Whether on snow, dirt, asphalt or sand, women are participating in powersports more than ever before and helping to expand and diversify the industry. To champion and sustain this growth, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) created the Empowersports Women’s Riding Council made of 12 powerful women from all backgrounds to uplift the passions that fuel women and put forth deliberate efforts for increased representation, inclusion and participation of women in powersports.

“For over 65 years, Polaris has created new ways to connect riders with the outdoors on all terrains, and we are committed to inviting more people to join powersports for work and for play,” said Polaris Chief Customer Engagement and Growth Officer Pam Kermisch. “We are so honored to have these trailblazing women join in this initiative, not only to inspire and empower more adventure-inclined women to enter the space, but also to lead industry improvements for the women already immersed in powersports culture.”

The Empowersports Women’s Riding Council is composed of distinguished women who are riders, adventurers, leaders and entrepreneurs who bring unique perspectives and insights to the powersports space. They are champions for advocacy, empowering women, building community, sparking adventure and fostering safety.

They include:

Michelle Barraza
RZR Racer

Carrie Barton
Klim & Timbersled Brand Ambassador, Dirt Bike Racer & Tour of Idaho Finisher

Julie-Ann Chapman
She Shreds Mountain Adventures Founder & Professional Snowmobiler, Team Polaris Athlete

Amy David
Professional Mountain Athlete, Skier, Guide, Polaris Snowmobile Ambassador & Content Creator

Gevin Fax
Actor, Musician, Educator & Speakers Bureau Ambassador

Vicki Gray
International Female Ride Day® & Motoress.com Founder, Road & Race Instructor

Lisa Lockhart
Rodeo Champion, Rancher & Polaris Ranger Ambassador

Kristen Matlock
Professional RZR racer & SCORE Baja 1000 Champ

Jody Perewitz
Racer & Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Famer

Porsche Taylor
Black Girls Ride Magazine Founder And Cross-Country Rider

Jolene Van Vugt
Stuntwoman, Nitro Circus Action Sports Athlete, Canadian Woman’s National Motocross Champion & RZR Ambassador

Kelly Yazdi
Wild Gypsy Tour Creator, Polaris Adventures Ambassador, Actor & Host

“I am honored and thrilled to join my fellow council members in this movement to champion self-empowerment, community, adventure and safety,” Matlock said. “For me, riding is a form of expression and freedom that every woman should get the chance to experience. Women have always been a force within the world of powersports, but we haven’t always been a part of the narrative. This council allows us to tell our stories and provide our perspectives our way.”

The Empowersports Women’s Riding Council will meet regularly with Polaris leaders to discuss breaking down barriers including increasing diverse female representation, vehicle and gear considerations, safety practices, combating biases and demystifying the sport for more women.

Polaris’ Focus on Customer Growth

The creation of the Empowersports Women’s Riding Council is part of Polaris’ broader growth initiative, which aims to grow their customer base by nearly 50% over the next 10 years through introducing new customers to Polaris and continuing their commitment to supporting diverse riders. During its second quarter the company saw an influx of new riders with nearly 75% of off-road and motorcycle buyers being new to Polaris, fueled by significant increases with women and families as well as younger and multicultural customers.

The increasing presence of women in powersports is an industry-wide trend. Female motorcycle ownership has doubled in the last decade, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. With a 2018 MRI-Simmons survey showing nearly half of all off-road vehicle-owning households having women in them and Black women outnumbering their male counterparts in snowmobiling by 61%, Polaris is focused on sustaining and growing this movement in a way that uplifts both new and experienced female riders.

“As the leader in our industry, we have a responsibility to ensure diverse voices in the powersports space are heard to drive action and make the industry even stronger,” Kermisch said. “While we are proud of the efforts made thus far, we also recognize there is room for improvement. We look forward to having these honest conversations and instilling actionable change, so all women feel empowered, no matter the terrain or vehicle.”

As Polaris continues to see record numbers of new customers and a more diverse mix of customers, the company has committed to creating an inviting, inclusive experience for new Polaris riders. Polaris is proud to partner with organizations that align with this mission, such as Black Girls Ride, Outdoor Women, Wild Gypsy Tour, International Female Ride Day® and Women Riders World Relay.

ABOUT POLARIS INC. – As the global leader in Powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2019 sales of $6.8 billion, Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.

