Club Car's New PRECEDENT

Club Car’s introduction of the 2004 Precedent represents not only the largest 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. 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 and their clubs down a fairway.

“We started with a clean sheet of paper and asked ourselves, as well as golf professionals, course owners and managers, what we could 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.”

Precedent is the first major shift in golf car design and engineering since Club Car introduced the DS model in 1980 and went from 36- to 48-volt motors to improve power and efficiency. Club Car officials say even the 48-volt DS paled in comparison to the magnitude of changes incorporated into Precedent.

“Every advancement to the golf car to this point has been evolutionary. Precedent is revolutionary,” Tralies said. “That’s why it’s called Precedent. We believe this car will be the standard for excellence that all future golf cars will be judged by.” The 2004 Precedent is in full production at Club Car’s headquarters plant, which has been transformed with a new multi-million dollar production line. The car begins shipping to courses and distributors in early January. Club Car officials expect Precedent to generate more demand than any vehicle in its 45-year history.

The immediate difference most people will notice about the Precedent is its styling. The car has a rounded front cowl that gives it an updated look and invites the first comparisons to an automobile. But the differences between Precedent and any other golf car go far beyond aesthetics. It’s also stronger and more intelligent, agile and comfortable than any previous golf car.

Setting a Precedent for Strength, Intelligence and Agility - Precedent’s AlumiCore™ chassis consists of an automotive ladder-style aluminum frame fused to a fiber-reinforced, friction-bonded underbody, providing added torsion rigidity and enhanced protection for the wiring, brakes and pedals. In addition, the car’s 360° Bumper provides wraparound impact protection. DuPont™ Surlyn Reflections® body panels with molded-in colors reduce damage from golf clubs and collisions while eliminating maintenance associated with clear-coat and paint.

The car’s intelligence is reflected in its simplicity. With fewer parts than the current model, the car is easier to maintain, service, run, clean, inspect and diagnose. The car operates off four 12-volt batteries instead of a six eight-volt battery configuration, making it just as powerful with a battery pack that improves efficiency and simplifies maintenance.

Because of the reduced battery weight and fewer parts, the Precedent is even lighter than the DS model. The weight difference – combined with SportDrive™ — makes Precedent more nimble and improves accelerating, turning, climbing and braking. SportDrive™ makes the car handle more like an automobile because of double-ended rack-and-pinion steering and center takeoff.

Club Car’s advanced IQ System has been carried over from the DS model. The IQ System’s computerized controller allows vehicle performance to be optimized to meet course needs for acceleration rate, motor braking and top speed. The solid-state controller also continuously monitors key system components.

Enhancing the Golf Experience - Golfers will appreciate Precedent’s long list of amenities and improvements that make their ride more comfortable and enhance the golf experience. Developed using ergonomic software, Club Car’s Ergo Seat features added back support and a contoured seat bottom for a more comfortable ride. There’s also more room between the steering wheel and the armrest to make it easier for players to enter and exit the driver’s seat.

Other enhancements include the Monsoon Top™, the first canopy with built-in drain spouts that channel water away from the players, golf bags and sweater basket, and a reengineered bagwell that holds golf bags more securely. FlexiDrin™ two-tiered cup holders fit all kinds of beverage containers. “Drive it once, and you’ll appreciate the level of detail that went into this car,” Tralies said.

Project ‘Cleansheet’ From concept to launch, Precedent was five years in the making. During development, the project went by the name “Cleansheet,” which was more than a code name, Tralies said. “We wanted to look at this car with a completely open mind. The attitude was, this is our opportunity to build a golf car that would set a new standard in the industry and meet or exceed the needs of our customers and today’s golfers.”

Cleansheet took on all the trappings of a highly secretive project within a highly competitive category of the golf industry. Initially, only a limited number of designers, engineers and project managers at Club Car were involved. Early plans for the car and the first prototypes took shape in a building located a couple of miles from Club Car’s headquarters facility here.

“Like Comparing a Mercedes to a Yugo” Prototype fleets were sent to seven courses beginning in early 2003 for testing under different geographic and playing conditions. Feedback from course owners and managers, golfpros, 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. The feedback also told Club Car officials they had a winner.

Talking about the car’s ride and handling, Brady Godfrey, head professional at Harbor Hills in Lady Lake, Fla., said: “It’s like comparing a Mercedes to a Yugo. (The car) just kind of 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 10 to 12 percent 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. Precedent Champion options include aluminum wheels, metallic nameplate, tinted winged windshield, club protector, canopy storage net, upgraded steering wheel and a choice of eight body colors. Both models are available in electric and gasoline powered versions.

Club Car, Inc. provides fleet, turf, hospitality and financing solutions for golf, agriculture, recreational and industrial markets. Based in Augusta, Ga., Club Car is part of the worldwide Ingersoll-Rand. For more information on Club Car, go to www.clubcar.com.