Face it, given the economic downturn of recent years, selling ATVs and UTVs has been a hard way to make an easy living. However, being objective and rational, it looks like the market is making a comeback. The OEMs and the aftermarket alike have experienced solid growth since 2010. If you break the numbers down, more than half a million UTVs were sold in that timeframe, and an equal number of ATVs has passed through the retail pipeline as well. Forget emotion, the cold hard fact that more than one million new units are now in use is something you can take to the bank.
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ATV sales are up marginally. The latest Motorcycle Industry Council Flash Report indicates that ATV sales are up for Q1 2014, as 45,388 units sold from January-March. Granted, the increase is only 0.5 percent over the same timeframe in 2013, but that is worlds better than the double-digit drop experienced in the scooter market and the continuing woes of the dirt bike market.
Not reported by MIC is the real bellwether for the 4-wheel market: UTVs. The North American UTV market continued to grow significantly in 2013 as recreational applications helped increase sales by more than 9 percent to approximately 353,500 units — a new record, according to Power Products Marketing. PPM is a Minneapolis-based research firm that provides detailed market share data and research services to the global power equipment industry.* According to PPM, the strong growth surge was again led by Polaris Industries, which now enjoys a UTV market share of more than 40 percent, followed by Deere and Kawasaki.
However, BRP/Can-Am may be the one to watch. “BRP’s market share in both ATVs and side-by-side has grown since 2010,” says Jerrod Kelley, Media & PR consultant for BRP / Can-Am. “We’re currently the leader in big-bore ATVs and a strong No. 2 in side-by-sides. Along with its positive reputation, the Can-Am brand has become more prevalent due to our substantial product offerings and innovative approach.
These include the introduction of the versatile Commander line of side-by-sides, the redesign of the Outlander ATVs, the launch of the Maverick 1000R family and now a strong model-year 2015 launch, with the do-it-all Outlander 6×6 ATV and value-driven Oulander L models.”
In fact, as this issue was going to press, the 2015 Can-Am media kit was hitting the consumer press. The value-proposition of the two “L” model ATVs and the growing strength of the Maverick side-by-side definitely make Can-Am a contender in the heavy weight ranks. With the early release of the 2015 product line, it was too soon to get Kelley to speculate on where Can-Am goes from here, but that didn’t stop us from asking!
“I really can’t comment on future product or our strategic approach,” he says. “However, BRP is an industry leader and will continue to develop ATVs and side-by-side vehicles that appeal to the end users and their demands. Whether that’s more vehicles that appeal to a certain niche or enhanced cross-over abilities remains to be seen.
”
4WheelDirt.com Goes Live: ATV/UTV Site Breaks New Ground
An all-new ATV/UTV focused site was recently introduced: 4WheelDirt.com. Brought to you by the same team that produces Motorcycle-USA.com and Cycle News, 4WheelDirt.com provides a dedicated home for the 4-Wheel off-road market. “Although MotoUSA has included ATV and UTV content for years, it was time to consolidate this coverage into a more focused, truly dedicated site,” says veteran Motorcycle-USA staffer Justin Dawes.
A diehard ATV/UTV enthusiast, Dawes was the obvious choice to become the editor leading the charge at 4WheelDirt.com. “I’m looking forward to the variety that we will be bringing to the readers of 4WheelDirt,” he adds. The site features everything from ATV/UTV reviews, travel articles, gear reviews, industry news and racing coverage.
“We live the sport! From reviews and racing, to project builds and camping expeditions, the 4WheelDirt team will strive to keep you entertained and informed,” concludes Dawes.
Log on to www.4WheelDirt.com to get the straight scoop.
The aftermarket numbers confirm these trends. “Polaris has been our bread and butter for the past four years, more specifically the RZR,” says DragonFire’s social media manager Chris Moore (who shot the Can-Am on the cover of this issue, incidentally). “But moving forward, we see Can-Am becoming a real player.” That being said, Moore notes that the aftermarket accessories firm saw an unusual spike in dealer orders for Arctic Cat’s Wildcat UTV this spring. “The more the merrier we say,” says Moore.
There is huge potential for aftermarket accessories, so much so that our friends on the automotive side at SEMA clued into the fact that more than 670,000 UTVs were sold between 2010-2012. And unlike motorcycles, you can multiply your tire/wheel/shock sales x4! Clarity Research teamed with SEMA to put together the UTV Accesorization report to help its members understand the value of the UTV market. “By looking at accessory purchases, vehicle usage and interests, you can better understand the buyers that are likely to be your company’s customers,” says the SEMA report.
