2014 TREND TOWARD SIDE BY SIDE VEHICLES

26/04/2015

A report on 2014 vehicle sales by ERG, the official supplier of retail data for the motorcycle and ATV industries, shows a clear trend toward side by side vehicles over ATV’s as farmers look to safety and value for money in tough times.

The report shows sales of side by side vehicles represented 14% of the total market in 2013 and in 2014, grew to 19% demonstrating a clear shift in consumer behaviour.

CFMoto Australia Director, Michael Poynton believes sales will continue to grow in the side by side market and could be as high as 30% by the end of 2015.

“Farmers are impressed with UTV’s because they have good carrying capacity, can cover more ground faster and offer greater comfort all round.

“Last year, CFMoto were the second highest selling side by side manufacturer in the country and our sports side by side, the Z8 outsold all other brands to become the highest selling SSV in Australia.” Poynton says.

With 16% market share in the UTV segment and growing, CFMoto has begun to fatten up its model range by launching a 500cc UTV in 2015 - the U550.

“When you compare the cost of other manufacturers ATV’s which sell for $12,999 with our U550 for $11,490 ride away and with a two year warranty, it becomes clear why we are gaining market share.” Poynton said

A distinct difference between ATV’s and UTV’s is the safety advantage with seatbelts and factory approved roll cages (ROPs) now fitted as standard on all side by side vehicles.

With good stability, smoother suspension and a roof and windscreen to protect from the elements UTVs also offer practical accessories like a winch and tow kit making them a popular choice with farmers and hunters alike.

CFMoto report highlights

CFMoto was the second highest selling UTV brand in Australia in 2014 and outsold all the Japanese manufacturers.

The company retailed 652 side by side vehicles in 2014.

CFMoto had the number one selling SSV, in Australia in 2014 – the Z8.

For the third year in a row, CFMoto had the number one selling 500cc ATV in the country, the CF500 Classic

The company’s 800cc ATV, the X8 was the number one selling 800cc+ ATV in the country

The company currently has six side by side vehicles in its range, four UTV’s, two SSV’s, four ATV’s and expects to release more models in 2015.

www.erginternational.com.au