Four-wheel off-road Utility Vehicles with side-by-side seating are designed to be used in a variety of recreational, industrial and military applications. When equipped with dumpers, they are commonly used for landscaping, dumping and transporting light materials. Vehicles can be customized with enclosed cabs, tool racks, dumpers and more for use on college campuses, parks, corporate campuses and airports. Suppliers offer a wide variety of gas, electric and diesel utility vehicles.
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.
Exports: Canada, up to 90%; Mexico, up to 85% for NA markets, and US, up to 40% worldwide.
Market Share: With a combined plant total of 28%, Mexico/US based Polaris leads in production of Utility Vehicles in North America. In second position is Deere with a combined plant total of 12%; third is Kubota with 11%.
Trends: In 2021, annual production of Utility Vehicles in North America increased 2% and production is expected to gain another 5% in 2022. The Covid-19 pandemic fed the demand for Utility Vehicles in recreational, industrial and military applications known as the “Pandemic Paradox” (sales surged during lockdowns). The popularity of outdoor activities increased during the lockdowns as people gravitated to the outdoors and away from indoor group activities.
The increases also were driven by low unemployment, demand for products in the golf industry, federal government incentives and the desire for new equipment/greener technology especially within the sport and utility sectors.
Side-by-Side units, also referred to as Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) models continue to grow in popularity and are edging out ATVs for preference because of their convenience and increased capacity. Most UTVs can accommodate up to six passengers and are primarily designed for off-road use. Production is expected to increase up to 5% by 2025. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, for Power Systems Research