“Understanding the needs of these key consumers can help you better serve your customers.” This approach works equally well on the powersports dealer level. “Expansion opportunities may exist with customers you haven’t previously targeted. By recognizing the similar needs and interests of UTV consumers, you may be able to tailor existing services to prospective crossover segment,” again what SEMA says makes sense, but it is their findings on the numbers side that are most interesting:
1) About 82 percent of owners have purchased or plan to purchase upgrades to their UTV. More than 410,000 households in the United States buy UTV accessories.
2) Accessory decisions are made early. Most purchases occur within the first three months and many are completed at dealerships or direct through the OEM. Personal sources, such as dealers, friends and family, have the greatest impact on these buying decisions.
3) Sport models are the most accessorized. Sales for this type of UTV is more common in the West, and owners of these vehicles are more social, often riding with passengers and in groups.
ATV Safety Blitz
The ATV Safety Institute is launching all-out safety blitz this summer. Set for June 8-15, ATV Safety Week will be highlighted by free ATV RiderCourse training throughout the country. ASI is currently seeking dealers to partner with. ASI will support each event with information on the website and send participants ATV safety educational materials. ASI also can assist in offering the ATV RiderCourse at no cost, as well as with site selection, course scheduling, registration materials, and completion materials. Groups or others interested in joining ATV Safety Week should contact ASI at [email protected] or call (949) 727-3727 X3064.
The ATV RiderCourse gives riders the opportunity to learn how to safely get the most out of their machines on a closed-course range, with the help of a licensed ASI Instructor. The RiderCourse is free for anyone who signs up during ATV Safety Week. The RiderCourse is also free year-round for anyone who has purchased a new, qualifying ATV from an ASI member company.
The ASI offers easy enrollment at atvsafety.org, or call 800-887-2887.
ASI also offers a free E-Course, available online 24/7. This online course is available in three age-specific courses for adults, teens and children. Students in each course learn how to apply the “golden rules” of ATV riding in an interactive setting. The course includes videos, pictures and interactive games to make it a fun and effective learning experience for all ages. After taking the course, users can take an ATV safety exam and receive a certificate of completion.
The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (ASI), a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA), was formed in 1988 to implement an expanded national program of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety education and awareness. The ASI is sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, KYMCO USA, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha.
Multipurpose vehicles comprise the largest segment of UTVs sales with the highest volume residing in the South.
Owners seek ultimate versatility with their vehicles and its modifications.
Utility model sales are strongest in the South and Midwest. Owners perceive and use their UTV as a tool, focusing on practicality and durability. They are the least likely to upgrade their vehicle and are the most solitary, frequently driving their UTV alone.
A rising tide floats all boats, as they say. The demand for new units has helped keep older units in use and kept the value up for clean late model machinery. According to NADAguides new Market Insights report, the bad weather actually helped drive up utility ATV sales. The appraisal guide/valuation experts surveyed dealers across the country to find out what used units were moving for a comprehensive report released in January. “The best selling categories in the past 60 days have been Utility ATVs at 39.2 percent followed very closely by utility side-by-sides at 24.3 percent,” notes Lenny Sims, NADA’s VP of operations. Sport side-by-sides accounted for a solid 8.
1 percent of the sales during this time. “However, as the industry heads into the spring season, NADAguides anticipates a greater move toward new unit sales causing the used market to soften slightly.”
Unlike new unit sales, Honda is right with Polaris when it comes to used units, according to users of NADA’s online search tools. “Consumer behavior is a key indicator in predicting market activity,” says Sims. “We included the most researched brands and regional activity for January 2014 in the Consumer Overview section of the NADAguides Market Insights, where Polaris and Honda tied for the most researched ATV brands.”
Yamaha was a close third on the ATV side (see corresponding chart). For the side-by-side segment, Polaris had the lion’s share of search activity with a whopping 59 percent.
We are not suggesting that dealers give up their passion for motorcycles, but simple math should dictate taking a closer look at the ATV/UTV business to see what you’re leaving on the table.
SEMA’s research indicates that regardless of the make, model or geographic location, the average UTV owner spends more than $1,550 on accessories… and they are relying on you, Mr. Dealer to help them with this buying decision.
*PPM’s 2013 North American Utility Vehicle Market Report and research services are available to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), component & aftermarket suppliers, associations and government agencies linked to the global power equipment industry. Learn more at www.PowerProds.com.
