Tampa Considers LSV “Taxis” For Downtown

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Marc Cesare

A 6-seat LSV like the GEM pictured would be used in Tampa’s pilot program.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership is considering a pilot program to use LSVs for short trips in the downtown area. The rides would be free and designed to plug a hole in the public transportation system, namely the lack of transit options downtown and moving people between their homes and the nearest public transportation. The program would start with four six-seat electric LSVs that could be called via a smartphone app or a dispatcher. A recently awarded Federal grant will likely provide the funding for the project. The plan is not expected to generate much opposition from local taxi drivers because the rides are so short and not desirable from a taxi driver’s point of view. The pilot program is part of an overall effort to improve Tampa’s transportation options including recently adding a rental bike fleet and pushing to expand the streetcar system. The Partnership is a non-profit agency that contracts with Tampa to attract and retain businesses in the city’s downtown and Channelside areas. Learn more: TBO.com

Comment: LSV fleets for downtown transportation is becoming a growing market, whether it is provided by for-profit companies or non-profit groups trying to improve the local business environment. Some sell ad space on the vehicles to offset costs or turn a profit. However, there can be resistance from local taxi driver associations depending on the scope of the services provided, and in some cities there may not be any regulations in place for this type of service.

Jacobsen Launches Professional Series Utility Vehicles

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Jacobsen’s gas-powered Truckster MS/MX utility vehicle

Jacobsen’s electric powered Truckster MS-E/MX-E utility vehicle

Jacobsen’s gas-powered Truckster LS/LX utility vehicle

Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. company, has launched its Professional Series commercial-grade line of utility vehicles. There are six utility vehicles in the product line including the gas powered Truckster MS and Truckster MX, the electric powered Truckster MS-E and Truckster MX-E and the Truckster LS and Truckster LX. Key features include:

Truckster MS – 1,200 lb. capacity and 17 mph top speed
Truckster MX – Optional link suspension for rough terrain
Truckster E-MS/E-MX – 72-volt electric drivetrain and 1,000 lb. capacity
Truckster LS/LX – 800 lb. capacity and polyethylene bed

The vehicles will be at at next month’s GIE+EXPO, held Oct. 21-23 in Louisville, Ky.

Learn more: Golfdom.com

Comment: Textron also owns the Cushman brand of vehicles and these vehicles look similar to the Cushman Hauler 1000, Hauler 800 and the electric powered Hauler Pro with the exception of the colors, tires for rougher terrain and possibly more ground clearance.

New Yamaha YXZ1000R Targets Pure Sport Side-by-Side Market

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new Yamaha YXZ1000 targets the "pure sport" side-by-side segment, with an eye toward dune riding.

The new Yamaha YXZ1000R targets the “pure sport” side-by-side segment, with an eye toward dune riding.

A shot of the YXZ1000R’s cockpit.

The hybrid analog-digital instrument panel.

A side view of the new Yamaha YXZ1000R.

Yamaha has announced they will now be competing in the pure sport side-by-side segment with the introduction of the all-new YXZ1000R side-by-side. The YXZ1000R features a high-performance, 3-cylinder 998cc engine and 5-speed sequential shift manual transmission. The 12-valve, DOHC, liquid cooled engine has a 11.3:1 compression ration and 10,500 RPM redline. The powertrain also has high-mounted, high volume air inlets, dual air filters and stainless steel exhaust system. The 5-speed transmission is manually operated via a clutch pedal and short-stroke shift lever. The new clutch design incorporates a foot-operated hydraulic clutch system.

Other key features include:

Yamaha’s On-Command 2WD/4WD/4WD with full differential lock
Electric Power Steering
Hydraulic disc brakes with 245mm rotors and twin piston calipers
FOX 2.5 Podium Shocks with 16″ of travel in the front and 17″ in the rear feature adjustable hi- and low-speed compression, adjustable rebound, and adjustable preload settings.
Color-matched A-Arms
Aggressive styling and design
Four LED headlight system and LED taillight
300 lb. capacity cargo box
Sun top and full doors
Adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering
Passenger hand-holds
Hybrid digital-analog instrument panel
Center console and 12V power outlets
27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
14″ cast aluminum wheels
12.9″ of ground clearance
64″ wide with a 90.6″ wheelbase
MSRP $19,799

