Tomberlin last graced the cover of Golf Car Advisor almost two years ago with the headline, “What A Ride!” Today, with the prolific influx of Chinese imports, inflation and the post-Covid recession, “the ride” and business climate certainly has become more unusual, for suppliers and dealers alike.
While other electric vehicle companies are looking overseas with angst, wondering what the future brings and who will be left standing when the dust settles, one company who has been known to boldly embrace the unusual is looking ahead. With a legacy of innovation and market foresight, the Columbia Vehicle Group (CVG), consisting of the Tomberlin and Columbia brands of electric consumer LSV’s and work vehicles, is expanding and moving their corporate offices and entire Tomberlin and Columbia vehicle manufacturing operations to Aiken, SC – just across the river from Augusta, GA. In fact, the first Tomberlin LSV’s rolled out their doors in August.
CVG is part of the Nordic Group of Companies, an American, family-owned, privately held company. Founded in 1947 in Baraboo, WI, with manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Nordic has been a pioneer in electric vehicles since 1947. With CVG’s new 150,000 sq. ft. South Carolina manufacturing facility, sitting on an expansive 19-acre campus, it’s the purposeful intention of the Nordic Group and CVG to continue their pursuit of leading the electrification of Americas close-in commuting and last-mile delivery needs. As Scott Breckley, president of CVG stated, “we are investing in our future with both brands, and we will grow our business with our dealer partners by our side. Tomberlin and Columbia dealers can rest assured; our best days are ahead of us.”
CVG’s New Dealer Experience Center Is Open For Training!
Included on their Aiken campus is a new innovative Dealer Experience Center. It’s the ultimate Tomberlin and Columbia Showroom and Dealer Training Facility. The 3,000 sq. ft. Experience Center is dedicated to hosting Tomberlin and Columbia dealers, from owners to sales teams to technicians, to provide the best Sales, Product and Technical Training curriculum in the industry.
Jeremy Zeock-Vilas, Director of Dealer Development, and his team will host current and prospective dealers during 2–3-day intensive training sessions, catered to the dealers interests. The primary focus is on educating their dealer partners on the many features, functions, and benefits of the Tomberlin and Columbia offerings, and helping dealer associates enhance their sales and/or technical skills. “We welcome both current and prospective Tomberlin and Columbia dealers to spend a few days with us, learning first-hand how CVG can extend and support their business in ways other suppliers cannot deliver.”
America’s LSV Leader, and The Industry Standard In Safety, Performance And Styling!
Since introducing the first Tomberlin street-legal, Low Speed Vehicle in 2006, all Tomberlin Emerge units have been purpose-built to meet and exceed the unique safety, performance and styling requirements for on-road applications. While many brands repackage fleet golf cars with accessories, Tomberlin goes farther by engineering LSV vehicles exceeding the strict federal LSV safety requirements. As a result, Tomberlin standard features are often costly optional equipment on other manufacturers products. Every ounce of Tomberlin’s energy and resources are focused directly on pure electric vehicles.
Additionally, Tomberlin LSV’s include automotive features like electric power steering, a Smart Park automatic parking brake, a locking steering column, and a unique key-set to avoid theft from copycat keys. Their powerful 450a drivetrain and unique 4-wheel braking system delivers a level of performance not found in other golf cars or LSV vehicles. They not only offer the convenience, freedom and fun of a neighborhood electric vehicle, they also provide safety and performance features expected on automobiles.
The retail golf car landscape has changed rapidly, yet Tomberlin will continue to set the pace as Americas established leader in Safety, Performance and Styling. Sean McNally, their director of marketing best defines their market position. “We understand a dealer’s desire to have a three-tiered product offering, consisting of products fitting a good, better, and best category. Tomberlin is perfectly positioned to help dealers serve their “Better” and “Best” customers, and welcomes their consideration and interest in joining our dealer team.”
The Engage – Considered The Best LSV On The Market, Just Got Better
One Look, And You’ll Know . . . It’s A Tomberlin!
Tomberlin intrinsically had high expectations when they debuted their long anticipated ENGAGE earlier this year, yet the response from their dealers who have been “Engaged” has exceeded those expectations. As several dealers have asserted that “the Engage is the best LSV on the market today.”
