utvs
The Kawasaki Mule is easily customizable for work in field maintenance , building security , or on the jobsite .
two- , three- , four- , or six-passenger configurations , including dieselpowered models .
Can-Am tends to set its design sights on trail-riding performance , but the company ’ s Defender UTVs have a work-ready side . The Defender 6x6 UTV is a sixwheel drive machine that can tackle nearly any terrain and carry a large load too .
Honda has a reputation for making vehicles high on creature comfort and intuitive user experience . Its Pioneer UTVs , for example , feature a dual-clutch transmission that offers both automatic operation and pushbutton manual shifting . With no belt , this transmission gives the UTV engine-compression braking that a more common belt-drive UTV can ’ t match .
Value Options While many UTVs sell for $ 25,000 or more , there are options for half that , and a few with MSRPs under $ 10K . CFMoto , a manufacturer based in China with a growing list of vehicles for sale in the U . S ., offers its U-Force utility vehicle for around $ 10,500 . And the familiar Cub Cadet brand , whose UTVs are made in China by HiSun Motors , sells its Challenger 500 UTV for just under $ 12K .
The UTV category , especially models in the lower-price range , has attracted retailers like Lowe ’ s . With your ability to deliver premium service and more expert vehicle advice ,
you can provide a better customer experience than a warehouse store .
Accessories and Upgrades What makes UTVs so useful for owners , and so profitable for retailers , is the ever-expanding accessory market – and that ’ s another advantage you have over a big-box store . Like in the growing attachment market for the small-tractor category , UTV add-ons and accessories help owners personalize vehicles and maximize their use for work or play .
While recreational UTV owners love aftermarket tires and wheels , utility users can find aftermarket cabs , plows , winches , storage options , lighting upgrades , and more . Back to our survey data , we found that 47 percent of ATV and UTV shoppers are interested in customizing their vehicles . The top accessories of interest are tires ( 40 percent of buyers ), lights ( 32 percent ), and engine upgrades ( 18 percent ). While that last category might seem focused on sport or trail riding performance , engine upgrades go beyond just horsepower . Hunters might want to “ upgrade ” to a quieter exhaust system . Users with big loads to carry might alter engine-power curves to deliver more torque . Either way , sport or utility , it ’ s an ability for you to provide a better ownership experience to a customer .
The UTV market deserves a close look . While the sport and trail-riding side gets more publicity and promotion , the business opportunity lies in the utility portion . And it ’ s worth the work .
www . OPEBusiness . com March 2023 OPE Business 25