Polaris® Powersports History
Polaris® today is well-known in the powersports industry for crafting exceptional models for all types of riders. But even legends need to get their start somewhere. Below we cover highlights of the company's history and how they became the powersports giant they are today. If you want to check out Polaris® powersports vehicles for sale, head over to Interstate Cycles. Our powersports dealership is located in Lake City, Florida. We also proudly serve those in Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida.
The Beginning
Polaris® started in 1945 as a company known as Hetteen Hoist & Derrick. The business focused on creating unique machines for local farmers and handling repairs.
The three men behind the business shared a passion for the outdoors, so they often went on adventures during the off-season. Many people in the community enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping, but that required traveling across snowy areas. The men decided to invent a better form of travel than using skis or snowshoes. They developed an early form of the snowmobile in 1955, which was intended only for their use. But their invention caught the eye of those who saw it in action and it wasn't long before they were manufacturing it for customers.
The Growth
During the 1960s, snowmobiling became an incredibly popular sport. This skyrocketed Polaris® sales so much that the company needed more management skills to keep up. It was sold to Textron in 1968 and Textron brought in engineers to create high-quality engines. The new Polaris® models were high performing and even claimed victories at various races.
The Buyout
This growth of the snowmobile market continued into the 1970s, but turned into a bust in the 1980s. Most companies shut down or sold off their snowmobile divisions. Textron wanted to sell Polaris®, but the then-president led a buyout in 1981.
The new Polaris® powersports only had 100 workers, but with grit and hard work, they were able to pay off the Textron debt ahead of schedule. The company expanded to 450 employees and sold a range of powersports vehicles. Only five years after the buyout, their sales reached $40 million.
The Expansion Into Other Powersports Areas
Although Polaris® saw great success with their snowmobiles, they decided to branch out into other powersports areas. In the mid-1980s, they entered the ATV market and saw great success. In 1990, they became the first big American company to create a personal watercraft. This also saw great success. These highly effective expansions, combined with the steady popularity of their other models, led to the growth of Polaris® and the establishment of the company as a major competitor in the international powersports market.
Today, Polaris® is known for creating a wide variety of powersports vehicles to suit a wide range of passions and skill levels. Whatever your type of adventure is, you can find a suitable Polaris® powersports vehicle. New riders and old pros alike can find a model that meets their unique skill level and style of riding.
Ready to check out Polaris® powersports vehicles for sale? Head over to Interstate Cycles, located in Lake City, Florida, for a range of options. Our friendly staff can help you find the right option for your lifestyle. Tell us about your budget, how you hope to use the powersports vehicle, and any special features you want it to offer. We can then make tailored suggestions of the best powersports models to suit your unique wants and needs. We welcome all our friends from Gainesville and Jacksonville, Florida, to stop by and visit today!