Polaris to Acquire Chrysler's GEM (Global Electric Motorcars) Subsidiary

MINNEAPOLIS - April 26, 2011: Polaris Industries Inc. announced yesterday an agreement to acquire Global Electric Motorcars LLC (GEM), a wholly owned Fargo, N.D. based subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC and manufacturer of premium electric-powered vehicles. GEM is the recognized leader within the low-speed vehicle market, with a well-respected brand and approximately $30 million in sales during the 2010 calendar year. Since the company was established in 1998, they have placed more than 45,000 electric-powered vehicles on the road worldwide. GEM has developed business-to-business sales expertise within the fleet and government vehicle markets, and has created a competitive advantage with core competencies in make-to-order vehicle fulfillment and mobile service support.

“We are excited about the outlook for growth within this market space, and are looking forward to developing even stronger growth prospects for the GEM business.”

"GEM provides Polaris with an established position in the low-emission small vehicle market and supports Polaris' strategy of penetrating on-road market segments poised for growth," said Scott Wine, Polaris chief executive officer. "We are excited about the outlook for growth within this market space, and are looking forward to developing even stronger growth prospects for the GEM business."

"Our vision is to accelerate profitable sales growth for GEM, by combining Polarisā€™ strength in new product innovation with the most-recognized brand in the low speed vehicle market space," said Mike Jonikas, vice president of the On-Road Vehicle Division. "These new product efforts for GEM will be supported by an expanded distribution presence within select domestic and international markets."

The agreement to acquire GEM will officially close within the next 60 days once Polaris secures the required state sales certifications to sell GEM products. During this interim period, since Polaris will not yet have officially acquired GEM, operations will proceed as usual and Polaris will continue to learn and understand the GEM business through information exchange. Following this interim period, Polaris will be in a position to outline specific plans for the GEM business.

About Polaris
With annual 2010 sales of $1.991 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER Side X Side vehicles, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use and has recently introduced a new on-road electric powered neighborhood vehicle.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are making in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.