Arctic Cat Recalls Prowler 500 HDX Side-by-Sides

The 2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX is being recalled due to a fuel leak issue.

The 2014 and 2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX is being recalled due to a potential fuel leak issue.

Arctic Cat is recalling approximately 2,700 model year 2014 and 2015 Prowler 500 HDX side-by-sides due to an issue with the fuel fitting at the throttle body than can cause a fuel leak and create a fire hazard. Owners should stop using the vehicles and contact a local dealer for a free repair. For more information Arctic Cat can be contacted at (800) 279-6851 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.arcticcat.com and click on Customer Care, then Product Recall and List of Safety Bulletins for more information. The following information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details:  About 2,700 units

Description:  This recall involves model year 2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 500 HDX and model year 2015 Prowler 500 HDX models. The recalled vehicles include vehicle identification numbers (VIN) from 303194 through 305166. The VIN number is located on the rear frame tube under the rear of the box. The vehicles are green, red, vibrant red metallic, or emerald green metallic. “Arctic Cat” is printed on each side of the hood. Also 500 is printed on each side on the front fenders, HDX on each side of the rear cargo box, and “Arctic Cat” on the cargo box tail gate.

Hazard:  Fuel can leak from the fuel fitting at the throttle body, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries:  None reported.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Prowlers and contact an Arctic Cat dealer to schedule a free repair. Arctic Cat is contacting its customers directly.

Sold at:  Arctic Cat dealers nationwide from August 2013 to July 2015 for between about $11,000 and $12,400.

Manufactured in:  United States

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  While this isn’t a large sized recall in the context of the side-by-side industry, it isn’t helpful for Arctic Cat as the management is in the middle of turning around their ATV/ROV business. Most of their issues have happened on the ATV side of the business, and the Prowler 500 HDX has been a solid performer. What is also notable is that many of the recalls in the side-by-side industry involve potential fuel leaks and fire hazards.

Polaris Announces New Side-By-Side Models For 2016

The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS

The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS

Polaris has announced their model year 2016 line-up including a new turbocharged RZR, the RZR XP Turbo EPS. The RZR XP Turbo EPS is powered by a turbocharged Prostar engine that produces 144 hp. Additional key features of the vehicle include:

  • Fox Podium Internal Bypass Shocks
  • Lighter-weight progressive rate upper spring and stiffer main spring
  • New front swaybar and re-tuned rear swaybar
  • Bolstered seats
  • Tilt steering
  • Factory installed quarter doors
  • MSRP $24,999
The new 2016 Polaris RZR S 1000 EPS

The new 2016 Polaris RZR S 1000 EPS

An additional new model is the 60 inch wide RZR S 1000 EPS featuring a 100 hp Prostar engine, Dual A-Arm rear suspension, Fox 2.0 Podium X shocks, True All-Wheel Drive, bolstered seats and factory installed quarter doors. The MSRP is $17,999. The 2016 RZR line also includes some comfort and ergonomic improvements including:

  • New seat angle that brings the driver’s elbows closer to the body providing less arm fatigue and a more natural driving position for the RZR 1000 EPS, RZR 900 EPS, RZR S 900 EPS, RZR XC 900 EPS, RZR 4 900 EPS, RZR XP 1000 EPS, RZR XP Turbo EPS, RZR XP 4 1000 EPS and non-EPS vehicles.
  • Adjustable seatbelt sliders for the RZR XP 1000
The value priced 2016 Polaris Ranger 570 Full-Size

The value priced 2016 Polaris Ranger 570 Full-Size

The new 2016 Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Stealth Black for mud riding.

The new 2016 Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Stealth Black for mud riding.

In the Ranger lineup Polaris is adding the Ranger 570 Full-Size with a 60 inch three seat chassis, tubular ROPS, 44 hp Prostar 570 engine, 1,500 lb. towing capacity, 800 lb. cargo bed capacity and value targeted MSRP of $9,999. They are also adding a three-seat mud riding model, the Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Edition Stealth Black. This model features reduced gearing for more mud-specific torque with an added a heavy-duty reverse chain, high engine air and clutch intakes and outlet, arched lower A-Arms, 28 in/71.12 cm High Lifter Outlaw II tires and an improved drainage skid plate. The vehicle also features a Pro-Lock™ On-Demand All-Wheel Drive for quicker four-wheel drive engagement in the mud, electronic power stering, 4,500 lb. winch with integrated in-dash switches, specially designed front bumper to allow winch access, rear bumper, half doors and special graphics kit.

