Market Trends of North America ATV And UTV Industry
Sports Segment Witnessing Major Growth
- The increasing interest of people in sports and recreational activities has become a significant factor driving the growth of the market. Manufacturers are constantly working to develop various eco-friendly versions of these vehicles to address the growing concerns around carbon emissions. This is expected to further boost the market size of all-terrain vehicles.
- When manufacturing ATVs and UTVs for sporting activities, the primary criterion taken into consideration is their performance. These vehicles are designed to be lightweight to facilitate acceleration, have stiffer suspension settings for better handling, and have a low center of gravity for added stability.
- Vehicles belonging to this category are primarily deployed in a variety of high-octane racing events, including but not limited to dune racing in arid and desert-like conditions, cross-country racing that involves traversing through dense forests and wooded areas, hill climbing where drivers navigate steep and challenging terrains, and drag racing that demands high-speed acceleration and swift maneuvering.
- Earlier, ATVs for sports and racing featured two-stroke engines, as they offered better acceleration. However, this has changed in the current scenario, as the market has more offerings of four-stroke engines.
- Currently, a high number of professional racing championships and series are being conducted across North America. The Grand National Cross-Country Series, ATV National Motocross Championship, and Championship Mud Racing are a few such events where different kinds of ATVs and UTVs are used.
- The key companies operating in the market are also taking multiple initiatives to increase access to motorized recreational trails to supplement the penetration and capitalize on the opportunity.
- For instance, in August 2023, Yamaha Motor Corporation announced that Yamaha's Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) surpassed USD 6 million in cumulative funding. This latest funding cycle showcases Yamaha OAI's mission to protect, improve, and expand access to public land for motorized and outdoor recreation. It is done through projects that build, protect, and restore access to more than 40,000 acres and 600 miles of trail for motorized recreation.
- In the second quarter of 2023, three major projects in Oregon received support from OAI. These projects are aimed at enhancing the riding experience in the Oregon Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, Tillamook State Forest, and the prospect of riding area in the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest. These projects include informative wayfinding signage, construction of vital bridges and staging areas, and demonstration of OAI's commitment to improving recreational opportunities in Oregon for many years to come.
- The United States is expected to see a significant increase in the popularity of ATVs and UTVs over the next decade due to factors such as the growing number of off-road terrains, increased promotion of recreational activities by motorsports associations, and the rise of national rally championships. As a result, demand for ATVs and UTVs is likely to be influenced during the forecast period.
United States Expected to Dominate the Market
- The increasing recreational expenditure and the rising number of off-roading events are driving the growth of the ATV and UTV market in the United States. The growing preference of the youth toward adventure and off-road events and the availability of a wide range of products across varied prices are the factors that drive this growth.
- The US military uses more ATVs and UTVs for diversifying their applications. It includes transporting armed forces and ammunition across long distances. The need for vehicles to run in rough terrain provides an impetus to the growth of the ATV and UTV market.
- The growing establishment of dedicated all-terrain vehicle and utility terrain vehicle pathways within US parks is expected to stimulate heightened consumer interest. This expansion of recreational ATV and UTV infrastructure serves as a compelling market driver, as it not only addresses the accessibility issues but also encourages greater demand for these off-road vehicles. It presents substantial growth opportunities within the all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles market in the United States.
- Several local bodies in the country are taking initiatives to promote all-terrain vehicle and utility terrain vehicles for recreational and sporting purposes.
- In August 2023, Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Meier, Wisconsin, United States, addressed the committee of the whole on the subject of approving all-terrain vehicle and utility terrain vehicle routes in the city of Green Lake.
- In July 2023, Ankeny City, Iowa, United States, granted permission for utility terrain vehicles to navigate its streets. This new regulatory framework introduces specific prerequisites and exemptions meticulously crafted to ensure operational safety. Due to this measure, the manufacturers in the country take advantage of it and explore their reach in the country.