Over the past 30 years, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have grown increasingly popular recreationally and have become a valuable asset at work. With an estimated 11 million in use in 2010 for both work and recreation, ATVs have become a common means of transportation.
ATVs were first manufactured in the late 1960s as farm-to-town vehicles for use in isolated, mountainous areas in Japan.
They were first introduced in the U.S. for agricultural applications in the early 1980s. ATVs have many unique features that enable them to operate in a variety of harsh environments where other larger, less mobile vehicles cannot be used, making them very useful in the workplace. Oversized and low pressure (4-5 psi) tires, low weight (600-1000 pounds) and easy maneuverability make ATVs ideal in many work settings. ATVs are commonly used by workers in border patrol and security, construction operations, emergency medical response, search and rescue, law enforcement, land management and surveying, military operations, mineral and oil exploration, pipeline maintenance, ranching and farming, small-scale forestry activities, and wild land fire control, among others. Farmers and other land owners have described ATVs as filling a valuable niche between a truck and a tractor. Since licensing and training requirements vary widely by state many companies conduct their own training or use the resources available to public and private organizations from the ATV Safety Institute, a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America.
Nearly 300 ATV-related deaths occurred in work settings from 1992-2007. Deaths have been steadily increasing, from 11 in 1992 to 41 in 2007, with a majority (61%) of the affected workers employed in agriculture production. Over half of the fatal crashes occurred on farms, while 20% occurred on highways. Half of the fatal incidents involved rolls and overturns.
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The overwhelming majority of fatality victims were male, white and over 55. Workers in the agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting industry sector were 100 times more likely than workers in other industries to be in a fatal crash. Furthermore, the chance of being in a fatal crash among the oldest workers in the agriculture production industry was more than twice as likely compared to all workers in the overall agriculture/ forestry/fishing/hunting industry sector.
ATV operators 65 years of age and older may be at increased risk of injury. These workers can experience various physical and sensory limitations which may exacerbate the inherent dangers associated with ATVs. These limitations may include decreased reaction time, visual and hearing limitations, decreased circulation, decreased strength and muscle range of motion that affects mobility, balance, reaction time and endurance. The use of multiple medications, with differing side effects, may also influence the older driver’s ability to operate the ATV safely. Older workers should be aware of these possible increased risks and exercise more caution when operating an ATV.
A review of 129 ATV-related occupational deaths from 2003-2006 indicated that the collective lifetime societal cost of these deaths was $103.6 million, with an average cost of $803,100 per death. Eleven states, all in the western U.S., accounted for over 60% of the deaths, with four states (Montana, Texas, Colorado, and South Dakota) accounting for nearly one-third of all work-related ATV deaths during the four-year period.
Nearly two-thirds of the deaths were to workers in agricultural production at a cost of $62.3 million.
ATVs can be used safely in the workplace if used properly, the risks are understood, and precautions are taken to reduce the likelihood of injury. The recommendations listed below should be followed to ensure safe operation of ATVs:
, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for of the ATVFor more information on ATV safety at work, download a copy of the NIOSH All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety at Work fact sheet.
As ATVs increase in popularity, it is important to understand the hazards associated with them.
Little is known about how many and how often ATVs are used at work. We would like to know more about how they are used, how many workers routinely use them, and additional safety strategies you have found to be successful in reducing injuries. Please tell us about your experience.
Jim Helmkamp, PhD, MS
Dr. Helmkamp is a Senior Epidemiologist in the NIOSH Western States Office.
Categories Agriculture, Construction, Emergency Response/Public Sector, Motor Vehicle Safety, Oil and Gas, Outdoor Work, Transportation
CFMOTO is a brand of ATVs and motorcycles manufactured in China by Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co.
, Ltd. In 2022 CFMOTO celebrates 15th anniversary in Russia ! The brand is widely represented in almost all countries of the world by 3,000 dealerships.
The company developed rapidly, initially releasing motorcycles. And more than 14 years ago, sales of four-wheeled vehicles started - ATV ATVs and Side-by-Side ATVs.
CFMOTO is credited with being the first in China to manufacture 800cc ATVs. cm and motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 650 cc. see. Over the 33-year history, CFMOTO has brought to the market 98 models of vehicles and 51 series-produced engines. In addition, developing the brand over the years, CFMOTO has registered 540 patents for the latest technical developments.
The production of machinery currently covers an area of 28 hectares, employing more than 4,000 workers, has its own R&D center for the development and design of new products. CFMOTO is a large high-tech enterprise that pays special attention to the quality control system and technical support.