Polaris RZR, the winningest brand in UTV racing, today announced its factory race team will compete for the first time ever in the 2021 Dakar Rally — one of the world’s toughest races. The RZR Dakar team will be comprised of three BAJA champions including, Wayne Matlock, Kristen Matlock, and Craig Scanlon, competing January 3, 2021 through January 15, 2021 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“The Dakar Rally is a global platform that embodies the spirit of adventure and pioneering for off-road racing and elevates it to an entirely different level. It’s an honor to take part in such a historic event,” said Steven Menneto, President of Polaris Off Road. “The revolutionary innovations featured in our 2021 RZR Pro XP vehicles, coupled with the support of our performance-driven sponsors, have allowed us to realize this significant milestone for RZR Factory racing which starts a new chapter in our ongoing off-road racing legacy.”

The Polaris RZR Factory Racing team will compete in the SSV class with all-new 2021 Polaris RZR Pro XP machines modified by Jimco Racing®. With over 40 years of competitive racing experience combined, Scanlon and the Matlocks will make their Dakar debut in the event’s fastest-growing class. The drivers will be coached by Team Manager Darren Skilton, whose name is renowned in the off-road racing industry. Skilton has more than 25 years of experience at Dakar, including OP Class victories in 2011 and 2012.

Husband and wife duo, Wayne and Kristen Matlock will each be racing at Dakar in their own RZR vehicles. Carrying more than 20 years of professional racing experience and known as RZR Racing’s most decorated BAJA driver, Wayne is a 10-time UTV BAJA Champion across BAJA 1000, BAJA 500 and San Felipe 250 races. At Dakar, he will be backed by navigator Sam Hayes. Kristen, a seven-time BAJA Champion, will be teamed with navigator Max Eddy. Known for her competitive drive, Kristen started racing UTVs professionally less than five years ago and has since dominated major races, including BAJA 1000 and BAJA 500 wins in 2019 and most recently, the overall UTV win at the 2020 BAJA 500 which marks her second SCORE series victory in a row.

“In the world of off-road racing, getting the chance to participate in the Dakar Rally is an opportunity of a lifetime, and we are humbled to be part of RZR’s inaugural group of racers,” said Wayne Matlock, RZR Factory Racer. “We are thrilled to be backed by this industry-leading team and an incredible army of sponsors to help prepare us and our machines for this endeavor.”

Craig Scanlon’s passion for off-road racing led him to play a major role in the conception and development of the Polaris RZR Racing program more than a decade ago. A regular competitor in the off-road racing world, Scanlon recently won the 2019 SCORE BAJA 500. He will be supported by navigator Keith Redstrom at Dakar.

“We have a tremendous amount of respect for the knowledge and experience that it takes to be successful in Dakar,” said Scanlon, RZR Factory Racer. “The racers and teams that have done this for years at the highest level have paved the way for new programs like the Factory Polaris RZR team.”

The team is backed by some of the best brands in the off-road industry including 4 Wheel Parts® – the largest off-road accessory retail chain, BF Goodrich® Tires – the official tire of the Dakar Rally, Method Race Wheels®, and FOX RACING SHOX®. Sparco® is the official supplier of the team’s safety equipment, driving suits and helmets, with equipment and vehicle liveries designed by Troy Lee Designs®. RZR Factory Racing Pro XP vehicles are also powered by Motul®, Braille Battery, Motec®, and Jimco Racing®. Additional supporters include Rigid Industries®, Trayco, Shiftpod®, and Factory Canopies.

The team will tackle the world’s toughest race beginning January 3, 2021 through January 15, 2021 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Also, join the conversation and follow RZR on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Polaris – As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2019 sales of $6.8 billion, Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including TransAmerica Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.

More information about Polaris Off-Road Vehicles and Polaris Engineered Accessories can be found at rzr.polaris.com

Since its introduction in 2015, Polaris GENERAL has established itself as the leader of the crossover segment. With its unstoppable performance, unmatched comfort and unrivalled versatility, GENERAL is the ultimate vehicle for off-road adventurers.

Further elevating its No. 1-selling crossover side-by-side lineup, Polaris today introduced the new GENERAL XP 1000 Factory Custom Edition. Available in two- and four-seat models, the limited-release Factory Custom Edition adds more style, capability and tech for riders looking to take their off-road adventure to another level.

“With the GENERAL XP 1000 Factory Custom Edition, we wanted to deliver an off-road experience that can typically only be found with a full-blown custom vehicle,” said Steven Menneto, President of Polaris Off Road. “This product is another example of our relentless effort to apply direct feedback from our riders to deliver the best vehicles, push the industry forward and, ultimately, elevate the off-road lifestyle.”