Another Ranger addition for 2016 is the pure electric Ranger EV Li-Ion Polaris Pursuit Camo. This model includes:

  • 48-volt Ac-induction motor
  • Battery management controller to more accurately represent battery life
  • Vehicle Control Module with new digital gauge and better accessory integration
  • On-vehicle diagnostics
  • MSRP $22,999

A Ranger 570 EPS Hunter Edition Polaris Pursuit Camo is new for model year 2016. This model includes Active Descent Control for more control in mountainous terrain, Pro-Lock On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, 3,500 lb. winch, and dual Lock & Ride Scabbards.

Other Ranger models will get a power boost in 2016 with the addition of high output Prostar engines for the Ranger Crew 900-5 and Ranger Crew 900-6 (68 hp) as well as the Ranger XP 570 and Ranger Crew 570-6 (46 hp). Other Enhancements to the Ranger line include an updated hood design with an aggressive new look for the Ranger XP 900 and Ranger XP 570 and Crew vehicles. For maximum power delivery to the ground, the Ranger XP 900 EPS and Crew 900 painted models are now equipped with Pro-Lock On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.

The 2016 Polaris Ace 900 SP adds power and high performance features.

The 2016 Polaris Ace 900 SP adds power and high performance features.

There is also a new Polaris ACE model for 2016, the ACE 900 SP, which features a 60 hp Prostar 900 engine with electronic fuel injection and electronic throttle control. Notable features include:

  • Front stabilizer bar
  • New dual rate springs in the independent rear suspension
  • 25 inch tires
  • Polaris’ High Performance Close Ratio On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
  • MSRP $11,499

Learn more:  UTVguide.net

Comment:  Polaris continues to add to their armada of vehicles. The turbocharged model is a response to Can Ams turbocharged offering. Their other new models demonstrate how they pursue market niches with very specific models such as those for hunting or mud riding. They also make a number of tweaks to the rest of their lineup, many of which focus on comfort or ergonomics. Combined, the niche marketing and tweaking, I believe demonstrate the level of customer research that they put into their product development. Many of these changes are quite specific which I don’t believe they would be making without customer research to justify them.

The new value priced Ranger is most likely a response to the increased competition in this segment of the market where promotions from established brands and offerings from companies like Kymco and CFMoto may be impacting sales. The new electric Ranger injects some of the Brammo acquired expertise in lithium ion technology into their side-by-side product line. It will be interesting to see how the vehicle sells with an MSRP that’s over $10,000 more than their lead-acid battery based EV Rangers. The pricing makes it a niche vehicle and its wise that it is essentially a high-end, electric hunting vehicle where the extra battery range can make a difference and possibly open up new markets, where electric hunting vehicles previously may have struggled to gain traction because of range issues. The new ACE model indicates a demand for and expansion into higher performance riding for the one-seater market.

Polaris Recalls Youth Side-By-Side Due To Fire Hazard

The Polaris Youth RZR 170 EFI in blue that is part of the recall.

The Polaris Youth RZR 170 EFI in blue that is part of the recall.

The Polaris Youth RZR 170 EFI in red that is part of the recall.

The Polaris Youth RZR 170 EFI in red that is part of the recall.

Polaris has issued a recall of approximately 4,300 2015 model year Youth RZR 170 EFI side-by-sides because an issue with the fuel pump poses a fire hazard. Consumers should stop using the vehicles and contact their local dealer for a free repair. Polaris can be contacted toll-free at (888) 704-5290, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.com and click on Product Safety Recalls for more information.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units:  About 4,300

Description:  This recall involves Model Year 2015 Polaris Youth RZR® 170 EFI recreational off-highway vehicles with model number R15YAV17AA/AF and VINs between RF3YAV170FT000076 and RF3YAV17XFT005141. To see the complete list, visit the firm’s website. The VIN is on the left-hand front frame tube. They were sold in both blue and red. The blue models have a “170 EFI” decal on the right and left side of the hood and an “RZR” decal on the right and left front fenders. The red models have a “170 EFI” decal on the right and left front fenders and a “RZR” decal on the right and left rear fenders.

