USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
Messages posted to discussion group:| Subject | Date |
| Cliff White and Sara Ganim | 2010-09-04 00:00:00.0 |
| samanta | 2010-08-30 00:00:00.0 |
| Winnebago Turns it around | 2010-06-17 00:00:00.0 |
| Spartan Motorhome Chassis | 2010-05-11 00:00:00.0 |
| Spartan Motors Reports 2010 First Quarter Results | 2010-04-27 00:00:00.0 |
| Winnebago Turns it around | 2010-03-18 00:00:00.0 |
| Freightliner Custom Chassis Chassis | 2010-03-17 00:00:00.0 |
| Motorhome Magazine | 2010-02-17 00:00:00.0 |
| Chuck | 2010-02-17 00:00:00.0 |
| Canadian Press | 2010-01-19 00:00:00.0 |
| 2010-01-07 00:00:00.0 | |
| Marilyn Odendahl | 2010-01-01 00:00:00.0 |
| Marilyn Odendahl at OSMC MICHIGAN | 2009-12-21 00:00:00.0 |
| Russ & Tiña De Maris | 2009-12-19 00:00:00.0 |
| James B. Kelleher Reuters in Chicago | 2009-12-18 00:00:00.0 |
| Freightliner Custom Chassis FRED Chassis | 2009-12-11 00:00:00.0 |
| FRED Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation | 2009-12-06 00:00:00.0 |
| Fleetwood RV | 2009-11-28 00:00:00.0 |
| California Motorhome Dealers | 2009-11-26 00:00:00.0 |
| Harley Davidson & Holiday Rambler Motorhomes | 2009-11-25 00:00:00.0 |
| MHDA.net | 2009-10-31 00:00:00.0 |
| fleetwood rv new ownership | 2009-10-29 00:00:00.0 |
| Fleetwood RV | 2009-10-29 00:00:00.0 |
| 2009-10-28 11:10:00.0 |
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Cliff White and Sara Ganim
Date: 04-Sep-10
The worst of the recession may be past for recreational vehicle dealers and campgrounds.
So far this year, sales of RVs have increased dramatically, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.
After a massive slump in 2009, national RV wholesale shipments have risen for 10 straight months, with shipments in June up 72.6 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date RV sales through June have already eclipsed totals for all of last year.
Statewide and locally, RV sales and rental companies and RV campgrounds are reporting record numbers.
Barb Saulsbury said RV visits to the Bellefonte KOA campground she runs with her husband are at an all-time high.
Weve owned this campground for 27 years, and this is the best season weve ever seen, she said. Last year was a record, and this year were up from that.
People are also staying longer, with the average stay at the campground creeping up to 2.2 nights.
People are staying for longer than the weekend, Saulsbury said. Theyre making a vacation out of it.
The eye-catching figures are puzzling, as RVs are a luxury one might think would be less affordable in a shaky economy. But Heather Leach, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association, said people are getting tired of waiting for the economy to improve to take a vacation. Steady gas prices at under $3 a gallon have made taking a road trip a more attractive option.
People are realizing that camping is the most affordable way to get away, Leach said. When looking closer with their wallets (in mind), they seem to be embracing it a lot more. You can spend $300,000 if you want, or you can spend $5,000, so theres something out there that fits into everyones budget.
RV vacationers also enjoy the comfort of sleeping in their own bed and the thrift of cooking their own meals, she said.
Leach said the industry is in full recovery mode, with the amount of space rented to manufacturers and campgrounds 40 percent greater than last year at 42nd Annual Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey, scheduled for Sept. 13-19. Thats a sign camping by RV is starting reclaim the popularity it boasted before the recession, when annual RV shipments increased from 256,000 units in 2001 to 390,500 units in 2006.
Then the recession hit, and by 2009, shipments shrank to 167,000 units.
However, industry expert Richard Curtin, of the University of Michigan, is forecasting sales to bounce back to 230,300 this year, and 249,700 units in 2011.
RV dealers who set up at the Grange Fair for the past week were reporting good results. By Tuesday, Bill Miller, owner of Miller Brothers RV and Camper Center, said he sold seven used RVs at the fair. Rival dealer, Susquehanna Valley RV across the street had sold 17.
I dont think people will ever give up staying in RVs, said Marsha Sten, a Susquehanna Valley RV saleswoman.