Best described as Innovative Luxury, the feature-rich ENGAGE, with its distinctive automotive body styling, is simply stunning – as seen on the cover of this issue. Standard features include ingenious Tomberlin 360 connectivity, industry-first controlled heat and ventilation, Apple Car Play® / Android Auto®, wireless cell phone charging, the proprietary E-volve 210a, 10kWh lithium power package, industry-first electric power steering, new contemporary interior dash and console appointments that mirror those of luxury automobiles – and even a market exclusive onboard umbrella holder!
The 2025 E-Merge – America’s Best LSV Value!
Once again Tomberlin will continue their tradition of an early launch to the model year, giving their dealers a competitive advantage over others offering prior year models. All future E-Merge shipments will be new 2025 model year vehicles, with a host of enhanced value-added features, to include their new Evolve 125a lithium battery package and new MX rear-facing, fold down seat as standards on each E-Merge model. And all models are now more competitively priced!
Tomberlin’s E-Merge SE model has been upgraded to include Tomberlin’s popular Bluetooth integrated headliner, new 12-inch wheels with steel belted radials, new designer steering wheel, 6 colors of premium upholstered seats with phone pockets, and their new Evolve 125a battery package and MX rear seat as noted above.
With today’s consumer becoming more discerning and demanding their LSV fit their personality, or match the color of their RV, truck, boat, or yard toy, Tomberlin has gone “Bespoke” with their enhanced E-Merge LXR model. With over 30 standard colors, and the option of any custom color imaginable, Tomberlin is uniquely positioned to let the consumer “Have It Your Way!” This bespoke offering includes their broad choice of 4 designer seat selections in over 10 color patterns, including their most popular, luxury “Cooltouch” upholstered seats. The customization options for the LXR continue with multiple passenger, accessory and configuration choices. And like all E-Merge models, the LXR now comes standard with the new Evolve 125a Lithium package and MX rear-facing seat.
Tomberlin’s Shadowhawk is their top selling E-Merge model and also has a collection of new features. In addition to the lifted suspension package, the updated Shadowhawk now includes the standard Evolve 125a lithium battery package and MX rear seat. Combined with the its comfortable Cooltouch seats, choice of multiple matte paint colors, and the integrated Bluetooth headliner, the Shadowhawk will continue to be the ride of choice for showing off in the neighborhood.
Offering the Best LSV on the Market Is Just the Beginning!
In addition to a premium quality product, Tomberlin is proud to have a talented, dedicated team of associates who “Go Farther” to support their dealers business development needs. Important and valuable dealer support programs for Tomberlins dealer include:
- Gladly Answer Your Phone Call with A Client Care Associate Dedicated to Your Dealership
- Basic and Advanced Sales and Technical Training, either On-Line, On Site or In Aiken
- A Dedicated Technical Hotline, with In-Field Technical Service Managers to Train Your Service Staff
- Floor Planning, Consumer Financing and Rental Solutions with Leading Industry Providers
- Retail Development Managers for On-Site Retail Training and Continued Business Development
- Multiple Sales Promotional Programs, Dealer Salesperson Incentives and Store Merchandising
Now For An Important Commercial Opportunity!
As our Dealers seek additional revenue streams, many realize the potential within various light commercial vehicle market segments, including higher education, municipal and federal government, hospitality, construction, and many others. Columbia electric work vehicles serve those market needs extremely well, with both products and services other manufacturers don’t provide. From the burden carrying Payloader and Utilitruck to the multi-passenger Journeyman, Columbia has the electric work vehicle market covered.
As Tomberlin and Columbia continue to work closer together in supporting their dealers, they will be glad to share with you how they can better serve all your electric vehicle needs. Simply notify your Tomberlin Dealer Development Manager and they will connect with you to explore the opportunities!
This Is Home!
There is no better time to look to Tomberlin for your high quality, premium LSV needs! The Striking New ENGAGE and New, More Competitive E-Merge Lineup of LSV’s. The Evoke Electric Bike Collection. And a New Opportunity to Explore Untapped Commercial Markets with Columbia Vehicles. Who better to provide you with the products, the support, and the brand value to profitably grow your business. Visit tomberlinusa.com and see for yourself.
