TWO HIT SHOWS POINT TO A BANNER YEAR FOR 2008!

The traffic at both the PGA Show and the Golf Industry Show is looked at as a barometer of what the year will be like for the golf industry. If that is true, then 2008 should be a banner year. The 2008 PGA Show, held a week earlier this year, January 17-19, exceeded last year’s impressive 45,000 attendees. The Golf Industry Show, which, unlike the PGA Show, is held in Orlando every third year, shattered records in every category. Overall attendance was 25,737 which surpassed last year’s record of 23,099. The number of qualified buyers increased by a whopping 20%. The Show, which was held January 31-February 2, was also the largest ever with 965 companies represented with exhibits covering 300,900 square feet.

In the golf car industry there were many more first time exhibitors than usual. Everyone seems to want to get in the act which speaks well for the golf car business. So too, does the fact that the companies that are there every year were once again back in full force, many with innovative new products.

First Time Exhibitors

Garia A/S of Hedehusenek, Denmark introduced the Garia G2, a luxurious golf car inspired by trends in world class automobile design. Created to be the world’s most exclusive golf car, the G2’s unique features include: the most sophisticated independent front suspension with unequal length double A-arm design, four 12-volt batteries, car type speedometer that displays speed, lights, batteries, etc., custom-made hand-sewn seats, a hydraulic brake system on all four wheels, and a slightly angled bag position for easier club access. Available in five unique colors. For more information call011-45 46570580 or visit: www.garia.dk.

I.M.T. of Winter Park, FL exhibited the Touchless Cart Cover, a fully automatic golf car storage cover that is remote controlled. Simply drive in and out with the push of a button. The Touchless Cover™ is built tough to withstand the elements and carries a limited five-year warranty. It is available in a variety of colors including two-tone. For more information call 877-679-2217 or visit: www.touchlesscover.com.

Goodway Golf Car Co. of City of Industry, CA presented their new electric golf cars, which are part of a complete line of vehicles that Goodway offers. In addition to 2-and 4-passenger golf cars, Goodway has 6-, 8- and 11-passenger vehicles as well as a Food Service Cart and a utility vehicle. All of Goodway’s vehicles are 48- volt and feature light kits, automotive style independent suspension, Advanced DC motors, Graziano transaxle, Italian Zapi controller, Trojan T-875 batteries and Carlisle tires. For more information call 626-961-7219 or visit: www.goodwaygolfcar.com.

Tomberlin Automotive Group of Augusta, GA introduced the first production Hybrid LSV/golf car. The Hybrid E-Merge has a unique on- board charger and it carries a small gasoline generator which plugs into the on-board charger (see Industry Update on page 110) Tomberlin also makes the E-Merge E-2 and E-4 models. For more information call 706-860-8880 or visit: www.tomberlin.net.

Silverline Tops of Maryville, TN displayed their ultimate top to add comfortable elegance, style and safety to golf cars. Actually it’s much more than a top. Oversized aluminum support tubing with welded construction encircles the car and provides a full brush guard, front and rear grab rails, a large rear bumper with a full sized platform, and top supports with personalized name plates. The soft top is made of popular Sunbrella™ material in a wide range of colors. The Silverline top is an exact fit for Club Car, E-Z-GO and Yamaha golf cars. For more information call 866-935-0135 or visit: www.silverlinetops.com.

Top Locker of Isle of Palms, SC showed off its unique cargo container that replaces a vehicle’s factory top with lockable storage space. The Top Locker provides a perfect place to securely store favorite clubs as well as golf balls, umbrellas, rain suits and more after a round of golf. It’s also ideal storage when golf cars are used for going to the grocery store, beach, hunting, etc. Top Lockers come with an integrated electronic dash that can be used to mount a number of appliances such as radios, mp3 players, cd players, ipods, dvd players and satellite radios. For more information call 888-835-0590 or visit:www.toplocker.com.

JH Global Services of Greenville, SC drew a great deal of attention with their new, patent pending, 2-in-1 combo seat. It transforms from a seat to a standard golf bag holder in about five seconds. JH Global also offers the Star line of vehicles that includes golf cars, NEV’s, LSV’s, buses and hunting vehicles (see Cover Story). For more information call 864-297-8833 or visit: www.jhglobalinc.com.

