Renault Debuts Twizy Delivery Concept

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The Twizy Delivery Concept vehicle from Renault.

The Twizy Delivery Concept vehicle from Renault.

Renault has introduced a concept delivery vehicle based on their Twizy two seat passenger vehicle. The Renault Twizy Concept has a specially-modified short-cab big enough for just the driver. Instead of a second seat behind the driver as in the regular production Twizy — or the small cargo-carrying space found in the single-seat Twizy Cargo — the Delivery concept features a flat pickup-style bed onto which a tiny two-wheeled trailer is hitched. A one meter square cargo box fits on the rear trailer platform which is rigidly attached to the front. The vehicle has six wheels instead of four and the middle axle provides motive power. The vehicle will be used in a pilot project in Paris to test the viability of using the vehicle for deliveries where larger vehicles can’t go. Learn more:  Transportevolved.com 

Comment:  The vehicle, although small, looks like it might be slightly oversized for its intended use and maneuvering the six-wheeled vehicle in tight spots might be difficult. It will be interesting to see how the pilot project turns out. The article notes that the passenger version has very low sales but I think that requirements for a passenger vehicle are much more demanding. A smaller, niche application such as “final kilometre” delivery may prove to be a more viable market for the Twizy vehicle platform, but perhaps not with this specific design.

North Carolina Bans UTV Seller Riders Wholesale

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The Attorney General of North Carolina has permanently banned Barry T. Moose, Jr. of Statesville and his company, Mooser Moto, LLC, from advertising, selling or collecting payments for any products or services in North Carolina. The online seller of UTVs, ATVs, scooters, go-karts and mopeds, which did business under the name Riders Wholesale, had accepted payments for vehicles that they never delivered or delivered damaged. In addition, Riders Wholesale refused to provide refunds. Approximately 140 customers filed complaints about the company. The judge’s order not only banned the company from doing business but order it to pay $438,000 in consumer refunds.

Learn more:  JDnews.com

Nashville Approves LSV Law For Taxis

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The city council of Nashville, TN recently passed an ordinance allowing LSV taxis on local public roads with speed limits up to 35 mph. The  regulations stipulate that “Vehicles, which must undergo regular safety inspections, will be allowed to carry no more than seven passengers and travel no greater than 25 miles per hour. Passengers 12 years or younger will have to be accompanied by an adult. Drivers will not be allowed to provide alcohol to passengers.” The regulations affect companies like Joyride Nashville that currently has a fleet of 24 vehicles and will be adding 12 more. Learn more:  Tennessean

Comment:  Downtown city taxi services have turned into a small niche for the LSV market. While there can often be some push back from highway speed taxi services, these LSV fleets are taking root in different cities around the US. They sometimes generate revenue through advertising rather than passenger fares. For cities, the smaller vehicles, typically electric powered, vehicles can reduce congestion, noise and pollution in crowded downtown areas or tourist destinations.

Google Self-Driving Car: The New LSV

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Google plans on testing a fleet of prototype fully autonomous vehicles without a steering wheel later this year and they may technically fall under the low speed vehicle classification. According to a Google spokesman the test fleet will operate  “at lower speeds to reduce the risk when something should go wrong.” They have been testing vehicles already but a person is present to handle driving in certain weather conditions and other critical driving situations. Google does not believe it needs permission from NHTSA to put the vehicles on the road but like other manufacturers needs to certify that the vehicles meet existing vehicle safety standards. NHTSA is currently working on regulations regarding autonomous vehicles.  Learn more:  Detroitnews.com

Club Car Introduces The Precedent Stretch PTV

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The new four person Precedent Stretch PTV from Club Car.

The new four person Precedent Stretch PTV from Club Car.

Club Car has launched a new personal transportation vehicle (PTV), the Precedent Stretch. The four-person vehicle includes four forward-facing streets, an optional19-mph Private Use Speed Option, 3.7-hp IQ Plus™ electric motor, a 350-amp controller and ERIC, a new charging system. ERIC issues audio and visual alerts to inform owners when charging begins, when the car is fully charged, when the battery state of charge drops below 20% and 10%, and of any problems with the charger. The Precedent Stretch, purposely built for four people, also features a tubular aluminum frame, spacious bagwell and heavy-duty SportDrive™ Steering and Suspension System.  The full press release follows the comment.

