| UTV Accessories
Review
Megan Vickers
Assistant Editor
Photo courtesy of Argo
As consumers take note of the convenience of side-by-side vehicles, the demand for these units has seen an impressive increase in the past few years. Keeping a steady supply of UTVs on the showroom floor is a wise decision. With 2008 just around the corner, the following companies have given us the scoop on their latest UTV models for your consideration.
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The 2008 ARGO 6x6 Frontier 650 (pictured above) is turning the world of utility terrain vehicles inside out with a new sense of style and adventure,” exclaimed General Manager US Operations Joe
Klosterman. “The All-Wheel-Drive 6x6 Frontier 650 is equipped with a four cycle overhead valve V-Twin, air-cooled 627cc, 23 hp Briggs & Stratton engine, carries up to four passengers, has a load capacity of up to 700 lbs. and can tow 1,400 lbs.,” he told us. The new 2008 8x8 Avenger 750 EFI features a powerful 31 hp, 748cc electronic fuel-injected Kohler LH 755 engine and a low emission rate that meets both EPA and CARB standards, described
Klosterman. “Its technological advances include an effective throttle response for smooth acceleration, a new emergency/parking brake, improved fuel economy, reliable cold weather starting and excellent performance in high altitudes,” he added. Other models that are reportedly available are the smaller ARGO 6x6 Frontier 480 and 580, as well as the ARGO 8x8 Frontier 650 and ARGO 8x8 Avenger 700. With people becoming more selective in the models they can afford to buy, the company said it hopes these vehicles will continue to drive sales up in the New Year. “In addition to meeting the standards of requirements (location, financing in place, good contacts to upscale customers and industrial companies, progressive marketing, etc.) an ARGO dealer should have demo models available and a demo area, an active sales force, knowledgeable service and repair staff, plus patience and a medium to long term commitment,” advised
Klosterman.
ARGO USA
220 Bergey Court
New Hamburg, Ontario N3A 2J5
Phone: 519-662-2840
Fax: 519-662-2421
www.argoatv.com |
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The new, inexpensive BamX 300cc and 700cc UTVs feature four wheel drive and A/T, noted Vice President William Davis. He told us he has noticed a trend where customers are requesting more performance and custom parts for tricking out their
UTVs. BamX’s UTV sales are up over last year, said Davis, who added, “Aftermarket accessories are growing leaps and bounds as more parts become available.” He recommended that dealers learn about the products and know what parts are available. “Consumers are spending more money for their toys,” Davis added.
BamX Motorcycle Company
9107 Wilshore Blvd., #325
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: 888-656-2269
Fax: 415-668-8134
www.bamxusa.com |
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“The Diamo Scout 300 XLT is our newest release into the UTV market,” stated National Sales Manager Richard
Burmaster, who continued, “We will also be releasing our Adventure 550 XLT in the first quarter of 2008 to add to our UTV line.” The Scout 300 XLT features digital gauges, a manual dump bed, high and low gears, plus the reliability of the 300cc four stroke, liquid-cooled engine, described
Burmaster. “The Scout XLT offers a payload capacity of 400 lbs., a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs. and a sturdy steel and plastic bed, providing the pulling and hauling capabilities to handle most outdoor utility needs,” he told us, adding, “The Scout XLT gives riders all of the features and quality of a higher priced model for much less.” Burmaster said despite the demand from its dealers for a UTV model, Diamo felt it was important to wait and carefully evaluate several product opportunities before finalizing its UTV lineup. “Dealers and customers alike are no longer going to just throw their money towards a product just because of its name. They are expecting more bang for their buck and the Diamo Scout XLT certainly delivers,” he said, adding, “Sales of our Scout XLT have been stronger than even we anticipated. We expected a big response from our dealers and they proved us right.” Market data has shown the huge profits dealers can make by selling UTVs and accessories, noted
Burmaster. He concluded by saying, “Dealers should focus on up-selling their customers on accessories because it only enhances their experience with the product and benefits everyone.”
Diamo – LS Motorsports
10215 S. Sam Houston Pkwy. West, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77071
Phone: 281-690-5471
Fax: 281-277-6145
www.diamousa.com |
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"With aggressiveness and quality in mind Team Joyner has just released the most aggressive UTV in the industry today: the 1100cc Trooper 4X4. It has a very attractive body style that is unique and never seen before,” stated CEO/President John Burns Sr. The vehicle features a full body kit, trailing swing arm suspension, dual front A-arm suspension with over 12 inches of factory travel, described Burns, who added, “It is powered by a Cherry dual over head cam, with a 16 valve four cylinder engine with over 80 hp.” The 1100 Trooper is said to come equipped with five point harnesses and suspension seats, plus it has reportedly been tested on different terrains, including mud, water, rock and rivers in preparation for a military presentation. “Joyner will soon unveil their first military vehicle that will be shown to several foreign governments,” he told us. Joyner’s current line includes the 650cc Commando 4x4 two seat and 650cc Commando 4x4 four seat models. The company said it will soon release four additional vehicles, including the 800cc Renegade 4x4 two seat, 800cc Renegade 4x4 four seat, 1100cc Trooper 4x4 two seat and 1100cc Trooper 4x4 four seat models. “With Joyner, you can expect to see new vehicle releases coming out every three months,” he stated. Burns added, Joyner is the only company that has an approved side rail with an engine displacement over 1,000cc for sale in the United States, including California. “All eight Joyner models are EPA and CARB approved with certificates,” he said.
Team Joyner
1510 W. Bell De Mar Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85283
Phone: 866-441-6363
Fax: 480-813-6379
www.teamjoynerusa.com |
Consumers like choices and for those who might find little use in an ATV they could potentially find just what they need for work, or for play, in a
UTV. Staying up-to-date on the latest models and their specifications will help you sell these exciting vehicles to your customers. We hope this segment on the latest utility vehicles is useful and urge you to read up on the latest UTV accessories, elsewhere in this issue. |