Learn more: Marketwatch.com

Comment: This is a natural progression for Yamaha as they first introduced the utility/recreation Viking and then the more recreational/trail leaning Wolverine product line and now the high-performance YXZ. The lucrative sport segment of the market keeps getting more and more competitive. With the stronger US dollar, Yamaha, for at least the time being, may have a pricing advantage. We could also see some more aggressive promotions in this market segment as the competition heats up. I would anticipate some special edition models based on the YXZ1000R to be introduced in the not to distant future as well as additional models to build out the product line. It will be interesting to see if Honda decides to target this end of the market as well as they have been expanding their UTV roster as well or if Kawasaki offers some higher performance Teryx side-by-sides.

SVR Adds Model Year 2016 Polaris, Arctic Cat and Can-Am UTVs To Database

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Smallvehicleresource.com has added the recently announced 2016 utility vehicle models for Polaris, Arctic Cat, and Can-Am to our vehicle database. Here is an overview of the key 2016 additions for each manufacturer.

The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS

Polaris

New turbocharged RZR XP Turbo EPS
New RZR S 1000 EPS
Ergonomic improvements for much of the RZR product line
New Ranger 570 Full-Size
New mud riding model, the Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Edition Stealth Black
New lithium battery powered EV Li-Ion Polaris Pursuit Camo
New Ranger 570 EPS Hunter Edition Polaris Pursuit Camo
Increased horsepower for the Ranger Crew 900-5, Ranger Crew 900-6, Ranger XP 570 and Ranger Crew 570-6
Styling and drivetrain enhancements for other select 2016 Ranger models
New Polaris ACE 900 SP

The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.

Arctic Cat

Wildcat Sport models: 5% increase in engine power from a new exhaust system
New Wildcat X Special Edition
New Wildcat Trail Special Edition
Wildcat X and 4X get new Duro PowerGrip tires and new pricing
New Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition
New Prowler HDX 500 XT

The2016 Maverick X rs 1000R Turbo in Carbon Black – Can-Am Red

Can-Am

Increased turbo engine horsepower to 131 hp for the Maverick Turbo, Maverick X ds Turbo and Maverick X rs Turbo
New Can-Am Commander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition
Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo also available on the Commander XT and Commander MAX XT
New belt monitoring system and improved maintenance schedule for Commander Max models

What’s Cooking on the STOV: Ordinance Enforcement & Off-Road Emergency Response

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Highlighting some of the many applications for Small, Task-Oriented Vehicles

One of the GEMs being used by local police for ordinance enforcement. Photo: Kendra Peek

Ordinance Enforcement: In Lancaster, KY the local police department received a donation of two military surplus GEM vehicles from the US Defense Department. They are putting the vehicles to use to patrol for ordinance violations and for use at community events. While not appropriate for instances where they need to transport someone who has been arrested, the vehicles have so far been a good fit for their current tasks. The police chief finds the GEM vehicles make officers more approachable when interacting with the public. Other positives include less pollution and lower fuel costs. The chief estimates that fuel savings for the year will be about $3,000 when compared to a full-size patrol vehicle. The vehicle’s low traveling speed is not an issue since most of the small town’s roads have speed limits of 30 mph or less. They will assess the vehicles after a year but are already looking for a larger electric vehicle to pilot test, one that is more truck like and could haul barricades, signs and other items. Learn more: Centralkynews.com

The recently acquired Polaris Ranger for use in off-road emergency response.

Off-Road Emergency Response: In Mokena, IL the local fire department used a grant to purchase a Polaris Ranger for emergency response in difficult to access areas. The Mokena Fire Protection District includes 2,000 acres of forest preserves as well as some trails and 15 parks. The six-wheeled Ranger will now provide them with a greater ability to respond to emergencies in these areas. Learn more: Mokenamessenger.com

Comment: These are great examples of how STOVs can be used in very specific applications that are more effective and cost efficient than traditional vehicles. The six-wheeled Ranger vehicles have been used by the US Forest Service for many years. The use of LSVs for specific aspects of local police enforcement represents a potentially very large market for these vehicles.