Comment:  What I find interesting about this new vehicle is that it is a PTV and not an LSV. PTVs have a higher maximum speed than what is typically found for golf cars, 19 mph vs 15 mph, but is not as fast as an LSV, 25 mph. The vehicle is clearly aimed at gated communities where people would like to travel faster but don’t want the added expense of an LSV, which must have a set of mandated safety features. This choose may indicate that Club Car finds more potential in the non-LSV personal transportation market in gated communities than in the market for LSVs for use on local public roads.

Press Release

Club Car Introduces New Precedent Stretch PTV (Personal Transportation Vehicle) with 19-mph Private Use Speed Option
New Four-Passenger Electric Vehicle Is Great for Neighborhood Transportation, Small Businesses and Golf

Club Car introduces the versatile new Precedent Stretch personal transportation vehicle (PTV). It combines unsurpassed power and durability with four forward-facing seats and 35 additional inches of legroom, for people who want to take the long view. In the Precedent Stretch PTV, drivers don’t have to leave a friend or relative behind or sitting on a rear-facing seat. “The vehicle’s automotive design fosters conversation, camaraderie and comfort. It delivers the most front and rear legroom of any four-passenger vehicle in its class,” says Product Manager David Woodward. The Precedent Stretch PTV comes with a maximum speed of 15 mph or with Club Car’s 19-mph Private Use Speed Option, making it ideal for neighborhood transportation.

Engineered to Carry the Load

Many small four-passenger vehicles are simply traditional golf cars that have been extended by a third-party provider, often putting the OEM warranty at risk. The Precedent Stretch PTV was designed to carry the additional length and weight. The car is equipped with 10 percent more battery capacity, providing more range than competitive vehicles. The system features: 

  • A rugged 3.7-hp IQ Plus™ electric motor
  • A 350-amp controller
  • A heavy-duty solenoid
  • Four-gauge battery wires
  • Regenerative brakes that capture and store energy used during braking, extending the miles per charge

Durable, Environmentally Safe and Family-friendly
The vehicle uses no gas and releases no carbon emissions. It comes with:

  • A spacious bagwell for groceries, gear or two sets of clubs.
  • An exclusive rustproof, corrosion-resistant, 2-x-3-inch tubular aluminum frame that makes it more impact resistant than steel frames.
  • An extended Monsoon Top™ Canopy with built-in drains that channel water to the ground.
  • A heavy-duty SportDrive™ Steering and Suspension System for a smoother ride and better handling.
  • An integrated rear-passenger grab bar, a five-panel mirror and improved rear braking for safety.
  • One of the longest, most inclusive warranties in its class.

Heads Off Charging Errors
The Precedent Stretch PTV has a new charging system known as ERIC (Efficient. Reliable. Intelligent. Connected.).
“The solid-state, high-frequency system works globally, keeps charging even during voltage fluctuations, and outsmarts common user errors,” says Woodward.
ERIC issues audio and visual alerts to inform owners when charging begins, when the car is fully charged and of any problems with the charger. On-car dash lights alert drivers when the battery state of charge falls to 20 and then 10 percent charge so they don’t get stranded.
Unlike chargers in competitive vehicles, ERIC continuously monitors the battery pack after charging and delivers power as needed. It can be charged through a standard 110-volt outlet, and comes with a standard single-point watering system that makes battery maintenance quick and easy.

Polaris Reports 2014 Q4 Earnings

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The new four passenger RZR 4 EPS in Havasu Red Pearl from Polaris.

A constant stream of new models like the new four passenger RZR 4 EPS in Havasu Red Pearl help keep Polaris growing.

Polaris continued on the path of strong growth with another record quarter. Managment reported net income was $135.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2014, up 25 percent from the previous fourth quarters net income of $108.7 million. Sales for the fourth quarter of 2014 totaled a record $1,275.0 million, an increase of 18 percent over last years fourth quarter sales of $1,083.7 million.

