www.powersportsbusiness.com/output.cfm?id=1312345 -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 11/12/2007
Last Visited: 11/22/2007
MTD's, parent company of Cub Cadet, Senior Vice President of Sales Nathan Walker says the company evaluated the UTV market once it got some momentum with its utility line.
"We realized that two-thirds of the market was the recreational part," he said.
The new 4x4 EFI, which is specifically designed to be a crossover utility vehicle, has a towing and payload capacity of 1,400 pounds and reaches speeds of 32 mph.The 4x2 FIS is the 4x4 EFI's counterpart in a two-wheel drive option with dual-purpose tires.Walker says Cub Cadet has always been known for its independent suspension system, so it isn't going to stray from that, but customers will see more engine features, higher speeds, and the company will continue to refine and enhance its products in the future.
"The beauty of our product is you can get out and play with it on the weekends," Walker said."If you need to get serious at all, tow 1,400 pounds, you can do that with our units."
Cub Cadet is going full force into the recreational market by getting its product into some non-traditional Cub Cadet dealerships, powersports and ATV dealerships.Walker says they are also advertising in trade publications and media centered toward the outdoor enthusiast.
"We mentioned we have over 1,500 servicing dealers nationwide," Walker said."We intend to expand that number and sign on people just to represent our utility vehicle product line."
Entering in the recreational market of UTVs has increased profitability for Cub Cadet.
"Sales percentage-wise we've been growing double digits for the past three years," Walker said and added they expect to see continued growth throughout 2008.