Curtis Industries Introduces New Cabs For Gator UTVs

Curtis Industries has introduced new cab systems for the John Deere Gator XUV and HPX UTVs. The all steel cab enclosures fit 2013 and prior year models. Key features of the cab systems include:

• Ventilation provided by dual sliding windows in both doors and the rear panel. The glass is double-strength reinforced laminated glass and meets industry safety regulations. The laminated windshield offers a locking, venting position and includes a heavy-duty 12V wiper.
• Mounted, tuck-away heater
• Optional LED strobe work and safety lights
• Lower acrylic panels for visibility
• Steel roof

The company will be introducing cabs for four passenger XUV Gators in the coming weeks.

Learn more:  Fireengineering.com

Moto Electric Vehicles On GSA

Moto Electric Vehicles has announced that 24 of their low speed vehicle models are now available through the General Services Administration (GSA).  The GSA provides purchasing services for a variety of products and services at set prices for various government agencies and institutions.   Moto Electric Vehicles offers a range of utility vehicles, emergency vehicle and shuttle vehicles that are LSVs. Learn more:   Motoelectricvehicles.com

Moto Electric Vehicles Now On GSA

Moto Electric Vehicles has announced that 24 of their low speed vehicle models are now available through the General Services Administration (GSA).  The GSA provides purchasing services for a variety of products and services at set prices for various government agencies and institutions.   Moto Electric Vehicles offers a range of utility vehicles, emergency vehicle and shuttle vehicles that are LSVs. Learn more:   Motoelectricvehicles.com

Polaris Introduces 2013 GEM Models

2013 GEMeL XD with dual tool chest option

Polaris announced their 2013 line of GEM vehicles which include a variety of improvements.  The 2013 lineup features the GEM e2, e4, e6, eS, eL, and eL XD models with starting MSRPs of $7,829 to $13,459.  The company borrowed technology from their powersports products for some of the improvements.  Key changes include:

• High-low beam headlamps
• Day-night mirror to reduce reflective glare.
• Improved front brakes, suspension, steering and foot pedals
• Factory-installed MAX BOX with cargo doors and a dual tool chest option for select utility vehicles
• Updated color options
• Charging cordsets for international markets

New hard doors with better sealing and locks are expected to be available in 2013. Learn more:  Government-fleet.com

Florida and Kansas were the only two states to opt out of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).  The RTP is an $85 million program that provides funding to states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses.  The RTP pool of Federal funds are based on the share of fuel taxes generated from off-road vehicle use.  For Florida and Kansas those funds will now be in a general transportation fund.  Learn more:  Powersportsbusiness.com

50 Below Files For Bankruptcy

50 Below, a provider of dealer websites, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy at the end of August.  The company reported liabilities of nearly $12 million and assets of $50,000.  The bulk of their liabilities are taxes owed to the IRS and the state of Minnesota.  Management expects to exit bankruptcy in as few as 3 or 4 months and predicts record sales of over $20 million for the year and profits of over $2 million.  No job cuts are anticipated.  Learn more:  Dealernews.com

Yamaha Introduces Tactical Black Rhino SE

Yamaha’s 2013 Tactical Black Rhino 700 SE

Yamaha has introduced their special edition Tactical Black Rhino 700 for the 2013 model year.  While the main components and features of the vehicle have not changed significantly from the 2012 version, the styling is different.  As the name suggests the side-by-side features a black paint job.  Other features include:

• 688cc single-cylinder fuel injected engine
• Ultramatic automatic transmission with high, low and reverse
• Centrifugal clutch
• 2WD/4WD
• 12.1 inches of ground clearance
• Cast aluminum wheels
• Piggyback shocks
• 400 lbs cargo bed capacity and 1,200 lbs of towing capacity

Learn more:  Motorcycle-usa.com

Sevcon Chosen As Controller Supplier By Chinese EV Maker

AUCMA Electric Vehicle Co. Ltd has selected Sevcon to provide motor controllers for their new light truck, the A-2.  The China-based EV manufacturer will use Sevcon’s Gen4 digital motor controller with regenerative braking in the A-2.  The A-2 features a 70 volt 16kw AC motor and has a range of 150 km and a top speed of 50 km/hr.  The vehicle is designed for municipal fleets and can be configured as a flatbed or cargo box.  The company is targeting domestic and export markets such as the US where partially assembled vehicles will be shipped to California for further assembly. Learn more:  Marketwatch.com

Expert Calls For Low Speed Vehicle Planning In China

Guo Konghui of the Chinese Academy of Engineering recently criticized China’s Energy-Saving and New-Energy Vehicle Industry Development Plan (2012-20) for not including plans for developing low speed vehicles.  In this context low speed vehicles are vehicles with a top speed of 70 km/hr and powered by lead-acid batteries.  Guo argues that lithium based, fully functioning are vehicles are still not ready for “industrialization and marketization” while low speed vehicles are ready for market now.  Organizations at the provincial level are filling the void.  In August 2011 the Shandong New-Energy Vehicle Technology Innovation Alliance issued its own regional low-speed vehicle standard and Guo estimates that 64,000 low speed vehicles were produced in the province in 2011.  Learn more:  Globaltimes.cn

Car Dealer Plans Small Electric Vehicle Dealerships In SoCal

Ramon Alvarez, who owns Lincoln and Jaguar dealerships, is planning to offer a range of  small electric vehicles through dealerships in Southern California in the near future. Through his company Alvarez Electric Motors Co., he will be importing vehicles produced by Liuzhou Wuling Special Purpose Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in China and selling them through authorized EcoCentre franchisees. The first EcoCentre will be opened next month in Irvine by the Fladeboe Automotive Group, which consists of Honda, Volkswagen, GMC, Buick and Code franchises.  Other dealers are planning on opening EcoCentres in Riverside, San Bernardino, Glendale, Canoga Park and San Jose.

The first shipment of 42 vehicles was scheduled to arrive this week.  The model lineup includes two-seater Eco-E Commuter Car, listed for $9,995, the EcoTruck for $16,995 and the EcoVan for $17,995.  All the vehicles are LSVs with a range of 30-40 miles.  The target users for the vehicles include new drivers, Metrolink commuters and commercial users such as golf courses, airports, military bases, shuttle vans, food deliveries, landscaping companies and government fleets. Learn more:  PE.com