CARRUS BV ENTERS INTO MAJOR PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Last month, Carrus BV – Carts & Parts entered into an agreement with a major European party for the procurement of a large quantity of golf carts and parts. The agreement covers the purchase of more than 3300 used golf and transport carts, as well as thousands of parts and accessories. This is the largest acquisition ever in the used carts market and will greatly strengthen Carrus’ position as European market leader.
Carrus is a brand-independent supplier of top brand carts, parts and accessories, like Club Car, E-Z-GO and Yamaha. The company, based in the region of Utrecht, the Netherlands, provides transport solutions to various markets throughout Europe, including the leisure sector, golf courses and industry. It sells its products through a European dealer network, as well as through its own online shop at www.carrus.com, where all carts and parts can be found and ordered very easily.
The purchase agreement now entered covers used carts that are still partly operational on the basis of current lease agreements. More than 2300 carts, which are currently in stock and whose lease contracts are ending, will be shipped to the Netherlands in 2010. Next year, another 1000 carts will follow, when their lease contracts have also expired. The first carts and parts have already arrived at the Carrus depot in the region of Utrecht. The carts can be modified for any given application in accordance with the customer’s wishes at Carrus’ own workshop.
For further information, visit www.carrus.com or contact us at info@carrus.com or call +31 (0)30 233 4405.
SHADY’S: BRINGING SHADE & INNOVATION TO GOLF CARTS…TO KEEP YOU COOL!
Shadys, with its beginning in the hot South Florida sun, where golfing and golf carts are a way of life, has taken away the worry of being in the sun all day. Founder Jaime Parker, and creator Steven Horejsi, credit Jaime’s mother-in-law, Adrienne Broch, for giving them the idea. In 2007 Adrienne, an avid golfer, received a serious diagnosis of melanoma skin cancer directly attributed to her extensive time in the sun spent playing golf. Instead of giving up the game she loved, she decided it was time to protect her from the sun as much as possible. If long sleeve shirts, pants, sunglasses, hats, and 50 SPF sunscreen weren’t enough, Adrienne proceeded to hang shade cloth from the sides of golf carts when she golfed in an effort to block the sun and create a cooler place of refuge from the heat…something golfers contend with on a daily basis. Says Adrienne, “I researched other products and was unimpressed with their design and functionality, but thanks to Shadys, I no longer need to play golf only during the early morning or late afternoon hours, and I don’t need to spend time on the course trying to find shade, concerning myself with sunburns, or stressing about skin damage. With its sporty design, Shadys let’s me enjoy golfing and driving around the neighborhood on a golf cart stress free and looking good”.
For more information about Shady’s sun shades, visit www.shadys.com
TROJAN BATTERY SELECTS NEW DISTRIBUTORS FOR CHINA
New Partnerships Strengthen Trojan’s Presence and Leadership in China
Trojan Battery Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of deep cycle batteries, announced new distribution agreements I China, a strategy that further expands Trojan’s presence and strengthens its leadership across Asia. Trojan’s new authorized distributors are Getz Bros. Hong Kong Ltd., YHI Corporation (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and ShangHai Link Trade Co., Ltd. Each distributor will be responsible for overseeing the distribution and servicing of Trojan products in their assigned territories.
“With many of our major OEM partners expanding their manufacturing facilities to China it make sense for Trojan to strengthen its presence throughout China.” Said David Godber, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Trojan Battery. “Trojan’s strategic new alliances in China will allow us to provide localized, dedicated sales and technical support services that our customers have come to expect from Trojan. Further, by expanding our distribution in China, Trojan can readily meet the demands of China’s fast-growing new industries including golf, renewable energy, floor machine and aerial work platforms.”
Emerson Fung, Trojan’s director of sales, Asia-Pacific, who heads Trojan’s Hong Kong branch, added, “The implementation of four distributors, with each distributor focusing on a small territory, makes Trojan products more readily available in China, and allows us to respond faster to customer requests. Through an increase in sub-dealer network, Trojan can increase its business significantly throughout all of China.”
For more information visit www.trojanbattery.com
CURTIS INTRODUCES NEW SOFT-SIDE CAB FOR POLARIS RANGER 400 AND 800 MODELS
Extensive mix of features for work or play at a value price
Curtis Industries, LLC has introduced the new PathPro SS soft cab system for the Polaris Ranger 2010 400 and 800 models that easily mounts to the factory installed Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS). The PathPro SS is lightweight, versatile and can be used year-round in all types of weather. A quality, value enclosure, the PathPro SS keeps you and your passenger out of the elements.
The PathPro SS features a strong, low profile textured black steel roof with acoustic liner, steel frame doors with locking handles and full perimeter bulb rubber which collectively provide for a fully weather tight enclosure. The windshield is made from durable, long-lasting hard coated polycarbonate material for added protection. This windshield is strong enough to support a wiper and can stand up to abrasion and trail debris.
