Polaris Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Introduction of Breakthrough New Vehicles; Tens of Thousands Attend Company's 50th Celebration at Minnesota State Fairgrounds

MEDINA, Minn.--July 30, 2004--Polaris Industries celebrated its 50th anniversary last week by paying tribute to its past and introducing numerous new products that reflect the premium ride, quality and performance customers can expect from Polaris in the next 50 years.

Founded 50 years ago in the northern Minnesota town of Roseau, Polaris today is a $1.6 billion leader in the global powersports industry. To celebrate its first half-century, Polaris hosted a celebration at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on July 24, announced the 11 charter inductees in the Polaris Hall of Fame and hosted nearly 4,000 dealers and distributors from around the world for its largest sales meeting ever.

"The entire week was an outstanding success, from the introduction of new ATVs, Victory Motorcycles, marine products and RANGER utility vehicles to the July 24 party at which we said 'thank you' to loyal Polaris customers," said President and CEO Tom Tiller. "It was a great way to launch the company's next 50 years."

'World's Toughest ATVs' Introduced

A full 62 percent of the 2005 Polaris ATV lineup is new and features reliable, dependable, high-performance models that merit the label "The World's Toughest ATVs."

The best-selling Sportsman models have been redesigned from the ground up to provide consumers with a better ride, tough new features and tough new styling. The new Sportsman 800 Twin EFI has a powerful and efficient 800 engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI), all-wheel drive and long-travel independent suspension.

Polaris also introduced the Sportsman MV7, a super-tough consumer version of the ATV Polaris builds for the U.S. armed forces; and the Phoenix, a tough and sporty new model with an MSRP of $2,999 that makes it the industry's best value among adult-sized ATVs.

The trail-tough and track-ready Predator 500 has been upgraded for 2005 with features consumers have requested, such as reverse, and the Predator 500 Troy Lee Edition is now equipped with several high-performance components and styling by Troy Lee Designs.

ATV Guide and ATV Rider magazines last week named the Predator 500 Troy Lee Edition their "2005 Sport ATV of the Year."

Polaris also introduced three specially-equipped ATVs called Quadricycles that are street-legal in selected international markets.

Victory Unleashes Powerful New Hammer

The Victory Motorcycle Division introduced four new models that had dealers excited to place their orders for 2005. Leading the list is the Victory Hammer with its powerful new Victory-produced Freedom(TM) 100/6 V-Twin engine featuring 100-cubic-inch displacement and the industry's first production 6-speed transmission with overdrive. The Hammer also has a meaty 250mm-wide rear tire, which is very popular in the cruiser marketplace, and aggressive new styling.

The new 8-Ball is a basic-black version of the company's award-winning Victory Vegas. The 8-Ball has a U.S. MSRP of $12,999, giving the brand a premium entry in the sizable under-$13,000 price segment.

Victory also introduced two new Ness Signature Series models designed by the legendary father-and-son team of custom bike builders, Arlen and Cory Ness, who are Victory styling partners.

Consumers are able to custom order any of the 2005 Victory models (except the 8-Ball) through the Victory Custom Order Program, which runs now through October 22, 2004.

The growing strength of the Victory brand was reinforced with the division's announcement of new partnerships with motorcycle aftermarket leaders S&S Cycles and House of Kolor. The company is also exploring a partnership with Lehman Trikes, the leading converter of motorcycles into trikes.

New RANGER, Polaris Marine Models Unveiled

The fast-growing Utility Division introduced the new RANGER XP, named for its "xtreme off-road performance" capabilities and highlighted by the new for 2005, legendary Polaris independent rear suspension. The entire RANGER lineup offers customers the new Lock & Ride cargo system, which makes it easier than ever to attach or remove accessories. A new option called SpeedKey allows a RANGER owner to control the vehicle's top speed based on the ignition key that is used.

The Polaris Marine Division introduced a streamlined lineup of award-winning watercraft, including the MSX 150 with its clean, efficient and powerful 4-stroke engine, and an expanded line of Polaris Sport Boats. The main attraction in the marine zone though, had to be the Matrix PWC concept craft. Packed with a 200hp engine, the MSX based Matrix was on display garnering dealer and consumer feedback in order to gauge future production intent. Meanwhile, the new Control Tower sport boat touting exceptional performance and equipped to carry the gear of wakeboarding enthusiasts was clearly a favorite amongst the boating crowd in attendance.

The Pure Polaris Division introduced new accessories and apparel for owners of all Polaris and Victory models. New, Polaris-exclusive Lock & Ride cargo system accessories can be used on Polaris Sportsman ATVs and RANGERs. Pure Victory introduced 100 new accessories for 2005, including more than 30 items for the new Hammer, and an expanded apparel collection that features 70 percent all-new items.

'Way Out Weekend' Fills Fairgrounds

Polaris hosted its 50th anniversary celebration - "the party 50 years in the making" - at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul on July 23 and 24. Polaris and Victory dealers and all company employees and suppliers were honored at a July 23 party that included a historical review and induction of 11 charter honorees in the Polaris Hall of Fame.

On July 24, the grounds were filled with consumers enjoying the Polaris "Way Out Weekend" 50th celebration. They enjoyed ATV and RANGER demo rides, met NASCAR legends Richard and Kyle Petty, watched the Polaris Thrill Team and snowmobile aerobatic demonstrations, and got to see and learn about all the new Polaris and Victory models.

The day also included a Kids Zone, parade and performances by John Fogerty, Jonny Lang, Clint Black, Kellie Coffey and .38 Special. More than 700 Victory motorcycle owners rode across the Twin Cities en masse and made a dramatic arrival at the party.

About Polaris

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are 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.

With annual 2003 sales of more than $1.6 billion, Polaris is a 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.

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.

Editors Note: To request photography from the "Way Out Weekend" or of any of Polaris' new product offerings, please contact Pat Bourgeois at 763.542.0593