Incidents/Injuries:  None reported

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Polaris RZR vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting its customers directly and sending a recall letter to each registered owner of an affected product.

Sold at:  Polaris dealers nationwide from October 2014 through June 2015 for about $4,600.

Distributor(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Manufactured in:  Taiwan

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Arctic Cat Reports Quarterly Earnings For Q1 FY2016

The 2015 Wildcat Sport XT, a recent addition to the Arctic Cat side-by-side lineup.

Models like the 2015 Wildcat Sport XT help make the side-by-side business a bright spot for Arctic Cat.

Last week Arctic Cat reported earnings for the first quarter of their 2016 fiscal year with the company losing $1.1 million on sales of $134 million. The following is a summary of the highlights from the earnings call with a focus on side-by-sides.

  • Sales of Wildcat recreational vehicles helped drive recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV) sales.
  • Sales of ATVs and ROV side-by-sides decreased 17% to $52.9 million from $63.8 million in the year ago quarter. Retail sales increased significantly but shipments to dealers decreased in order to substantially reduce dealer inventory.
  • Management believes side-by-side retail sales outpaced the industry in North America.
  • ATV sales were down as the management continued to reduce ATV dealer inventory. Inventory was reduced by approximately 4,000 units.
  • Plant investment in a new paint line and automated assembly started in the quarter
  • Management has set goals of improving and expanding the Arctic Cat dealer network, emphasizing end-user focused product development, making strategic acquisitions and partnerships and creating a brand marketing powerhouse.
  • Management estimates that ATV-ROV retail sales for the quarter were up high teens.
  • For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016, Arctic Cat estimates full-year net sales in the range of $690 million to $705 million with ATVs and side-by-side sales to rise 9% to 12%.

Learn more:  Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)

Comment:  The relatively new management team appears to be on plan in executing their turnaround of the ATV business while investing in initiatives for future growth.  The side-by-side business continues to be strong. How well they can continue to execute on dealer network relationships and expansion will be a key to continued success.

Polaris Reports Strong Quarterly Earnings For Q2 2015

Beauty shot of the new Sportsman ACE from Polaris.

The Sportsman ACE from helped drive Polaris ORV sales in the 2nd quarter.

Last week Polaris reported record 2nd quarter sales of $1.124 billion. While the company missed Wall Street expectations, they continued to experience growth across product categories including ORVs and small vehicles. The main problems for the quarter stemmed from very high demand for their motorcycles and issues with a new paint system exacerbated by the greater than expected demand. The following is a summary of  key points related to ORVs and small vehicles.

  • The new Huntsville plant is on budget and on time for a Q2 2016 start
  • ORV revenue (UTVs and ATVs) increased 2% in the quarter driven by strong RZR sales globally but offset by reduced shipments to dealers to lower inventory levels
  • Year to date ORV revenue is up 6%
  • Management reports gaining North American market share in side-by-sides and ATVs
  • Side-by-side retail sales increased high single digits which slightly outpaced the industry
  • Full-size Rangers and the ACE showed strength while there was some weakness in value and entry offerings
  • Sales promotion pressures were strong in the 2nd quarter
  • Management reports continued strong competition in the ORV market with ongoing product innovations from competing brands.
  • Global Adjacent markets decreased 3% in the 2nd quarter but are up 2% year-to-date and up high single digits in constant currency measurement
  • North American work and transportation revenue grew high teens percent driven by expansion and success in direct national account business and the Ariens partnership but there was weakness in the BRUTUS Channel caused by distribution, transition and erosion.
  • GEM revenue increased driven by double-digit retail growth
  • European work and transportation decreased high teens percent due primarily to currency weakness and some softness in the European quadricycle industry, which  is flat year-to-date.
  • Second quarter defense sales increased low single digits primarily due to timing of orders but the outlook remains strong with increasing DAGOR and RZR and international demand.
  • In international sales Latin America and Asia Pacific sales were strong while EMEA revenue suffered from currency issues and a weak Russian market.
  • Polaris launched their multi-purpose vehicle the Multix in India. The partnership with Eicher will start with 30 dealers and build to 200 by 2020.
  • Revenue guidance for the year is narrowed but essentially unchanged.

