Polaris sports value and new models in 2011
Eighty six people representing the Polaris dealer network across the UK gathered at the Heart of England Conference Centre over two days in January for a full briefing and trial of the new models for 2011.
Central to the presentation was an overview of the growth and future for parent company, Polaris Industries, with 800 new staff added during 2010, the opening of an office in China and in the first quarter of 2011 a new EMEA office in Switzerland and one in India. A firm statement of the growth of Polaris is the newly built 425,000 sq ft factory in Mexico opening in the second quarter of 2011, employing up to 1000 people.
For the UK Polaris demonstrated the commitment to dealers with 2011 marketing plans, free EASI training and two years' 0% finance on all Polaris utility ATVs and Rangers, available until 31st March this year. Viewed by Polaris as highly successful, the NFU Partnership continues with 5% off all Polaris Utility products and free NFU Countryside membership for all new non-member customers.
Firm emphasis was placed on the launch of new and updated models in the Ranger and Sportsman ranges, adding to the most extensive and purpose built variety of machines to meet a diversity of markets. The dealers had the opportunity to really put each of the new models through its paces on the purpose built off-road course, from the value Sportsman 400, 500 and 800 to the new Ranger Diesel and the might of the six seater Ranger Crew. Dealer awards were presented to round off the conference:
Northern Region
Most Improved Dealer of the Year
CC Supplies
Service Dealer of the Year
Ellis Quads Ltd
Dealer of the Year
Rocket Centre
Southern Region
Most Improved Dealer of the Year
Ranger Sales
Service Dealer of the Year
David Webb Engineering
Dealer of the Year
Godfreys Garden Machinery
Outstanding Achievement 2010
ATV World Ltd
Polaris has set focus on value in the ATV market with new models and features in the Sportsman and Ranger ranges. Styling on the classic Sportsman chassis has been updated and new transmission introduced. Sound emission is improved, there's a new radiator, 50W low beam headlights, a lower winch mount location and a Lock and Ride Rack or box for easy maintenance.
All the upgrades are seen on the Sportsman 500 HO and Sportsman 800. Then there's the Polaris Sportsman 400 HO, a real value-for-money machine yet it's crammed full of new features, boasting 19% more suspension travel, 25% more ground clearance and a massive increase in towing and rack capacity. There is full instrumentation and the 400 returns to a full size chassis.
The Sportsman Premium line-up, from the 550 to the 850 EPS, all feature weight reduction, new STX seat vinyl, improved EBS and splash protection. The gears are shot peened for better sound quality, while wheel bearings and ball joints are upgraded. The UTV range has more Ranger models and additional features. The new Ranger 500EFI has the proven 32hp (24kW) engine, returning a 44mph (71kph) top speed on a mid-size chassis with exceptional load, payload and towing capacity. Fitted with 8" (20cm) front struts and rear IRS the ground clearance is 10" (25.4cm.
This model replaces the full size Ranger 500 EFI. For those needing the extra space and passenger capacity there is the new Ranger Crew 500 EFI which comfortably seats four and yet loses none of the legendary Polaris off- road capability. The 32hp (24kW) engine speeds it along at up to 44mph and there is a new instrumentation package as standard.
The Ranger Crew 500 EFI breaks new ground, offering multi passenger capacity at a mid-size price and real value for money. Still relatively new and not to be left out is the Ranger Diesel with its 3 cylinder 904cc Yanmar diesel engine delivering 24hp (18kW) and a 40% improvement in fuel consumption versus the Ranger XP. And anyone wanting to go green should look at the credentials of the Ranger EV electric 4x4. Quite a line-up and a great deal to consider.