Fairplay Recalls LSVs

Fairplay Electric Cars has announced a recall of some of their EVE LSVs for the 2010 and 2011 model years.  The recall affects 1,632 vehicles manufacturered between July 31, 2009 through Dec. 27, 2010, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A fuse specified to be in the 12V accessory circuit was not built into the wiring harness. The fuse value on the input to the voltage reducer was too large to prevent possible damage.  There was no fuse inserted in the 12-volt circuit. Without this fuse for protection, a short in any portion of the 12V wiring can melt wire insulation and pose a fire risk.

Fairplay will be contacting owners regarding the recall starting Feb. 17th or they can be reached at (866) 557-0342.  Repairs will be made by dealers free of charge.  Learn more:  Safercar.gov

 

Up & Coming Seat Supplier

I recently came across a story about United Commercial Upholstery of Nicollet, MN which provides seats for the marine and golf car/LSV markets.  While the company struggled at first, it has recently gained traction with their own Suite Seat brand of seats.  This higher end seat is sold as part of Fairplay’s deluxe LSV package.  Fairplay’s management liked the quality of the seats and the fact that they are US made.   The company also supplies seats to Star Car and at the end of last year began talks with one of the world’s largest golf car manufacturers.  According to the story 40 percent of the company’s sales originate with OEMs and the rest with Suite Seats which is sold to dealers and OEMs.  Learn more:  Connectbiz.com -Marc Cesare

Oklahoma LSV Tax Credit Update

Yesterday a county judge in Oklahoma ruled in favor of vehicle purchasers, declaring that they could receive the state tax credit for the LSVs that they purchased.  The lawsuit was brought by Ada Electric Cars and H20 Sports Unlimited and other dealers joined as well including GKU Electric Vehicles LLC, Heartland Outdoors LLC, Pat’s Archery Inc., and Xtreme Cycle and ATV LLC.

The judge’s order states low-speed vehicles sold by manufacturers Tomberlin, Ruff & Tuff, Stealth, Fairplay and Bad Boy Buggie qualify for a state tax credit.  The order also includes, “any other low speed vehicles similarly equipped as those described above qualify for … ‘ the state tax credit. Specific models noted in the order include Tomberlin E-Merge E-2, Tomberlin E-Merge E-4, Tomberlin Anvil, Tomberlin E-Merge Classic, Ruff & Tuff NEV2, Ruff & Tuff NEV4, Ruff & Tuff Cruiser EV2, Ruff & Tuff Cruiser LX2, Ruff & Tuff Cruiser LX4, Ruff & Tuff Hunter 4×4, Stealth Patriot LSV, Stealth Patriot LSV 4 X 4, Fairplay EVE, Fairplay Goat and Bad Boy Buggie XT LSV.

The Oklahoma State Tax Commission responded to the announcement by stating that it would appeal the ruling.  The commission stated that the tax credits could cost the state more $40 million.  If this is true, at the high end an average tax credit of $8,000 per vehicle translates into 5,000 vehicles sold in the state and at the low end an average tax credit $4,000 per vehicle translates into 10,000 vehicles sold in the state. In either case the figures represent an enormous boost to the LSV market. – Marc Cesare

Learn more:  Enidnews.com Stilwater-newspress.com

Enidnews.com