Learn more:  Seekingalpha.com (earnings call transcript)

Comment:  While the the UTV market may not be growing as fast as previous years, it is still showing signs of strong growth and is outpacing the economy in general. This is despite weaknesses in oil and agriculture driven markets. Competition continues to remain at a high level as exhibited by elevated promotion levels, numerous product introductions and continued product innovation.

Road Use Regulation Roundup – July 2015

The following is a summary of some of the road use regulations passed or being considered at the state, county and city levels since he beginning of 2015. Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • Many of the ordinances focus on allowing UTVs, ATVs and mini-trucks to be used on public roads.
  • There appears to be more regulatory activity with regards to golf cars than low speed vehicles.
  • In a continuing trend, while some people are still expressing safety concerns about these vehicles being used in mixed traffic situations, they seem to be in the minority and most regulatory bodies are passing ordinances in favor of allowing these vehicles on roads.

Ontario, Canada – The province of Ontario will now allow people to drive ATVs, UTVs and multi-purpose off-highway utility vehicles on the shoulder of public roads. All riders and passengers will have to wear a helmet and seatbelt. The law reflects the growing use of the vehicles.

Indiana – The Indiana legislature passed a bill that will allow the use of mini-trucks on state roads and highways. The vehicle must be titled and registered with a ‘mini-truck’ plate.The bill also defines a mini-truck dealer as a person who sells more than 12 vehicles and requires the person to register with the state. A mini-truck is defined as having an ICE of not less than 660cc, a top speed of 60 mph or less, a locking enclosed cab and heated interior. The bill is mainly targeting farmers and hunters.

Alabama – A bill being proposed in the Alabama state legislature would allow cities to decide whether golf cars could be used on certain roads and to post signage declaring their use. It would require drivers to have a license and insurance and the golf cars to have seat belts, headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield. The legislation is meant to clear up any confusion related to some cities allowing golf cars on their streets, while others do not.

Chatham County, GA – Police ticketing drivers for using golf cars on public roads use is causing Chatham County officials to consider allowing golf car use on county roads. In general the state of Georgia does not allow golf cars to be allowed on public roads unless a municipality passes a specific ordinance allowing their use. Residents of the Isle of Hope, an island, are a driving force behind the review. With smaller and lower speed roads and less traffic, golf cars have become integrated to some degree into the island’s lifestyle and residents want to be able to use the vehicles without being ticketed.

Swift County, MN – A new ordinance passed by the Swift County board of commissioners allows the use of UTVs, ATVs and golf cars on county roads. The law only applies to county roads, not state or federal highways, city streets, or township roads unless those jurisdictions have also passed laws allowing their use.

Clay County, IA – The Clay County Board of Supervisors is developing an ordinance that would allow the use of UTVs and ATVs on county highways. Public hearings and more fact finding from neighboring counties will be carried out before a final ordinance is proposed.

Nashville, TN – The city council approved regulations governing the use of low-speed vehicles for taxi services. The regulations give the Metro Transportation Licensing Commission authority to determine how many low-speed vehicle certificates are issued in Metro and to whom. The vehicles must also undergo inspections, will be limited to seven passengers and travel no more than 25 mph.

Schuyler City, NE – The city council is considering an ordinance that would require of owners of UTVs or ATVs to purchase licenses at a cost of $75 annually. The intent of the law is to make sure that those who regularly drive the vehicles on city streets get licenses.

Wilmington, NC – A bill moving through the state legislature will allow public safety officials to operate utility vehicles on Wilmington public streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. The legislation is mainly targeting the fire department and police department that currently use utility vehicles for events and emergency response. In some cases the UTVs must first be transported to where they are being used.

Montpelier, VT – The village council is considering an ordinance to allow LSVs to operate on the town’s public roads.

