Many questions arose after yet another major announcement from the successful Minnesota based company. Already a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry and among the largest manufacturers of ORVs, Polaris Industries Inc. seem to be setting the stage for some new innovations into “adjacent” industries, with the creation of a new On-Road Vehicle Division.  Just after having signed a strategic alliance with Bobcat, to jointly develop Bobcat branded products that will be introduced next year, this other significant and surprising announcement has everyone wondering what all these new vehicles will look like. Rumors have been flying arround of the introduction of a two-wheel drive electric side-by-side four-wheeled vehicle, intended for low-speed use in gated communities and neighborhoods, and a new small-displacement scooter that would likely be sourced from China would be sold on the U.S. Market. As they stated in a press release, the creation of this new On-Road Vehicle Division, aims at further developing the Polaris business and brands within the on-road market.  Also mentioned, was that the company’s vision and objectives included establishing a significant on-road presence. Will Polaris soon enter the EV business? Nobody can tell for sure right now, but it would seem to be the right time to do so, as they are rapidly gaining in popularity, despite the fact that most major motor vehicle manufacturers are shy to venture into this very controversial segment. 
This major announcement was made this past May 18th, along with several organizational changes within their existing Victory Motorcycles Division and this new On-Road Vehicle Division.  Existing skills and assets within the company will be used to maximize the growth of Victory Motorcycles and other new on-road products and brands.  Among these important changes is Mike Jonikas’ new appointment to the newly created role of Vice-President of the On-Road Vehicle Division, where he will be responsible for the on-road business for Polaris including strategic direction for Victory Motorcycles, and any on-road adjacencies they may add in the future. Jonikas successfully played key roles with Polaris including Director of Product & Marketing Management for ATV, the first General Manager of the Polaris side-by-side business, and eventually as Vice-President, Sales & Corporate Marketing.
After having spent the past eight years leading day-to-day operations for Victory Motorcycles, Mark Blackwell’s new role will be as Vice-President of Victory Motorcycles. Steve Menneto has been promoted to the position of General Manager of Victory Motorcycles. He joined Polaris in 1997 and the press release states that he has since demonstrated a strong knowledge for strategic planning and increasing business profitability.