the failure of autonomous technology include broken wires that lead to failure between primary and back-up self-driving systems, sensor reading anomalies related to accelerometers or GPS or anomalies in the monitoring of key functions like steering and braking. For safe operation of the vehicle drivers “…are directed to take control of the vehicle as often as they feel is necessary and for a variety of reasons relating to the comfort of the ride, the safety of the vehicle, or the erratic or unpredictable behavior of other road users.” Afterwards, the safe operation disengagements are replicated in thousands of variations in a simulator to fine tune or fix problems in the self-driving system.

In total the self-driving fleet drove over 424,000 miles on California public roads. The majority of the miles were logged on streets rather than highways because these are typically the most complex driving environments and present the biggest challenge for self-driving cars. A total of 341 disengagements were reported during the period covered by the report with 272 related to failure of the technology and 69 to safe operation of the vehicle. The following chart shows that miles driven per disengagement as it relates to autonomous technology failure has increased during the test period.

Autonomous miles driven per disengagement related to detection of a failure of the
autonomous technology

The following chart shows the trend of miles driven per disengagement related to to safe operation of the vehicle. Google attributes the lack of a clear trend in the data to the low absolute number of disengagements which can lead to one month skewing the data.

Autonomous miles driven per driver-initiated disengagement related to safe operation
of the vehicle

The report provides more detail on the different classifications of disengagement and performance of specific vehicle in the fleet. Learn more: Self-Driving Car Report

Comment: It appears that it is a case of when and not if self-driving cars will become widely available. While LSVs may appear at first to be a safer first step for implementing the technology by virtue of their low speed, the complex environments in which they operate may make them the most challenging. There is also the not so small issue of the cost of self-driving technology in relation to the total cost of the vehicle. As demonstrated by what is occurring in the highway capable automobile market, the most expensive vehicles tend to be the first to include aspects of self-driving technology such as lane detection and auto-braking. It may be the case that LSVs will provide an excellent test bed for the technology but will be the last in line to incorporate the technology once it becomes mainstream.

Polaris Adds Mid-Model Year 2016 Models

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 2016 Ranger XP 900-6 in Black Pearl.

Polaris announced the addition of new Ranger and RZR vehicles to their model year 2016 lineup, along with new ACE models. The new vehicles primarily feature new paint colors for various models, and mostly across the RZR product line. The exceptions are two new Ranger models, the Ranger XP 900 EPS Matte Sagebrush Green, which features a new paint color as well as Russet Brown cut-and-sew seats, and the Ranger Crew XP 900-6 EPS Black Pearl, which features a Velocity Blue graphics package along with the new paint color. MSRPs are not currently available but similar models with special paint colors are priced at $15,299 for the Ranger XP 900 EPS and $16,499 for the Ranger Crew XP 900-6 EPS.

The 2016 RZR S 1000 EPS in Blue Fire Metallic.

The RZR models with new paint colors include:

RZR XP Turbo EPS Matte Sunset Red
RZR XP Turbo EPS Matte White Lightning
RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS Matte White Lightning
RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS Matte Sunset Red
RZR XP 1000 EPS Sunset Red
RZR XP 4 1000 EPS Sunset Red
RZR S 1000 EPS Blue Fire Metallic
RZR 4 900 EPS Spectra Orange
RZR 4 900 EPS Matte Sunset Red
RZR S 900 EPS Spectra Orange
RZR S 900 EPS Matte Sunset Red
RZR 900 EPS XC Edition Titanium Matte Metallic
RZR 900 EPS Trail Stealth Black
RZR 570 EPS Trail Sunset Red

The 2016 ACE 570 SP in Titanium Matte Metallic.

The ACE models featuring new paint colors include:

Polaris ACE 570 Indy Red
Polaris ACE 570 Velocity Blue
Polaris ACE 570 SP Titanium Matte Metallic

All of the new models will begin shipping in January.

Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: This is a typical mid-model year product introduction for Polaris. While they occasionally introduce a significantly new model at this time or special editions of existing models, the additions are typically new paint colors and/or graphic schemes. It is also an indicator of how well they handle their dealer inventory and manufacturing process. The ability to offer such a wide range of colors across many models in a timely manner while not bloating dealer inventory requires a very responsive and efficient manufacturing process.

CFMOTO 2016 Models Added To SVR Database

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 CFMoto ZForce 500 which uses the new high output engine.

We recently added CFMOTO’s 2016 model year vehicles to our database. These include the ZForce line, which is designed for trail riding and recreational use, and the UForce line, which is designed for work. Some of the 2016 models feature CFMOTO’s new 495cc high output engine, which replaces a larger but less powerful engine in previous models.

The ZForce lineup includes the 500, 500 Trail, 800, 800 EPS, 800EX and 800 EX EPS. All of the ZForce models come standard with selectable 2WD/4WD, double A-arm independent suspension in the front and rear with nitrogen gas shocks, contoured roof, cargo and side nets, 3,000 lb. winch, 14″ aluminum wheels, 26″ tires, LED headlights and a multi-function digital display. The main difference between the 500 and 800 models is that the 800 models feature a 800cc engine with 62 hp and have an electronic power steering option. The 500 Trail, 800 and 800 EPS models are only 50″ wide while the standard 500 model is 52″ wide. If you favor a wider vehicle, then the 800EX model is 59″ wide and is also available with electronic power steering. The 800EX has a slightly higher ground clearance at 11.8″ compared to 11.2″ for the other models. The list prices for the ZForce lineup range from $8,799 to $11,599.

The 2016 CFMOTO UForce 800 in Crystal Orange.

The UForce lineup offers fewer models with the 800, 800 EPS and the 500 EPS. The latter model uses the new high output engine. All of the UForce models come standard with selectable 2WD/4WD, double A-arm independent suspension in the front and rear, safety doors, contoured roof, a winch, 14″ wheels, 26″ tires, a large capacity dump box with nitrogen gas spring assist lift, LED headlights and a multi-function digital display. All the models have 10.2 inches of ground clearance and are 57.6 inches wide. The 800 models features a 3,500 lb. rather than 3,000 lb. winch, 1,250 lbs. of towing capacity versus 1,025 lbs. for the 500 EPS, and aluminum rather than steel wheels. The list prices for the UForce lineup range from $8,999 to $10,799.

Learn more: Search Database

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