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Outlander L brings new customers to Can-Am

Fresh mid-size ATVs make an impact

 

Since 2012, Can-Am has been revamping its ATV and side-by-side lineups, and 2014 was no different. For the 2014 model year, Can-Am introduced the Outlander L series and an Outlander 6×6 XT, both of which saw success last year.

The Outlander L was brought to market with class-leading power and design in an affordable and value-packed machine, Can-Am announced last May.

“It is always a challenge to offer Can-Am superior product benefits and reliability in a highly price competitive segment, but our engineering and design teams have done an outstanding job creating these models,” said Philippe Normand, global marketing director, Can-Am Off-Road. “So far, the market has been reacting positively, and this introduction had a definite impact on our last quarter results.”

„ Can-Am has been drawing new customers to its brand thanks to the release of the Outlander L series.
„ Can-Am has been drawing new customers to its brand thanks to the release of the Outlander L series.

The one-passenger Outlander L 450 and 500 models are based on a Surrounding Spar Technology (SST) G2 frame and are available with a 38-hp, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder Rotax four-stroke, or a 46-hp, liquid-cooled, SOHC Rotax V-twin engine. And both are offered with an optional DPS (Dynamic Power Steering) package. The two-passenger Outlander L MAX 450 and 500 models have a longer wheelbase, specialized configuration and components to accommodate a passenger.

“Thanks to our new Outlander L models with superior features and great value, we are attracting new buyers to the Can-Am ATV brand. This is rapidly growing our base of enthusiast owners,” Normand reported.

But the Outlander L models aren’t getting all the attention. The Outlander 6×6 XT, which features an additional set of rear wheels, Double Torsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI2) rear suspension, a quick-release sway bar, a Dual-Level cargo box with modular accessories, the largest towing capacity of any Can-Am ATV and a 3,000-pound WARN winch standard, is also bringing in buyers.

Though Can-Am had exciting ATV model news for 2014, the OEM didn’t stop there.

“We also expanded our accessory portfolio leveraging our well-known proprietary quick attach system, LinQ, with great success.  More and more consumers are buying BRP genuine accessories to equip their Can-Am ATVs,” Normand said.

Popular Can-Am accessories include the Apache 360 Track System, the LinQ 32-gallon Truck Box, the Deluxe Fairing, the High Windshield and the Heated Grips and Throttle Combo.

Like most OEMs, Can-Am is continuing to see customers choose ATVs over side-by-sides in some instances, even as side-by-side sales increase.

“Although the popularity of side-by-sides is very evident, traditional ATVs continue to play a role in the off-road spectrum,” Normand said. “Not everyone can afford a side-by-side nor do they need its abilities or size. Consumers turn to traditional ATVs for both work and play and other recreational aspects like hunting and to some extent, racing. Offering industry-leading performance, innovative features and technologies and specific price points are ways to satisfy different levels of buyers in the ATV segment.”

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And the Can-Am brand has been fairing well, he reported.

“It is true that the ATV industry sales are stable in the United States. However, the

Can-Am brand is healthy and on the rise in most markets, mostly due in 2014 to the launch of the Outlander L family,” Normand said.

As 2015 continues and Can-Am looks into the future, it is keeping a keen eye on its ATV segment.

“BRP will continue to fulfill its promises to dealers and consumers, offering a wide range of products that suit their needs and a lineup that will provide the most value. All that with a

continued focus on the Can-Am brand’s core values of industry-leading performance, precision-engineered handling and rider-focused design,” Normand said. “BRP believes heavily in the future of ATV and will continue to invest in this business.  As you will see in our upcoming model year, we are keeping up with that
promise.”

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