china still testing sled market
Amsnow
From time to time we hear of Chinese small engine and motor-sports manufacturers trying to break into the American market. Some have even made it into our magazine. One such company is Wuxi Newplan Plastics Co. Straight out of Wuxi City, China, this multi-million dollar company makes snowmobiles, snow-scooters, electric scooters, ATVs and more.
What do they have for the snow market? Currently, Wuxi Newplan has three different engines placed in what we Americans would consider "youth" sled models. There is a 90cc, two 110cc models and one 150cc snow vehicle being produced in both "scooter" and "snowmobile" forms. From discussions and exclusive photos, we determined it is the load capacity and lighter chassis that determines the difference, not necessarily the engine size.
While none of these snowmobiles would seriously compete with any current trail sleds produced by the big 4 OEMs, they could compete with the 120s and A.D. Boivin's Snow Hawk Jrs. And with the changing world market, it's certainly worth keeping an eye on what is happening in China these days.
Snow-Fox 110 details: Speed: 50 km/h Range: 80 km Load Capacity: 150 kg Displacement: 107.2cc/49.7cc Fuel Tank: 10 liters Start Method: electric, kick Ignition Mode: CDI Brakes: disc