Each PathPro SS cab system uses zippered 30 gauge clear double-polished vinyl windows and soft rear panel that can be rolled up and strapped out of the way in nice weather. These PathPro SS cab systems offer very high visibility in all directions.
Additional accessories include the Mega Burner heater, wiper kit, safety beacon, work lights and custom overhead console with AM/FM radio/CD player and built-in switch panel. Curtis products are available through local Polaris dealerships.
For more information on Curtis products please visit www.curtisindustries.net.
FAIRPLAY EXPANDS BRAND OFFERING
In 2009, Fairplay Electric introduced the EVE brand of street legal electric cars. Due to the increased demand for electric industrial and commercial vehicles, Fairplay has introduced a product line specifically to serve this market.
“Many of our existing dealers are expanding into light industrial products to increase sales and make up for the slowdown in their other product lines. We have reconfigured some of our vehicles to meet the needs for this market,” says Keith Andrews, President of Fairplay Electric Cars. “The HOSS commercial and industrial lineup is made up of robust versions of each vehicle, including our efficient high torque AC drive systems and sealed AGM batteries.”
When you visit the all new Fairplay web site, you can see the distinction between the product lines. “We have separate dealer agreements for our three product offerings. This allows dealers to tie up exclusive marketing areas for brands that matter to them. In some markets, we have one dealer with all three product lines and in others three separate dealers.”
To see the complete lineup of Fairplay Electric Vehicles and find out how you can become a dealer for the product line that best fits your needs, go to the new www.fairplaycars.com or see the street legal vehicles at www.evelsv.com.
GARIA GOES STREET LEGAL
On and off the course, golf cars have become the new standard for convenient and green transportation
With an estimated market share of over 70% by 2010, there is no doubt that smaller electrical vehicles also known as NEVs (neighborhood electric vehicles) or LSVs (low speed vehicles) are here to stay.
The Garia Luxury Golf Car, manufactured at the same factory that builds the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, is also available as LSV.
Built to the highest standards of the automotive industry, The Garia features a formula 1 inspired front suspension, a drive train built by an Italian company that also produces Ducati gearboxes, and aluminum profiles made by the same company that supplies aluminum profiles to Aston Martin, Jaguar and Volvo.
Available in August 2010, The Garia LSV is fitted with street legal safety equipment such as seatbelts and side mirrors, and it also has a hydraulic brake system.
Its small size makes it perfect for the city, and with tax-based incentives in many countries and an increasing number of states and countries that allow LSVs to be operated on roads with speed limits of 35 mph (50km/h) or less, LSVs no longer belong to the future market – they are the market.
Within the past few years, vehicles traditionally designed and used for recreational purposes are increasingly being used for non-recreational purposes. Any distinction between a golf car and an NEV/LSV has become blurred, and recent studies indicate that the number of privately owned vehicles in the U.S., mainly golf cars or modified golf cars, will increase to 118,000 by 2010 (from 98,000 units in 2006).
Contact your local dealer for pricing and info. Find your local dealer at www.garia.com.
JANE ZHANG, CEO STAR ELECTRIC VEHICLES AWADED ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR – CAROLINAS
Jane Zhang moved to the U.S. in 1989 to complete her graduate studies, an opportunity earned from graduating on the top of her class. Jane was not only strong in Engineering; she also had strong desire to excel at other financial and general management aspects of the business. While working full time and raising her first child with her husband Jun, Jane spent her weekends for three years completing her MBA at the Clemson University’s MBA program. In late 2003, Jane left her VP of engineering post to start up JH Global Services, Inc., which was formed as a global outsourcing and distribution company. Her idea was to evaluate the U.S. market to find opportunities to export/import and distribute products and/or services where a “reason for being existed.”
Jane quickly moved to the golf car and electric vehicle segment. She knew that there would be a strong future demand for electric golf cars and other vehicles based on the green movement and the aging boomer population. In addition, she knew that the big three golf car players (Club Car, E-Z-GO, and Yamaha) all tended to focus on golf course fleets instead of individual consumers and businesses. Jane sought to source and distribute golf cars and other electric vehicles that could offer businesses a quality product at a lower price. Thus the brand Star Electric Vehicles (JH Global DBA Star Electric Vehicles) was born in 2004.
Nearly every dollar of savings was put into setting up the company and buying the initial container load of vehicles that were sourced from a leading factory in China. Star EV is quickly working on future electric vehicle opportunities. These vehicles are already in high demand by the military, universities and other government and commercial businesses with “green” ambitions. As metropolitan areas grow the “electric’ infrastructure by adding charging stations these vehicles could be used by many in their daily commute.
AUTOMATED GUSS GOLF CARTS WILL BE MILITARIZED SOON
Drones are ubiquitous on today’s modern battlefields, from Iraq to Afghanistan and every where in between. Automated, gear-lugging golf carts? Not so much. That’s about to change though, thanks to a little guy named GUSS.
GUSS, short for Ground Unmanned Support Surrogate, is a short range hauler akin to BigDog, but without the terrifying night terrors.