Marion, KS – The city council approved regulations that would allow ATVs, UTVs, golf cars and mini-trucks to be used on city streets. The vehicles will have to be register them with the local police department at a cost of $45 for one year or $75 for two years.

New Braunfels, TX – A public hearing was recently held for input into developing an ordinance that would allow golf cars and LSVs to be used on city streets.

 

 

What’s Cooking on the STOV: LSV Car Sharing Program

Highlighting some of the many applications for small, task-oriented vehicles

Mike Lolley of SUMO which has started an LSV based car-sharing program.  Photo Credit:  Michael Woods, NWA Democrat-Gazzette

Mike Lolley of SUMO which has started an LSV based car-sharing program. Photo Credit: Michael Woods, NWA Democrat-Gazzette

Fayetteville, AK entrepreneurs with a green bent has started a low-speed vehicle based car sharing program. Mike Lolley and Robert Munger of Sustainable Urban Mobility (SUMO) recently started the business after two years of development. Currently 25 people have signed up to share SUMO’s fleet of fourteen vehicles which operate within a radius of five miles of downtown. The LSVs are reserved via text message and can be picked up at one of six locations. Lolley points to saving money and the environment as the two main reasons customers are interested in the service. The city managers see the service as increasing mobility options for residents as well and may make arrangements for SUMO to use certain public parking spaces as pick-up/drop-off locations. A typical parking space can fit three LSVs. An interesting aspect of the program is that there are no keys or fobs since the cars are started by a text message sent to the system. Rates start at $1.50 for a five minute ride and Paypal is the payment system. There is a $20 application fee.  Learn more:  NWAonline.com

 

Comment:  This could be the start of a potentially large market for LSVs and a way for potential buyers to get exposed to LSVs. While there has certainly been an increasing number of LSV based taxi services and rental companies that have popped up around the country, they tend to cater to summer visitors or tourists. This type of car sharing program will attract long-term residents and therefore greatly expands the potential geographical market for LSVs beyond the typical summer vacation communities. Such programs may also provide an opportunity for Google to do some real-life testing of their self-driving LSVs.

John Deere Updates Gator RSX Line

The new RSX860i from John Deere replaces the RSX850i.

The new RSX860i from John Deere replaces the RSX850i.

The RSX860i is also available in Realtree Hardwoods HD Camouflage.

The RSX860i is also available in Realtree Hardwoods HD Camouflage.

John Deere announced the new model year 2016 RSX860i which replaces the RSX850i. The new RSX860i features a number of improvements including:

  • Increased top speed of 60 mph by increasing the maximum engine rpm to 7750 from 7250.
  • Optional Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) which adjusts steering effort based on vehicle speed and has an anti-kickback feature which reduces the amount of unwinding steering.
  • EPAS equipped vehicles are winch-ready with pre-installed wiring harness, negative battery cable and disconnect wiring harness.
  • Backlit toggle switches for dawn/dusk vehicle use.
  • Spiral bevel differential design to reduce vibration and noise.
  • 12-month or 1,000 hour factory warranty

Pricing starts at $12,299. The RSX860i will be available at dealers in mid-July in traditional John Deere green and yellow or Realtree Hardwoods HD Camouflage.  Learn more:  Johndeere.com

Comment:  It’s somewhat surprising that there weren’t more changes to the Gator product lines announced. Even with the new model, the RSX line does not include a four-person vehicle. Given Deere’s significant position in the market and the rate at which competitors are introducing new vehicles, I expected to see more significant model changes and/or new model introductions. Perhaps we will see some more from Deere in the second half of the year.

E-Z-GO Recalls Gas-Powered Golf, Shuttle and Utility Vehicles

E-Z-GO has recalled approximately 8,000 vehicles covering a number of gas-powered golf cars, shuttle and utility vehicle models under the E-Z-GO and Cushman brands. The recall involves E-Z-GO gas-powered TXT Fleet golf cars, E-Z-GO Freedom TXT, TXT2+2 and Valor golf cars, E-Z-GO Express, E-Z-GO Terrain and Cushman Shuttle vehicles with bench seats for the driver and passengers. The vehicle gas tanks can potentially leak and pose a fire hazard. Some of the models involved in the recall are pictured below:

E-Z-GO Terrain

E-Z-GO Terrain

Cushman Shuttle

Cushman Shuttle

E-Z-GO TXT

E-Z-GO TXT

The following are the details from the Consumer Safety Product Commission.

