History of Polaris
Polaris has a long history of excellence when it comes to powersports vehicles. From the very beginning, this company has been striving towards better performance and innovation with all its products. We have Polaris to thank for the incredible concept of the snowmobile and the development of the modern ATV. And Polaris continues to offer new vehicles each year that utilize the latest technologies and construction methods. At RideNow Powersports Austin in Austin, Texas, we are happy to show potential customers around our high-quality inventory. We are excited to serve New Braunfels, Round Rock, and San Marcos, Texas.
The Beginning
In the 1950s, Polaris was founded by Edgar E. Hetteen and David Johnson in Minnesota. This company started with the goal of creating a vehicle that could travel easily through snowy conditions. The idea was that it would make it easier to get to inaccessible hunting locations. Early prototypes used a grain silo conveyor belt for the track and a Chevrolet bumper for the skis. Despite the modest beginnings, the founders of Polaris persisted until they created a high-quality production model.
The Development of the Snowmobile
Polaris was the first company to create a snowmobile that proved itself capable of handling snowy terrain. Edgar Hetteen was a dedicated advocate of the snowmobile in the early years. In 1960, he took a 1,200-mile trip across the wilderness of Alaska to prove the reliability of the Polaris® Sno Traveler model. More snowmobile models have followed this first advancement. In the 1990s, Polaris developed a snowmobile designed especially for use in mountain terrain.
Introduction of the Trailboss
Polaris also developed other off-road vehicles, including what is considered as the first American-made all-terrain vehicle, or ATV. The Trailboss model was an exciting addition to the Polaris lineup. Today, Polaris is one of the top manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles.
Recent Ventures
In recent years, Polaris has developed many new models and acquired companies with plenty of future potential. For example, the legendary Indian Motorcycle brand was relaunched by Polaris in 2013. They also acquired an Indiana-based boat company and have entered the boating industry. Other ventures include opening up a new facility in Huntsville, Alabama, to support various core manufacturing processes. This powersports company will likely continue to diversify in the future while adding exciting innovations to their established lineup of snowmobiles, ATVs, and more.
The proud history of Polaris helps recommend its models to customers just like you. To learn more about our inventory of powersports vehicles, please visit us at RideNow Powersports Austin. Our dealership, located in Austin, Texas, welcomes customers from San Marcos, Round Rock, and New Braunfels, Texas.