BRP introduces its first on-road product
STURTEVANT, Wis. – After five years of product development and three years of marketing research, BRP has ventured into a new arena — the on-road segment.
BRP unveiled the 2008 model, three-wheeled, Can-Am Spyder to its dealer network today. It is the first on-road vehicle the Canadian manufacturer has ever brought to market.
The vehicle, which BRP defines as a roadster, carries a number of technological aspects that aim to make riding easier and safer, including a four-computer system that communicates with itself through CANbus, a vehicle network that is used throughout the auto industry.
Perhaps the most unique aesthetic feature is its three-wheel design, with a single rear wheel. BRP says that, with its unique Y-architecture, it can be described as part motorcycle and part convertible sports car.
“Our Can-Am Spyder roadster is the next dimension in open-road riding,” said José Boisjoli, president and CEO, BRP. “A true paradigm shift, the Spyder roadster offers a balance of performance and peace of mind with features like the Vehicle Stability System, engineered in conjunction with Bosch, which includes anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems.”
The Spyder is powered by a 990cc V Twin engine designed and manufactured by BRP-Rotax. Plans are to start manufacturing units by fall 2007 with a progressive ramp-up of the production over the next three years to meet market demand.
BRP will roll out Spyder in three phases, with 150 dealers primarily in the central and western parts of the United States getting the first shipment. In all, 12 selected U.S. states and four Canadian provinces will offer Can-Am Spyder roadsters through BRP’s existing dealer network, according to Chris Dawson, vice-president, Strategic planning & Head of Can-Am Spyder Program. France and Spain distribution is slated to begin in early 2008. Dawson add that “in the second phase,” the product will be offered to more North American states, Canadian provinces, Europe and other countries, and the company “expects to be present worldwide within three to four years.”
“This is a historic event for BRP, particularly for our Valcourt and Austrian employees,” Boisjoli said, “as it confirms the strategic role of BRP’s Québec manufacturing facilities for assembling complex and sophisticated vehicles, and BRP-Rotax’s leadership in engine development. With Can-Am Spyder, we are redefining the roadster category by bringing the powersports experience to the road through this new generation of vehicles. BRP is entering a new era that will provide growth opportunities for our company worldwide and potentially create new jobs.”
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