Since 2007, the exclusive rights to supply to Russia belong to the company "ABM-Trade", which has a developed dealer network. At the moment, over 85,000 units of CFMOTO ATVs and ATVs have already been sold in Russia. It is now possible to buy CFMOTO (C.F. Moto) equipment in all major cities of the country.
Characteristics of modern motorcycles can impress anyone, even the most demanding user. High quality materials from which all components are made, modern production facilities, fully robotic conveyors - these components guarantee the reliability and quality of CFMOTO products.
CFMOTO equipment (CSF Moto) has gained the greatest popularity in Russia due to its universal characteristics and reliability in operation - it is designed and assembled with the highest quality, regularly participates in Russian and international expeditions.
CFMOTO ATVs
A range of ATVs and ATVs with engines from 400 to 1000 cc. see allows you to choose equipment for any task.
In 2022, it is represented by 12 models:
ATVs
ATVs
All new CFMOTO ATVs purchased from official CFMOTO dealers in Russia are covered by a factory warranty - 2 years without mileage limitation, even when used for commercial purposes.
The quality of service is ensured by a highly efficient system of technical support and uninterrupted supply of spare parts for the supplied equipment.
Considerable attention is paid to the range of accessories for CFMOTO ATVs. A wide range of attachments add convenience and functionality to an already versatile ATV.
To unite true ATV lovers in 2011, the CFMOTO Club was created, the purpose of which is to attract brand adherents, communicate with people of the same interests, exchange impressions and experience, and mutual assistance. In addition, the CFMOTO Club (CF Moto) provides consulting services, cooperates with official dealers of CFMOTO (CF Moto), organizes trips and competitions for Club Members.
Motorcycle CFMOTO
The range of CFMOTO motorcycle equipment supplied to Russia includes 9 models:
Also New for 2022:
All new CFMOTO motorcycles and maxi-scooters purchased from official CFMOTO dealers in Russia are covered by a factory warranty - 2 years without mileage limitation, even when used for commercial purposes.
History of CFMOTO in Russia:
April 2, 2007 in St. Petersburg, the company "ABM-Trade" began its activities, which became the official distributor of the Chinese company CFMOTO (CEF Moto).
At the beginning of 2009, Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co., Ltd and AVM-Trade LLC entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for the supply of CFMOTO ATVs to Russia. Thus, the sale and maintenance of the most popular Chinese all-terrain vehicle in Russia was placed on a centralized basis.
In 2012, ABM-Trade announced the start of deliveries of CFMOTO motorcycle equipment (CEF Moto).
2008 - start of UTV500-3 deliveries to Russia.
2009 - start of deliveries of CF500-X5 to Russia.
2010 - start of deliveries of the CF625-X6 EFI and SSV625-Z6 EFI models to Russia.
2012 - start of deliveries of the CF800-X8 EFI model to Russia, start of deliveries of CFMOTO motorcycle equipment to Russia.
2013 - start of deliveries of the CF800-U8 EFI and CF800-Z8 EFI models to Russia.
2014 is the first model with CF800-X8 EPS electric power steering.
2015 – CFMOTO X5 H.O. EPS with electric power steering and CFMOTO X8 Basic.
2016 - start of deliveries of CFMOTO 650TK motorcycle with anti-lock braking system - ABS, start of deliveries of CFMOTO CFORCE 400L EPS ATV.
2018 - CFMOTO CFORCE 800 H.O.
EPS with electric power steering and CFMOTO Z10 EPS with electric power steering.
2019 - CFMOTO CFORCE 1000 EPS 1000 EPS begins deliveries with a 1.0-litre engine that gives added confidence and superiority on any off-road; as well as the first 3-seater CFMOTO UFORCE 1000 EPS, and CFMOTO X6 EPS, released in honor of CFMOTO 30th Anniversary! Start of deliveries of motorcycles CFMOTO 250NK ABS, CFMOTO 400NK ABS, CFMOTO 650MT ABS.
2020 - start of deliveries of modern technological CFMOTO CFORCE 600 EPS and updated CFMOTO CFORCE 500 HO, delivery of new ZFORCE 1000 Sport EPS.
2021 - the beginning of deliveries of the single-seat CFMOTO CFORCE 600 S EPS , limited CFMOTO CFORCE 1000 Overland EPS . Start of deliveries of motorcycles CFMOTO 300SR (ABS), CFMOTO 400GT (ABS), CFMOTO 650GT (ABS).
