Golf Car Options Magazine March 2020 GCOptions Mar20 MAGZTER | Page 26

INSIDE By Stephen Metzger Managing Director Small Vehicle Resource, LLC [email protected] www.smallvehicleresource.com THE GATED COMMUNITY Are You Ready for Comfort? (Or, the Invasion of the Fully- Equipped and Fully-Enclosed PTV) W ith the 2020 PGA Show still fresh in mind, particularly what was revealed in exclusive interviews with executives of the Big Three and a number of lesser-known brands, the following stands out: First, lithium batteries are on a clear path toward mainstream awareness and acceptance; and second, telematics, communica- tion between vehicles and be- tween vehicles and data centers, will play a major role in future market developments. For the present, however, let’s look at two aspects of current product offerings that play—and will play—an important role in consumer choice: • PTVs, both new models and upgrades, are aggressively incor- porating automotive features; • Part of the future trend with regard to automotive features 26 WWW.GOLFCAROPTIONS.COM will be fully-enclosed vehicles. Let’s look at each of these topics in the following. Automotive features become standard Another aspect of product evo- lution is the incorporation of automotive features, particularly in the driver/passenger space of the vehicle. No longer, in many models, are such accessories as heating and cooling devices or sound systems simply add-ons or an aftermarket attachment. Rather, this equipment is molded into the interior design of the vehicle. Touchscreen LCD panels have become part of the interior design as well, giving driver and passenger access to a wide range of information or entertainment options. New federal regulations, in fact, prescribe that LSV certi- fication include backup warning signal and a rearview camera. The impact of these options (or new standard features) is to weight the choice between PTV and automobile in favor of the former. This assumes the trans- portation system is conducive to using low speed vehicles, which is the case in most gated or planned communities. In suburban com- munities using PTVs will depend on local ordinances and practice and may take an activist approach to initiate LSV inclusion in munici- pal transportation plans. “Under-the-hood” upgrades ape automotive engineering Who are the pace-setters in under-the-hood upgrades? The two big vote-getters in my book would be Yamaha with the first completely independent rear suspension, pictured below, and STAR (Sirius model) with its four- wheel hydraulic brake system, with front disc brakes, and its au- tomotive-type front suspension.