For the full year ended December 31, 2014, Polaris reported net income from continuing operations of $454.0 million for the full year 2014, up 19 percent from the previous years net income from continuing operations of $381.1 million. Sales for the full year 2014 totaled a record $4,479.6 million, an increase of 19 percent compared to sales of $3,777.1 million for the full year 2013. Some of the highlights related to small, task-oriented vehicles follow.

  • Off-Road Vehicle sales , which includes ATVs and UTVs or side-by-sides, increased 19% from the fourth quarter 2013 to $781.5 million. This increase reflects continued market share gains on strong demand for both ATVs and side-by-sides.
  • Polaris North American ORV unit retail sales were up low-double digits percent from the 2013 fourth quarter with consumer purchases of side-by-side vehicles up double-digits percent and ATV retail sales up high-single digits percent for the 2014 fourth quarter.
  • Polaris introduced over twenty new MY14.5 and MY15 ORV models in 2014, including the all-new RZR® XP 900 trail and RZR® XP4 900 trail, several new value models, and two models in a newly defined category of single-seat, ride-in ATVs, the Polaris ACE.
  • Polaris extended their market share lead in the North American ATV industry for the fourth straight year with retails up mid-single digits in an industry that only rose slightly.
  • ACE sales accelerated notably in the fourth quarter as marketing and the new 570 model began to impact the marketplace.
  • Four recent model year ’15 introductions include the new electronically fuel-injected RZR 170 and the new RZR 900S4, both of which have already begun to ship.
  • Commercial. Sales increased by over 80% in the fourth quarter driven by initial Ariens-Gravely supply vehicle shipments, strong national accounts growth and notably improved BRUTUS and Bobcat retail performance.
  • In the Small Vehicle division which includes GEM, Aixam and Goupil, fourth quarter revenue declined 11% due to the weak French economy afflicting both Aixam and Goupil. For the full year 2014, sales increased 28% fueled by Aixam market share gains and increased sales from both our GEM and Goupil businesses.
  • Polaris significantly outperformed in the ORV market in Europe.
  • For 2015 management expects ORV is expected to grow mid-single digits, driven by new products but offset by further implementation of RFM, their new inventory management program, and slower international demand.

Learn more:  Seekingalpha.com (earnings call transcript)

Comment:  Polaris continues to dominate the market, although like other manufacturers they have been hurt by slower sales in Europe and in countries like Russia. Expect more of the same in 2015 as they continue to rollout products to segment the market and cover a range of price points. They are likely to add more models for their push into the commercial segment as well.

Arctic Cat Announces FY2015 Q3 Earnings

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The 2015 Wildcat Sport XT, a recent addition to the Arctic Cat side-by-side lineup.

The 2015 Wildcat Sport XT, a recent addition to the Arctic Cat side-by-side lineup.

Last week Arctic Cat reported on their third quarter earnings for fiscal year 2015. For the quarter ending on December 31, 2014 net sales for the third quarter decreased to $193.7 million from $225.8 million for the same quarter last year and net earnings decreased to $7.5 million or $8.9 million as adjusted from $12.1 million. Year-to-date net sales increased 2.5% to $599.9 million from $585.1 million a year ago and net earnings decreased to $26.4 million or $32.3 million as adjusted from $41 million. Here are some highlights of the earnings call as it relates to utility vehicles.

  • ATV and UTV sales for the quarter increased 7.3% to $83.9 million from $78.2 million as growth in Wildcat side-by-sides were offset by decreases in core ATVs.
  • For the first three quarters to date sales of ATVs and UTVs decreased 4.3% to $217.3 million from $227.2 million. Strong sales of Wildcat side-by-side models were offset by lower than planned sales of core ATV sales to dealers in North America and international regions, including Russia.
  • A $7 million charge in the 4th quarter will be taken related to reducing core ATV inventory.
  • Wildcat models gained further market share in this category during the third quarter this year.
  • For the calendar year sales of side-by-side Wildcats grew 34% versus the industry’s 17%.
  • Three new Wildcat Sport models on a new 60-inch wide chassis were introduced. The new chassis’ width is a mid-sized option between the original Wildcat and the recently successfully introduced Wildcat Trail model, which has a narrower 50-inch stance.
  • A new 2016 model year HDX Prowler will be announced in early February
  • Arctic Cat signed an OEM agreement with a terrain company during the third quarter to build private label side-by-side vehicles for the commercial line equipment business. They expect to begin shipping products to this customer in March.

