Rumor Mill
Has It
Cat #1 In TC

Now we certainly wouldn't be beneath passing on little tidbits about market sharing competition, but word in the Cat dealerships around St. Paul, Minnesota, is that Cat is #1 in that region.

Just say a little kitty implied that the all-new Arctic Cat line up has created a bit of a stir and given Cat fans a reason to buy. Of course, some great deals on carry-over inventory helps a lot, too!

For those not familiar with snowmobile marketing, since both Cat and Polaris have the same founder and since they are mere miles away from each other in northwestern Minnesota, there is a bit (quite a bit actually!) of competitive spirit between the two snowmo-builders. Of course, when you can throw a little kitty litter in the other guys face there are those that will and they will enjoy it. Especially when the "other" guys are headquartered where Cat can use their litter box.

Rumor has it that Cat has nearly a 40 percent share in and around the Twin Cities area with its high density snowmobile population. That even takes into account all those Polaris guys in Medina (a Minneapolis-St. Paul "ruburb") registering their sleds in their home area.

Of course, that is today and conditions change monthly—especially if it snows. But for now Cat's clan is enjoying the market gain.

Seriously, though, we have been hearing in this area of defections from Polaris to other brands. This kinda reinforces those rumors. Consumers, even long time Polaris riders, have begun to look at other loves for the coming winter.

Cat's new models are really quite well put together. The sled side is getting on par with the UTV and ATV side of Cat. And Cat ATVs, while down a titch in the Minneapolis market, are not down as much as the Polaris brand.

The new Jaguar Z1 showcases the best of the "one sled fits all" theorem. The handlebars and seat are readily suited for virtually any size rider. We have seen a big guy hop off a Z1 and a petite lady make quick adjustments to get the sled suited to herself. After a brief test ride, she was all smiles—just like the big guy who had ridden it just before her. Will "one size fit all"? We'll have to wait and see how the season ends up, but for now, snowmobilers are looking hard at Arctic Cats in central Minnesota.
© 2006 snowmobilia/Jerry Bassett

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