Is Polaris copying Can-Am, or is Can-Am copying Polaris? Both companies will compete in an Australian Rally Championship (ARC) sanctioned series in 2012 for what could be an excellent showcase for Side by Side vehicles.
But when Can-Am sponsored the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in 2010, providing vehicles for the series, Polaris obviously wanted some beach coolness of its own and has been chosen as a supplier of side by side (SxS) vehicles to Australia's oldest surf life saving club.
The Bondi Surf Life Saving Club has purchased a Polaris Ranger 400 which will be used by the world's "oldest and most iconic surf club" (founded in 1907) to mobilise its IRBs (Inflatable Rescue Boats) or ducks.
Polaris is obviously very pleased with the recent acquisition by Bondi Surf Life Saving Club not only because of the millions of beach goers who flock to the water each year, but also that the club is featured on Network Ten's TV show, Bondi Rescue.
"We are delighted with Bondi Surf Life's choice of our Polaris Ranger 400 and we were only too happy to help them out given the great rescue work they do for the community all year 'round," said Polaris Australia's Country Manager for off-road vehicles, Peter Harvey.
Polaris gave the Bondi SLS Club the choice to choose any accessories it wanted.
The Polaris Ranger 400 "is ideal for getting across flat sand or over big dunes quickly" says the American company and can tow up 567kg and can carry up to 453kg, making the RIBs easy fodder. Power comes from a four-stroke, single-cylinder, 455cc, 29hp carburetted liquid-cooled engine.
Dr Bill Measday, director of lifesaving and club captain at the Bondi Surf Club, had this to say: "...The Polaris side by side will give increased functionality for our patrols allowing us to move more equipment to and from the beach faster and easier, ensuring our members continue to provide the best possible lifesaving service at Australia's busiest beach," said Dr Measday.
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