Ask the Editors: Are ATVs Making a Comeback?
Dear ATVC:
For the last 5 years or so, side-by-sides have been a hot market. Can anyone chime in on the current market for ATVs and if they are stale or are coming back to popularity? I ask because I have recently seen some cheap Rangers/RZRs.
Norf Georgia
Well the good news is that while you might have observed some regional trends that made UTVs (side-by-sides) appear more popular than their ATV cousins, it’s important to note that sales of new ATVs have remained fairly strong despite a domestic economy that took a downturn in 2008 and is still struggling to recover even now. The stats appear even more impressive when compared to other recreational vehicle sales (RVs, snowmobiles, scooters etc.)
While there were some rises and dips throughout the individual months, 2012 witnessed an overall increase of 2.6% in new ATV sales when compared to the prior year (225,244 units versus 222,032).
Since you asked specifically to compare the sales of ATVs versus UTVs, 2010 witnessed the sale of 239,200 new UTVs and then sales surpassed 280,000 in 2011.
Indeed, new UTV sales may be surpassing new ATV sales, the fact of the matter is both markets are defying the slow economic trend with strong numbers and a massive secondary (used) market.