Arctic Cat Launches New SPEED SxS Accessory Line Developed with Robby Gordon and Todd Romano

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Arctic Cat recently announced their new SPEED brand of accessories for side-by-sides. The accessory line is the result of an exclusive product development agreement the company has with Robby Gordon and Tony Romano, who have recently formed SPEED RMG. Under the agreement, Gordon and Romano are providing research and development consulting on new technologies, and assisting with the development of new Wildcat racing and high-performance accessories being launched under the SPEED brand. Among the full line of SPEED accessories initially launched are: high-back racing and suspension seats; multi-point harnesses designed for performance and rider comfort; stylish, lightweight aluminum racing wheels; durable radial tires; rigid, contoured steering wheels; high-strength suspension and shocks; and SPEED garments. Learn more: Businesswire.com

Comment: Accessories have become an important profit center for side-by-side manufacturers and dealers. The margins can be high and, especially in the high-end recreational segment, customers are willing to spend thousands of dollars on accessories when purchasing a new vehicle.

Arctic Cat Launches New 2016 Side-by-Sides

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 Wildcat Trail Special Edition model from Arctic Cat.

The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.

Arctic Cat has announced their 2016 side-by-side lineup which includes a more powerful Wildcat Sport line, special editions for the Wildcat X and Wildcat Trail, and some new tires and pricing for the Wildcat X and 4X models. They also added to their Prowler line with the Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition and the new Prowler HDX 500 XT model. Key features of the 2016 models include:

Wildcat Sport models: 5% increase in engine power from a new exhaust system; MSRPs $13,599 to $15,999;
Wildcat X Special Edition: aluminum bumpers, color-matched beadlock wheels and roof, and desert tan colored bodywork. MSRP $19,999
Wildcat Trail Special Edition: full-sized doors, color-matched aluminum wheels, and an industry-first color combination of true timber camo and orange metallic paint. MSRP $13,599
Wildcat X and 4X: New Duro PowerGrip tires and new pricing; MSRPs $17,499 and $20,999 respectively.
Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition: Electric bed lift, painted aluminum wheels, a 5,000-lb. winch, gun scabbard and true timber camo paint; MSRP $15,799
Prowler HDX 500 XT: Tilting 2-in-1 cargo box that converts to a flatbed for 1,000 lbs. of carrying capacity, side and under hood compartments, three-person capacity, tilt steering, new body styling and an automotive-style hood; MSRP $11,999

The new models will be in dealerships starting in September.

Learn more: Businesswire.com

Comment: This is a fairly extensive model year introduction with some new models or changes across all the Arctic Cat side-by-side model lines. Not surprisingly, there was some increased horsepower for some models as the fight for engine power supremacy continues in the high-end recreational market segment. The introduction of the Prowler HDX 500 XT, which is priced $2,500 less than other HDX models and $2,000 less than the Prowler 700 XT, indicates Arctic Cat is trying to expand their offerings in the work utility vehicle segment. While not cheap, the new model hits more of the sweet spot in this segment in terms of pricing as a vehicle priced at $12,000 compared to $14,000 to $14,500 should appeal to a significantly broader range of customers.

E-Z-GO Introduces Next Generation RXV Golf Car

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2015 E-Z-GO RXV golf car.

E-Z-GO recently announced their newest version of their RXV golf car. This next generation model includes an AC motor and their IntelliBrake technology. The IntelliBrake technology consists of a motor brake that automatically slows the vehicle when traveling up or down steep grades, a parking brake that automatically engages when the vehicle stops and full-time regenerative braking to recharge the batteries. Other features of the new RXV include:

4.4 hp, 48-volt AC motor
230 Amp AC controller
Fade-resistant automotive-quality paint
Integrated front bumper as well as side and rear bumpers
Redesigned rear body to maximize storage space and offers the industry’s largest bagwell
Contoured, ergonomic seating
Larger dash storage
Optional USB port to power smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices

The RXV is also available with a 13.5 hp Kawasaki gas engine. Learn more: Textron.com

Club Car Targeting Commercial Market

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Club Car is targeting the commercial market with the Carryall 700 and other vehicles.