Also like BigDog, Guss is controlled remotely (in this case by a system called WaySight). Using its collection of sensors and computer algorithms, GUSS can traverse all sorts of terrain in the day, night, and even inclement weather.
And even though GUSS is golf cart-esque, it’s more than capable of moving 1,800 lbs. of supplies in the field. Top speed is only 5mph, so the injured troop capability also being billed alongside this cart is a bit dubious.
A prototype for now, GUSS could see service by 2015, when 30% of the U.S. military is set to be unmanned.
FAIRPLAY WEBSITE IS BIG HIT
The new Fairplay website has improved in more ways than one. The same eye popping graphics and ease of navigation that made the EVE LSV web site famous is now found on the Fairplay site. But the web site is more than just a pretty face. The dealer locator has been expanded to all brands so customer’s with specific vehicle needs can access the correct dealer for their area.
Another exciting addition is the DEALER LOGIN. Now dealers can access a huge library of technical and support data. “We have added historic information, for example, our wiring harness has changed over the years due to continuous improvement. So we have included versions back to our first models,” said Jim Wilson, VP of Operations. “Through our dealer login our dealers will have the latest technical bulletins and helpful instructions right at their finger tips, 24/7.”
“We are focused and on track for our 2010 mission,” says Keith Andrews, President. “Our mission is to reach a level of quality in everything we do that is second to none. The improvements to the web site, AC motors, AGM batteries, extend range packages and expansion of products, is all part of achieving that mission.”
“Last year we relocated our production and assembly to Southern California. This move improved quality, allowed us to expand our product offering, reduced delivery times and helped us control cost. We, along with our dealers, are very excited about where we are now and even more excited about where we are going,” Andrews added. Visit the new web site at www.fairplaycars.com .
NEW KEYLESS IGNITION SYSTEM FROM ididit INCORPORATED
Lose your keys and go keyless with ididit’s affordable new Key to Keyless Ignition System that can be mounted in a new steering column or even a dash. Simply carry the provided Key FOB and upon arrival to the vehicle the Ignition Control Module will verify its owner and will pre-authorize the ignition system. Kit contains:
One control box (small & easy to fit). Range adjustability (up to 10 feet). and 2 Key FOBs with 2 modes (Automatic or manual)
With a simple push of a button the engine will roar to life. As always ididit products are made in the U.S.A.!
For more information visit www.ididitinc.com
CUSTOMIZED GOLF CARTS A BIT OVER PAR
Lincoln Way is no longer just the home of antiques, auctions and bluegrass concerts; it now features customized golf cars.
Owner Terry Agin, who has owned Lincoln Way since 1968, is collaborating with several others on the business venture, Lincoln Way Golf Carts. He wishes he had started it 10 years ago.
“I can’t believe how good they sell and how fun they are to work on, Agin said.
The business at 2817 Ohio 602, began by happenstance. “I had an old golf car and sold it to the first guy that looked at it. I upgraded one for myself and decided it would make a good business,” Agin said.
Agin said when the cars come in, they usually are painted green or red. Agin and his business associate, Brian Rankins, strip them and rebuild each to customers’ specifications. Chad Sweitzer does the custom paint jobs and XT Innovations installs seats.
The carts, either gas or electric, take Agin and his partners one to seven days to complete. Agin said he sells about an equal number of gas and electric models. “Campgrounds seem to buy more of the electric because of the fact the gas carts make more noise,” he said. “The cost for each is about the same depending on what the customer wants, which could run between $1,500 and $7,500.”
Deb Pinion, director of the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce, said Agin’s business is unique. “This is what entrepreneurs across America are doing. They are finding a niche market, opening business and doing well,” she said. “I think Terry and his partners have a great idea and will do well.”
NIVEL INTRODUCES NEw LINE OF DASH ASSEMBLIES
Nivel Parts & Manufacturing, the largest independent distributor in North America, is proud to introduce its new line of Complete Dash Assemblies.
Superior in design and quality, Nivel’s new dash assemblies are unmatched in the marketplace with these exciting new features:
• Injection molded design. Instead of a vacuum formed construction, these new dashes are injection molded, which provides the assemblies with a thicker, even wall thickness, superior fit, and consistency.
• Highest-quality design virtually eliminates the common dash assembly’s flaw of having weak corners. The stronger, durable construction of Nivel’s new dash assemblies provides uniform strength across the whole of the dash.
• Dash has a more durable, tactile feel that perfectly compliments the stylish design of the dash assembly’s patterned finish.
• Available in the most popular three finishes: Regal burl, Carbon fiber and Titanium.
Available for multiple golf car makes and models, the dash assemblies also include locking doors to safely store valuables and cup holders on select models.
Nivel is also extremely excited to announce that it has used its unmatched global sourcing expertise and advanced engineering capabilities to bring these dashes to our dealers not only with improved quality and stylish looks; but at a new competitive wholesale price.
