Powersports Recreational Equipment Update

News: Regions

2021-05-24

Powersports Recreational Equipment Update

EDITOR’S NOTE. Power Systems Research tracks the global trends powersports recreational equipment, especially the electrification of these units. This is one of a series of reports on these trends.

Michael Aistrup
Michael Aistrup

HARLEY-DAVIDSON LAUNCHES LIVEWIRE. Harley-Davidson has announced the launch of LiveWire as an all-electric motorcycle brand.  With LiveWire, H-D hopes to redefine electric, delivering a better experience for the urban rider.

The first LiveWire branded motorcycle is scheduled to launch on July 8, 2021, and to premiere at the International Motorcycle Show in Irvine, Calif., on July 9, 2021.

Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire strategy includes these key take-aways:

  • Unique lineage: LiveWire draws on its DNA from the lineage of Harley-Davidson, capitalizing on a decade of experience in the EV sector.
  • Motorcycles + beyond:  with an initial focus on the urban market.  
  • Virtual HQ: LiveWire will be headquartered virtually, with initial hubs in Silicon Valley, CA (LiveWire Labs) and Milwaukee, WI.
  • Marketplace: LiveWire will work with participating dealers from the Harley-Davidson network as an independent brand. A go-to-market model will blend digital and physical retail formats.
  • Dedicated showroom: LiveWire will operate dedicated EV showrooms in select locations, starting in California.
  • Technology focus: LiveWire plans to develop the technology of the future and to invest in the capabilities needed to lead the transformation of motorcycling. LiveWire expects to benefit from Harley-Davidson’s engineering expertise, manufacturing footprint, supply chain infrastructure, and global logistics capabilities.  
  • Technology sharing: Harley-Davidson and LiveWire intend to cooperate and share their technological advancements to ensure an industry leading application in their respective core segments.

POLARIS FIRST QUARTER 2021 EARNINGS RESULTS. Polaris released first quarter 2021 results with reported sales of $1,951 million, up 39% from reported sales of $1,405 million for the first quarter of 2020. The company reported first quarter 2021 net income of $134 million compared with a net loss of $5 million for the 2020 first quarter.

Gross profit increased 64% to $481 million for the first quarter of 2021 from $293 million in the first quarter of 2020. Reported gross profit margin was 24.6% of sales for the first quarter of 2021.

Polaris Product Segment Highlights:

  • Off-Road Vehicles (“ORV”) and Snowmobiles totaled $1,232 million for the first quarter of 2021, up 50% compared to $824 million for the first quarter of 2020. PG&A sales for ORV and Snowmobiles combined increased 51% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter last year.
  • Motorcycles totaled $166 million, up 31% compared to the first quarter of 2020, driven primarily from increased sales of Slingshot, Indian Motorcycles. 
  • Global Adjacent Markets segment sales, including PG&A, increased 27% to $125 million in the 2021 first quarter compared to $98 million in the 2020 first quarter driven by increases in demand in North America and EMEA.
  • Aftermarket segment sales of $230 million in the 2021 first quarter increased 14% compared to $202 million in the 2020 first quarter. Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP) sales of $193 million in the first quarter of 2021 increased nine percent compared to $177 million in the first quarter of 2020.
  • Boat segment sales increased 29% to $199 million in the 2021 first quarter compared to $155 million in the 2020 first quarter, driven by sales growth in all three brands, Bennington, Godfrey and Hurricane.

POWERSPORTS MARKET ANALYSIS. The powersports market observed a slowdown during the first two quarters of 2020 driven by the spread of the COVID-19. Shortages of labor and materials in the first quarter led to many industry challenges. Governments began lifting the lockdown restrictions to stabilize the economic activities in the third quarter of 2020. During this period, the powersports industry witnessed steady growth owing to the rising inclination of individuals toward participating in outdoor recreational activities while complying with social distancing norms. 

Powersports market size exceeded $34 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at around 6% CAGR between 2021 and 2027. The global power sports unit sales are anticipated to reach over 3 million units by 2027.     PSR

Michael Aistrup is Senior Analyst covering Recreational Products for Power Systems Research

Forecast: Component Shortages and Supply Chain Disruptions

Chris Fisher
Chris Fisher

Since the latter part of last year, North American heavy commercial truck orders have been extremely strong as freight rates remain very high.  Both contract rates and spot rates are in record territory, primarily driven by consumer spending, a strong housing market and an improving manufacturing sector. 

The anticipation of the stimulus spending and increasing vaccination rates for Covid-19 are also driving optimism in the economy.  However, rising inflation could derail the improving economy.

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DATAPOINT: NA Scooters, 2021 Production, 431,900

431,900 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Scooters to be produced in North America (Mexico and the U.S.) in 2021.

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: Dominating the NA market for Scooter production is Mexico-based Italika with 89% of total units produced.  In second position is Honda-Mexico with 11%; third is US-based Go-Ped with 178 units.

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Enhancements Made in MHV Segment Data

Joe Zirnhelt
Joe Zirnhelt

As we move through the 2021 year, we at Power Systems Research are working to include enhancements within the data for our Medium and Heavy Vehicles segment that is available in OE Link™, CV Link™ and PartsLink™.

We have added several new fields to increase the value of the data to users as they analyze and further segment the markets.  These enhancements, now available as of March 31, 2021,  include:

OEM Assembly Information for Knockdown (Kit) Production. New fields including OEM Assembly Type (Kit vs. Full),  OEM Assembly Plant and OEM Assembly Country which will help in the analysis of OEMs involved in knockdown production (i.e. Kit) where initial production of the engine and chassis are different from the final OEM Country.