2022 is the 15th anniversary of CFMOTO in Russia! Start of deliveries of CFMOTO CFORCE 600 Basic, new CFMOTO CFORCE 400L EPS. Commemorative CFORCE 800 HO EPS and 1000 EPS 15 th LTD deliveries begin. Start of deliveries of CFMOTO 700CLX, 800MT Sport, 800MT Touring motorcycles.
For seven years (in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) AVM-Trade has been recognized as the world leader in sales of CFMOTO ATVs (CEF Moto). And over the past 8 years and to this day, it has been one of the five largest distributors of CFMOTO equipment in the world.
AVM-Trade LLC
is the official distributor of CFMOTO (Sea F Moto) in Russia.
195197, Saint-Petersburg, Marshal Blucher Ave., 12, building 7, Lit. A
tel. 8 (812) 317-17-88
fax 8 (812) 317-17-88
e-mail: [email protected]
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Chrysler Pacifica. Calm down with socket
The closure of the Chrysler brand has been rumored for years since 2009. Indeed, for how long, only 3 models have been produced under the once glorious name. Now this is the 200 sedan, introduced in 2014 and designed on the corporate platform of Fiat (since 2010 it has been used only on 4 models), the 300 sedan, the bogie of which will be 10 years old, although in fact it is a reworking of several even older "Daimler" platforms , van Town&Country. The latter is sold in Europe under the Lancia brand. If the 200 and 300 cars are still holding the level - the 200 sedan even gained 51.6% in 2015 due to the dealer incentive program, and the 300 ended 2015 at zero, then the demand for Town & Country is falling uncontrollably, although every month it is still sold at almost 8 thousand cars.
In general, the old van needs a replacement, which will come this spring, although the Chrysler Pacifica is presented as a 2017 model and, as a rule, such cars go on sale in the fall. Pacifica received from Town & Country a power unit consisting of a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine and 9AKP. Six months after the launch of the "traditional" Pacifica, a plug-in version will also be offered - with a battery recharged from the mains. Since Dodge has a twin - the Grand Caravan van, in the near future we will see a Pacifica turned “under the Dodge”. Oddly enough, in the future, the appearance of new items in Russia is not ruled out, because Town & Country is the last and only Chrysler model officially sold now in our country. In 2015, only 43 cars were sold.
GMC Acadia. Base cut
By American standards, the GMC Acadia crossover, which, together with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, forms a related “troika”, with a wheelbase of more than 3 meters is considered a mid-size one.
The Yukon is one step higher and does not fit into any European framework. Meanwhile, it was the wheelbase with the change of generations of the GMC Acadia that General Motors engineers decided to reduce. On the first generation of the model, it was 3021 mm, on the second, presented as the Acadia 2017 model year, it was 2857 mm. At the same time, the fact that the new model is lighter than its predecessor by as much as 318 kg speaks about the level of processing of the "trolley" with a transverse arrangement of the power unit! Maneuverability has also improved: before, Acadia turned around on a patch with a radius of 12.3 m, now - on a radius of 11.8 m. Actually, the car goes under the advertising slogan "smaller size - more advantages." In addition, instead of an archaic unit with distributed injection, a motor of similar volume and configuration (3.6 V6), but with direct injection, appeared. The 4-cylinder branded 2.5-liter engine with the same power system will allow to reduce the base price.
It remains to add that Acadia finished 2015 with a score of 96 393 pcs. (+14.8%), Chevrolet Traverse - 119,945 units. (+15.4%), but the third "brother" Buick Enclave is sold worse - 62,081 units. (-0.4%).
Lincoln Continental. Everywhere he honors
Unlike Buick, which survives largely thanks to the Chinese market, where it also produces two independent models (Buick Envision will even start exporting to the US in the spring), Lincoln is kept solely by the US and Canadian markets, and they buy passenger models of the "presidential" brand in mostly older and elderly customers, at least according to the company's own data. For this reason, Lincoln lost 10.4% of cars in 2015 and sold only 33.7 thousand of them. It is unlikely that the newest flagship cruiser Continental will attract young people to the ranks of the brand's fans, but there is nothing more to go on the "passenger" front - only at the end of last year, restyling events were held for the MKZ sedan (unified in terms of platform with the Ford Fusion / Mondeo), the second generation of which appeared only in 2013.
