Bobcat Co. and Polaris Industries last week announced a long-term strategic alliance that will leverage the strengths of both companies to penetrate work-related market segments globally. The alliance will include co-development of work vehicles, supply of highly differentiated work vehicles and technology sharing, with a planned launch by the second half of 2010.
“We are thrilled about the long-term implications of this alliance,” said Richard Goldsbury, president, Bobcat Americas. “Bobcat’s and Polaris’ long traditions of innovation, product passion and similar cultures complement each other very well.”
Scott Wine, Polaris Industries CEO, said this alliance is consistent with Polaris’ stated goal of diversifying beyond core powersports segments and will enhance efforts to accelerate the growth of its military and international business.
“Initially, Polaris will produce and sell highly differentiated work vehicles to Bobcat for sale through the Bobcat dealer network,” Wine said. “The breadth and depth of our cooperative efforts will expand thereafter to include co-developed vehicles for both Polaris and Bobcat, and further technology-sharing.”
Bobcat Co., headquartered in West Fargo, N.D., is part of Doosan Infracore International, a U.S.-based subsidiary of Doosan Infracore, a global manufacturer of construction equipment.
With annual 2008 sales of $1.9 billion, Medina, Minn.-based Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles including: all-terrain vehicles, the Polaris Ranger, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use.
