Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today debuted the Polaris BRUTUS™,
an innovative line of utility vehicles that highlights Polaris’ entry
into the commercial segment reinforced by a dedicated team and
distribution channel to attack a growing customer segment that has been
underserved by the industry. The BRUTUS line headlines a strategic
alliance between Polaris and Bobcat, one which combines Polaris’
expertise in engineering industry-best utility vehicles with Bobcat’s
unmatched experience in work vehicle technology and attachments.

During a meeting with dealer partners in Phoenix, Ariz., Polaris Industries Inc. debuted its family of BRUTUS commercial utility vehicles. The three vehicles - the BRUTUS, BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HDPTO - are the result of a strategic alliance between Polaris and Bobcat and mark Polaris' first venture into the purpose-built commercial vehicle market. (Photo: Polaris Industries Inc.)
“Built on a platform of proven technology and enhanced by innovative,
commercially focused new features, the Polaris BRUTUS line will deliver
exceptional performance to our commercial customers and solve real work
problems,” said Bennett Morgan, president and COO. “Launching BRUTUS is
a milestone moment for Polaris and an integral step in our continued
commitment to grow and strengthen the company through adjacencies. At
its core, Polaris is an innovation company, and BRUTUS showcases that
spirit of innovation for a market that we’re excited to service in the
years to come.”
The current BRUTUS lineup consists of three models – BRUTUS, BRUTUS HD
and BRUTUS HDPTO. Built to deliver superior versatility, productivity
and comfort in commercial-grade vehicles, all three offer a collection
of innovative features, including:
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A treadle pedal, which allows vehicle travel forward or in reverse
without shifting gears, an effortless transition ideal for commercial
applications.
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A unique multi-link, coil over De Dion rear suspension, which
maintains class-leading ground clearance while towing a best-in-class,
2,000-pound load.
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A pallet-sized rear cargo box that includes Polaris’ exclusive Lock &
Ride® cargo system, which allows installation and removal of worksite
accessories in seconds, without tools.
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Fully-enclosed cabs to tackle jobs in any weather, standard on the
BRUTUS HDPTO (factory-installed with heat, defrost and air
conditioning) and available Lock & Ride PRO-FIT™ cab components
designed specifically for the BRUTUS and BRUTUS HD frames.
“The Polaris BRUTUS line captures needed job capabilities in one machine
built to deliver in any climate,” said Dave Longren, vice president of
off-road vehicles & ORV engineering. “There is a significant opportunity
in this commercial segment and the versatility, productivity and comfort
of BRUTUS can outperform any competing product. We’re excited to get
these vehicles to job sites where they can ease the task and truly help
complete the work.”
The true hallmark of the BRUTUS vehicles is the versatility they offer
commercial customers through their ability to operate several front-end
attachments and tackle a wide variety of jobs. The Pro-Tach™ attachment
system, standard on the BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HDPTO, allows customers to
change attachments quickly and easily. Additionally, the BRUTUS HDPTO is
the world’s first side-by-side utility vehicle to deliver front-end
power take-off (PTO) capability. The PTO system draws power directly
from the vehicle’s engine to operate several front-end attachments,
which currently include an angle broom, finishing mower and snow blower.
All BRUTUS vehicles can operate the hydraulically powered snow blade,
pallet fork and materials bucket. These functions make BRUTUS more
versatile than any competing vehicles, capable of sweeping, mowing,
blowing, lifting, plowing and scooping in just one machine. A full line
of cab, storage and vehicle protection accessories also are available to
meet each customer’s unique needs.
All three BRUTUS models are produced by Polaris at its Center for
Excellence in the Spirit Lake, Iowa area. The facility also will
manufacture Polaris RANGER® side-by-side vehicles, the world’s leading
line of side-by-sides and a core piece of Polaris’ existing commercial
vehicle portfolio, which also includes electric and all-terrain vehicles.
BRUTUS vehicles are now available to order through select Polaris
dealers, with shipments starting in April. For more information on
BRUTUS and the complete Polaris commercial vehicle offerings, visit Polaris.com/Commercial.
About Polaris
Polaris is a recognized leader in the
powersports industry with annual 2012 sales of $3.2 billion. Polaris
designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality
off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER®
and RZR® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles,
motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.
Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and
off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight
cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian
motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the
global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with
Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, and internally
developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a
complete line of Polaris and KLIM branded apparel and Polaris
accessories and parts.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol “PII”, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock
price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and
vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or
anytime at www.polaris.com.

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