Polaris Industries is the 11th and latest ATV manufacturer to join the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. The SVIA is the not-for-profit trade association funded by all of the leading manufacturers and distributors of ATVs, specifically: AlphaSports, Arctic Cat, Bombardier, Bush Hog, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Patriot, Suzuki and Yamaha.
Polaris has combined forces with the industry group that has worked for more than 20 years offering nationwide safety training programs and strongly encouraging responsible use of ATVs. Since 1983, the SVIA has provided information on ATV standards and has promoted model state legislation on ATV riding. It also serves as a liaison with state and federal agencies on ATV training and environmental issues. The SVIA responds to hundreds of ATV related media inquires every year. Through its media relations program, Discover Today's ATV, the SVIA has proactively reached out to millions of consumers with valuable safety and how-to advice. And a wide range of printed, video and online materials presented to the public further spread key SVIA messages about proper ATV riding practices.
"As Polaris has been a leading maker of ATVs with a big customer base and far-reaching dealer network, its membership will bolster the ongoing efforts of the SVIA," said Tim Buche, SVIA president. "SVIA staff and our long-standing member-partners welcome Polaris and look forward to collaborative efforts that will benefit ATV riders and strengthen our ability to get the word out about the right way to ride."
Polaris builds a full range of sport and utility ATVs, from a 49cc youth model to a 760cc parallel twin EFI. The firm began with snowmobiles in 1954 and became the first American company to build an ATV in 1985. Last year, on its 50th anniversary, Polaris saw the two-millionth four-wheeler roll off the company assembly line. Currently, Polaris employs over 3,800 employees and manufactures ATVs in three U.S. production plants.
"Polaris is looking forward to participating in the SVIA," said Bennett Morgan, President and Chief Operating Officer of Polaris. "There are a number of important issues facing the industry right now including improving rider safety and protecting and establishing a sustainable trail system. Working as an entire industry on these issues will be very important to our success."
With annual 2004 sales of $1.8 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, Victory motorcycles and the Polaris RANGER for recreational and utility use. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange and Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol "PII," and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.
Since 1983, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America® has promoted the safe and responsible use of All-Terrain Vehicles through rider training programs, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation. SVIA also serves as a resource for ATV research, statistics, and vehicle standards. SVIA, based in Irvine, Calif., is a not-for-profit trade association sponsored by AlphaSports, Arctic Cat, Bombardier, Bush Hog, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Patriot, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha. For membership information, call 949/727-3727; for safety information or to enroll in an ATV RiderCourseSM, call 800/887-2887 or visit www.atvsafety.org.