Features
Jan. 21, 2008 – ATV Digest
Survey: Polaris’ ATV sales down, UTV sales up
Polaris Industries’ fourth-quarter ATV sales were down 6-8 percent compared to the year-ago period, which could be twice as better as the industry as a whole, a national dealer survey found.
The survey of 35 dealers was conducted by Wachovia Capital Markets and included what the company believes are seven of Polaris’ top 20 dealers in terms of ATV unit sales. Six of the dealers surveyed are Polaris-only dealers while the rest are multi-line dealers.
Wachovia Capital Markets says it expects ATV industry sales to be down in the low double digits percentage-wise for the fourth quarter. Its dealer survey also found:
The survey found increased sales of Rangers in all areas, with some dealers selling their RZR UTVs at a cost over MSRP.
Pep Boys fined $154,000 for ATV pollution
Pep Boys Co. paid $154,000 in fines to the Air Pollution Control Fund for selling ATVs in California that did not comply with the state’s air quality standards, according to a California Environmental Protection Agency press release.
In December 2006, Pep Boys sold Baja Motorsports’ Storm 125cc ATV in California. Pep Boys reported its violations and settled the case after it was informed of the violations.
The funds from the fine will be used to support projects that ease pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technology. The money will aid pollution-related research projects and programs.
KYMCO recalls ATVs due to suspension failure
KYMCO recalled its 2006-2008 model year MXU 500 ATVs because of suspension failure, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The units can be identified by a label on the front of the ATVs as KYMCO and also a label on each side of the fuel tank as MXU 500. During November 2006-December 2007, 1,350 units were sold for $6,000-$6,500.
The pivot bolts holding the rear suspension onto the frame can become loose, causing the rear swing arm to detach from the chassis posing a risk of injury or death. There have been six reports of incidents, two of which included minor injuries.
KYMCO will repair the ATVs for free. Registered owners were sent direct mail notification of the recall.
FMF Racing joins forces with Team Epic
FMF Racing has joined with Team Epic as they assault the 2008 AMA Pro ATV Championship and 2008 WPSA ATV Tour.
All Team Epic Can-Am DS 450TM machines will be equipped with the FMF Racing Factory 4.1 MegaBomb exhaust system.
“FMF Racing has been involved in every aspect of off-road racing since 1973 and the new venture with the Epic Can-Am race team is another great venture,” said Donny Emler Jr. of FMF Racing. “You can guarantee with FMF providing over 30 years of power that the EPIC Can-Am team will be a force to be reckoned with.”
The new FMF Factory 4.1 MegaBomb System is the lightest full system available for the Can-Am DS 450TM.
3,300-acre riding park planned in west central Texas
Thanks to a $400,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, a 3,300-acre OHV riding area is set to become a reality for west central Texas.
The Texas Motorized Trails Coalition purchased the land for the Escondido Draw Recreational Area in 2006 with a $1.3 million grant from the commission. The new funding will allow the area to become a managed recreational trail park.
The trails coalition has completed archeology and endangered species surveys and held meetings with nearby landowners to better understand their concerns, all conditions to the land being developed or open to the public. Information from the studies helped guide the creation of a management and development plan for the recreation area.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Texas Historical Commission also are reviewing the plan to make sure it does not impact cultural or biological resources.
The grant was made possible by the National Recreational Trails Fund. psb
