The Bombardier Traxter Named ATV of the Year
9 April 1999
The Bombardier Traxter Named ATV of the Year
VALCOURT, Quebec--April 8, 1999--BOMBARDIER (ME:BBD.A.) (TSE:BBD.A.) (ME:BBD.B.) (TSE:BBD.B.) Bombardier Recreational Products is proud to announce that last March 25, its Traxter(TM) model all terrain vehicle was voted ATV of the year by ATV Magazine. This award comes only a few weeks after its first model, the Traxter(TM), became available on the market."We greatly appreciate the honor bestowed upon us by ATV Magazine, for it certainly gives a strong endorsement to the new member of the Bombardier Recreational Products family," said Mr. Alain Brunelle, ATV Vice-President and General Manager, during the annual banquet of the Ehlert Publishing Group, Editor of ATV Magazine.
"In the early stage of the project, more than three years ago, we lent an ear to ATV owners and users telling us how important their ATV had become. We also listened to ATV drivers whose needs and expectations evolved and who are looking at new ways to use and benefit from their ATV. This listening process was the key element behind the Traxter project. The Traxter results from the hard work and pioneer spirit of the ever growing Bombardier ATV team," to add Mr. Brunelle during his speech in California.
"For each and everyone of us at Bombardier, the Traxter model is more than our most recent product -- it takes us into a new field of activity. All-terrain vehicles certainly have a great deal to offer to everyone. Each market is competitive, but the special nature and the history of the ATV industry show just how important it is to assume responsibility within this market. We hope to spark a new interest and introduce new possibilities and values," to conclude the ATV Vice-President and General Manager.
The award granted by ATV Magazine came a few days before we began assembling a new series of Traxter(TM) all-terrain vehicles. Since last Monday, March 29, until the end of April, some 140 employees have been directly involved with to the production of a number of vehicles five times greater than that of the November and December 1998 production.
Mr. Brunelle added: "We are planning to begin production of the Traxter 2000 model at the end of June. Other vehicles will also be assembled in the fall of 1999."
The Bombardier Traxter ATV has not only been named ATV of the Year by ATV Magazine, it has also been granted the Reader's choice awarded in February by the American magazine Farm Industry News.
Incidentally, the press coverage by media having tested the Traxter could not be more favorable. For instance, Popular Mechanics, an American publication printed at some 1.2 million copies, published in its February issue an article that said: "The result: the best ATV on the market. It clearly stands out of traditional four-wheel vehicles. This is honestly the easiest vehicle to drive that was ever manufactured. Its unique driveability is truly a blessing." And in the January issue of the 4 Wheel ATV Action magazine, we could read: "The Traxter is the type of ATV that we like...Simple." Finally, the September issue of ATV Connection was printing: "The most advanced traction system we've ever seen. It passed our tests hands down. Bombardier's success is outstanding. The company already seems quite ready to compel recognition as one of the leaders of this industry."
By announcing its entry into the ATV market in February 1998, Bombardier Recreational Products became the 7th protagonist of a booming industry with sales totaling some 470 000 units in 1998, an increase of 17,5 percent compared to last year.
Driving an ATV becomes much more enjoyable if one adopts a responsible and safe attitude. Bombardier Recreational Products invites all drivers to use common sense and courtesy, to abide by laws and regulations and to respect the rights of others. ATV riders must always remain at a reasonable distance from other vehicles and wear at all times appropriate safety gear. Finally, Bombardier Recreational Products reminds you not to drink and drive. ATV's with engine size over 90 cc may only be ridden by individuals sixteen years an older. The Bombardier ATV is a single person vehicle so it is not made to carry passengers under any circumstances.
Bombardier Recreational Products designs, develops, builds, distributes and markets Ski-Doo(R) and Lynx(R) snowmobiles, snowgrooming equipment and multi-purposed tracked vehicles, Sea- Doo(R) watercraft and sport boats, Bombardier NV(TM) neighborhood vehicle and Bombardier all-terrain vehicle. Snowmobiles, watercraft, sport boats and ATV are powered by Rotax(R) engines that are designed and built by Bombardier-Rotax GmbH which also builds motors for motorcycles and scooters. Bombardier Recreational Products currently provides a variety of technical and support services for snowgrooming equipment and multi-purpose tracked vehicles.
Bombardier Inc. is a Canadian corporation, active in the fields of aerospace, rail transportation equipment, recreational products, financial services and services related to its products and core businesses. It operates plants in 11 countries in North America and Europe and more than 88 per cent of its revenues are generated outside Canada. Bombardier's revenues for its fiscal year ended January 31, 199,8 totaled $8.5 billion.
(R) Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Products are distributed by Bombardier Inc. in Canada and by Bombardier Motor Corporation of America in the USA.
