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safety , reliability , versatility and economy .
Product develop
ment is an ongoing task .
In addition , Kawasaki continues to develop and expand
its line of ATVs in response to market demand , and in an effort
to offer a range of models suited to varying applications . Among these new developments are two four - wheel ATV models , one intro duced in August 1984 , and the other introduced only last month .
Kawasaki started planning its 4 - wheel ATVs in late 1982 ,
more than a year before CPSC accident statistics became available
kame a
to the industry , and before recent publicity regarding the unfor tunate increase in ATV accidents . These models were introduced
in response primarily to the perceived growing success of four
wheel ATV configurations in some distinct segments of the
marketplace , including especially utility users desiring racks
and greater carrying capacity . Kawasaki marketing research indicates that there is a definite market segment for the four wheel vehicles , but that they appeal largely to a different user
ma
-
as only 12 % of three - wheel ATV purchasers polled in a recent
representative sample intended to make their next ATV purchase a
four - wheel model .
Kawasaki ' s Experience With ATV Injuries
As noted above , Kawasaki ATVs are the result of an extensive testing and design process , in which safety is a pri mary objective . Nevertheless , as with any vehicle , accidents can occur in the operation of ATVs . As of last month , Kawasaki had
m
A
as
ts can
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