Polaris Industries launches Breeze NEV, a golf cart that's proud to be a golf cart

As expected, Polaris Industries has just announced its first neighborhood electric vehicle. The new machine comes courtesy of the motorsports manufacturer's recently-created On-Road Division and will be available at select Polaris dealerships starting this September.

As far as the vehicle goes, the Polaris Breeze seems to be little more than a glorified golf cart, and we can't yet locate any specifications as to the vehicle's expected range or price. Polaris says the Breeze is intended for golfers and individuals living in master planned communities.

A dealer meeting is scheduled for this week, and it's possible we could see additional new products from the Minneapolis-based company in short order. Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris Industries, said in a statement:

Our ability to leverage Polaris' rich history of designing and manufacturing industry leading products, combined with the creativity of our designers and engineers, is a hallmark of our company and a major component for our success. This vehicle is the latest innovation from Polaris and the first of what we expect will be a series of successful ventures into the on-road vehicle category over the coming years.

[Source: Polaris]

PRESS RELEASE:

Polaris Industries Launches New Neighborhood Vehicle

First Adjacency Product in the On-Road Vehicle Division

MEDINA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the introduction of a low emission electric powered Neighborhood Vehicle, the Polaris Breeze™, which is the first new product to be launched by the recently announced On-Road Vehicle Division.

This unique, low emission vehicle combines industry leading functionality, with the fun and freedom that consumers have come to expect from Polaris and represents the Company's initial product entry into the electric vehicle market. The Polaris Breeze™ is designed for multiple consumer uses such as golfing, comfortably transporting up to four passengers, or easily carrying light cargo loads. The vehicle is targeted for consumers living in master planned communities, and will be available in limited quantities for test ride and purchase at Polaris Neighborhood Vehicle dealerships in select markets starting in September 2009.

"Innovation has always been a driving force behind the success of Polaris, and our new low emission Polaris Breeze is a perfect example of that ongoing tradition," said Scott Wine, CEO, Polaris Industries. "Our ability to leverage Polaris' rich history of designing and manufacturing industry leading products, combined with the creativity of our designers and engineers, is a hallmark of our company and a major component for our success. This vehicle is the latest innovation from Polaris and the first of what we expect will be a series of successful ventures into the on-road vehicle category over the coming years."

With its entirely electric operating system, the Polaris Breeze™ is a lower emission vehicle than comparable gas-powered offerings and is a fuel-saving alternative to automobiles for consumers making numerous short trips within their master planned community. The new Polaris Neighborhood Vehicle is fun to ride, and is an economically and environmentally responsible means of transportation.

"Polaris is constantly looking for new opportunities to deliver consumers innovative vehicles that make transportation easier, less expensive and more fun," said Mike Jonikas, Vice President of Polaris' On-Road Vehicle Division. "Developing the Polaris Breeze™ accomplishes all three of these objectives, and is the first step in an exciting new market opportunity for Polaris."

Over the past 55 years, Polaris has earned the reputation of manufacturing innovative and well-built products, and the Polaris Breeze™ is the latest in this long line of exceptional vehicles. The vehicle brings industry leading comfort and ride quality, and is engineered and designed by a company famous for creating top-in-class suspensions for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles.