Industry News

Industry News – January/February 2014

CLUB CAR ANNOUNCES REENGINEERED, RESTYLED LINE OF CARRYALL UTILITY VEHICLES FOR 2014
EFI boosts horsepower, increases fuel efficiency
Club Car, a brand of Ingersoll Rand, announced that its 2014 line of Carryall utility vehicles has been reengineered and restyled with a more powerful engine, a high-efficiency charging system and a bed box that protects and organizes equipment.
A 14hp-rated Subaru 404cc overhead cam engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI) boosts horsepower by more than 30 percent and increases fuel efficiency by almost 50 percent over previous gas-powered Carryall vehicles. A new Carryall loaded with more than a half ton of cargo is estimated to get approximately 27 miles per gallon. Without a choke or carburetor, EFI engines also start quicker, even in frigid weather. The engine’s filter-less oil system also may decrease maintenance costs.
Carryall’s electric-powered vehicles with the IQ Plus powertrain also get a boost in 2014 with a new solid-state, high-efficiency charging system.
Carryall’s redesigned bed box – lined with the same material used in many pickup trucks – is sturdier, longer lasting and quieter than previous bed constructions. Rustproof aluminum side panels feature a fully integrated track-based attachment system for organizing and transporting shovels, rakes, blowers and other equipment. Movable bed dividers and cargo tie-down loops stabilize cargo to reduce shifting.
Contoured seating and more space between the seat back and a new ergonomically engineered soft-grip steering wheel increase driver comfort. The shifter and gauges are now integrated into an automotive-style dash.
The Carryall 300, 500, 550 and 700 models also feature a stylish look with LED taillights and halogen headlights. Larger cowls made of Club Car’s exclusive ArmorFlex material and bumpers and fenders made of resilient plastic replace the boxy look of many utility vehicles, giving Carryall a more rugged appearance and feel.
The new line of Carryall vehicles is backed by an expanded warranty on most models  that increases the coverage for gas and electric powertrains from two to three years and increases coverage for most other components from one to two years.
Additional Features and Benefits:
•    Single-handed latch-and-release tailgate, similar to a tailgate on a pickup truck, spans the entire bed and can be opened from either side.
•    Optional cab (integrated into the vehicle’s design) features a windshield and doors that sit flush with the frame and do not require an adapter kit.
•    Larger tires (20” vs. 18”) increase traction and ground clearance to deliver a more comfortable ride while decreasing turf compaction.
Club Car offers more than 28 light-, medium- and heavy-duty models and configurations of utility and transport vehicles. The vehicles are available in 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-passenger models powered by gasoline and diesel engines and electric motors.
Note: Engine horsepower and torque specifications are provided by the engine manufacturer. Actual horsepower and torque in use may differ and are dependent on environmental conditions as well as the maintenance condition of the engine.
For more information, visit ingersollrand.com or clubcar.com.

TROJAN BATTERY NAMES ED DUNLAP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Trojan Battery Co., the world’s leading manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries, has appointed Ed Dunlap as senior vice president and chief financial officer (CFO).  Dunlap will be responsible for all aspects of Trojan Battery’s finance programs as well as lead the company’s finance, information technology and commodities strategies teams.  He also will serve as a member of Trojan’s Executive Steering Committee.
Dunlap’s responsibilities will include management of all aspects of Trojan Battery’s accounting, finance, treasury, tax planning, information systems, risk management, legal, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Compliance and all lead/scrap activities.
“Trojan has a very aggressive growth agenda both in the U.S., and more importantly internationally, as we continue our expansion as a global energy solutions provider,” said Jeff Elder, president and chief executive officer of Trojan Battery.  “This global focus requires the ability to quickly establish Trojan in other parts of the world and to develop the structures and partnerships necessary to grow our business in every region.  Ed brings a significant amount of knowledge and international business expertise which will help Trojan move forward into new markets worldwide. His extensive background in international business, especially the India marketplace, provides Trojan with valuable insight which will support our market growth strategy over the next few years.”
Dunlap brings more than 30 years of experience to Trojan Battery, and has served in various finance and CFO roles for both private and publicly traded companies including BF Goodrich Tires, PepsiCo Inc., R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Gap Inc., Wild Oats Markets, Shaklee Co. and Exxel Outdoors.
Dunlap received an MBA from the University of Chicago and his bachelor’s degree from Reed College in Portland, Ore.
For more information on Trojan Battery Company, visit www.trojanbattery.com.

