Bombardier Launches 2nd ATV Model

17 June 1999

New Model Targets Sport Enthusiats

    VALCOURT, Quebec--Bombardier Recreational Products unveiled today its all-new ATV model, the DS 650(i), due to hit the market this fall. Once again, Bombardier Recreational Products is making inroads in the ATV market. This vehicle will be manufactured in Valcourt.

    Some will remember that Bombardier's first utility ATV, the Traxter(MC), was qualified last February by the renowned American magazine Popular Mechanics as "The best ATV on the market." For its part, ATV Magazine, another American publication, named the Traxter "ATV of the year."

    This time round, Bombardier is targeting sport ATV enthusiasts, a completely different market from that of the all-purpose utility vehicle. With its four-stroke Rotax(R) engine, similar to the one found on European motorcycles, the DS 650 is in a sport class all on its own. Indeed, this new ATV has been designed for the most demanding of experienced sport riders.

    Mr. Alain Brunelle, vice president, general manager ATV, reminded everyone that Bombardier Recreational Products became the seventh most important player in the business when it entered this ever-growing market in February 1998. Sales of ATVs in North America hit the 470,000 mark in 1998, an increase of 17.5 percent over 1997. "By offering an upscale utility vehicle and an upscale sport vehicle, Bombardier Recreational Products has chosen to give itself the tools to become an industry leader," announced Brunelle.

    Brunelle reminded that "responsible and safe driving attitudes make operating an ATV a much more enjoyable experience" and added that "Bombardier Recreational Products asks all ATV enthusiasts to always use their common sense, obey all laws and rules as well as show consideration for others and respect their rights." It is important for drivers of ATVs to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and to always wear the appropriate clothing and safety equipment. Bombardier Recreational Products reminds drivers that alcohol and ATVs don't mix. Drivers of ATVs with more than 90-cc displacement must be over 16. Bombardier ATVs are designed to carry one person only. Under no circumstances should another person board the ATV.

    Bombardier Recreational Products designs, develops, builds, distributes and markets Ski-Doo(R) and Lynx(R) snowmobiles, snowgrooming equipment and multi-purpose tracked vehicles, Sea-Doo(R) watercrafts and sport boats, Bombardier all-terrain vehicles and Bombardier NV(tm) neighborhood vehicles. Snowmobiles, watercrafts, sport boats and ATV are powered by Rotax(R) engines that are designed and built by Bombardier-Rotax GmbH which also builds motors for motorcycles and scooters.

    Bombardier Inc. is a Canadian corporation active in the fields of aerospace, rail transportation equipment, recreational products, financial services and services related to its products and core businesses. It operates plants in 12 countries in North America, Europe and Asia and more than 90 per cent of its revenues are generated outside Canada. Bombardier's revenues for its fiscal year ended January 31, 1999 totaled $11.5 billion.