Harold and Ruth Ann Miller, of York, were looking at RVs at the fair, in search of a potential upgrade.
We love to travel and sleep in our own bed, Ruth Ann Miller said. We own a 35-foot motor home.
Years ago, they bought a 27-foot vehicle from the Grange Fair, an upgrade to the one they drove onto the grounds.
Its just such an enjoyment, Miller said.
Subject: TNlVWyRYAvp
From: samanta
Date: 30-Aug-10
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Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Winnebago Turns it around
Date: 17-Jun-10
Winnebago Industries Reports Continued Improvement in Third Quarter Fiscal 2010 -- First Operating Profit Since Second Quarter FY 2008 -- FOREST CITY, Iowa--(6/17/10)--Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO - News), the leading United States motor home manufacturer, today reported continued improvement in financial results during the Company's third quarter of fiscal year 2010.
Revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 ended May 29, 2010 were $134.8 million, an increase of 165.1 percent, versus $50.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company reported an operating profit of $3.4 million for the quarter, versus an operating loss of $14.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Net income for the third quarter was $6.0 million versus a net loss of $8.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. On a diluted per share basis, the Company had net income of $.21 for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 versus a net loss of $.29 for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The third quarter of fiscal 2010 was benefited from increased motor home unit deliveries, particularly in the Class A category. The net income for the third quarter reflected the positive effect of $2.4 million in tax benefits associated with resolution of tax audits and various tax planning initiatives.
Revenues for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 were $326.4 million, an increase of 114.6 percent, versus revenues of $152.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. The Company reported an operating loss of $4.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2010, versus an operating loss of $50.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. Net income for the first nine months of fiscal of 2010 was $5.4 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, versus a loss of $28.5 million, or $.98 per diluted share for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. No tax benefits have yet been recorded on the first nine months of fiscal 2010 pre-tax losses. To the extent that future pre-tax income is generated, these unrecorded tax benefits will offset tax expense until fully utilized. The $9.5 million of tax benefit recorded in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 primarily relates to tax benefits associated with the carryback of fiscal year 2009 net operating losses permitted by tax law changes and tax benefits associated with various tax planning initiatives and tax settlements.
"We are extremely pleased to report our results for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 which show profitability at the operating level for the first time since our second quarter of 2008," said Winnebago Industries' Chairman, CEO and President Bob Olson. "We are also encouraged by continued sequential improvement in revenues and gross profit. The main driver for this improvement was increased motor home shipments which increased 120.3 percent over the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and 23.2 percent sequentially over the second quarter ended February 27, 2010. The increased volume resulted in greater efficiencies and higher utilization of our manufacturing facilities."
Dealer inventory was relatively flat with 2,000 Class A, B and C motor homes as of May 29, 2010, compared to the 2,022 at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2010; and down 13.9 percent from dealer inventory of 2,324 on May 30, 2009. Olson continued, "Dealer inventory has leveled off, which we believe is appropriate in today's market environment. Dealers and their lending institutions are keeping a close eye on inventories to ensure that supply is consistent with retail demand. We have also seen dramatic improvement within the last year in the age of the product in dealer inventory, with much less older inventory on their lots."
Winnebago Industries' sales order backlog was 935 motor homes at May 29, 2010, an increase of 144.8 percent compared to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2009. "While our sales order backlog increased considerably since the third quarter of fiscal 2009, it has declined 19.3 percent sequentially from the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2010," said Olson. "We are launching our new 2011 products to our dealers this month. As dealers are able to see these exciting new products, we anticipate the sales order backlog will rise accordingly."
According to Statistical Surveys, Inc., the retail reporting service for the RV industry, Winnebago Industries continues to lead the industry in retail sales of Class A and Class C motor homes combined with 19.5 percent for the first four months of calendar 2010, compared to 18.4 percent for the same period of calendar 2009.
Olson continued, "Dr. Richard Curtin, the economist for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, recently increased his forecast for the motor home market, estimating 22,600 Class A, B and C motor homes will be shipped to dealers in calendar 2010, a 71 percent increase over 2009. We remain cautious, however, until we see prolonged improvement in retail sales. We continue to believe that retail sales will be the key driver to sustain our recovery and for continued growth going forward."