Recall Summary

Name of product:  Golf cars, shuttles and off-road utility vehicles

Hazard:  The gas tank can leak, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy:  Repair

Consumer Contact:  E-Z-GO toll-free at (844) 725-7212 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.ezgo.com or www.cushman.com and click on Recall Information at the bottom of the page for more information.

Units:  About 8,200

Description

This recall involves E-Z-GO gas-powered TXT Fleet golf cars, E-Z-GO Freedom TXT, TXT2+2 and Valor golf cars, E-Z-GO Express, E-Z-GO Terrain and Cushman Shuttle vehicles with bench seats for the driver and passengers. The E-Z-GO Terrain and the Cushman Shuttle have a cargo bed on the back. The recalled vehicles have date codes ranging from G2015 through L0515. E-Z-GO or Cushman and the model name are printed on the side and front panels of the vehicles. Date codes are printed on a plate or label inside the cab below the driver’s seat. The first letter of the date code identifies the month of production in sequence, with G corresponding to January and L to May. There is no letter I. The first two numbers in the date code identify the two-digit day of production and the final two numbers identify the two-digit year of production.

Incidents/Injuries:  None reported

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact E-Z-GO or an authorized dealer for a free repair. E-Z-GO and E-Z-GO dealers are contacting known owners.

Sold at:  E-Z-GO and Cushman dealers nationwide from January 2015 through May 2015 for between $5,300 and $12,100.

Manufacturer(s):  E-Z-GO, a division of Textron Inc. and Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., of Augusta, Ga.

Manufactured in:  United States

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  This is a larger recall than most. While a recall of two to four thousand vehicles is typical, this one is over eight thousand. Luckily there have been no reported incidents or injuries to date. Not sure how much a repair costs, but anything over $100 per vehicle and this could cost E-Z-GO close to $1 million or more.

Yamaha Recalls Golf Cars and Personal Transportation Vehicles

 

The Drive PTV from Yamaha is involved in the recall.

The Drive PTV from Yamaha is involved in the recall.

The Adventurer One is another Yamaha model involved in the recall.

The Adventurer One is another Yamaha model involved in the recall.

Yamaha has recalled five 2015 and one 2016 model-year golf cars and Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTVs) because of potential cracking of the front wheel hubs, which can cause the front wheels to detach. The recall involves approximately 2,000 vehicles. To date no injuries or incidents have been reported. The following details are from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units:  About 2,000

Description

This recall involves five 2015 and one 2016 model-year golf cars and PTVs. Recalled models include 2015 “The DRIVE PTV”, “The DRIVE EFI”, “Adventurer One”, “The DRIVE”, “The DRIVE Electric” and 2016 “The DRIVE A.C.” The Yamaha logo is printed on the front of the vehicle. The vehicles were sold in various colors including blue, green, red, white, tan and silver. The serial number can be found on a label under the driver’s seat on the left or right side.
Model Names Model Numbers Serial Numbers
The DRIVE PTV YDRAX5 PTV JC0-606306 through 606698
The DRIVE EFI YDRAX5F JC2-209964 through 210300
Adventurer One YTF1AX5F JW6-700581 through 700600
The DRIVE YDRAX5 JW8-513800 through 514310
The DRIVE Electric YDREX6 AC JW9-515401 through 516300

2016 Model
The DRIVE A.C. YDREX6 AC JC3-001701 through 001900

Incidents/Injuries:  None reported

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled Golf Cars and PTVs and contact their local Yamaha Golf Car dealer to schedule a free repair.

Sold at:  Yamaha Golf Car dealers nationwide from April 2015 through June 2015 for between $5,900 and $7,500. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.

Distributor(s):  Yamaha Golf Car Company, of Newnan, Ga.

Manufactured in: United States

Comment:  While this is not a particularly large recall the hazard of the wheels potentially detaching is more serious than in many recalls. Given that the vehicles involved were sold only starting in April of this year and no incidents have been reported, Yamaha seems to have identified the problem pretty quickly.