CURTIS INDUSTRIES ANNOUNCES NEW HIRES FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING
Curtis Industries LLC, manufacturer of cabs, enclosures, attachments, and accessories for compact vehicles including tractors, golf cars, and utility vehicles, has added two employees as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen business development and communication with its dealers.
Randy Ploof joins Curtis as Business Development Manager for the U.S. Eastern Region, encompassing 22 states from Maine to Florida.  He brings 25 years’ experience in business management, sales and customer service to the position. Mr. Ploof will concentrate his efforts on improving dealer relationships and expanding Curtis’ customer base in the region.
“Randy has a solid history of building successful relationships with his customers,” said Michael Alexander, Curtis Industries VP of Sales and Marketing. “I know he will add strength and leadership to the role as we broaden and deepen our dealer relationships.”
Mark Manno joins Curtis as Marketing Manager. He brings strong marketing and communication experience to the role. Mr. Manno will lead the efforts to increase the company’s online presence and improve website capabilities.  He will work closely with business development managers, product marketing and sales to identify opportunities to improve communications and dealer support.
“The Voice of the Customer (VOC) is critical to our strategy,” adds Alexander. “We’re focused on the fundamentals: listening to our customers, providing superior dealer support and offering innovative products. The addition of Randy and Mark will help sharpen our strategic investment in the future.” For more information on Curtis products please visit www.curtiscab.com.

US BATTERY TEAMS WITH COLUMBIA PARCAR AND DRIVE FOR VETERANS TO RAISE MONEY FOR WOUNDED VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
U.S. Battery manufacturing is “powering” an effort by Columbia ParCar Corp of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, in sponsoring Drive For Veterans, a cross-country fundraising trip to provide support and awareness for wounded American veterans. The Drive For Veterans is scheduled to begin October 19, 2013 in San Diego, California, and end approximately 45 days later at The Villages in North Central Florida.
Columbia ParCar has set this entire event up from start to finish, and as the organizing sponsor, the company is providing four vehicles that will be powered by U.S. Battery US2200 deep-cycle golf car batteries. Another two vehicles will tag along as support, with one utilizing eight U.S. Battery AGM2224 batteries. “We’re extremely happy that Columbia ParCar chose U.S. Battery products to power its electric vehicles across the country in this important fund raiser,” says Don Wallace, U.S. Battery CMO/Executive Vice President. “Because U.S. Battery products carry maximum amperage for longer periods of time, and reach peak capacity sooner, our batteries will give the vehicles the performance necessary to help achieve their daily mileage goals.”
The participants will stop at various cities and events across the country, in an effort to raise $500,000 that will be donated to the Fisher House Foundation and Semper Fi Fund. The Fisher House Foundation provides “comfort homes” at major military medical centers to enable family members to be close to a loved one during hospitalization. The Semper Fi Fund provides financial support during hospitalization and recovery. “This cross-country trip will highlight the needs of wounded veterans nationwide while also helping to provide the financial and emotional support and care our heroes need to heal and rebuild their lives,” says Todd Sauey, President of Columbia ParCar.  In addition to the various stops, the teams will give presentations to teach young students about how electric vehicle technology can help conserve energy, the environment, and the economy
For more information on Drive For Veterans, visit www.driveforveterans.com or www.USBATTERY.com.

STAR EV FEATURES CURTIS CABS ON THE NEW HEAVY DUTY UTILITY U SERIES LINE
STAR EV (Brand of JH Global Services, Inc.) is pleased to announce the introduction of the 48 Volt DC and 72 Volt AC all-electric U Series Heavy Duty Utility line featuring all-American made Curtis Cabs.  Curtis industries, LLC is a leading manufacturer of quality cab enclosures and related accessories for compact tractors, golf cars, and utility vehicles.
The STAR EV U Series 48 Volt DC and 72 Volt AC trucks are extremely versatile boasting up to 2,200lbs of carrying capacity!  Equipped with a material-handling grade Curtis programmable controller, the U Series can be purchased in LSV or non-LSV versions.  In addition, the Star EV Custom Solutions team can design any U Series platform to meet your specific application needs.  We specialize in designing multi-purpose aluminum boxes, ladder racks, removable stake sides, and more.
The Curtis built cab features quick release removable doors, heavy gauge powder-coated steel construction and it has a salt test rating of 400 hours for maximum rust prevention.  Other important features include windshield wiper, opening hinged front windshield and sliding rear for maximum ventilation, driver side storage net, easy view side and review mirrors, pre-drilled holes for accessories like strobe and LED front/rear added lighting and much more.  Optional fan, heater, defrosters, and more can also be ordered as an option.  The STAR EV U Series can also be built as a flat-bed unit without cab for indoor use.
The STAR EV line includes over 40 varieties all-electric burden carriers, people movers, golf cars and street legal vehicles.  The 10-year old company has grown rapidly by offering highly customized products with industry leading drivetrains including Curtis Controllers, Advanced DC motors and Trojan deep-cycle batteries.  STAR is represented and supported by over 200+ dealers along with other B2B relationships where service is in-house with multi-locations.  Notable customers include: U.S. Airways, Delta Airlines, 100+ Government entities through two GSA schedules, Ritz-Carlton, 75+ public and private Universities, Boeing, GE, Wyndham Resorts, BMW, Waldorf Astoria, and many more.
For more information please visit our website at www.starev.com for a dealer nearest you

TROJAN BATTERY INTRODUCES VIDEO TUTORIALS FOR HYDROLINKTM SINGLE-POINT WATERING SYSTEM
Trojan Battery Co., the world’s leading manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries, today launched two HydroLink™ Trojan Tips video tutorials which provide important information on installing and using HydroLink to water flooded batteries, an important maintenance practice to maintain battery performance and longevity.
One video focuses on general installation of HydroLink on any type of equipment using the single-point watering system to simplify maintenance, and the second video focuses on installing and using HydroLink in a golf car.  Both illustrate how to use either a hand pump or a regulated hose supply to water Trojan batteries.
These are the latest additions to the company’s “Trojan Tips” video series developed to provide in-depth information as well as expand awareness and understanding of deep-cycle battery technology.  The public, as well as Trojan distributors, dealers and customers can visit Trojan’s website to view a wide range of video tutorials and learn more about a variety of deep-cycle battery topics.
“Since a deep-cycle flooded battery loses water during charging, water must be added on a regular basis to maintain life and performance,” said Vicki Hall, Trojan’s director of global technical support, and host of the “Trojan Tips” educational series.  “Watering batteries can sometimes be messy and difficult, so single-point watering systems, such as Trojan’s HydroLink, have been designed to make the job easier.  HydroLink delivers the proper amount of water needed, and fills a set of batteries in less than 30 seconds.”
Trojan developed the “Trojan Tips” series to educate the public on a variety of important battery-related subjects that can positively impact the performance and longevity of deep-cycle batteries used to power electrical equipment.  Topics such as selecting the right battery, maintenance techniques and appropriate charging and equalization guidelines are just some of the subjects addressed in the video tutorials.
To learn more about Trojan’s deep-cycle batteries used in floor scrubber and floor sweeper equipment, please visit us this week at ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2013 at booth #847. For more information on Trojan Battery Company, visit www.trojanbattery.com.

CLUB CAR RECALLS 1,450 GOLF CARS
Business News reports that Club Car of Augusta, Georgia is recalling about 1,450 cars with front wheel spindles that can crack and affect steering, regulators said.
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission said Club Car is providing a free inspection and repair of the wheel hub retaining nut.
Five models of cars are involed in the recall, including the Precedent 12 Excel, Precedent 12 4-passenger Excel, Precedent 12 gas, Precedent 12 gas and Precedent 12L Excel.
The affected cars were sold at Club Car dealers in June 2013 for between $5,000 and $8,000.
Consumers can call 800-227-0728 for information.