Polaris Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Celebration By Unveiling Two Revolutionary `Purpose Built' Snowmobiles.

Business Editors

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2004

With two all new revolutionary snowmobiles, Polaris has delivered on under-the-hood innovations and sleek, new designs to get the snowmobile division back to Victory Lane in 2004. Building on its heritage as the inventor of the modern-day snowmobile, Polaris Industries, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, today introduced the all new Fusion(TM) and 900 RMK(R) models.

"These new sleds are going to change the industry," said Tom Tiller, Polaris president and CEO. "This is the first time a snowmobile company has built and introduced two different, specially designed, performance and mountain sleds in the same year. The Fusion and the 900 RMK are a testament to the heritage of ingenuity and innovation our employees and our brand are known for."

Rider + Sled = FUSION

The new Fusion snowmobile gets its name from the seamless integration of rider and machine in a design, which allows riders to own a machine that adapts to the way they ride. The IQ chassis system features Rider Select(TM), a push-button handlebar adjustment for maximum comfort, control and weight centralization. The Fusion's power comes from the new Liberty(TM) 900 engine with Cleanfire Injection designed for ultimate performance, reliability and emissions control.

"We believe nothing stirs the soul of the performance-oriented snowmobiler more than pure, unadulterated power," said Polaris snowmobile division general manager Bob Nygaard. "But power without control is just wasted energy. The Fusion offers the best of both worlds with its IQ chassis and Liberty 900 engine."

The Liberty 900 high-performance twin features a long stroke, elevated torque design to deliver maximum velocity. Yet because of the broad torque curve, the power is smooth and linear. The Liberty 900 is also Polaris' first generation of cleaner two-strokes featuring Cleanfire Injection. Cleanfire Injection offers a sophisticated fuel management system that delivers instant throttle response, automatic calibration, easy choke-less starting, improved fuel economy and maximum power.

The Fusion's Rider Select Steering System allows the owner to adjust handlebar position, and therefore their relationship to the sled, with the push of a button - attack position for ditch-line riding, control position for twisting trails or comfort position for leisure riding. The IQ also weighs less than the existing Polaris XC SP models and the weight is more centralized. For example, pairing the forward exhaust and intake configuration and lower engine mounting with the patent-pending variable caster design of the front suspension, results in unmatched stability.

In addition to class-leading performance enhancements, the Fusion also offers bold style based on the input and preferences of Polaris dealers who are in touch with consumer demands. The Fusion is available in black metallic, Indy red or with limited-edition blue and silver 50th anniversary package.

Deep Snow Means 900 RMK

Record snowfalls in many parts of the country have wet the appetites of deep-snow riders looking for new machines. Polaris is poised to satisfy their hunger in the '04-'05 season with the new 900 RMK. Designed for floatation, the 900 RMK gets on top of the snow faster and uses less power to stay there. The result is comfort and control in a cutting edge-engineered, sleek design.

"The introduction of the 900 RMK, along with the launch of the Fusion, marks the first time anyone in the snowmobile industry has launched different styles for the deep snow and performance market in the same year," said Ken Sobaski, vice president of sales, service and marketing. "It's fitting that Polaris, in its 50th year of snowmobile innovation, is the company to break that barrier."

The 900 RMK delivers more flotation area while diverting more snow out and around the front suspension components. Slicing through snow with minimal drag, the unique hood and pan relationship deflects snow down and around the sled. Hood vents are designed for maximum under-hood airflow while minimizing plugging in extreme deep snow, and even fasteners and brackets are designed for the least possible surface resistance.

Form and function are on equal footing in the 900 RMK, with the rear of the new lighter, stronger tunnel aggressively tapered for better traction. Running boards are narrowed and flare upward at the rear preventing high-centering or hang-up in deep snow. In conjunction with a western design firm, Polaris engineered ergonomic switch placement, removable side panels, headlight placement for added visibility when climbing and a console designed to increase rider mobility.

The 900 RMK benefits from the IQ chassis design and Rider Select Steering System it shares with the Fusion performance model, as well as the powerful Liberty 900 long-stroke, high-torque, durable powerplant.

The 900 RMK is available in red with either the 151- or 159-inch track, and the 151-inch and exclusive to Snow Check Select 166" version is also available in the blue and silver 50th anniversary graphics package.

About Polaris

Information about the complete line of Polaris products is available from authorized Polaris dealers or from the Polaris homepage at polarisindustries.com.

2004 marks the 50th Anniversary of Polaris Industries. Celebrations will be held in Roseau, Minnesota, birthplace of Polaris, on June 18-19, 2004 and a worldwide celebration will take place in St. Paul at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on July 24, 2004. Visit polarisindustries.com or call 1-800-POLARIS for more information.

Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, Victory motorcycles and the Polaris RANGER for recreational and utility use. The Polaris Professional Series, a line of heavy duty Workmobiles(TM) targeted at lawn and landscape companies, equipment rental companies and construction operations, marks Polaris' expansion into the commercial equipment marketplace.

With annual 2003 sales of over $1.6 billion, Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; one of the largest manufacturers of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the world; and a leading manufacturer of personal watercraft. Victory motorcycles was established in 1998, and represents the first all-new American-made motorcycle in nearly 60 years, is rapidly making impressive in-roads into the motorcycle cruiser marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships. Consumers can also purchase apparel and vehicle accessories anytime at polarisindustries.com

Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange and Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol "PII," and the company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.

Editor Note: For photography requests, please contact Dave Fransen at 952.346.6225 or [e-mail].