Every detail of the new Factory Custom Edition has been purposefully designed to deliver an exclusive, decked-out ride that’s ready to go the second it hits the dirt. Polaris started by giving the limited-edition GENERAL XP 1000 signature looks that are sure to stand out on the trail.

It features a premium Matte Titanium Metallic finish and is wrapped in Polaris Blue and Carbon Fiber graphics. Components such as the front bumper, suspension control arms and springs have been powder-coated in Polaris Blue for an even more custom look. The exclusive touches are also carried through the interior with the finest attention to detail. Signature, embroidered badging and color-matched piping have been added to the comfortable, contoured seats, and a new, race-inspired steering wheel features premium, semi-perforated material and contrast stitching.

Anchored by the elite performance and off-road capability of the GENERAL XP 1000, with its 64-inch stance, sport chassis and best-in-class suspension, the Factory Custom Edition enables riders to attack every corner and tackle the toughest trails on the way to their favorite destination. On the ground, meaty 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler tires are wrapped around new Pro Armor HEXLR wheels.

The wheels feature color-matched beadlock rings that both look good and keep the tire securely on the wheel when running lower tire pressures for increased traction, allowing riders to confidently take on more technical terrain. Polaris also added a new blacked-out, high-output 11-inch Pro Armor light bar to the front bumper, providing maximum visibility to keep the ride going long after the sun goes down.

The Factory Custom Edition also delivers on tech. Inside the cab, Polaris included its innovative Ride Command technology as standard equipment for an even more exclusive and elevated off-road experience. Riders can stay informed, connected and on course with the 7-inch glove-touch infotainment system, GPS navigation to map and share their journey, Group Ride to track the location of other vehicles and keep the group together, and Follow Mode that lets the group leader leave a digital track for others to follow.

In addition, the industry’s only factory-equipped Rockford Fosgate Stage 4 audio system, comprised of four surround-speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer, delivers a powerful soundtrack with pristine clarity for every epic ride.

The GENERAL XP 1000 Factory Custom Edition will begin arriving in dealerships late October with U.S. MSRP starting at $25,999 for the two-seat model and $27,999 for those looking to experience the thrill of the adventure together in the four-seat model.

To find more information about the new GENERAL XP 1000 Factory Custom Edition from Polaris, visit Polaris.com/OffRoad and join the conversation on Youtube.com/PolarisORV, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Polaris – As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2019 sales of $6.8 billion, Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including TransAmerica Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.

polaris.com

The Kawasaki MULE PRO series features the fastest and most powerful MULE side x sides ever built with both single and two-row models available.

They are Trusted, Tried and True to be the right tool for anyone who needs to transport passengers or cargo on the jobsite or on the trail.

The MULE PRO series starts with the flagship MULE PRO-FXT Ranch Edition that features a class-exclusive 3- to 6-passenger TRANS CAB system that seats six comfortably and easily converts to a single row increasing the cargo bed capacity. Converting from three passengers to six takes minimal effort. All it takes is one person and about one minute, no tools needed.

The MULE PRO-FX is a single-row model that prioritizes cargo space. It seats three and has a bed big enough to fit a full-size pallet. Finally, the MULE PRO-FXR features increased recreational abilities and premium styling that further establishes the full-size, compact side x side as the dependable work partner.

The MULE PRO series is powered by an 812cc three-cylinder fuel injected DFI gasoline engine that delivers 48 lb-ft of torque.

Power from the engine is passed through a precisely tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with an electrically selectable 2WD/4WD system and dual-mode locking rear differential, giving the driver control in a variety of conditions.

ABOUT KAWASAKI – Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends. Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters. Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles.

Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at kawasaki.com.

Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced it has signed a 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles, a global leader in electric motorcycle powertrains and technology.

This exclusive partnership in off-road vehicles (ORV) and snowmobiles is a cornerstone component of rEV’d up, Polaris’ long-term strategy to position the Company as the leader in powersports electrification. Through rEV’d up, Polaris aims to offer customers an electric vehicle option within each of its core product segments by 2025, with the first vehicle from the Zero-Polaris partnership debuting by the end of 2021.

“Thanks to advancements in power, pricing and performance over the last several years, and with customer interest surging, now is the right time for Polaris, with Zero Motorcycles as a key strategic partner, to implement our rEV’d up initiative and aggressively accelerate our position in powersports electrification,” said Scott Wine, chairman and CEO of Polaris. “Zero Motorcycles’ pioneering electrification experience, proven leadership, and electric powertrain technologies are unmatched in the market. We believe this transformative partnership will enable us to leapfrog technological hurdles around range and cost while providing a tremendous speed-to-market advantage – an instant offense. Leveraging the strengths of our teams and a shared culture of innovation and passion for this industry, Polaris and Zero will collaborate to shape the future of powersports.”

