Polaris Inc. (Polaris) designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets powersports vehicles, which include off-road vehicles (‘ORV’), including all-terrain vehicles (‘ATV’) and side-by-side vehicles; military and commercial ORVs; snowmobiles; motorcycles; moto-roadsters; quadricycles; and boats.
The company also designs and manufactures or sources parts, garments, and accessories (‘PG&A’), which includes aftermarket accessories and apparel. The company's products are sold online and through deale...
Polaris Inc. (Polaris) designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets powersports vehicles, which include off-road vehicles (‘ORV’), including all-terrain vehicles (‘ATV’) and side-by-side vehicles; military and commercial ORVs; snowmobiles; motorcycles; moto-roadsters; quadricycles; and boats.
The company also designs and manufactures or sources parts, garments, and accessories (‘PG&A’), which includes aftermarket accessories and apparel. The company's products are sold online and through dealers and distributors, principally located in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and Mexico.
Business Segments
The company operates in three business segments: Off Road, On Road, and Marine. The company's products are sold through a network of approximately 2,500 independent dealers in North America. Internationally, products are sold through over 25 subsidiaries to over 1,500 independent international dealers and various independent distributors that serve multiple countries outside of North America.
Off Road
The Off Road segment primarily consists of ORVs and snowmobiles. ORVs are four-wheel vehicles designed for off-road use and traversing a wide variety of terrain, including dunes, trails, and mud. The vehicles are used for recreation in sports, such as fishing and hunting, for trail and dune riding, and for utility purposes on farms, ranches, and construction sites. The ORV industry comprises ATVs and side-by-side vehicles. Internationally, ATVs and side-by-sides are sold primarily in Western Europe, Australia, and Mexico by similar manufacturers as in North America.
In 2024, the company continued to be the North America market share leader in off-road vehicles. The company's ORV lineup includes the RZR sport side-by-side, the RANGER utility side-by-side, the GENERAL crossover side-by-side, the Polaris XPEDITION adventure side-by-side, and the Sportsman ATV. The full line spans 111 models, including two-, four-, and six-wheel drive general purpose and recreational vehicles. In many of the company's segments, it offers youth, value, mid-size, premium, and extreme-performance vehicles, which come in both single passenger and multi-passenger seating arrangements. Key 2024 ORV product introductions and upgrades included a redesigned and enhanced RZR Pro lineup and new trim offerings, as well as refreshed style and updated colors and graphics on select RANGER models. New models to the lineup included the addition of the GENERAL 4 1000 Sport and the return of the RANGER XP NorthStar Trail Boss.
The company sells its ORVs directly to a network of approximately 1,400 dealers in North America and 1,100 international dealers. Many of the company's ORV dealers and distributors are also authorized snowmobile dealers. The company produces and delivers its products throughout the year based on dealer, distributor, and customer orders. ORV retail sales activity at the dealer level drives orders that are incorporated into each product’s production scheduling. International distributor ORV orders are taken throughout the year. The company utilizes its Retail Flow Management (‘RFM’) ordering system for ORV dealers, which allows dealers to order daily and create a segment stocking order that helps to reduce order fulfillment times.
The company produces a full line of snowmobiles consisting of 61 models, ranging from entry models to utility and economy models to performance and competition models.
Key model enhancements in 2024 included the introduction of patented DYNAMIX suspension technology, as well as a lighter RMK lineup. New models introduced included the RMK SP and 650 Titan Adventure Widetrack.
Polaris snowmobiles are sold principally in the United States, Canada, and Northern Europe. The company sells its snowmobiles directly to a network of over 560 dealers in North America, primarily located in the snowbelt regions of the United States and Canada, and over 300 international dealers. The company offers a pre-order SnowCheck program in the spring for its customers that assists in production planning. This program allows the company's customers to order a true factory-customized snowmobile by selecting various options, including chassis, track, suspension, colors, and accessories.
The company's commercial and government/defense businesses design and manufacture vehicles that support various commercial and government applications for transporting people and hauling equipment, as well as tactical defense vehicles. The company's defense vehicles, which include ATVs and side-by-side vehicles with modified features for military applications, provide versatile mobility for up to five passengers, and include its DAGOR, Sportsman MV, and MRZR models. The company also offers more than 25 commercial ORV models.
