Jan. 17, 2011 – Q&A with BRP on the hybrid Spyder project
How quickly can dealerships expect to see a result of the electric hybrid project on their showroom floor? Powersports Business asked that question and others to BRP in wake of the announcement.
Powersports Business:
Is it a possibility that the roadster project could bring about technologies of use for BRP’s off-road vehicles as well? Since in all cases we’re dealing with smaller-sized power plants.
BRP:
It would not be unheard of for BRP. We have already applied technology developed for product A to product B, as in the case of E-TEC technology developed for Evinrude engines and now being used in Ski-Doo snowmobiles. That being said, this is a major undertaking and we will walk before we run; an off-road environment is very different from on-road.
Powersports Business:
The four-year timeline seems really aggressive. Is it modeled after what has been accomplished on the auto side?
BRP:
We are looking at what has been and continues to be done in the auto industry. We have, however, our own agenda and we acknowledge it is aggressive. That being said, we want to be able to serve our customers in the best way possible. We must continue to innovate.
Powersports Business:
Finally, a question on the three generations of prototypes and their components. Will each of these generations of vehicles be considered for marketplace? Or will the final version/final generation only be looked at for the marketplace?
BRP:
Each generation will improve the one that came before. So, only the final iteration will be considered for commercial purposes. PSB
