Ransomes Jacobsen to Import Mega Trucks into UK

Ransomes Jacobsen has signed an agreement with Axiam Mega to become the sole importer into the UK of the Mega Professional line of eco-friendly utility trucks.  The product line includes the Mega e-Worker electric truck and Multitruck 600 low emission diesel truck.  Ransomes will continue distributing to the current network of Mega dealers in the UK and expects to expand distribution as well.  Both company’s management see synergies between the Mega product line and the golf cars and utility vehicles sold under the E-Z-GO and Cushman brands.  Learn more:  Pitchcare.com

Renault Twizy 45: A Starter Car for Young UK Drivers?

Renault Twizy 45

A law is pending in the UK that would allow unlicensed drivers 16 years or older to drive lightweight vehicles with a top speed of 28 mph.  The Renault Twizy 45 would fit the bill.  The vehicle costs just under $10,000 but insurance premiums are estimated to be as high as $6,000 for younger drivers.  The details of the law are not finalized so Renault has not announced any marketing plans for the vehicle in the UK.  Learn more:  Hybridcars.com

Tech News

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

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

Cushman Hauler UTV Line Launched in UK

As part of a recent overhaul of their product lines in the UTV market, Textron, through it’s Ransomes Jacobsen subsidiary, recently launched their new Cushman Hauler line in the UK.  The line features four models:  Hauler 800, Hauler 1000, Hauler 1200 and Hauler 1200x.  The Hauler 800 comes in electric or gas versions with a vehicle payload capacity of 363 kg.  The Hauler 1000 is electric powered with a 465 kg payload capacity.  The Hauler 1200 is gas driven with a 544 kg capacity.  For rougher terrain the Hauler 1200x is offered in gas or electric versions with 15.2 cm and 13.5 cm of ground clearance and 454 kg and 363 kg payloads respectively.  All but the Hauler 800 offer a larger volume cargo bed as an option.  The electric powered models feature 48 volt systems and the gas models have 13 hp Kawasaki engines.  Common standard features include:

• Limited slip differential
•  Brush guard and integrated front bumper
• Large integrated headlights

Other accessories are available for customizing.  Learn more:  Pitchcare.com

UTV Farm Segment in the UK

I came across a story about the use of UTVs on farms in the UK.  This segment includes both farmers and gamekeepers.  According to the story, much like the US market, diesel powered UTVs are often the vehicle of choice for the torque they can deliver.  There are a few brands in the UK market that you do not see as much in the US market including Kioti, Ausa, and JCB, but there are familiar brands as well like John Deere, Kubota, Polaris, Kawasaki and Cub Cadet.  One interesting aspect of the market is that kits to make the UTVs street legal are commonly available options, if not a standard feature already.  Typically the kits cost about 1,000 USD and includes turn signals, rear lights, horn, seat belts, registration holder and tax disc holder.  Learn more:  Farmers Weekly

ePower Trucks: Exclusive GEM Distributor in UK

ePower Trucks of Oldham, Greater Manchester in the UK has been named the exclusive distributor for GEM vehicles in the country.  The company already sells a wide range of electric vehicles for commercial utility and transportation applications.  Learn more:  Fleetnews.co.uk

Polaris Reported Record Earnings

Polaris Industries recently reported record earnings for the first quarter of 2011.  Management reported sales of $537.2 million  and net income of $47.3 million for the quarter compared to $361.7 million and $19.8 million in the first quarter of 2010.  For the full year 2011 management expects sales to increase 17%-20% compared to 2010.

I listened to the earnings conference call and here are some of the highlights as it relates to the STOV markets.

• Off-road vehicles which includes UTVs and ATVs exceeded expectations
• International sales were up 21% in part do to side by side sales increasing 50% in Europe where these vehicles are supplanting ATVs as they have been in North America
• Polaris is gaining market share in UTVs and ATVs as they outperform the market domestically and internationally.
• Management reports side by side sales increasing more than double the overall market rate
• RZR XP 900 launched in January is selling well
• Bobcat branded vehicles they supply “ramped up nicely” and is gaining retail momentum
• Military sales which includes some STOV products doubled in the first quarter
• Diesel product started nicely and is expected to slowly but steadily develop with good opportunities in the UK, military and single fuel use segments such as farming and construction
• Off-road parts, garments and accessories sales increased 22% in Q1

Learn more:  Polarisindustries.com

News Briefs

e-ride Industries – A Clean Cities Success Story video overs the use of alternative fuel vehicles in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park including an e-ride Industries electric utility vehicle.  Learn more:  AFDC.energy.gov

Kawasaki & Kubota Reviews – The UK based magazine Horticulture Week just published a review of the Kawasaki Mule 4010 Diesel 4×4 and the Kubota RTV900 which they put to the test at Charlecote Park in Warwickshire.  The park includes formal and informal gardens and general parkland.  Learn more:  Hortweek.com

JCB Launches New Workmax UTV

JCB Workmax 800 D

UK based JCB has added a new 4×4 utility vehicle to their Workmax product line, the Workmax 800 D.  Targeting the UK and European markets, the 800 D features a 600 kg payload and a 784cc Yanmar diesel engine.  The 4×4 drive plus locking differential is electronic.  Management believes that the utility vehicle market in Europe is still developing and offers plenty of opportunity for growth.  Accordingly, this year JCB has put more emphasis on UTVs rather than ATVs as the former is becoming the preferred work vehicle in many applications.  They have also expanded their dealer network beyond their traditional construction equipment dealers to include specialist ATV and agricultural equipment dealers.  Learn more:  MHWMaagazine.co.uk