With the golf car fleet market declining or stagnant the past few years, key suppliers like Club Car have had to look to other markets to find growth. A key target is the commercial UTV market. Towards that end Club Car has recently rolled out some new marketing initiatives emphasizing their Carryall utility vehicle.

One of the initiatives is Club Car’s Corporate Solution Program, which provides customers with fleet management and maintenance programs. The initiative is designed to address the problem of haphazard fleet vehicle development, where over the years an organization purchases a mixture of vehicles from a range of different manufacturers. This can lead to non-uniform vehicle standards and maintenance schedules, as well as more parts inventory, complexity and employee training. Under the Corporate Solution Program, experts from Club Car examine a customer’s vehicle needs and help them find the right mix of fleet vehicles to meet those needs. They also can establish maintenance schedules and logs and assign accountability for various aspects of fleet management. Key customer segments are universities, resorts and government agencies.

Another initiative targeting the commercial customer is Club Car’s new Bank on Carryall sales event which allows qualified commercial customers to purchase new 2015 or 2016 Carryall with no payments for six months or to lease 2015 and 2016 Carryall 500 or 700 models with special financing rates. With this initiative Club Car is hoping customers waiting for the next fiscal year’s budgets will be enticed to purchase now and pay later. One of the difficulties in selling to commercial customers is that they tend to purchase on a particular fiscal/budgetary cycle and within budgetary constraints, so there can be a limited time in which purchases or leases are made. It helps to have both purchase and leasing options available since funding can be drawn from either capital budgets or operating budgets depending on the customer, and the type of funding budget can determine whether a vehicle needs to be purchased or leased to “make the numbers work”. Learn more: Pressreleaserocket.com

Comment: The Corporate Solution Program is a clever way of leveraging one of the advantages that Club Car has, namely the range of vehicle types they offer. They can provide LSVs, people movers like trams as well as a range of utility vehicles. They also have extensive experience in both electric and gas powered vehicles. Target segments like universities, resorts and government agencies, or any customer that has diverse vehicle needs is well-suited for this program. Compared to say a Toro or John Deere, who only offer UTVs, this program could provide Club Car with an advantage. The one potential hurdle might be where a customer is looking for a more heavy duty UTV and may look more towards a John Deere or Polaris for that type of vehicle.

Cub Cadet Challenger Targets The UTV Value Segment

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The 2015 Cub Cadet Challenger 700 utility vehicle.

The 2015 Cub Cadet Challenger utility vehicle.

SVR recently interviewed Jeff Salamon, Director of Marketing for MTD Products, the manufacturer of the Cub Cadet brand of products including the new Challenger series of UTVs, which we discussed at length. The Challenger represents a renewed commitment to the UTV market for Cub Cadet whose Volunteer line of UTVs has been on the market for a number of years. While the Volunteer is more of a heavy duty work UTV, the new Challengers, the 500 and 700, are more of a mixed use line that can be for both work and recreation. As Salamon states “Whereas we say work and off-road for the Volunteer we say task and off-road trail for the Challenger.”

With MSRPs starting at $8500 and $9500 respectively, the 500 and 700 are clearly priced for the value segment of the UTV market. But that is not to be confused with being low quality or bare boned in the features department. In fact, one of the prime selling points for the Challenger is their wealth of standard features including large 26″ off-road tires, alloy wheels, windshield, roof, 3,500 lb. winch, horn, digital dash display, bumper guard, halogen lights and hand brake. They also beefed up the vehicle’s hardware with a reinforced frame, high-strength steering components and dual row wheel bearings.

At these price points Cub Cadet is competing against the value priced imports from the likes of Kymco and CFMoto as well as the lower priced UTVs of the major players in the market like Polaris and John Deere. Against the former Salamon believes Cub Cadet has an edge with their strong and established American brand combined with a well-trained and well-stocked dealer network. Against the more established brands, the wealth of standard features gives Cub Cadet the advantage.

Cub Cadet expects to launch a crew version of the Challenger in the near future and will be building out the Challenger line on an ongoing basis driven by consumer demand and dealer feedback. Learn more: Cub Cadet Interview

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