Learn more:  Seekingalpha.com (earnings call transcript)

Comment:  In search of growth many UTV manufacturers are looking to enter into other market segments either by adding new product lines or developing partnerships. Arctic Cat’s new Sport line and OEM agreement are more examples of this trend. From comments during the earnings call, the OEM agreement is with Toro. This will give Arctic Cat a distribution network into the commercial and turf markets. Their current powersports network of dealers is not the best match for tapping into the commercial market. For Toro, UTVs are a relatively small part of their business and development resources are probably better spent their core products, while they take advantage of Arctic Cat’s engineering expertise in the UTV market.

GPS Industries Introduces New Fleet Management System

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GPS Industries has introduced their Visage Resort Edition fleet management system for golf car fleets. The Visage Resort Edition includes navigation tools, maps and two-way communication capabilities, and the recently-launched Visage Media Network. The Visage Media Network consists of 10-inch color touchscreens affixed to guest-assigned cars and can deliver a range of content such as resort news, internal promotions for resort restaurants, special events like concerts and off-site excursions and information on resort real estate for sale. Sponsored content provides an additional revenue opportunity for the resort or golf course, and access to an affluent audience for advertisers. The Visage Resort Edition was launched at the high end Casa de Campo Resort in the Dominican Republic. According to management Visage  is installed in 900-plus golf-car fleets, primarily in North America, Europe and the Middle East for 80% global market share, GPSI predicts 35% annual growth over 2014.  Learn more:  Worldgolf.com

 

Comment:  Golf courses are still experiencing a tough market and the net number of golf courses in the US are expected to decline slightly over the next few years. Products like Visage help course managers squeeze some more revenue out of their existing base of participating golfers. The fleet data can also help them manage their fleet more efficiently. The market for these type of products has grown significantly in the last few years.

Michelin Launches Non-Pneumatic Wheel For Mowers

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The Michelin X Tweel non-pneumatic tire on a John Deere mower.

The Michelin X Tweel non-pneumatic tire on a John Deere mower.

Michelin recently launched their X Tweel non-pneumatic tire for some of their commercial mowers.  The airless tire and wheel uses

“…a combination of deformable polyurethane spokes, a steel-and-rubber outer rim, and rigid metal hub. The outer rim—called a shear beam—carries most of the load. The spokes and hub distribute the load across different parts of the shear beam as the tire rolls over objects.”

The tire is available for their ZTrak series of mowers and according to John Deere lasts two to three times longer than other tires. The X Tweel are only being used on slow-moving vehicles currently because at high speeds, airless tires tend to vibrate and make lots of noise. The company sees golf cars and small utility vehicles as the next likely market. The reported cost is $749 for a pair of tires. Learn more:  Popsci.com

Comment:  Non-pneumatic tires are a likely to become more prevalent in the next three to five years. Polaris has also recently began selling their non-pneumatic wheel into commercial markets after first being used for some of their military vehicles. While it would seem ideal for high end side-by-sides being used on rough trails, Polaris has noted that the wheels have to be in effect “tuned” for a model’s and suspension, so it is likely that commercial users will be the first to use the wheels. Currently a set of four of the Polaris Terrainarmor wheels costs $4,000 and includes a speed key to limit vehicle speed to 25 mph.

What’s Cooking On The STOV

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Highlighting some of the many applications for small, task-oriented vehicles

This Polaris UTV is being used to create a skate path on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, NY.

This Polaris UTV is being used to create a skate path on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, NY.

A new winter time use for utility vehicles:  clearing skating paths. In Lake Placid, North Elba Park District employees recently plowed a skating path around Mirror Lake using a newly purchased utility vehicle. The idea was first tried last year, but this year the community, led by a local resort owner, raised funds to buy a utility vehicle expressly for the purpose of building the skating path. The lighter utility vehicle allowed employees to safely get onto the ice earlier than heavier alternatives. The community raised around $32,000 for the Polaris UTV which they accessorized with a cab, plow and broom attachment. Donors included local resorts, foundations and citizens as well as a number of private donors from different states.  Learn more:  Lakeplacidnews.com