Powersports Business July 2026 | ATV/UTV

Marine Corps awards Polaris $98M for lightweight UTV production 

The United States Marine Corps has awarded Polaris and its government and defense division a five-year, $98 million contract to continue production and delivery of the MRZR Alpha ultra-light tactical vehicle, Polaris’ most advanced light tactical UTV. 

Designed for enhanced payload capacity, tactical air transport, and off-road performance, the MRZR enables rapid unit deployment and maneuverability across difficult terrain while reducing logistical demand. 

The new contract also includes the MRZR Alpha 5kW exportable-power variant, along with funding for continued support from Polaris engineering and logistics teams. The availability of 5kW of exportable power at 24 volts does not compromise the vehicle’s original purpose, maintaining the capability to haul two liters and other mission-critical supplies. 

Used for providing critical off-road mobility for infantry, reconnaissance, and logistics units, the Marines currently have a fleet of more than 500 MRZR Alpha ULTVs. 

“The ULTV is a highly capable and configurable platform that enhances Marine Corps readiness across the board … And we’ve worked closely with the engineering team at Polaris to expand on its capabilities even further.” — Jennifer Moore, program manager and program acquisition executive, Marines Corps. 

Engineered for rapid deployment, the MRZR Alpha ULTV is an internally transportable vehicle, capable of being carried inside MV-22 and CH-53 helicopters. This versatile allows Marine units to maintain high mobility in contested or anti-access environments. 

Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, the United States military’s rising demand for off-road vehicles made Polaris the first powersports manufacturer to produce militarized vehicles for the U.S. special forces and the U.S. Army. Eventually, this led to the founding of Polaris Government and Defense in 2005.    

Polaris celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with custom Ranger giveaway

In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, Polaris announced the release of an exclusive, limited-edition 1776 custom Ranger Crew XD 1500 NorthStar, and is inviting consumers to nominate an American hero for a chance to win one of the 1776 custom Rangers and an all-expenses-paid trip to Nashville with one guest to accept the prize. 

To enter for a chance to win, powersports enthusiasts can nominate anyone who exemplifies the resilience and determination of the American spirit, with submissions accepted through July 6. With fewer than 100 1776 Ranger Crew XD 1500 NorthStar produced, Polaris says the vehicle pays homage to the hardworking Americans whose contributions continue to shape our country. 

The 1776 model features a custom graphics package paired with factory-engineered accessories including 4200 JBL audio, 50-inch light bar, rear winch and more. The graphics design features exclusive badging, a stealth American theme incorporating subtle stars and stripes, along with refined details such as a rear panel eagle with a “250th Anniversary” callout and a front hood eagle graphic.  

For additional details on the giveaway, visit polaris.com.  


Segway pushes limits of off-road performance with new Super Villain 

Segway Powersports is stepping inside the ring of high-performance sport side-by-sides with the all-new Segway Super Villain SX20T. 

Powered by a 2.0T GDi four-stroke DOHC inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the Super Villain is engineered to push the limits of off-road performance and capability, and Segway says it looks to redefine rider expectations from a high-performance off-road vehicle. 

A rigid chassis, advanced drivetrain, and long-travel suspension help turn raw performance into smooth, controlled momentum across challenging terrain. Inside the cockpit, the technology and refined comfort features ensure riders can experience high-performance off-road adventure. 

“This vehicle represents a major milestone for the brand, and we’re proud to finally begin delivering units to our dealer network so customers can experience the Super Villain firsthand,” says JJ Pecsok, national sales director, Segway Powersports. 

The Super Villain features the Smart Moving App and a 10.4-inch smart touchscreen that delivers an intuitive, connected driving experience. This advanced interface lets you access AirLock functionality, real-time vehicle data, safety alerts, and personalized driver settings. 

“An incredible amount of time and energy has gone into refining this product—testing its limits, proving its performance in real-world desert racing, and building the visibility around it through compelling content and storytelling,” says Gabriel Cruz, marketing director, Segway Powersports. 

