Polaris Gives Snowmobile Dealers Reasons for Optimism; Polaris is the Number One Snowmobile Manufacturer in the World for 12th Straight Year
DALLAS--March 25, 2002--This month, Polaris Industries proved that everything is bigger in Texas. The world's largest snowmobile manufacturer hosted its annual convention in Dallas for approximately 1,000 North American Polaris snowmobile dealers.Despite marginal snow conditions throughout much of the country this winter, Polaris continues to lead the snowmobile market with the industry's most reliable, highest quality product line as the company continues its quest to build a dominant brand among recreational and utility product manufacturers.
"Polaris has remained on track, recording its 13th year of record growth, even through a compromised economy," said Tom Tiller, President and CEO of Polaris. "Polaris continues to run on all cylinders, and our dealer network has really helped sustain the business and keep it stable."
Snowmobile Sales Stable
The dealer meeting followed another year of growth for Polaris' snowmobile division despite marginal snow conditions throughout the Snow Belt. In the face of this unusually warm winter, Polaris maintained its status as the snowmobile market-share leader for the 12th year in a row. The Polaris Indy 600 XC SPs were the best selling snowmobile in the world in 2001, and the Polaris Indy 120 XC SP was the best selling youth snowmobile. In 2001, snowmobiles made up 25 percent of the company's overall sales, up three percent from 2000.
2003 Model Unveilings
Quality and reliability continue to be the key factors in the success of the Polaris snowmobile line, but innovation plays an increasingly important role in this competitive market. The company invests millions of dollars in snowmobile new product development annually, and the results of that investment pay off each year with more advanced ride-improving technology than the previous year. The 2003 line of Polaris sleds is no exception. Thirty-five 2003 models, many with new ride-enhancing technology, made their debut in Dallas. The list includes two new Indy Frontier models, four-stroke, environmentally friendly sleds that will be sold to consumers for the first time this season. The Indy Frontier exceeds EPA standards currently proposed for 2010. It has a lower center of gravity, which enhances stability and control on the trail, and provides precise handling and a smooth ride.
Snow Check(TM) Select
The launch of Polaris' Snow Check(TM) Select program last season proved to be successful with dealers and popular with consumers as well. Snow Check(TM) Select is a snowmobile customization program, which allows consumers to select engines, suspensions, graphics and factory installed accessories to order their sled to their specifications. Snowmobile enthusiasts can design the snowmobile of their dreams online at www.polarisindustries.com, print off the specifications, and take it to a local Polaris dealer. An expanded Snow Check(TM) Select program for 2003 models has returned this month and includes more snowmobile models, more options, and more sales incentives for dealers and consumers.
"The success of Snow Check(TM) Select last season was phenomenal," said Bob Nygaard, General Manager, Polaris Snowmobile Division. "It was successful in engaging our customers and giving them a voice in the production of their own snowmobiles. It's an innovative way to manage product inventory for dealers, and best of all, it ensures exact factory orders, so we know our customers will be satisfied."
Snowmobile models and custom options included in the Snow Check(TM) Select program this spring include:
Performance Models
The industry-leading Indy 500, 600, 700 and 800 XC SP performance snowmobiles will remain part of the Snow Check(TM) Select program. Options available to customers on any of these models include:
| -- | Fast(R) M-10 or Fast(R) M-10 ACE rear suspension. ACE is a handlebar-mounted control which electronically adjusts the rear suspension |
| -- | X-packages which feature special Black Metallic, Indy Red or Sonic Blue graphics plus wide running boards |
| -- | Deep lug inch and a quarter track - available on models with an M-10 suspension |
| -- | Electric start and manual reverse |
| -- | Adjustable rear shock. |
Rocky Mountain King Models
The line of Indy 700 and 800 RMKs also will be available through Snow Check(TM) Select this year, and also feature a range of options new for 2003.
| -- | The Vertical Edge package includes limited edition graphics, two color options and four race proven aluminum gas shocks. |
| -- | Electric start and manual reverse - now available on Indy 700 and 800 RMKs |
| -- | 159-inch track option - available on the Indy 800 Vertical Edge, is the industry's longest track |
| -- | The Indy 800 Vertical Escape - a sled available only through Snow Check(TM) Select comes straight from the factory with limited edition graphics, premium gas shocks, electric reverse and special lightweight components resulting in about a 25 pound weight savings. |
Indy SuperSport Models
Traditionally a strong in-season seller, customized SuperSports are a new addition to Snow Check(TM) Select. Options on the SuperSport include:
| -- | Black Metallic X, Sonic Blue X and Indy Red X color graphics - available on SuperSports, complete with wider running boards |
| -- | Fast(R) M-10 rear suspension with gas shocks - an option to replace the standard EDGE on SuperSport models |
| -- | Fox Clicker rear track shock - available for customers who opt for the EDGE suspension |
| -- | Electric start and reverse |
Other Available Models - In addition to the custom options on XC SP, RMK and SuperSport models, Snow Check(TM) Select also features the new four-stroke Indy Frontiers; Indy 600, 700 and 800 liquid Pro X models designed for the snocross style rider; Indy 700 and 800 SKS for on and off-trail riding and most of the stylish new Touring models. Snow Check(TM) Select customers will also receive a $200 factory-direct rebate and a free second year engine service contract.
Polaris Sneak Previews
Snowmobile sneak previews began earlier month across North America, giving consumers a chance to preview and pre-order sleds from the 2003 line. Way Out Women (WOW), a Polaris program designed to encourage more women to join the sport, will have booths at all sneak preview events.
About Polaris
Information about the complete line of Polaris products is available from authorized Polaris dealers or from the Polaris home page at www.polarisindustries.com.
Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, Victory motorcycles, and the Polaris RANGER for recreational and utility use. Polaris is the largest snowmobile manufacturer in the world, and one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of ATVs and personal watercraft. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris(TM) apparel, accessories, and parts available at Polaris dealerships. Consumers can also purchase apparel and accessories around the clock online at www.purepolaris.com. The Polaris Professional Series, a line of heavy duty Workmobiles(TM) targeted at lawn and landscape companies, equipment rental companies and construction operations, marks Polaris' expansion into the commercial equipment marketplace.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange and Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol "PII," and the company is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 stock price index.
