BRP To Offer Electric Can Am Commander

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Marc Cesare

An electric Can Am Commander will be available in limited markets starting this July according to BRP management. ??The electric side-by-side will have top speed of about 25 mpg (40 km/hr) and a range of 25 to 100 miles depending on terrain, driving behavior and other factors. ??The vehicle will be produced at a new assembly plant located in Sherbrooke, Quebec, which will be used for gas vehicles as well. ??Select dealers will be used to launch the vehicle in??Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas and Virginia. ??Electric technology for the vehicle was developed at??Centre de technologies avancees BRP-University de Sherbrooke (CTA). ??Learn more: ??Powersportsbusiness.com

Tomberlin Launches Emerge E2 XRLE Model

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Marc Cesare

Tomberlin just announced the newest addition to their LSV product line, the Emerge E2 XRLE. ??With this model Tomberlin has introduced an AC drive system to their LSV lineup. ??The new model is similar to the Emerge E2 LE in terms of creature comforts and the features and options but offers extended range and improved driving performance.

The main??difference??is the AC drive system which is paired with a Curtis controller. ??The powertrain also features a new axle design for less noise and more energy ??efficiency. ??The battery pack consists of eight 6-volt batteries for a range of 50+ miles depending on driving conditions. ??Learn more: ??Tomberlin.net

Kubota RTV400Ci Update

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Marc Cesare

Kubota's new RTV400Ci utility vehicle

I previously posted about Kubota’s addition of an RTV400 to their utility vehicle line. ??The official model designation is the RTV400Ci. ??In addition to what I noted before, the vehicle will be able to fit??the bed of a full-size, long-bed pickup truck and has a top speed of 25 mph. It is available in??Orange and Realtree?? Hardwoods Camouflage. ??The compact RTV400Ci is pitched as being ideal for transport to worksites, for ranch use or hunting. ??Learn more: ??Marketwatch.com

Kawasaki Recalls UTVs

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Marc Cesare

In voluntary cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) Kawasaki is recalling approximately 3,900 Mules because a??”…fuel tube can scrape against the air cleaner housing and develop holes, posing a fire hazard.” ??The recall covers the following 2012 Mule models:

MULE 600	KAF400BCF	Green
MULE 610 4×4	KAF400ACF	Red or Green
MULE 610 4×4 XC	KAF400DCF or KAF400ECF	Black or Camouflage

There have been no injuries or incidents reported regarding the issue but owners should stop using the vehicles and contact their local Kawasaki dealer for a free inspection and repair. ??Learn more: ??CPSC.gov

Arctic Cat News

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Marc Cesare

At Arctic Cat Tracy Crocker has been named??vice president/general manager of the ATV division where he will be responsible for the ATV/ROV business. ??He will be in charge of product development, global strategy and business development. ??Previously he was??senior vice president of Ecolab???s Hospitality, Healthcare, and Commercial Markets. ??He also has??experience??at well known consumer branding companies such as Nabisco, Pepsi Cola and Proctor & Gamble. ??Learn more: ??Powersportsbusiness.com

Tech News

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Marc Cesare

Rappa's ATV fencing machine adapted for UTVs

In the UK fencing manufacturer Rappa has adapted their ATV fencing machine for UTVs. ??The setup is good for about 2 km of stakes and fencing wire. ??A steel frame is attached to the tailgate and the fencing machine is attached to the frame. ??According to the manufacturer taking the machine on and off can be accomplished quite quickly and easily. ??The product is another indication of how UTVs are supplanting ATVs in the farm segment. ??Learn more: ??Farmers Weekly

UTV Sales Up In The UK Farming Segment

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Marc Cesare

The Agricultural Engineers Association recently reported that ATV sales in the ??UK totaled more than 10,500 units in 2011, an increase of 4% from 2010. ??Under ATVs they include both traditional ATVs and UTVs and theses figures appear to cover the farming segment.

A closer look at the data shows a similar trend as the US market, notably a decrease in the ATV market and an increase in the UTV market. ??UTVs grew 24% from 2010 to reach nearly 3,800 vehicles. ??Meanwhile ATVs decreased by nearly 5% but still accounted for a larger share of the market. ??However, at these growth rates UTV sales should surpass as ATVs in a few years as they offer “greater carrying capacity and comfort”. ??Learn more: ??FarmersWeekly

Kubota Adds RTV 400 To Product Line

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Marc Cesare

Kubota has added the RTV 400 to their line of utility vehicles. ??Using the same chassis as the RTV 500, the RTV 400 features a one cylinder, 404cc, 16 hp engine with electronic fuel injection and a new Kubota designed continuously variable transmission. ??The new CVT maintains a taught belt at all times for “…a longer lasting belt and dynamic breaking.” ?? The RTV 400 has the same cargo carrying capacity as the 500 but 200 lb less hauling capacity. ??Other features include:

Independent front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension
Selectable 2wd or 4wd and a differential lock
Compatibility with options for the RTV 500.

The vehicle is targeted for the similar farm and general utility markets as the RTV 500 according to management.??Learn more: ??Agweb.com

Club Car European News

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Marc Cesare

Club Car has launched www.clubcar.tv to showcase the company’s electric golf cars and utility vehicles. ??The microsite provides information about the Club Car’s latest technologies as well as news and case studies from vehicle operators at various European and Middle Eastern golf facilities. ??Learn more: ??Worldgolf.com

Also in the European market, the PGA announced the purchase of an eleven vehicle fleet of Club Car vehicles for use at PGA events. ??The vehicles will be distributed to various regions in Great Britain and Ireland and the PGA headquarters. A number of the vehicles feature Club Car’s Delta Q on-board charging system. ??Learn more: ??Worldgolf.com

Pro Armor Recalls UTV Door Latches

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Marc Cesare

Pro Armor, in cooperation with the CPSC, is voluntarily recalling latches used on utility vehicle doors. ??“The latch pin can disengage from the latch allowing the door to open while the vehicle is moving. This can pose a risk of ejection of an unrestrained rider and impact or laceration hazards.” ??To date no injuries have been associated with any of the latch failures reported. ??Approximately 5,200 of the latches were sold between January and November of 2011 for??use in Polaris RZR, Can-Am Commander and Kawasaki Teryx utility vehicles. ??Consumers should stop using vehicles equipped with the latches and contact Pro Armor for a free repair kit. ??Learn more: ??CPSC.gov

Small Vehicle Resource Blog

Information on the small, task-oriented vehicle market