Polaris Raises Industry Bars for Product Quality and Diversification; Independent Study Finds Polaris Snowmobile Quality Best in the World

    MINNEAPOLIS--April 8, 2003--Building on its heritage as the inventor of the modern-day snowmobile and its reputation as a dominant brand across a spectrum of recreational and utility vehicles, Polaris Industries recently upped the anti by announcing an industry-leading quality designation. The company also announced continued product diversification to better serve hard-working people who seek a way to get away from the stresses of war, work and everyday worries.
    A new independent consumer survey has distinguished Polaris snowmobile quality as the world's best. The AVALA Marketing Group, an independent research firm that specializes in measuring consumer quality satisfaction in recreation industries, surveyed a cross-section of owners of all brands of 2002 model-year snowmobiles following the 2001-02 season. Survey results showed Polaris snowmobiles had the fewest mechanical problems per 100 vehicles. Overall design and manufacturing improvements in the Polaris EDGE(TM) chassis; redesign of the company's Roseau, Minn., manufacturing facility; and ongoing improvements in Polaris Liberty(TM) engines together combined to earn Polaris the industry's No. 1 quality ranking.
    "History tells us that quality - especially reliability and durability - are the key drivers of success and customer loyalty over the long run with all of our product lines," said Polaris CEO Tom Tiller. "As we continue to diversify our product line to better serve our riders and better position the company for turbulent times, quality will never take a back seat. Nowhere is that more evident than in our 2004 snowmobile lineup. Snowmobiling is our heritage and we will always lead this industry."

    2004 Snowmobile Model Lineup Includes Quality and Value Improvements

    Last month at its international sales meeting with snowmobile and ATV dealers from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Sweden and Norway, Polaris introduced further quality improvements and new value incentives for snowmobilers looking forward to a return to normal snowfall patterns next season.
    "Being able to deliver a top-quality product is especially important in a sport where the window of riding opportunities is relatively limited," said Polaris snowmobile division general manager Bob Nygaard. "Our 2004 model line is focused on quality and value and delivers what snowmobilers want: top riding and handling sleds, top performing Liberty(TM) engines and the peace of mind that you're getting the best reliability and durability in the world."
    For the 2004 model year, Polaris Electric Reverse Control is now standard on nearly every 2004 Polaris snowmobile model at no extra charge. All Polaris 2004 snowmobile models also include the Polaris Phantom(TM) hydraulic braking system that delivers positive stopping power and requires 50 percent less effort on behalf of the rider. Throughout the '04 model line is a variety of engine-cooling improvements, which improve engine performance and rider satisfaction. In addition, the new for '04 Polaris Adjustable Seat System (PASS) and industry-leading premium suspension and shock technology give riders increased performance and greater comfort.
    Despite marginal snow conditions throughout much of the United States this winter, Polaris continues to be the world's dominant snowmobile brand and with the industry's most reliable, highest quality product line, Polaris is poised for a great 2003-04 riding season.

    New Polaris ATVs Add Function and Style

    Nearly 20 years ago, Polaris realized unpredictable weather and varying economic conditions mandated product diversification in order for the company to succeed. That strategic decision led to the company's entrance into the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) category in 1985. Today, Polaris stands tall as the world's second largest ATV manufacturer and has now sold more automatic transmission ATVs than all of its competitors combined. Polaris continued building on that strength and diversified its product line even further with key ATV introductions at the sales meeting.
    Polaris announced a significant advancement in the ATV industry with the introduction of the Polaris All-Terrain Pickup (Polaris ATP) that helps riders do more, more easily. The Polaris ATP combines the rugged, go-anywhere power and sleek styling of Polaris' premium ATVs with the functionality of a pickup truck, making it ideal for hauling and carrying. It has twice the storage capacity of most ATVs, up to 530 pounds, and features a rear cargo-dumping box, a storage box up front and fender compartments for maps, wireless phones, flashlights and tools.
    Polaris also unveiled a new generation of Sportsman styling at its sales meeting. The Sportsman line, the premium standard of four-wheel-drive ATVs now sports a new aggressive, bold look. Polaris is confident the sleek new styling combined with industry-leading Sportsman features, performance and pricing will continue to make Sportsman the top-selling ATV family.

    About Polaris

    Information about the complete line of Polaris products is available from authorized Polaris dealers or from the Polaris homepage at 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. 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.
    With annual 2002 sales of over $1.5 billion, Polaris is the recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; one of the largest manufacturers of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the world; and a leading manufacturer of personal watercraft. Victory motorcycles was established in 1998, and represents the first all-new American-made motorcycle in nearly 60 years, is rapidly making impressive in-roads into the motorcycle cruiser marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships. Consumers can also purchase apparel and vehicle accessories anytime at polarisindustries.com
    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 Small-Cap 600 stock price index.