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Spartan Motorhome Chassis
Date: 11-May-10
For the three months ended March 31, 2010, consolidated sales increased $7.0 million (6.1%) compared to sales for the same period in 2009 of $115.5 million. The increase was primarily due to the addition of Utilimaster, acquired on November 30, 2009, which added $23.7 million in sales for the three months ending March 31, 2010. Without the inclusion of Utilimaster, there would have been a decrease in sales of $16.7 million (14.5%) period-over-period. This decrease was primarily attributable to the Spartan Chassis segment. Driving this decrease was the reduction of specialty vehicle and APA sales to the defense industry. There were smaller positive offsets in the motorhome and fire truck markets. The EVTeam also showed an increase in sales of $4.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 over March 31, 2009. Changes to the 2010 engine emission standards resulted in higher fire truck sales for the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period of 2009.
Operating expenses as a percent of sales decreased to 13.8% from 14.5% for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 compared to that of 2009. Operating expense dollars showed an increase of $0.1 million (0.8%) over the same three month period. This was the result of the addition of Utilimaster, which added $3.5 million in expenses, offset by expense reductions primarily at Spartan Chassis which had savings of $2.9 million (23.6%) from $12.7 million in the prior year.
At March 31, 2010, the Company had $218.9 million in backlog, which includes Utilimasters backlog of $35.1 million, compared to $217.5 million at March 31, 2009, which excluded Utilimaster. Excluding Utilimaster, the decrease in backlog period-over-period of $33.7 million is attributable to both the EVTeam of $16.8 million and Spartan Chassis of $16.5 million. Backlog balances are negatively impacted by product mix shift toward motorhomes, aftermarket part and assemblies and service and delivery vehicles which carry shorter lead times than fire truck, ambulance and specialty vehicles. Intercompany eliminations in the backlog make up the remaining difference between periods. The Company anticipates filling its current backlog orders by October 2010.
Sales decreased by $19.7 million (20.1%) in the first quarter of 2010 from $98.2 million in the same quarter of 2009. Other product sales drove the majority of the sales decrease, with a $48.5 million (78.5%) decrease from $61.7 million to $13.2 million, quarter over quarter. The decrease in other product sales at Spartan Chassis was primarily due to a decrease in volume of APA sales of $40.3 million (78.5%), along with a decrease in volume of specialty vehicle sales of $8.2 million (86.1%). The decrease in specialty vehicle and APA sales was due to the decrease of defense related orders in 2010 and in the fourth quarter of the prior year, in comparison to 2009 for the same periods. There were no changes in pricing of products sold by Spartan Chassis that had a significant impact on its financial statements when comparing year-over-year.
Offsetting the decrease in other product sales was an increase in sales volume for the motorhome product line with sales increasing $24.3 million (767.3%), from $3.2 million to $27.5 million, quarter over quarter. The increase in motorhome chassis sales was driven by stronger industry demand, specifically orders placed by dealers replenishing depleted inventories. The year-over-year backlog of motorhome orders increased nearly fourfold period-over-period, but remains well below levels attained in 2007 and prior. Accordingly, 2010 production levels have been higher than they were in 2009. We expect 2010 to remain at the current sales volume levels, not returning in the short term to the record level sales we once had. Fire truck chassis sales also increased by $4.4 million (13.4%) from $33.2 million in the first quarter of 2009. The increase in fire truck sales volume has been driven by the 2010 engine emission regulatory change.
The first quarter of 2010 marked a sales increase of $4.9 million (22.9%), from $21.5 million in the first quarter of 2009. The 2010 emission standards that went into effect drove up sale order volume, directly affecting production and sales levels. The backlog for the EVTeam at March 31, 2010 was $66.5 million, down 20.2% from $83.3 million at March 31, 2009 as the orders are being filled.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Spartan Motors Reports 2010 First Quarter Results
Date: 27-Apr-10
CHARLOTTE, Mich., April 27, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Spartan Motors, Inc. today announced break-even results for its 2010 first quarter, which were underscored by the Company's relentless focus to strengthen their balance sheet while continuing to make new product investments that will enhance the long term growth and profitability of the business.
