SALES OF Can-Am's BRP ATVs are on the rise, with a good increase of sales between June 2014 and May 2015.

This data was collected by the Agricultural Engineers Association, which stated that sales of BRP ATVs were up 11.4% during the 12 month period.

Commercial Representative for BRP, Paul Wood, said that these figures were promising and mainly reflected sales of quad bikes, as opposed to the side by side and two-seater market.

"The side by side and two-seater market has flat-lined over the last two years and much of the 11.4% increase in sales has come from the purchase of BRP quad bikes," he commented.

When discussing this increase in sales, Mr Wood went on to consider the financial problems many farmers and those who work in the agricultural industry are facing, and talked about the impacts it may have on the ATV industry.

He said: "The cost of ATV ownership is reasonably cheap and I don't think any farmer out there can do without one, and so I don't think that the industry will see much decline in sales."

However, Mr Wood is aware that farmers face further financial problems this year, including the predicted delayed Single Farm Payment, and commented that although sales may not be impacted, people might be less interested in buying due to lack of finances.

"The concern for us at the moment, with the Single Farm Payment, is that at the next Lamma show, people may not bother coming because they may not have the funds to make a purchase, so therefore might not be interested in even coming to browse and take new launches into account."

Although there is a bleak outlook for farmers currently, Mr Wood remained positive and said: "We aim to take more market share, and to do this, we need to understand the business, farmers' needs and wants."

With Lamma not too far away, Mr Wood discussed some of the products which will be appearing at the show for the first time, held on January 20 and 21, 2016 at East of England Showground, Peterborough.

The Can-Am Outlander 6x6, the latest addition to the Outlander ATV range from BRP, has been awarded the Product Design prize at the recent Red Dot Awards.

The judges were impressed with the vehicle's Visco-Lok system, which automatically provides quicker engagement of the front differential, progressively transferring power from a slipping front wheel to the gripping one.

The platform also features industry-leading performance with its 82 hp Rotax 1000 V-Twin engine and its Double TTI rear suspension provides precision-engineered handling, comfort and control expected from the Outlander ATV range.

The 6x6 offers a six-wheel drive workhorse that can do a variety of tasks, such as dragging heavy cargo over narrow trails to riding on rough terrain.

Regional BRP commercial manager, UK and Ireland, Tim Gys, said: "The Can-Am Outlander 6x6 has introduced a new era in the ATV market and re-emphasises BRP's reputation as a company that produces innovative technology to meet its users' requirements. It's a real achievement to be awarded this well esteemed prize for our first major foray into the utility sector and recognises the international team's hard work in delivering world class technology and pioneering designs."

A change has been made to the price of the 6x6 vehicle, ensuring better value for money for the customer, with the MSRP of the Can-Am Outlander 6x6 having been reduced by £1700, bringing the MSRP to £15,799 (including VAT).

Mr Gys added: "The Can-Am Outlander 6x6 is a versatile product and this price repositioning will allow more commercial users in the UK to access this vehicle and to experience its power and diverse functionality."

Finance packages for BRP's ATVs are available through the UK Can-Am dealership network.