Gun Racks on Golf Cars: Non-Traditional Use of Cars Spurs Creative New Designs
PROVIDENCE, R.I.--Sept. 19, 2002--Golf cars aren't just for the links anymore. The growing popularity of gated and lifestyle communities where traditional autos are not a necessity, plus the desire for greater mobility with more comfort while camping, hunting, working the farm or just cruising the countryside, has driven demand for new vehicles based on the golf car design. Responding to this need and customer demand, E-Z-GO, a Textron Company, the number one golf car manufacturer in the world, has added new cars and options to its line of personal golf cars and utility vehicles.
In recent months, E-Z-GO has added two new models to its Freedom line of individual golf cars and has designed a trail utility vehicle specifically for sporting clay shooters. The Clays Car(TM) is an addition to E-Z-GO's Workhorse(R) ST line which already includes a camouflage-version for use by hunters.
"We have seen continued demand for individual golf cars and more options on these cars for use in golf and retirement communities. Our sales of individual golf cars are up more than 15% over last year," said Kim Hegel, marketing manager for E-Z-GO. "Golf cars provide residents flexibility without having to sacrifice the comfort and convenience they want; our new options were added in direct response to customer demand," Hegel added.
The new Freedom models include a four-cup drink holder, a center storage basket, an oil gauge and fuel gauges or state of charge meter, depending on whether the car is gas or electric. The Freedom SE model adds headlights, tail lights and a horn. The top-of-the-line Freedom LE offers customers the opportunity for uniqueness and customization with multiple paint options, a wood grain dash, aluminum mag wheel tires, turn signals, a windshield and canopy.
The Clays Car(TM), hundreds of which have been sold since its introduction in May, includes gun racks and storage for shells and supplies, in addition to standard Workhorse features such as engines, suspension and tires designed for off-road use. The Clays Car(TM) was developed with the guidance of the National Sporting Clays Association.
"Listening to our customers has led us to many variations on the traditional golf car which have greatly expanded our business," said Hegel. "We've taken what was already a very versatile vehicle and customized it to fit variety of needs, hobbies and interests," she said.
E-Z-GO, based in Augusta, Georgia, is the world's leading manufacturer of golf cars and utility vehicles. It is a business unit of Textron Inc. , a $12 billion multi-industry company with more than 51,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services in industries such as aircraft, fastening systems, industrial products and components and finance. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.
