UTV News From Honda & Yamaha
It seems like the hot news this week centers on side-by-sides as two major announcements have found their way to our offices worth passing on.
The first news bit comes from American Honda, who have announced that production of Honda side-by-side MUVs will transfer in 2013 from Honda de Mexico to Honda of South Carolina in Timmonsville, SC.
These changes are part of a global Honda strategy tied to future growth forecast in the side-by-side segment. Current plans call for the completion of side-by-side production in Mexico in 2013, with production to begin in South Carolina in the summer of 2013 to meet the needs of U.S. customers and for export to global markets.
Currently dedicated solely to the production of Honda all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), South Carolina has the capacity to produce more than 250,000 vehicles and 310,000 engines annually. Based on the increased production capacity and future expansion potential, it was determined to be the right location for Honda side-by-side production.
Honda of South Carolina (HSC) is one of nine major Honda factories in the U.S. Since it began operation in 1998 and has manufactured more than 2.5 million Honda ATVs.
In the mean time Yamaha’s Parts and Accessories Division (YPAD) is offering a new Rhino Body Kit, giving owners yet another way to personalize their Yamaha Rhino Side-by-Side vehicles.
The eight-piece collection includes a front bumper guard that mounts to the OE bumper, two-piece wraparound front overfender flares that extend the OE front fenders an additional 4.125 inches, rear overfender flares that add 3.375 inches to the rear fenders, and a shaker-style hood scoop.
All components are made from double-walled and UV-resistant roto-molded linear low-density polyethylene and are designed to fit all Rhino 700, 660 and 450 models.
The base MSRP of $289.95 will appeal to Rhino owners looking for an affordable way to customize their vehicles while offering owners added debris and front bumper protection.
The kit – Yamaha part number DBY-ACC56-00-8 – is available through authorized Yamaha dealers nationwide. Yamaha has nearly 140 Rhino parts and accessories in the new 2013 Outdoors Accessories & Apparel Catalog, which is also available through Yamaha dealers. Rhino add-ons can also be found online here.