Kinroad LP of Carrollton, TX introduced 2-and 4-passenger electric golf cars. Built on a steel frame with a vacuum Thermoform plastic body, these golf cars are available in 36-or 48-volts and feature headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, horn, 4 drink holders, top, one-piece or hinged windshield and Curtis controller. Kinroad also offers a hunting vehicle. For more information call 972-245-8886 or visit: kinroadusa.com.

Tung Keng Enterprise Co., LTD of Taiwan R.O.C. exhibited its Olympic vehicle line that includes 2-and 4-passenger golf cars, a utility vehicle and a 6-passenger transportation vehicle. All the Olympic models are 48-volts and feature a patented design, electromagnetic brake system, an anti-UV coating that safeguards the body from sun exposure, Trojan deep-cycle batteries, easy foldable windshield, two large storage areas, ergonomic seats in high grade fully-stuffed foam, self-compensating steering and anti-rust chassis. For more information call 886-4-2532 1000 or visit: dkcity.com.

Smart - Cart of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, introduced the smallest and lightest, full-featured automobile for sale in the U.S. Smart-Cart,™ is so light it can be easily used as a golf car. It weighs just 1650 lbs., which is only 600 lbs. more than many golf cars. Equipped with wide, low abrasion tires, it produces less wear and tear on turf through computer-controlled ABS braking on all four wheels. Golfers can attach the Smart-Cart’s custom bag rack in seconds. In short, the Smart-Cart reverses the ever-growing trend of using a golf car like a second automobile by providing a second automobile that can be used as a golf car. The Smart-Cart is air- conditioned and is completely street-legal up to 90 mph. For more information call 604-836-7300 or visit: www.smart-cart.org.

ForeConcepts, Inc. of Cassville, MO displayed their popular DoorWorks™ golf cart enclosure. This unique enclosure is different from others in so many ways. It has hinged doors that open and close with a latch, there is no zipper. It has a frame structure that is solid, yet easy to install and non-invasive to the cart. Important too, if any part of the cover is damaged, only that piece needs to be replaced. The DoorWorks™ enclosure is available for E-Z-Go, Club Car and Yamaha golf cars, including The Drive. For more information call 866-888-3667 or visit: www.ForeConcepts.com.

Highlights From Some Of The Other Exhibitors

E-Z-GO introduced the RXV fleet golf car which was designed to reduce energy and maintenance costs and to provide an unsurpassed experience through best-in-class power, control, comfort and safety. The RXV electric model is 48-volts and features AC drive which is unprecedented for an electric golf car and results in more power and longer operating time between battery charges. The electric RXV’sindustry- first auto braking system brakes automatically on steep slopes when needed and can easily hold a 40-percent grade. The RXV gas model features a Kawasaki high performance, 13 hp engine, that sets new benchmarks for performance, even on the hilliest terrain.
With a larger cylinder and lower RPM, it delivers better fuel economy with less noise. The RXV is backed by the most comprehensive warranty in the industry--four-year, bumper-to-bumper coverage.

Stenten’s Golf Cart Accessories displayed many new products, among which were custom carpets and a 3-speed directional vent fan. The custom carpets are high quality marine grade with rubber backing and they snap in place for easy installation. They are also UV stable with a no-fade guarantee for five years. Available in a choice of colors, they can be personalized with a name or logo emblazoned on the carpet. The 3-speed directional vent fan has a pair of automotive- style louvers that can be adjusted independently---up down, right or left. It has a variable switch (off and 3 speeds), adjustable brackets for mounting to the top and a black powder - coat finish.

Cart-Parts displayed a standout, eye-catching vehicle that they created from the various parts and accessories they sell. They totally transformed a 2004 E-Z-Go TXT with the following Cart-Part products: ST350 black front cowl, fender flares for the ST350 front cowl, ST350 light kit, black powder coated steel brush guard, Jake’s long travel adjustable lift kit, aluminum wheel spacers, 4-passenger Eagle black powder coated flip kit, heavy-duty rear leaf spring, two-tone seat cover sets, diamond plate rocker panels, black powder coated nerf bars, diamond plate black rubber floor mat, carbon fiber custom dash and trim pieces, carbon fiber steering wheel and black 80” top with roof supports.

