CFMOTO USA is bringing its off-road prowess to the gridiron after the OEM announced it has been named the official side-by-side and ATV partner of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.
CFMOTO says it’s using this opportunity to partner with the Vikings and the NFL to gain product exposure to a large audience outside its core customer base.
“We’re taking a thoughtful, long-term approach to building the CFMOTO USA brand. That means reaching potential customers across a variety of lifestyle activities and venues, not just within traditional powersports channels,” says CFMOTO USA director of marketing John Tranby. “The Minnesota Vikings partnership allows us to build that connection here in our home market while aligning CFMOTO with one of Minnesota’s most recognizable and passionate sports organizations.”
Throughout the partnership, CFMOTO will maintain a significant presence inside U.S. Bank Stadium, including branded fan experiences, digital signage, and other activations throughout the season. Vikings fans can also expect opportunities to experience CFMOTO products through special promotions, events, and additional activations announced throughout the year.
“We’re proud to partner with CFMOTO, a company that shares our values and strong ties to the Minnesota community,” says Vikings chief operating officer Andrew Miller.
With its U.S. operations headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, CFMOTO USA is becoming more visable in its backyard, as well as expanding its presence across the country with nearly 800 dealers nationwide. The partnership represents another milestone in the company’s long-term investment in growing the brand.
Massimo will showcase its latest UTV, the Warrior 1500, at two major upcoming trade shows — Equip Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, and the recently expanded SEMA show in Las Vegas.
Massimo says the Warrior 1500 represents the company’s expansion into the higher-displacement UTV category and is built around a new 1,499cc inline four-cylinder platform designed to support increased power, capability, and versatility across a broader range of applications.
Beyond the launch of a single model, Massimo is developing the 1,499cc platform as a scalable product architecture that the company believes can support multiple future vehicles across recreational, commercial, fleet and government markets.
Massimo also says it plans to publicly unveil the Warrior 1500 at this year’s Equip Exposition, running Oct. 20-23 in Louisville, as well as at the SEMA Show, Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas.
“The Warrior 1500 is more than an important new model for Massimo; we also believe that it represents a milestone in the development of a broader product and engineering platform,” says Massimo CEO Quenton Petersen.
“Our goal is to build scalable vehicle architectures that allow us to serve more customers, enter additional markets, and bring new products to market more efficiently.”
Massimo is also advancing development of its upcoming Sentinel 1500 HVAC Crew UTV, which is expected to utilize the its 1,499cc platform while targeting customers seeking higher power combined with enclosed-cab comfort, heating and air conditioning.
Research shows customers are gravitating to utility SxS vehicles featuring cabs, HVAC, comfort and versatility, while the sport segment remains under pressure. Massimo believes the combination of higher displacement, durability and platform flexibility can create additional opportunities across its dealer network and other sales channels.
Kubota is bringing precision‑guidance technology to a broader range of equipment, including its RTV utility vehicles, with the launch of WorkSmart Autosteer.
Announced Sept. 2, the manufacturer‑matched system is designed to provide an autopilot‑like function that holds a machine on a defined path while the operator remains in control. The technology, previously available primarily on larger agricultural equipment, is now being offered for select Kubota compact and utility tractors, mowers and RTVs.
For powersports and outdoor equipment dealers, the RTV compatibility expands the potential application of automated guidance technology beyond traditional agricultural machinery.
WorkSmart Autosteer is designed to assist with applications including mowing, road grading, spraying and spreading, orchard and vineyard work, hay operations, tillage and cultivation, seeding and planting.
Kubota says the system differs from many third‑party precision‑guidance products because it is engineered for the specific Kubota model on which it is installed. That allows the company’s dealers to handle installation, service, training and warranty support through a single dealership.
The system is offered with two levels of accuracy. The SBAS (WAAS) version provides 6- to 8‑inch repeatable pass‑to‑pass accuracy without a subscription. A PPP option provides accuracy down to 1 inch and requires a $1,250 annual subscription.
The system is offered with two levels of accuracy. The SBAS (WAAS) version provides 6- to 8‑inch repeatable pass‑to‑pass accuracy without a subscription. A PPP option provides accuracy down to 1 inch and requires a $1,250 annual subscription.
“WorkSmart Autosteer isn’t about removing the operator from the decision; it’s about helping to remove fatigue and error from the equation,” says Austin Hawkins, senior manager, technology sales and marketing, Kubota North America. “At your command, the machine holds the line, so you stay sharp, cover more ground and still get home with something left for the people who matter most.”
Kubota says the system can reduce overlapping passes and improve repeatability, potentially reducing wasted time and materials during operations such as mowing, spraying, spreading and grading.
The WorkSmart Autosteer system can be installed by an authorized Kubota dealer in approximately two hours, according to the company. Dealers also provide operator training, while the accompanying WorkSmart Autosteer app for iOS and Android devices offers tutorials, calibration guides, and operational videos.
The system is compatible with select new and used Kubota equipment and carries a starting MSRP of $6,000, excluding installation, taxes and subscriptions.