'06 Polaris

[Dave]

Minnesota-based Polaris says its 2006 product line-up represents the largest offering of new vehicles in the company's history, and showed more than a dozen new units to dealers last week at the company's national sales meeting in Nashville, Tenn.

Polaris describes its ATV division as “the lifeblood of the company.” Representing nearly two-thirds of its overall sales, the division has six new product offerings: the Sportsman 500 EFI, Sportsman 450, Sportsman X2 two-up ATV, Outlaw, 200cc Sawtooth, and 300cc 2x4 and 4x4 Hawkeye.

Polaris says the $1.5 billion utility vehicle industry is growing at a rate of 30 percent annually, and says sales are increasing in every region of the country. The company's Ranger line of vehicles also expanded for 2006. New are the 700 EFI Ranger XP, Ranger 6x6 700 EFI, and Limited Edition Ranger 4x4 EFI.

Polaris says sales of its Victory motorcycles in 2004 were up approximately 30 percent from sales in 2003, and says retail sales this year are up nearly 50 percent over 2004. By 2010, the company expects Victory to be a $300 million business unit.

For 2006, Victory introduces the 100 cu. inch, six-speed Vegas Jackpot, a new Ness Signature Series Vegas Jackpot, and a new 100 cu. inch engine and six-speed transmission combination for the Vegas and Kingpin.

"With the strong sales of our current offerings, combined with the excitement surrounding our new bikes, all of us on the Victory team are pleased with the momentum and popularity the bikes and the Victory brand continue to enjoy," said Mark Blackwell, General Manager, Victory Motorcycles.

"Earlier last week, we announced our strategic partnership with KTM and now we are introducing the largest fleet of new products in our history," said Bennett Morgan, president and chief operating officer, Polaris. "We have incredible momentum and traction to continue improving our overall business, make it stronger and gain market share in all categories. That's good news for Polaris, our dealers and our customers."