E-Z-GO Introduces New Golf Car


November 7, 2007. E-Z-GO, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and the world's leading manufacturer of golf cars and utility vehicles, today unveils its new, much anticipated fleet golf car - engineered to deliver reliability, superior performance, operating efficiency and safety through an array of enhanced features and innovations.

The E-Z-GO RXV represents a major step forward in golf car technology. The new vehicle is expected to deliver exceptional value to golf course operators through reduced energy and maintenance costs, and an unsurpassed experience for golfers through best-in-class power, control, comfort and safety. The RXV's classic yet contemporary lines make it a smart addition to the E-Z-GO family.

The RXV is available in electric and gas models. The existing TXT model, introduced in 1995 and the best-selling fleet golf car in company history, will remain a key component in E-Z-GO's lineup.

"Years of intense work and dedication by E-Z-GO's marketing, design and engineering teams have produced what we believe is the finest golf car ever built," says John L. Garrison, President of E-Z-GO. "We consider the RXV to be a 'game changer' at all levels. Our golf course partners will see even quicker fleet turnaround times, lower energy, fuel and maintenance expenses, and easier upkeep. Golfers will discover a vehicle that rides, handles and stops unlike any golf car they've driven, with many new rider comforts. The E-Z-GO RXV delivers the reliability customers expect, the value their operation requires, and the experience their golfers demand."

Golf Legends Speak Out

"E-Z-GO has raised the bar with the RXV, which sets a new standard for the golf car industry," says Jack Nicklaus, owner of a record 18 professional major championships and the designer of more than 260 courses internationally. "I have enjoyed a long-term partnership with E-Z-GO. I appreciate all that E-Z-GO does to produce a quality product that we can proudly recommend at the golf courses I design around the world. In my mind, E-Z-GO is without question the premier golf car and utility vehicle provider."

"The RXV is a game changer for the golf industry. It takes the golf car to a whole new level," says golf legend Arnold Palmer, who has built more than 300 golf courses worldwide and whose company manages many outstanding facilities. "E-Z-GO continues its tradition of innovation - making the game of golf more enjoyable for everyone who plays. I am proud of my longtime association with E-Z-GO and look forward to working with them for many more years."

The numerous RXV innovations, features and benefits include:

AC drive (electric): Unprecedented for an electric golf car, the RXV's drive train uses an alternating current motor, not the traditional direct current motor, generating more power and longer operating time between battery charges. The RXV is up to 30-percent more efficient than direct-current golf cars, boasting a 48-volt motor - enabling a 10-percent improvement in daily range.

Dual-braking system (electric): A fail-safe park brake automatically engages when the RXV stops - requiring no foot pedal engagement. The industry-first auto braking system brakes automatically on steep slopes when needed and can easily hold a 40-percent grade. This "drive-by-wire" system maintains constant speeds safely and easily. The system supplies recharge to the batteries whenever brakes are applied, enhancing efficiency by up to 30 percent, keeping the vehicle on the course longer and reducing long-term operating costs.

Energy transfer bumpers (electric and gas): The RXV features front, back and side bumpers, positioned to minimize damage by absorbing and transferring energy from impacts into the frame rather than the engine or components. The front and rear bumpers are rated to withstand impacts of 5 MPH; side bumpers are rated for 5 MPH collisions.

Kawasaki high-performance 13-HP engine (gas): This engine sets new benchmarks for performance - even on the hilliest terrain. With a larger cylinder and lower RPM, it delivers better fuel economy with less noise. And more miles per gallon mean greater savings for course operators.

Warranty: The reliability of the new RXV is backed by the most comprehensive warranty in the industry - four-year, bumper-to-bumper coverage. E-Z-GO's batteries are guaranteed to last for four years, 1,200 rounds or 21,500 amp hours - whichever comes first - for 36 holes of golf a day, every day.

Improved golfer experience: The RXV features an automotive-style, A-arm suspension with coil over spring shock providing a smooth, comfortable ride. It also features added storage space while cup and ball holders are within easy reach of driver and passenger. Redesigned hip restraints and thicker foam padding ensure a comfortable ride; a wider canopy prevents rain from dripping inside the vehicle; a larger bag well accommodates today's biggest golf bags.

Fresh exterior styling: Retaining the classic E-Z-GO look while incorporating up-to-date design elements, the RXV boasts a boldly elegant appearance. Its inviting style makes the RXV as visually appealing as it is enjoyable to drive.

Environmentally friendly operation: The RXV electric model requires less energy to charge and operate, minimizing the vehicle's "carbon footprint" and reducing hazardous waste. And its whisper quiet engine practically eliminates noise pollution. The RXV gas model is compliant with the stringent emissions standards of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and improves fuel economy by up to 52 percent. The RXV's seats are made from 100-percent recycled foam.

Safety comes first: In addition to the advantages of dual braking and energy transfer bumpers, the RXV has many features designed to keep golfers safe and secure. Its limited slip differential delivers 25-percent better traction and is especially effective on wet or sandy soil. A slip resistant floormat gives golfers firm footing in wet conditions, while the RXV's canopy has double-wall construction and 50-percent thicker struts.

"Our passionate and talented E-Z-GO team considered every mechanical, ergonomic and safety element of the golf car, producing a vehicle of exceptional quality," Garrison says. "In designing the RXV, we listened to our customers and incorporated their feedback. Our goal was to completely re-imagine the golf car in a way that produced measurable results for course owners, along with performance that truly enhanced the golf experience. I'm proud to say our team has delivered on all counts."

In 1995 E-Z-GO introduced the groundbreaking TXT golf car, which became the best-selling fleet golf car in company history and is a staple at public, private and resort courses worldwide. E-Z-GO first began producing golf cars at its Augusta headquarters in 1954 and has introduced such industry innovations as rack-and-pinion steering, the Precision Drive System, regenerative braking, anti-rollback and diagnostic capabilities.

About E-Z-GO

E-Z-GO, a Textron Inc. company, is a leading manufacturer of golf cars and utility vehicles. E-Z-GO is the preferred golf car fleet provider for seven of the top 10 of America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses as ranked by Golf Digest. E-Z-GO is also the golf car of choice of nine of the nation's 10 largest course-management companies. E-Z-GO boasts the largest sales and service network in the industry, with more factory branch locations and independent distributors than any other manufacturer.

More than a maker of golf cars, E-Z-GO is also a leading provider of industrial, turf and utility vehicles for a variety of applications and industries. Products under the E-Z-GO flagship include the Shuttle Personnel Carrier, ST Trail Utility vehicles, and the Clays Car, the world's first vehicle designed specifically for the sporting clays shooter. E-Z-GO also produces the Cushman line of heavy duty burden carriers.

Founded in 1954 in Augusta Ga., E-Z-GO became part of Textron Inc. in 1960.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.