The appearance of the Continental designers worked out on the concept of the same name, shown in the spring of 2015 at the New York Auto Show. The reviews were completely enthusiastic and the exterior was left practically unchanged, except that they corrected the shape of the exterior mirrors. Under the hood, a 3.0-liter V6 is installed, “welded” using Ford's proprietary EcoBoost technology, producing 400 hp. The Continental will be exclusively all-wheel drive, with simulated differential lock Dynamic Torque Vectoring. There is also a set of options that is now obligatory, such as a system of video cameras that give a circular view, a system for detecting pedestrians, stop & start, etc. Despite the overall growth of 7.1% achieved by Lincoln in 2015 in the US, sales volumes, taking into account the price segment in which the brand is located, are well below the payback line - just over 101 thousand cars.
Buick Avista Concept. Out of print
Buick sold three times as many passenger cars in the US as Lincoln in 2015, but the sector saw the largest drop of 20.
7%. It is all the more surprising that for the Detroit Auto Show, engineers have prepared a conceptual, but not at all popular Avista coupe. The rear-wheel-drive concept hits the BMW 4-Series by offering a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 with direct injection. The styling elements of the front end are borrowed from the production Buick LaCross 2017 model year, shown in November 2015, so from the face of the premiere it looks, frankly, prosaic, but from the back in 3/4 - the most chic. The salon is arranged according to the 2 + 2 scheme, but in this case it is only a “marketing figure”, since the second row also has head restraints, and there is enough legroom for an adult overall passenger. The doors and seats of the concept Avista are 3D printed, and the infotainment system is a forward-thinking development of IntelliLink.
VLF Force 1 V10. Dream Team threw a hundred!
The tuning honor of the American automobile industry in Detroit fell to an outstanding team to defend.
Number one here is Henrik Fisker, best known for his brilliant but, alas, failed Karma, the first and only range-extender hybrid supercar. In addition to him, the legendary Bob Lutz, who, along with Lee Iacocca, became one of the most famous automotive top managers, and the “production manager” Gilbert Villarreal are involved in the case. VLFAutomotive, under the wise leadership of the trio, has prepared its second project, the VLF Force 1 V10, a modified Dodge Viper, for the Detroit Auto Show. VLF engineers focused on more than just looks: the 8.4-liter V10 was boosted by 100 hp. - up to 745 hp From April this year, the first cars will go to customers, the number of which is limited to 50 people. The base price of the Force 1 V10 will be $268,500.
Lexus LC 500. Increased prestige with automatic
In America, Lexus has long and firmly taken the place of Audi in the "German" premium trio. The Japanese ended 2015 brilliantly with 26.5% growth in crossovers (total growth of 12.
8%) and a corrective drop of 1.8% in passenger cars (the passenger car market as a whole fell by 2.3% in the US). Therefore, they can afford to relax and show up with a sports car that will have absolutely no impact on sales. Perhaps, the president of Toyota Motor Akio Toyoda said about the main purpose of the novelty: “LC 500 is important not only for Lexus, but also for me personally.” The LC 500 has one 100% competitor - the BMW 6-Series. The wheelbase of the "Japanese" is larger (2855 mm versus 2870 mm), and the engine is more powerful: 467 hp. against 450 hp version 650i. However, this will not help the LC 500: in acceleration from zero to a hundred, the Bavarian will leave it behind. It reaches the cherished milestone in 4.4 seconds, while Lexus spends 4.5 seconds only on acceleration to 60 mph (96 km/h). But what the LexusLC 500 excels in is the number of gears - its “automatic” for the first time in the world offers as many as 10 steps! Recall that Lexus was also the first brand that opened the 8-speed automatic transmission to the world, but the 9-speed automatic transmission was first put by the Americans on Town & Country.
Manual gearboxes have not yet reached such heights - the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette each have 7 mechanical steps.
Acura Precision Concept. Shell technology
Acura sells in the US 8 times less than its mother brand Honda, while Acura's sales structure differs from almost all other brands: in 2015, it lost on crossovers with a general increase in their popularity in the country, but it gained a lot on cars, or rather on one of them - TLX models. Meanwhile, in Detroit, Acura acted only formally, presenting a concept layout even without a nominal aggregate component: in the technical data table distributed to the media, only dimensions (5181x2133x3120 mm), wheelbase (3098 mm), a mention of the number of spokes on the wheels (5) and the landing diameter of the tires (22 inches). There really is nothing more to add.
Nissan Titan Warrior Concept. Will expand states
Full-size pickups are the most popular cars in the US: the top three of the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado and Ram gained more buyers in 2015 (1.