First-quarter highlights:
Net sales of $122.5 million (up 6.1% from Q1 2009)
Gross margin of 14.0 percent of sales
R&D cost of $5.3 million (which includes $1.8 million for two major product introductions)
Operating expenses of $16.9 million (13.8 percent of sales)
Breakeven results with net income of $3,000, or $0.00 per diluted share
Ending cash balance of $4.4 million
Ending long term debt balance of $12.2 million (a $23.0 million reduction from year-end)
Consolidated backlog of $218.9 million
"While demand in the first quarter was challenging in a number of our markets, the current economic climate has not diminished our long-term view of the business," said John Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan Motors. "During the quarter, we saw continued improvement in Motorhomes and Emergency Response, which was offset by soft sales in Aftermarket Parts and Assemblies (APA) and Defense. While this shift in revenue mix had a negative impact on our gross margins, we remained steadfast in managing our operating costs, which enabled us to breakeven while improving our balance sheet and our long-term prospects for growth as we expensed $1.8 million for two major R&D projects. Looking out over the longer term, we are encouraged by the many growth opportunities for Spartan, including our recent agreement with Isuzu to assemble chassis and jointly develop our next-generation commercial vehicle, which will provide a platform for future growth in a number of markets."
Consolidated net sales for the quarter were $122.5 million, up 6.1 percent from last year due to incremental Utilimaster sales, higher sales of motorhome chassis and an increase in sales at EVTeam. On a sequential basis, net sales rose 22.0 percent from the fourth quarter of 2009, due mainly to the strength of motorhome chassis sales, improvement at EVTeam, and the addition of a full quarter of Utilimaster sales. Spartan's EVTeam operating segment, which consists of its Crimson Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue subsidiaries, reported a 22.9 percent year-over-year increase in sales for the 2010 first quarter. Sales of fire truck chassis in the quarter also increased 13.4 percent compared to the same period in 2009. Spartan's chassis sales to the Class A diesel motorhome market increased by $24.3 million, driven by recent improvements in the overall recreational vehicle (RV) market. These gains in first-quarter sales were offset by a decrease of $48.5 million in other product sales, which consist primarily of APA and defense vehicle sales.
Given the significant shift in revenue mix away from APA and Defense sales toward lower-margin products, gross margin in the first quarter of 2010 fell to 14.0 percent of sales from 22.6 percent in the first quarter of 2009. On a sequential basis, gross margins declined modestly, from 14.9 percent in the fourth quarter, due primarily to the continued shift in mix from APA and Defense to motorhome and service and delivery vehicles.
Operating expenses for the 2010 first quarter increased by $0.1 million, or 0.8 percent, compared to the same period last year. Spartan attributed the increase to the incremental operating expenses of Utilimaster, offset by the cost reduction efforts put in place in the prior year. The Company also spent $1.8 million on R&D related costs for two major product introductions - the recently announced next-generation commercial vehicle being developed in conjunction with Isuzu and the development of a new cab and chassis related to the 2010 emissions standards. Total operating expenses in the quarter were $16.9 million, up from $16.8 million in the same period last year. On a sequential basis, operating expenses increased from $15.0 million in the fourth quarter, primarily due to the additional incremental operating expenses from a full quarter of Utilimaster results, compared with the one month included in the final quarter of 2009.
Net income for the quarter was $3,000, or $0.00 per diluted share, compared with net income of $6.1 million, or $0.19 per diluted share in the prior year's first quarter.
Joe Nowicki, Chief Financial Officer, said: "Some of our major accomplishments for the quarter lie within our balance sheet. We continued to work down receivables and were able to generate sufficient cash to repay all the incremental borrowings from our acquisition of Utilimaster. Despite this great progress in our working capital, we still have room for further improvement on our inventory levels. We also have additional potential to enhance efficiency and lower our operating costs. Over the next several months, we will continue to execute on the cost reduction initiatives we put in place last year, and seek out opportunities for additional improvement. We will look to implement processes that will enhance our manufacturing efficiencies and better flex our costs and operations with our current level and mix of revenue."
Consolidated backlog at March 31, 2010 increased to $218.9 million from $217.5 million at March 31, 2009. Compared with the same period last year, backlogs of Fire Truck and Motorhome chassis increased by a combined $16.1 million and Specialty Vehicle backlog increased by $7.3 million. In addition, the ending backlog includes $35.1 million from the acquisition of Utilimaster in December of 2009. These improvements were more than offset by a $39.9 million decrease in APA backlog and a $16.8 million decrease in EVTeam backlog.
Spartan reported operating cash flow of $10.2 million in the first three months of the year, due primarily to reduced working capital requirements. The Company ended the first quarter with $4.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $12.2 million in long-term debt, an improvement from long-term debt of $35.2 million at Dec. 31, 2009, as Spartan utilized operating cash flow and existing cash balances to eliminate the incremental borrowings following the acquisition of Utilimaster in the fourth quarter of 2009. During the first quarter, Spartan maintained its reduced receivable levels from the end of 2009, while inventory levels improved by approximately $2.2 million from year-end.
