FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 29, 2009
Contact:
Kathleen C. Searle
Vice President – Communications
706.560.6036
ksearle@textron.com
Contact:
Brandon Haddock
Manager – Marketing Communications
706.772.5931
bhaddock@textron.com
E-Z-GO RXV™ Proves to Be Industry-Pleaser
Customers and Industry Enjoying Benefits of Game-Changing Golf Car
(AUGUSTA, GA) — Just over one year since its launch in November 2007, the E-Z-GO RXV is enjoying tremendous success in the marketplace, with customers around the world enjoying the unparalleled reliability, enhanced golf experience and extraordinary bottom-line value that the vehicle provides.
Many of those customers say they have already recognized noticeable benefits from the RXV, from appreciative comments from happy golfers, to simplified maintenance, to bottom-line savings due to the vehicle’s unprecedented energy efficiency:
- “Not only did the RXV meet our members’ expectations, but it exceeded them,” said John Kuzina, Head Golf Professional at the Mountain Course of The Club at Cordillera in Edwards, Colorado.
- “The new RXV has certainly changed how people look at a golf car,” said John Zimmers, superintendent at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. “They really thought this out. It’s an amenity, and a game-changer in how people are going to look at a golf-car fleet.”
- “When we think about the RXV, we think about a golf car that’s easy to maintain, it’s reliable, it’s comfortable – it’s everything wrapped into one,” said Brent Wattigny, Director of Golf at Wichita Falls Country Club in Wichita Falls, Texas.
- We’re proud and honored by the success of the RXV in its first year on the market,” said Michael R. Parkhurst, vice president of global sales for E-Z-GO. “We knew the RXV would be a success due to the unparalleled user experience, reliability and value that it offers, but it’s even more gratifying to hear customers speak of the benefits and advantages that they have enjoyed in their experience with the vehicle.
“We expect to hear more and more comments such as these as word about the RXV spreads and more facilities choose to invest in this remarkable new golf car.”
The numerous RXV innovations, features and benefits include:
- AC drive (electric): Unprecedented for an electric golf car, the RXV’s drive train uses an alternating current motor, not the traditional direct current motor, generating more power and longer operating time between battery charges. The RXV is up to 30 percent more efficient than direct-current golf cars, boasting a 48-volt motor – enabling a 10 percent improvement in daily range.
- Dual-braking system (electric): A parking brake automatically engages when the RXV stops – requiring no foot pedal engagement. The industry-first auto braking system brakes automatically on steep slopes when needed and can easily hold a 40 percent grade. This “drive-by-wire” system maintains constant speeds safely and easily. The system supplies recharge to the batteries whenever brakes are applied, keeping the vehicle on the course longer and reducing long-term operating costs.
- Energy transfer bumpers (electric and gas): The RXV features front, back and side bumpers, positioned to minimize damage by absorbing and transferring energy from impacts into the frame rather than the engine or components.
- Kawasaki high-performance 13-HP engine (gas): This engine 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. And more miles per gallon mean greater savings for course operators.
- Warranty: The reliability of the new RXV is backed by the most comprehensive warranty in the industry – four-year, bumper-to-bumper coverage. E-Z-GO’s batteries are guaranteed to last for four years, 1,200 rounds or 21,500 amp hours – whichever comes first – for 36 holes of golf a day, every day.
- Improved golfer experience: The RXV features an automotive-style, A-arm suspension with coil over spring shock providing a smooth, comfortable ride. It also features added storage space while cup and ball holders are within easy reach of driver and passenger. Redesigned hip restraints and thicker foam padding ensure a comfortable ride; a wider canopy prevents rain from dripping inside the vehicle; a larger bag well accommodates today’s biggest golf bags.
- Fresh exterior styling: Retaining the classic E-Z-GO look while incorporating up-to-date design elements, the RXV boasts a boldly elegant appearance. Its inviting style makes the RXV as visually appealing as it is enjoyable to drive.
- Environmentally friendly operation: The RXV electric model requires less energy to charge and operate, minimizing the vehicle’s “carbon footprint” and reducing hazardous waste. And its whisper quiet engine practically eliminates noise pollution. The RXV gas model is compliant with the stringent emissions standards of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and improves fuel economy by up to 52 percent. The RXV’s seats are made from 100-percent recycled foam.
- Safety comes first: In addition to the advantages of dual braking and energy transfer bumpers, the RXV has many features designed to keep golfers safe and secure. Its limited slip differential delivers 25 percent better traction and is especially effective on wet or sandy soil. A slip resistant floormat gives golfers firm footing in wet conditions, while the RXV’s canopy has double-wall construction and 50 percent thicker struts.
For more information about the RXV and the entire line of E-Z-GO vehicles for the golf industry, please visit www.ezgo.com or call 1-800-241-5855.
About E-Z-GO
E-Z-GO, a Textron Company, is a leading manufacturer of golf cars and utility vehicles. E-Z-GO is the preferred golf car fleet provider for seven of the top 10 of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses as ranked by Golf Digest. E-Z-GO is also the golf car of choice of nine of the nation’s 10 largest course-management companies. E-Z-GO boasts the largest sales and service network in the industry, with more factory branch locations and independent distributors than any other manufacturer.
More than a maker of golf cars, E-Z-GO is also a leading provider of industrial, turf and utility vehicles for a variety of applications and industries. Products under the E-Z-GO flagship include the Shuttle Personnel Carrier, ST Trail Utility vehicles, and the Clays Car, the world’s first vehicle designed specifically for the sporting clays shooter. E-Z-GO also produces the Cushman line of heavy duty burden carriers.
Founded in 1954 in Augusta Ga., E-Z-GO became part of Textron Inc. in 1960. Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a $14.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 28 countries with approximately 42,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.
###
Special note to Editors: The correct spelling of ‘E-Z-GO’ is with all capital letters and two hyphens.
-- END