Club Car introduced the Precedent i2 and i2L models, which look like the original Precedent but have many differences. The new models feature the new Excel™ drive system which enhances efficiency, reliability and control capabilities. This new system increases the benefits of Precedent’s motor braking and regenerative braking features to provide greater control of the vehicle and a smoother ride. A new charging system reduces charging time and water consumption, and helps extend battery life. The Precedent’s 360- degree wraparound bumper now has greater energy-absorbing ability to reduce impact damage to the car’s body and frame. Standard amenities of the Precedent i2L model include 10” rims and aluminum wheels, soft- grip steering wheel, custom logo, accent striping, premium windshield and canopy storage net.

M & M Vehicle Corp. exhibited many new products. They include: Baja kits which are available with an optional rumble seat or mesh box and are available for Club Car, E-Z-GO or Yamaha; Light Rodz durable LED ground effects that come in 4-piece sets and are available in White, Red, Blue, Green and Violet; 4-passenger conversion seats (complete) and seat covers for E-Z-GO, Club Car and Yamaha in many standard colors; and front mounted mesh box, and 4-passenger package carriers for the Yamaha Drive.

GMT, Inc. introduced several products for the Yamaha Drive including a dashboard, overhead radio console and under seat storage tray. They will soon be offering a Woody kit for The Drive too. All accessories are available in dark wood grain, burled wood grain, carbon fiber, Woody, autumn teak, mahogany, turned titanium, black and camouflage finishes. GMT also introduced an innovative side marker, low profile light. This stylish addition has the latest LED’s and superior optics and is grommet mounted. It’s about the size of a dime with a smooth surface and has a fully-sealed body that is shock and vibration proof. Available with a red, amber or clear lens, the light provides 100,000 hours of life.

Red Dot Enclosures showed off their latest innovations like their patented Ultra Seal™ design enclosure. This exclusive new design projects a streamlined, sleeker look. The passengers are encapsulated by the enclosure yet they have full access to the sweater basket. Another Red Dot innovation is their staple-on seat covers. Made of marine-grade vinyl, they are a simple, inexpensive solution to worn or drab looking seats. Red Dot offers a wide selection of staple-on seat covers in many colors and patterns, including the popular new crocodile pattern. Red Dot now has another production facility in Augusta, Georgia, that is ready to give red carpet treatment to customers’ orders.

Fore-Par Group displayed a wide range of parts and accessories. Many of their latest additions are for the Yamaha Drive. They include: brush guards, 4-passenger kits, light kits, flip-flop kits, seat covers, nerf bars, five-panel mirror, rocker panels, steering column covers, utility boxes, lift kits, motors and controllers, and tires and wheels. Fore-Par recently came out with a new tire/wheel catalog which offers the very latest in wheels and has as comprehensive a selection as can be found anywhere.

B & B Preferred presented its latest “complete-body system” called the Bolero, which is now available for the Club Car Precedent chassis. The complete-body system includes: windshield, fiberglass hardtop, front and rear seats, audio console, two storage areas (or ice chests) behind the seats, removable bag holders (when used as a 4- passenger car), carpet set (5-pieces) and much more. A complete wiring system (plug and play) is included too, with lights, horn, turn signals and light stalk to accommodate these items. Just plug the two 6-pin connectors together and the car is instantly wired.

Curtis Instruments introduced their Climate Control System golf car enclosure for the Yamaha Drive. The new enclosure has a parallel opening door system that is compact and features Curtis’ unique Auto- Close action. The doors store securely in the open position and stylishly blend with the vehicle. Available in White, Beige or Black, the new enclosure should be as popular as the one for the Precedent.

Classic Accessories displayed four new Fairway products. The Fairway golf car organizer provides fast and easy access to all golf essentials. It features a large, zip-closed, padded main compartment, two storage pockets and four compartments for tees, balls, cell phones and more. The organizer fits most golf cars with roofs, in minutes. The Fairway golf car bug screen has high visibility mesh that keeps out bugs and adds shade, and a super-clear PVC front window. The Fairway golf car seat cover is padded and protects new seats and makes old seats look like new. The fabric is durable, water resistant and machine washable. The Fairway drink tote is insulated and quickly straps to a golf car windshield. It keeps up to six cans cold and has a durable Weather Protected™ fabric shell.

FUTURE SHOWS

The PGA Fall Expo will be held August 26-27 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The 2009 PGA Merchandise Show will be January 29-31 in Orlando. The 2009 Golf Industry Show will be in New Orleans February 5-7.

Pictures from show.
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