Sztykiel concluded: "The first quarter marked a number of key accomplishments for Spartan, both strategically and operationally. As we complete the integration of Utilimaster, we continue to identify and exploit new opportunities to drive our growth. The ability of our flexible operations to adjust to changing market conditions, reduce costs and preserve cash flow, combined with our strong balance sheet, provide Spartan the ability to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. These strengths strategically position Spartan for many future opportunities, as experienced with the recent agreement with Isuzu, whereby the N-Series gasoline chassis and the new commercial walk-in van are key market products with significant future opportunity. We view this new relationship as a starting point in our long-term vision to strategically enter new market niches that fit well with Spartan's core strengths. In addition, ACT research is forecasting medium-duty vehicle (classes 5-7) production, which is largely tied to health of the housing and construction industries, is expected to see a more steady and gradual increase in production, growing 19 percent in 2010 and 32 percent in 2011. This is considered a leading economic indicator that positions Spartan well in the next two years in light of these product launches. 2009 was a year of Transformation. 2010 will be a year of Implementation."
Conference Call, Webcast and Roadcast(TM)
Spartan Motors will host a conference call for analysts and portfolio managers at 10 a.m. ET today to discuss these results and current business trends. To listen to a live webcast of the call, please visit www.spartanmotors.com, click on "Shareholders," and then on "Webcasts."
Spartan also will update the financial information on its Roadcast "digital roadshow" for investors. To launch the Spartan Motors Roadcast, please visit www.spartanmotors.com and look for the "Virtual Road Show" link on the right side of the page.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. (www.spartanmotors.com) designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles and truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the Outdoor Recreation/RV, emergency-response, defense, government services, delivery and service markets. The Company's brand names - Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire Aerials(TM), Road Rescue(TM) and Utilimaster(R) - are known for quality, value, service and being the first to market with innovative products. The Company employs approximately 1,600 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Indiana and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $430 million in 2009 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis.
This release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning our business, future plans and objectives and the performance of our products. Forward looking statements are identifiable by words such as "believe," "anticipate," "will," "sustain," and "continue." These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that ultimately may not prove to be accurate. For example, we may encounter unforeseen difficulties and challenges in entering new markets or in pursuing strategic acquisitions. In addition, technical and other complications may arise that could prevent the timely implementation of our plans or that may impact the expected outcome of those plans. As a result, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at http://www.sec.gov). Government contracts and subcontracts typically involve long payment and purchase cycles, competitive bidding, qualification requirements, delays or changes in funding, extensive specification development and changes, price negotiations and milestone requirements. An announced award of a governmental contract is not equivalent to a finalized executed contract and does not assure that orders will be issued and filled. Government agencies also often retain some portion of fees payable upon completion of a project and collection of contract fees may be delayed for long periods, which can negatively impact both prime contractors and subcontractors. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Winnebago Turns it around
Date: 18-Mar-10
Winnebago Industries (WGO.N) posted its first quarterly profit in nearly two years as sales of its largest and most expensive motorhomes rebounded modestly.
The results from the leading U.S. maker of recreational vehicles provided an encouraging sign that the nation's fragile economic recovery may be gaining traction -- even as they underscored the rebound's unevenness.
Winnebago said it was seeing renewed dealer demand for all its vehicles, but the resurgence was particularly pronounced for so-called "Class A" motorhomes -- the biggest and most lucrative of its products.
Demand for those bus-like vehicles, which can cost more than $300,000 and get less than 10 miles to the gallon, had dropped off dramatically in recent years as fuel prices rose and the U.S. real-estate downturn morphed into a full-blown recession.
Sales of Winnebago's more affordable -- and more efficient -- Class B and C vehicles also rebounded, but less sharply.
But the company's shares, which have rallied more than 20 percent over the last month amid growing signs of stability in the U.S. economy, fell more than 4 percent. Analysts attributed the decline to profit-taking and news that Winnebago had filed a shelf registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to sell as much as $35 million of its stock.
Winnebago said that while it had no specific plans to go to market with the shares, "one of the lessons we have learned during this last recession is to have multiple forms of liquidity in place in order to weather the most difficult of times."