Segway Super Villain SX20T retails for $33,999.99 and is available in White/Red and Black/Black colorways through authorized Segway Powersports dealers in the U.S.   


Yamaha Motorsports earns 3 Hermes Creative Awards for website, digital tools

Yamaha Motorsports has earned three Hermes Creative Awards, including two Platinum honors, recognizing the company’s consumer website and interactive digital shopping tools. The awards were presented as part of the 2026 Hermes Creative Awards international competition, which honors excellence in marketing, communications, design and emerging media. 

Yamaha Motor received:  

“The Yamaha marketing department is excited to receive three of the highest Hermes Creative Awards for their hard work and creativity, but the real reward comes from knowing we’ve set the standard in powersports and provided a compelling, engaging, and attractive experience for current and future Yamaha customers,” says Steve Nessl, motorsports marketing director for Yamaha. 

According to Yamaha, the redesigned consumer website was developed internally by the company’s marketing team with a focus on a mobile-first experience, interactive features and integrated dealership tools. 

The company said the website includes a live inventory marketplace that allows consumers to research models, search local dealer inventory and reserve units online. 

Yamaha also highlighted its 3D Product Configurator, which enables customers to view units in multiple color options and build accessory packages using real-time rendering technology. The system includes smart-fitment functionality designed to ensure accessory compatibility and sends completed build packages directly to local dealerships.    


Massimo Group launches AI security platform initiative; confirms U.S. DOD, Army purchase orders 

Massimo Group is officially launching its artificial intelligence patrol platform initiative, just the latest step in the company’s expansion into AI-powered security infrastructure, autonomous patrol systems, and intelligent robotics applications. 

Massimo’s AI intelligent patrol platform is being developed by leveraging its existing electric cart and utility vehicle platforms and upgrading them into AI-enabled autonomous patrol vehicles. By combining these upgraded unmanned patrol vehicles with spherical security robots and drone coordination systems, Massimo aims to create an integrated ground-mobile-air patrol ecosystem capable of supporting continuous security monitoring, intelligent route patrol, abnormal event detection, and coordinated response across large-area environments. 

The manufacturer believes its platform is positioned to address a large and growing security market across several settings, including residential communities, industrial facilities, parks, school campuses, and commercial properties. 


The AI initiative includes 

The announcement follows the execution of a strategic supplemental cooperation agreement between Massimo and Shenzhen Zikongjian Robot Co., Ltd. focused on the joint development of next-generation intelligent spherical patrol robots and related autonomous security technologies. 

According to the cooperation framework, the parties plan to jointly develop intelligent robotic security products featuring autonomous navigation, environmental sensing, AI-powered behavioral analysis, real-time abnormal event recognition, cloud-connected command systems, and coordinated multidevice response capabilities. The future platform is also expected to integrate unmanned patrol vehicles and drone systems to create a scalable AI-driven intelligent patrol ecosystem. 

The company further confirmed that development work on prototype autonomous patrol vehicles has officially commenced, including AI-enabled driverless patrol electric vehicle systems designed for continuous operation in commercial and community security environments. 

Massimo seems to be all-in on AI. Most recently, the company signed a letter of intent to acquire AI-tech firm FST and, last October, it deployed Claude AI to strengthen dealer and customer support. 

Defense purchase orders 

Massimo also made headlines in June after confirming purchase orders from the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Army, further strengthening the OEM’s expanding government and military fleet business. 

The orders are expected to support facility operations, maintenance, logistics movement, and day-to-day fleet activities. Massimo also expects additional military-related vehicle purchases from existing inventory once requested units become available in July. 

Massimo’s Fleet Department continues to expand across the public sector and commercial fleet markets. The company’s broad vehicle portfolio allows it to address a range of customer needs, from value-UTVs to premium models designed for more demanding operational applications. 

Massimo says its expanding fleet activity, including HVAC-equipped UTVs in both gas and electric configurations, represents its long-term growth strategy. As the company continues to build relationships with government, military, municipal, and institutional buyers, Massimo expects to pursue additional public and commercial opportunities.