The company's commercial and government/defense businesses each have their own distribution networks outside of its traditional dealer channels through which their respective vehicles are distributed. ProXD, one of the company's vehicle brands, is sold through a growing network of approximately 250 dealers and also direct to customers where permitted.
The company designs, engineers, produces, or supplies a variety of replacement parts, lubricants, and Polaris Engineered Accessories for its Off Road Segment. ORV accessories include winches, bumper/brush guards, plows, racks, wheels and tires, pull-behinds, cab systems, lighting and audio systems, cargo box accessories, and tracks. The company also markets a full line of gear and apparel related to its ORVs, including helmets, jackets, gloves, pants, and hats. Snowmobile accessories include covers, traction products, reverse kits, electric starters, tracks, bags, and windshields. The company also markets a full line of gear and apparel for its snowmobiles, including helmets, goggles, jackets, gloves, boots, bibs, pants, and hats. Gear and apparel are designed to the company's specifications, purchased from independent vendors, and sold by the company through its dealers, distributors, and online.
PG&A products for the Off-Road segment include the company's OEM brands, as well as other portfolio brands, including Kolpin, Pro Armor, Klim, 509, and Trail Tech. Kolpin, Pro Armor, and Trail Tech serve various accessory-related needs. Kolpin is a lifestyle brand specializing in purpose-built and universal-fit accessories for a variety of off-road vehicles and off-road outdoor enthusiasts. Pro Armor offers a lineup that specializes in accessories for performance side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, and ATVs. Brands in the company's Apparel category include Klim, an aftermarket player in premium technical riding gear for snowmobile and off-road activities, and 509, which specializes in snowmobile and off-road apparel, helmets, and goggles. Kolpin, Pro Armor, and Trail Tech are marketed through Apex Product Group, a unified sales, customer service, distribution, and vertically integrated manufacturing organization. Apex allows the company to access customers through strategic retail and e-commerce marketplaces, as well as dealerships (Polaris and non-Polaris), to reach owners of Polaris and other OEM’s products. Klim and 509 each have their own dealer/distributor networks.
On Road
On Road segment designs and manufactures motorcycles, moto-roadsters, light-duty hauling, and passenger vehicles.
In 2024, the company held the number two position in North America market share for the 900cc+ category. The company's motorcycles lineup includes Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot, a three-wheel open-air roadster. The 2025 model year line of motorcycles for Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot consists of 40 models. In 2024, Indian Motorcycle launched all-new 2025 models, featuring a limited edition Roadmaster Elite and a completely redesigned Scout lineup of mid-size cruisers. In 2024, the Slingshot lineup received thoughtful refinements and bold graphics.
The company designs, engineers, produces, or sources a variety of replacement parts, lubricants, and accessories for its motorcycles and moto-roadsters. Motorcycle accessories include performance enhancements, saddle bags, handlebars, backrests, exhausts, windshields, seats, and various chrome accessories. The company also markets a full line of gear and apparel for its motorcycles, including casual wear, helmets, gloves, jackets, pants, and hats. Gear and apparel are purchased from independent vendors and sold by the company through its dealers, distributors, and online under its brand names. PG&A products for the On Road segment include the company's OEM brands, as well as other portfolio brands, including Klim and 509.
Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot are distributed directly through independently owned dealers and distributors. Indian Motorcycles are sold through a network of approximately 230 dealers in North America and over 370 international dealers. Slingshot currently has approximately 300 dealers globally. The company utilizes its RFM ordering system for motorcycle dealers, which allows dealers to order daily and create a segment stocking order that helps to reduce order fulfillment times.
The company also designs and manufactures vehicles that support various commercial and industrial work applications and include products in the light-duty hauling, industrial, and urban/suburban commuting sub-sectors. The company's vehicle brands include Goupil and Aixam, which are primarily marketed in Western Europe. The company offers 15 models across these brands. These businesses each have their own distribution networks through which their respective vehicles are distributed. Goupil and Aixam sell directly to customers in France, through subsidiaries in certain Western European countries, and through several dealers and distributors for markets outside such countries.