“All of us at Zero Motorcycles are delighted and honored to be a part of this industry-changing strategic relationship with Polaris as we collaborate and co-develop the technologies and vehicle platforms that will power the future of electrification in powersports,” said Zero Motorcycles CEO Sam Paschel. “This revolutionary partnership is bringing together two incredibly talented teams aimed at dramatically expanding the electric options in powersports. Our EV expertise and millions of miles of real-world, rubber-meets-the-road EV experience, coupled with Polaris’ broad product portfolio, scale, supply chain and market leadership, makes this a game-changer for every powersports enthusiast.”

With Polaris’ scale and broad product lineup, this strategic partnership will be the largest in Zero Motorcycles’ history. Under this 10-year exclusive agreement, Polaris will develop, manufacture and sell electrified ORVs and snowmobiles using Zero’s powertrain technology, hardware and software.

Zero Motorcycles has been designing, manufacturing and advancing electric motorcycles since 2006, and this partnership gives Polaris access to more than 14 years of unmatched experience and intellectual property. Zero Motorcycles is the only motorcycle company to successfully bring an entire electric product line to market and is regarded as the leader in motorcycle EV technologies, subsystems, components, and designs.

Polaris – Leading Powersports Electrification

As the global leader in powersports with nearly a decade in the electric vehicle space, Polaris is well positioned to accelerate the development of its premium electric vehicle offering across its product lines and to lead the powersports industry in electrification. Building on Polaris’ past experience in electric, rEV’d up will accelerate Polaris’ positioning within the industry by launching a new electric option to customers across each of its core business segments by 2025.

“rEV’d up is about more than just having a presence in the electric vehicle space; this is about leveraging the next generation of technology to develop industry-leading electric offerings within the right vehicle segments for our riders and our business. This is about taking a bold step to do big things,” said Wine. “With over $1 billion in electric vehicle sales over the past decade, we have built a valuable foundation in both the commercial and passenger vehicle markets. By leveraging capable partners, like Zero, we will expand on that groundwork to profitably deliver electric vehicles with the range, value and performance characteristics that both existing and prospective customers want.”

Polaris’ past and current product portfolio includes several electric options. In 2011, Polaris acquired both Goupil, a French manufacturer of on-road, commercial light duty electric vehicles for the European market, and GEM, the street-legal passenger and utility electric vehicles.

Four years later, the Company acquired Brammo Electric Motorcycles whose technology was leveraged in the RANGER EV. The RANGER EV was one of the first electric vehicles in the off-road industry and is the No. 1 selling electric off-road vehicle in North America to date. With its broad range of electric commercial and industrial vehicles, Taylor-Dunn was acquired by Polaris in 2016.

About Polaris – As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2019 sales of $6.8 billion, Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. 

polaris.com.

About Zero Motorcycles – Zero Motorcycles is the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains. Designed and crafted by hand in California, Zero Motorcycles combines Silicon Valley tech with traditional motorcycle soul to elevate the motorcycling experience for intelligent, innovative riders around the world.

Forward-Looking Statements – Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, including management’s expectations for the electric off-road and snowmobile market, are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include such factors as the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting impact on the Company’s business and the global economy; consumer demand for electric off-road vehicles and snowmobiles; the Company’s ability to successfully implement vehicle designs and manufacturing operations for its electric vehicles, including expanding its supply chain for electric vehicle components; the ability of Zero Motorcycles and the Company to successfully develop, implement and maintain superior technology for the Company’s electric off-road vehicles; economic conditions that impact consumer spending; product recalls; warranty expenses; environmental and product safety regulatory activity; effects of weather; commodity and input costs; freight and tariff costs; changes to international trade policies and agreements; uncertainty in the retail and wholesale credit markets; performance of affiliate partners, including Zero Motorcycles; relationships with dealers and suppliers; and the general overall economic, social and political environment. Investors are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any duty to any person to provide updates to its forward-looking statements. The data source for retail sales figures included in this release is registration information provided by Polaris dealers in North America compiled by the Company or Company estimates and other industry data sources. The Company must rely on information that its dealers supply concerning retail sales, and other retail sales data sources related to Polaris and the powersports industry, and this information is subject to revision. Retail sales references to total Company retail sales includes only ORV, snowmobiles and motorcycles in North America unless otherwise noted.