AUGUSTA, Ga., Dec. 31, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Club Car's introduction of the 2004 Precedent represents not only the most significant product introduction in the company's history, but also the most dramatic transformation of the golf car since three wheels and a tiller gave way to the modern electric golf car more than 30 years ago.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/?pkgid=773
Precedent sets a new standard for performance, styling and comfort in a golf car that has almost as much in common with the family automobile as it does anything that ever transported golfers down a fairway.
"We asked golf professionals, course owners and all types of golfers, as well as ourselves, what we should do to make a quantum leap in golf car design and performance," said Phil Tralies, president and CEO of Club Car. "Five years later, Precedent is the answer."
The 2004 Precedent is now in full production at Club Car's headquarters plant, which has been transformed with a new multi-million dollar production line focused on ensuring consistent quality and reliability.
The immediate difference most people will notice between Precedent and previous models is its styling. The car has a rounded front cowl that gives it an updated look and invites the first comparisons to an automobile.
Golfers will appreciate Precedent's long list of amenities and improvements that makes their ride more comfortable and enhances the golf experience. Developed using ergonomic software, Club Car's Ergo Seat features added back support and a contoured seat bottom for comfort. There's also more room between the steering wheel and the armrest to make it easier to enter and exit the driver's seat.
Other enhancements include the Monsoon Top(tm), the first golf car canopy with a built-in drainage system that eliminates standing water that can spill onto players and into golf bags and sweater baskets. The unique design, which channels water off the top through the rear supports, is capable of handling 12 inches of rain an hour. The car's bagwell has been reengineered to provide more room for two full-size golf bags and to hold them more securely. FlexiDrink(tm) two-tiered cup holders provide a snug fit for all kinds of beverage containers.
Because of the aluminum frame and reduced battery weight, the Precedent is even lighter than the DS model, which until now has been the lightest golf car in the industry. The weight difference - combined with steering and suspension enhancements in a feature called SportDrive(tm) -- gives golfers an unparalleled driving experience: more nimble with improved accelerating, turning, climbing and braking ability.
The development process started with input gathered from customer surveys and focus groups representing more than 700 golf courses. Once prototypes were developed, testing began and continued for four years at facilities in Detroit and at Club Car's nine-acre test track here to simulate all kinds of golf course conditions. More than 600 Precedent cars were sent to a number of golf courses and distributors throughout the U.S. beginning in early 2003 for testing under different geographic and playing conditions. Feedback from course owners and managers, golf pros, superintendents and technicians helped Club Car fine tune Precedent in preparation for its formal introduction at the 2004 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando this month.
Brady Godfrey, head professional at Harbor Hills in Lady Lake, Fla., said: "It's like comparing a Mercedes to a Yugo. It just glides. You go over bumps and rough terrain and you don't feel a thing."
Guy Wimberly, head professional at Arroyo del Oso in Albuquerque, said golfers immediately liked Precedent's updated look and began asking for one of the new cars when they checked in. He now considers the Precedent fleet a competitive advantage. "This car has brought us some business. Our overall business is down this year, but cart fees are up 7 percent."
Precedent is offered in two models: the Professional and the Champion. The models are distinguished by different option packages and have different price points, similar to the way automobiles are marketed.
Club Car, Inc. provides fleet, turf, hospitality and financing solutions for golf, agricultural, recreational and industrial markets. Based in Augusta, Ga., Club Car is part of worldwide Ingersoll-Rand (NYSE:IR) (www.irco.com). For more information on Club Car, go to www.clubcar.com.
The Club Car logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=772
