56,200 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of golf cars to be produced in North America during 2021. In this report, we consider North America to be the United States.
This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.
Market Share: With 42% of total units produced, Yamaha Motor leads in production of gas-powered Golf Cars in the United States. In second position is Textron (EZGO) with 32%; third, is Club car with 26%.
Worldwide Distribution: Collectively, up to 20% worldwide.
Trends: In 2020, US production of Golf Cars dropped 18%. Production is expected to decrease another 2% from in 2021. The decline in engine powered units is due to the increase in electric models that are currently the most popular power option.
COVID-19 production drop is mostly due to supply chain disruptions such as lack of part(s) availability. During COVID times, electric golf car production dramatically increased (some electric manufacturers reporting up to a 200% increase in production).
The pandemic accelerated the demand for golf cars, not for golf course needs, but as a “lifestyle” vehicle. New models are being worked on with different fuels to make them less expensive and cleaner to run. Gas models are more powerful and are preferred on hilly terrains.
Production should remain flat over the next couple of years with an increase in gas powered units that are eco-friendlier. Further recovery in the US economy and a growing number of golfers will support demand. Expect production of gas-powered units to increase 5-10% by 2025. Electric -powered units could increase by 100%. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, for Power Systems Research