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2021-05-20

Thuy Trinh Nguyen Wins $2,000 Scholarship from Power Systems Research

Thuy Trinh Nguyen, a senior at Eagan High School, Eagan, Minnesota, is the recipient of the 2021 Power Systems Research $2,000 academic scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a student who will be attending a four-year college with a career objective in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.

She will use the scholarship to study biology and sociology (Pre-Med) at Harvard College.

“My favorite subject,” says Thuy, “is AP Physics–it not only taught me how to calculate my initial velocity, but also helps me recognize the fundamentals of life. Everything is organized with a plan.”

Thuy’s favorite pastime is shopping for the best deals at the Mall of America, and never being tired of shopping. (“Sorry, Dad!”) She also enjoys watching One Direction music videos and crocheting.

Her favorite high school memory: “After the Chemistry finals for Trimester 2, Mr. Elliott somehow allowed me to make ramen in his class. It certainly made up for the headache I got from balancing chemical equations.”

This year, 112 students will receive scholarships totaling $129,950 through the program.

Power Systems Research has been supporting high school science and engineering programs for many years. It has been donating to the Eagan Foundation Scholarship program since 2013.

Another program PSR funds is the Experimental Vehicle Team at St. Thomas Academy in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota. The school successfully competes in international competitions with high schools and universities to build the most energy efficient vehicles. PSR

2021-05-03

Pandemic Reduces Moscow 2021 Oil and Gas Show

Maxim Sakov
Maxim Sakov

MOSCOW–The recently-completed Neftegaz (the International Exhibition for Equipment and Technologies for Oil and Gas Industries) trade show held at the Moscow Expocenter was smaller than in the past. This fair is conducted every two years and is a largest local event in the oil and gas industry. This year’s fair was held April 26-29.

It’s a small trade show, and it was even this year than in past years. The number of participants was down from 550 to about 400 companies representing 18 countries. The largest delegations (besides Russia itself) were presented by Germany and China. Germany has set national expositions on the fair.

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2021-04-25

PSR-HDMA Present Webinar April 21, 2021

Current and Future Supply Chain Concerns For Medium and Heavy Vehicles Will Be Discussed

Erik Martin
Erik Martin
Chris Fisher
Chris Fisher

Power Systems Research April 21, 2021, produced a one-hour webinar with the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) discussing current and future supply chain concerns, especially as they affect Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles. 

The presenters included:

  • Chris Fisher – Senior Commercial Vehicle Analyst, Power Systems Research
  • Erik Martin – Director, Asia Region, Power Systems Research
  • Richard Anderson – Director, Market Research & Analysis, HDMA
HDMA-PSR COVID Webinar PresentationDownload
PSR – Coronavirus Special ReportDownload

Rosatom Eyes Battery Production for Electric Cars in 2025

Maxim Sakov
Maxim Sakov

OOO Renera, subsidiary of Rosatom, has purchased Enertech International, a South Korean company.

According to the signed agreement, Li-Ion accumulator batteries and related power systems will be produced in Russia. It’s expected that production will be started in 2025, and in 2030 the plant capacity will be increased to minimum 2 GWt*hr

The batteries will be installed in trucks, buses and special machines.

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PSR Analysis: It’s important to notice that there are no passenger car batteries among the planned production. So, electric passenger cars are still not considered as having significant market potential in Russia.   PSR

Maxim Sakov is Market Consultant – Russia Operations for Power Systems Research

Uralmash Sets Deal of US$ 322 Million with India

Uralmash (a subsidiary of UZTM-Kartex) has signed its largest deal in the last 30 years. UZTM-Kartex and Coal India Ltd Binay Dayal have signed a contract totaling US$ 322 million for walking excavators, according to the company.

Under the contract, the Uralmash plant will deliver five electric-powered walking excavators of increased power – ESH24.95 and will perform assembly of the equipment on the customer’s site. The OEM also will service machines for 11 years.

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PSR Analysis: ESH24.95 is an electric powered excavator with 24 cubic meter bucket and 95-meter jib. UZTM Kartex also makes diesel machines. Recently it has launched excavator with Cummins QSK-91 engine. PSR

Maxim Sakov is Market Consultant – Russia Operations for Power Systems Research

Sales of Russian GAZ Trucks Started in Australia

Local dealers have received all-terrain trucks Sadko Next built especially for the local market with altered steering wheel and pedals and with different optics.

The AAV company from Brisbane has become a distributor of GAZ. The model has been introduced in local market under the name GAZ Track Master 4×4.

Tech specs of the Australian version of the truck are identical to its Russian version. It has 4.4 liter turbo-diesel of 150hp. It works with 5-step manual transmission and a transfer case, operated from the head panel. Basic options included cruise-control, air conditioner, multi-media system, snorkel and electric winch. Vehicle can move 2500 kg of cargo.

The cost of a truck is 90,000 Australian dollars, 40% more than in Russia. According to the local distributor, closest competitor price starts at AUD 120 000.

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PSR Analysis: The all-terrain vehicles market is not so big, but it can be used to open a door for other models. Sadko Next has recently introduced by GAZ Group. The vehicle has a good reputation because of a general quality and a moderate cost of ownership. PSR

Maxim Sakov is Market Consultant – Russia Operations for Power Systems Research