Marine
Marine segment designs and manufactures boats that are designed to compete in key segments of the recreational marine industry, specifically pontoon and deck boats.
The company's brands, Bennington, Godfrey, and Hurricane, are strategically positioned with over 500 base models. The company also offers custom layouts and features and works with most engine manufacturers, enabling customers to build a boat that meets their specifications.
In 2024, Polaris Marine launched model year 2025 boats for the Bennington, Godfrey, and Hurricane brands. Bennington launched a new M-Series family of boats that retail at a competitive price point. Hurricane launched two entirely new models to extend its deck boat lineup, including a 24-foot center console fishing and family boat and the 3200, its newest extension in luxury deck boats. Godfrey redesigned the seating system and layouts of its most popular Sweetwater models and further expanded the optional upgrades to its entry-level Experience lineup.
The company's extensive, experienced, and loyal network of hundreds of global dealers is a competitive advantage, helping to generate steady demand. Concentrated primarily in North America, this dealer network is organized into distinct sales territories supported by experienced sales representatives and leadership.
Polaris Adventures
The company's Polaris Adventures business partners with local outfitters to deliver unique ride experiences, leveraging many of the company's global vehicle platforms. The Polaris Adventures network has completed over 1,750,000 rides and had over hundreds of locations as of December 31, 2024. The financial results of the Polaris Adventures business are included within the Off Road, On Road, and Marine segments, depending on the vehicle platform used in the ride experience.
Financial Services Arrangements
Floor Plan Financing: The company has arrangements with Polaris Acceptance (United States), a joint venture between the company and a subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and Wells Fargo affiliates (who provide floor plan financing for customers in many countries and regions, including Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia) to provide floor plan financing for many of the company's dealers. A majority of the company's sales of ORVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats, and related PG&A are financed under these arrangements, whereby the company receives payment within a few days of shipment of its product.
Customer Financing: The company has agreements in place with third-party finance companies to provide financing services to those end consumers.
Manufacturing and Distribution Operations
The company's products are primarily assembled at its various global manufacturing facilities, many of which are shared across business segments. The company is vertically integrated in several key components of its manufacturing process, including plastic injection molding, precision machining, welding, clutch assembly, and painting. Raw materials and other component parts are purchased from third-party vendors. The company has a long-term supply contract with a boat engine manufacturer, which requires a certain volume of total engine purchases and includes favorable pricing, as well as various growth and volume incentives.
Contract carriers ship the company's products from its manufacturing and distribution facilities to its customers. The company maintains several leased whole goods distribution centers where final set-up and up-fitting is completed for certain models before shipment to dealers, distributors, and customers.
The company's products are distributed to its dealers, distributors, and customers through a network of over 40 distribution centers, including third-party providers.
Sales and Marketing
The company's marketing activities are designed primarily to promote and communicate with consumers to enable the marketing and selling efforts of its dealers and distributors globally. The company makes available and advertises discount or rebate programs, retail financing, or other incentives for its dealers and distributors to remain price competitive to accelerate retail sales to consumers. The company advertises its brands directly to consumers via digital, television, print, out of home, radio, events, and sponsorships. The company utilizes public relations and partnerships to drive earned media. The company provides advertising assets and content and partially underwrites dealer and distributor advertising to a degree and on terms that vary by brand and from year to year. The company also provides print materials, signage, and other promotional items for use by dealers.
Intellectual Property
Some of the important trademarks used in the company's global operations include POLARIS, RANGER, RZR, GENERAL, Polaris XPEDITION, SPORTSMAN, INDIAN MOTORCYCLE, SLINGSHOT, BENNINGTON, and KLIM. The company protects these marks as appropriate through registrations in the United States and other jurisdictions.
Product Safety & Regulatory Affairs
In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (‘CPSC’) has federal oversight over product safety issues related to snowmobiles, snow-bikes, and off-road vehicles; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (‘NHTSA’) has federal oversight over product safety issues related to motorcycles and Slingshot; and the U.S. Coast Guard and its foreign equivalents have oversight over the marine safety regulations for the company's marine products.
History
The company was founded in 1945. The company was formerly known as Polaris Industries Inc. and changed its name to Polaris Inc. in 2019.