7 million) than the entire Russian market combined (1.6 million)! Of course, everyone wants to participate in cutting this cargo pie, but not everyone succeeds. So, the Nissan Titan has been one of the worst pickup trucks for many years - in 2015, only 12,140 units were sold. Of the Nissan models left in the US, only the large Quest van sold worse in 2015. However, it was on Titan that the managers of the Japanese brand focused their attention in preparation for Detroit. Interestingly, the model came out to represent not Carlos Ghosn, the first man of Renault-Nissan, but José Muñoz, one of Nissan's vice presidents and top manager of the company's American branch. The Warrior differs from the serial Titan of the 2016 model year only in decor - overlays on the body and in the cabin, grille, wheels. The main “visual function” is entrusted to LED headlights of a spectacular design, but in terms of power, everything is “serial”: a 5.0-liter V8 Cummins diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission.
For journalists who attended the presentation of the Nissan Titan Warrior Concept, Nissan creatives came up with a very effective semantic marker that gives an idea of the geographic latitude of the so little popular Nissan Titan Warrior Concept: “Invented in California, designed in Michigan, tested in Arizona, assembled in Mississippi, equipped in Tennessee by a Cummins engine from Indiana. It seems that the residents of these states are simply obliged to achieve an increase in local sales next year!
Honda Ridgeline. His garage on the edge
The small Ridgeline pickup is the undisputed outsider of the Honda lineup in the US. The car was taken out of production the year before last, when only 13.3 thousand units were sold. and in 2015, Americans were offered exclusively “stale” copies, of which there were five and a half hundred. With such volumes, there can be no question of any return on production, but this year it was decided to revive the model, as before, by making it in the USA.
Under the hood of the truck was a 3.5-liter engine with a completely “non-farm” direct injection, but most surprisingly, this ultra-utility car was fitted with a second-generation i-VTM4 transmission from Pilot. On the one hand, there is nothing more incomparable than the combination of a frame pickup truck and a non-differential rear axle with two clutches. On the other hand, it is she who explains the reason for the failure of the first generation of Ridgeline, and the low probability of success of the second.
Infiniti Q60. On my Deutsche Welle
De facto, the 2-door sedan is just a modification of the Q50 sedan, due to the narrow model range of Infiniti, which at one time received “nominal independence”. A car without camouflage was captured by spies last year, but the appearance was not the main secret of the novelty. Under the hood of the Infiniti Q60, following the example of the Q50 and Q30, they put a "Daimler" power unit. In this case, as part of a gasoline 3.
0-liter V6 with an increase to 400 hp. power, and a 7-speed "automatic" 7G-Tronic. The novelty should help Infiniti push its set of passenger models “from scratch” and, quite possibly, overtake Cadillac, whose cars fell by 18.6% in 2015.
Kia Telluride oncept. Lit up with feeling
Kia designers, following the example of colleagues from Acura, also took up mock-up design, but achieved much more success in this. They did not even hesitate to announce that Telluride is designed on a modified Sorento Prime platform. The message here is clear: Kia will eventually have a full-size SUV, which, like the Sorento Prime, will be positioned in the premium segment. The concept differs greatly from the parent model in size, which is not surprising, because the wheelbase has been increased by 300 mm to 3180 mm. Meanwhile, there are real mechanisms on the concept, for example, a gesture recognition system, which will soon become standard in the premium segment, “music” from Harman Kardon.
There is even a well-being control system, which, depending on the condition of the passengers, will regulate the illumination of the overhead console, which allegedly has a therapeutic effect. Much more, however, second-row passengers will need individual seats, the backs of which can be lowered almost to a horizontal position. Under the hood is a hybrid power plant, which, on the one hand, in no way indicates the type of CA in the future production model, on the other hand, subtly emphasizes the eco-friendly trend that showed up in Hyundai-Kia last summer.
Mercedes-Benz E class. Their bin Pilot !
Obviously, the E-class will never become the most popular Mercedes-Benz model in the US - an inexpensive C-class one size down sells twice as much. However, the “yeshka” confidently holds the second step on the passenger flank of the German brand’s model line: CLA, in turn, is sold in half as much volume as E. Meanwhile, E-class with 49With 736 copies sold in 2015, it confidently overtakes its three main competitors in the USA: BMW 5-Series (44,162 units), Lexus GS (23,117 units), Audi A6 (22,850 units).
