Riders Demand Cleaner, More Efficient, Smoother Riding Snowmobiles - Polaris Delivers; New Model Year Machines Unveiled to Snowmobile Community Worldwide Via Industry-First Webcast
MINNEAPOLIS--March 20, 2006--Polaris , a fixture in the snowmobile industry since 1954, brought its riders' voice to life Tuesday as it unveiled its 2007 model year line-up of quieter, fuel-efficient, performance-driven snowmobiles at the company's annual dealer meeting in Salt Lake City.Following thousands of research hours put toward asking snowmobile enthusiasts what they're looking for in their machines, Polaris went to work on delivering models for 2007 that would directly reflect the demands made by riders and their dealer network. The result is a simplified line-up of Polaris sleds with more power, lower emissions, smoother rides, easier handling and enhanced rider ergonomics.
"We can't make it snow, but we can deliver on quality and performance for when it does and that's exactly what we are committed to doing," said Tom Tiller, CEO, Polaris Industries. "We're continuing to give riders who are passionate about the sport the most exhilarating, innovative ride available."
Those passionate riders were included in Tuesday's unveiling through an industry-first Webcast broadcast directly from the sales meeting. Snowmobilers worldwide logged on to the Polaris Web site (www.polarisindustries.com) immediately after the new 2007 sleds were introduced to learn about Polaris' customer-focused, innovative products available to customers ordering now and to be seen in dealer showrooms this fall. More than 10,000 users have visited the site to configure a new sled to their exact specifications through Polaris' Snow Check Factory Connection. Enthusiasts can log onto a rebroadcast of the Webcast streaming continuously on the Polaris Web site.
New Models for 2007
For 2007, Polaris is offering a more consumer focused product line resulting in fewer models. Each sled is designed and featured for a distinct rider and riding style. The entire line takes lessons from the highly touted and successful 600 HO sled Polaris introduced last year - the number one selling snowmobile in the industry.
Performance
Performance is the heart of the riding experience and for those riders Polaris is offering the all-new 600 HO IQ Cleanfire(TM) - last year's top selling sled made even better with a more powerful engine on the industry-leading IQ chassis providing great ride and handling. The 600 HO Cleanfire Injection engine provides more horsepower and auto calibration resulting in better acceleration and efficiency. This sled also incorporates performance ergonomics such as fixed steering with riser and wider hooked handlebars - for aggressive riding and cornering.
Also new in this category is the FST IQ, which is the perfect performance sled for riders who want a clean, efficient 4-stroke engine. Aggressive riders will appreciate the benefits of the revolutionary 7-position Riders Select handlebar positioning and added horsepower. With ski enhancements IQ models deliver quicker and lighter steering.
Deep Snow
Polaris unveiled several Deep Snow models that are engineered precisely the way customers asked with RAW, lean, no frills design. The RMKs for 2007 are all a minimum of 25 pounds lighter per sled, which dramatically improves side hill and high marking performance. The RMKs also now have dual rear idler wheels. This makes sidehilling easier and allows the rider added comfort and ultimately more fun. These aggressive mountain snowmobiles feature Polaris' new wider Gripper skis, 24 percent wider than a normal ski, yet still the lightest in the industry, and Polaris' new Series 5 track that offers less mass and weight, improving floatation and traction - two must-haves in deep snow.
Luxury Touring
The new 600 HO IQ LX Cleanfire(TM) is high-octane luxury with industry-leading IQ front suspension, Polaris' revolutionary Rider Select(TM) system and a new seat that delivers the ultimate combination of comfort and convenience. On top of that, with the 600 HO Cleanfire engine, this model is efficient, self-calibrating, and 43 percent cleaner than the industry baseline.
Limited Edition
Based on countless hours of field research with touring and luxury riders, Polaris announced the addition of the FST IQ Cruiser to its 2007 line up. Passionate trail riders will appreciate that the FST IQ Cruiser offers two sleds in one, a fully equipped 2-up model with an adjustable back-rest and a passenger seat that quickly converts to a 1-up sled by removing the passenger seat and adding the cargo cover. The FST IQ Cruiser is a limited-edition model for 2007.
Another limited-edition model for 2007 is the Polaris Dragon. Offered in both short track and long track versions, the Dragons are the only 2007 models powered by the 700 HO Cleanfire engine, which offers a powerful yet clean, smooth ride with automatic calibration. Built on the industry's best chassis, the IQ, the Dragon is equipped with 140 peak horsepower, excellent throttle response and an improved holeshot and mid-range over the 600 HO Cleanfire. In addition, the Dragon has Walker Evans shocks, which are light yet durable and deliver the sport's best performance no matter how intense the riding and the terrain. The RMK Dragon has Walker Evans air shocks.
Polaris Innovation
Polaris' product innovation can be seen throughout the 2007 models from redesigns under the hood that improve engine access and performance to new technology in the skis and tracks. But perhaps nowhere is innovation more evident than in the two new powerful Liberty engines, designed off the best-in-class 600 HO platform, The 600 and 700 HO Cleanfire Injection engines take the best of the 600 HO and make it even better by delivering outstanding peak power, great throttle response and acceleration, all while being clean and efficient. In fact, these new Cleanfire engines are 43 percent cleaner than the industry baseline, and offer self-calibration regardless of the conditions. As elevation and temperature changes, the fuel system adjusts to ensure consistently optimal performance.
Polaris is also providing riders with a clearer view of the trail with the revolutionary AF-1 Helmet - the industry's most effective helmet in preventing shield fogging. Polaris is so confident in its anti-fog technology that it challenged dealers to attempt to fog the shield, offering $1,000 to anyone who could successfully do it; none were able to fog it.
Customer Focused
Polaris declared that MY 2007 would be the year of the customers' voice and it is. More than 2,000 man-hours were dedicated to listening to customers through focus-groups, rides and other forums. In addition, three Dealer Advisory Councils were created to solicit feedback from dealers on how to improve the product and customer experience. The result from all the listening is evidenced in how the new models were designed and introduced, including the effort put into the industry's first customer-driven new product Webcast.
"We asked and then listened as dealers and customers told us what they wanted," said Bennett Morgan, Polaris President and COO. "Now we are delivering with the industry-leading winning performance Polaris has always been known for."
About Polaris
With annual 2005 sales of $1.9 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Victory motorcycles and the Polaris RANGER for recreational and utility use.
Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ATVs 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 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.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.
Editor Note: For photography requests, please contact Kris Oleson at (952) 346-6252 or koleson@webershandwick.com.