Polaris: At-A-Glance: Snowmobile

Polaris pioneered snowmobiles 45 years ago, and we’ve been the worldwide market share leader since the 1990-91 season. We maintain our leadership position by offering continual innovations through a full range of competitively priced models covering all market segments: trail sport, two-up touring, trail luxury, performance and deep snow.
PRIMARY COMPETITORS:

Arctic Cat
Bombardier
Yamaha

1998 OVERVIEW

Approximately 256,000 units were sold worldwide during the season ended March 31, 1998, down 2 percent from the previous season. The decrease was primarily the result of El Niño-influenced weather, with light snow and warm temperatures across much of North America. We reduced our 1998 build to reduce field inventories, so supply more closely matched consumer demand. Our sled sales of $374 million were down 15 percent from 1997. While final industrywide retail sales for the 1998-99 season are not yet available, preliminary data indicates we’ve increased market share in almost every model segment, and in almost every state and province in a declining market. This relative growth of our most mature market is attributable to a lineup of 23 new models, the most we’ve ever introduced in a single year.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR:

700 XCSP named SnoGoer “Sled of the Year.”
Indy 700 RMK named SnoWest “Mountain Muscle Sled of the Year,” and won every RMSHA hill climb event in its class during the 1997-98 season.
Indy 600 RMK named SnoWest “Mountain Sled of the Year.”
600 XC and 700 XC named Snowmobile “Best in Class” models.

OUTLOOK

We’ll remain the market share leader through continuing product innovation, a stronger brand message and aggressive promotions. Our model year 2000 lineup includes three new domestic engines across four new models, and numerous models featuring reduced weight, quieter exhausts and improved suspensions and chassis. We expect the industry to resume its long-term trend of 5 to 7 percent average annual growth after the 1999-2000 season.

Forward-looking statements made herein contain certain important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

© 1999 Polaris Industries Inc.





		Polaris pioneered snowmobiles 45 years ago, and we’ve been the worldwide market share leader since the 1990-91 season. We maintain our leadership position by offering continual innovations through a full range of competitively priced models covering all market segments: trail sport, two-up touring, trail luxury, performance and deep snow. PRIMARY COMPETITORS: Arctic Cat Bombardier Yamaha 1998 OVERVIEW Approximately 256,000 units were sold worldwide during the season ended March 31, 1998, down 2 percent from the previous season. The decrease was primarily the result of El Niño-influenced weather, with light snow and warm temperatures across much of North America. We reduced our 1998 build to reduce field inventories, so supply more closely matched consumer demand. Our sled sales of $374 million were down 15 percent from 1997. While final industrywide retail sales for the 1998-99 season are not yet available, preliminary data indicates we’ve increased market share in almost every model segment, and in almost every state and province in a declining market. This relative growth of our most mature market is attributable to a lineup of 23 new models, the most we’ve ever introduced in a single year. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR: 700 XCSP named SnoGoer “Sled of the Year.” Indy 700 RMK named SnoWest “Mountain Muscle Sled of the Year,” and won every RMSHA hill climb event in its class during the 1997-98 season. Indy 600 RMK named SnoWest “Mountain Sled of the Year.” 600 XC and 700 XC named Snowmobile “Best in Class” models. OUTLOOK We’ll remain the market share leader through continuing product innovation, a stronger brand message and aggressive promotions. Our model year 2000 lineup includes three new domestic engines across four new models, and numerous models featuring reduced weight, quieter exhausts and improved suspensions and chassis. We expect the industry to resume its long-term trend of 5 to 7 percent average annual growth after the 1999-2000 season. Forward-looking statements made herein contain certain important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

		© 1999 Polaris Industries Inc.