Let's go through the important figures and facts. The wheelbase has increased by 65 mm and reached 2939 mm - almost the same as the F-class models. There was a new 4-cylinder diesel (E 220 d). Its moment remained at the same level as that of its predecessor on the W 212 E 220 CDI version (400 Nm), the power rose by 25 hp. The working volume of the unit, interestingly, decreased from 2143 to 1950 "cubes". In theory, a “yeshka” with this engine can consume less than 4 liters per “hundred”. In place of the two "green" versions of the E 400 H and E 300 BlueTec Hybrid, one is planned so far, but with the possibility of recharging the battery from an external source - E 350 e. The 9-speed automatic transmission was inherited by the W 213 from its predecessor, except that before it assisted the diesel engine on the rear-wheel drive modification of the E 350 BlueTEC, and now it will be installed on all versions. We will check the rest during the test, wait. The most interesting and unexplored option will be Drive Pilot, which allows you to automatically follow the moving vehicles ahead at a safe distance on highways (works up to a speed of 210 km / h).
Audi A4 allroad quattro. According to moonless calendar
On the opening day of the Detroit showroom, Audi took its quattro brand to the moon exploration program by offering to help a German group of scientists united under the "transmission" name "Part-Time Scientists" and decided to participate in the "Google Lunar XPRIZE" competition. But the prosaic A4 allroad quattro, a logical continuation of the D-class model, the 5th generation of which was presented in Frankfurt in autumn, became the only serial premiere of the Ingolstadters in America. The American novelty differs from the A4 Avant station wagon by an increased ground clearance of 34 mm, a plastic body kit around the lower perimeter of the body, an “off-road” mode of the Audi drive select system, which combines the settings of the power unit and chassis.
Audi h-tron quattro Concept. Turned yellow with shame
It seems that the managers of Audi decided to circle the respectable Detroit public around their fingers.
Judge for yourself, the premiere h-tron quattro Concept differs from the Frankfurt e-tron quattro Concept in just one letter in the name and body color! A blue car was demonstrated in Germany, a yellow one was brought to the USA. Repainted along the way? Namely, at the same time they wrote a release about the supposedly available technical stuffing: a block of fuel cells (330 pieces), developing 110 kW (150 hp), a high-voltage battery, briefly capable of producing 100 kW (136 hp), power reserve 600 km. The electric motor mounted on the front axle is capable of developing 90 kW (122 hp), rear - 140 kW (190 hp). The cell block voltage and the pressure under which the hydrogen is stored on board (700 bar) indicates that Audi could become the sixth automaker participating in the HyFive project (after BMW, Daimler, Hyundai, Honda and Toyota). All this gas beauty is planned to be released in a tiny series in 2017. And this is at a time when Toyota sold out almost all of its planned Mirai even before the start of production, when Honda brought the second generation FCX to the market, when the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell sets record after record in performance.
Shame on you, comrades, shame on you!
VW Tiguan GTE Active Concept. For network fields
At the Frankfurt Motor Show, held in mid-September last year, VW has already demonstrated the second generation of its Tiguan compact crossover, designed on the MQB platform, and the GTE version was also presented in concept form. For some time now, this abbreviation indicates a VW model in a hybrid version with a high-voltage battery recharged from an external source. The Germans brought to Detroit the same conceptual version of the plug-in version, only in off-road form. Electricity not only allows you to increase the range - a fuel tank filled to the eyeballs and a charged battery in theory give 933 km, but also increases the permeability. The power plant in addition to the traditional 1.4 TSI with 150 hp. includes two electric motors, one of which drives the front wheels (54 hp), the second one drives the rear wheels (115 hp). Without the use of internal combustion engines, the car will stretch 32 km, while both "bridges" will be leading.
Volvo S90. SPA salon
The long-awaited and officially posted on the network last fall, the novelty of the Swedish company, managed from distant China. It can hardly be assumed that this full-size sedan will greatly improve Volvo's position in the US. Firstly, interest in passenger cars is not so high - only products that are impeccable from marketing positions are sold well. Secondly, it is in the USA that this size class is traditionally packed to capacity. Finally, now Volvo in the US is supported by the XC60 and XC90, each sold in approximately 3,500 pieces. per month and shows growth. For example, not the first freshness XC60 grew in 2015 by as much as 35% - three times more than the segment. At the same time, Volvo passenger cars are falling by 6%, while of the three models offered in the US (S80, S60 / V60, XC70), only the S80 is growing, with which only the Chrysler 300 can be compared in terms of obsolescence.