The company, which makes motorhomes under the Winnebago and Itasca brand names, reported a net profit of $706,000, or 2 cents a share, for the second quarter ended on Feb. 27, compared with a year-earlier loss of $10.4 million, or 36 cents a share.
Analysts on average had expected a loss of 9 cents a share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
Revenue more than tripled to $110.5 million from $31.8 million, but came in slightly below the analysts' average estimate of $112.7 million.
"Last quarter, there was the first real increase in Class A unit orders, and we're seeing that continue," said Morningstar analyst David Whiston.
Winnebago, which has slashed half its workforce over the past few years as it grappled with the worst downturn in the RV industry's history, said in December that it was rehiring workers, ramping up production and canceling the traditional holiday shutdown to keep up with rebounding demand.
In a statement on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer Bob Olson said the company was continuing to increase production to satisfy dealer order backlogs. But he cautioned that the recovery was still in early stages and vulnerable to setbacks.
"While we are encouraged with these improvements, the economic outlook remains uncertain," Olson said, "and we believe retail sales will be the key driver to sustain our recovery and for continued growth going forward."
Shares of Winnebago were down 4.3 percent at $13.92 in morning New York Stock Exchange trading. A year ago, during the darkest days of the downturn, they traded near $4.50. (Reporting by James B. Kelleher; Editing by Derek Caney and Lisa Von Ahn
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Freightliner Custom Chassis Chassis
Date: 17-Mar-10
GAFFNEY, S.C. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation has expanded its presence in the motorhome industry by entering into a new multiyear exclusivity agreement with Damon Motor Coach and Four Winds International, both divisions of RV maker Thor Industries.
The agreement is for upcoming model years of all Damon and Four Winds rear-diesel Class A motorhomes including the Astoria, Astoria Pacific Edition, Tuscany and Essence from Damon; and the Montecito from Four Winds.
With the new agreement, FCCCs XC-R raised-rail chassis will be the exclusive chassis offered on the Damon and Four Winds diesel models. The XC-R chassis provides excellent durability, performance and maneuverability and a comfortable ride for passengers. The XC-R raised-rail design allows for increased pass-through storage beneath the coach.
Our new agreement with Thor Industries, the largest manufacturer in the RV industry, enables us to expand our presence within the Class A diesel motorhome market, said Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketing for FCCC. This partnership will allow Thor Industries customers to experience our reliable, comfortable and durable chassis and access to our first-class customer service.
Both Damon and Four Winds have had a long relationship with FCCC, and we value our partnership with them, said Bill Fenech, president of Damon and Four Winds. We feel they are the premier rear diesel chassis manufacturer, and we are pleased to renew our agreement to build our rear diesel models exclusively on their chassis.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Motorhome Magazine
Date: 17-Feb-10
MotorHome, February 12, 2010
Fleetwood RV Inc. was recognized as the No. 1 manufacturer of Class A motorhomes in calendar year 2009 by Statistical Surveys Inc., a reporting service based in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Statistical Surveys Inc. has been tracking the RV industry since 1987. In that time, Fleetwood has been recognized as the No. 1 Class A motorhome brand for 22 of the past 23 years. In calendar year 2009, Fleetwood RV held 18.4% of the Class A motorhome retail market share, according to a news release.
This years achievement is extra special for Fleetwood RV, said John Draheim, president and COO of Decatur, Ind.-based Fleetwood RV Inc. It is a true testament to all of Fleetwood RVs dealers, customers and associates who we were able to maintain our number one market share position throughout the challenges of the past year. Market share isnt a goal. It is a reward that a company earns by developing strong relationships with its dealers and customers; as well as by building high-quality products and standing behind them.
Ever since our change in ownership in July 2009, Fleetwood RV has stood behind all of its motorhome products whether they were built by the new company or the former company including existing dealer inventory as well as customer coaches that are still within their warranty periods, added Draheim. This support is just one of the many examples of our ongoing commitment to doing the right thing for our dealers and customers.
2010 marks the 60th anniversary for Fleetwood, one of the most recognized brands in the RV industry. Since 1950, Fleetwood has made its mark in the industry with key innovations like the debut of basement storage on the 1985 Bounder and full-wall slide technology on the 2004 Pace Arrow. Today, Fleetwood RVs executive team is focused on building upon this legacy, as well as leveraging the companys smaller size.
Because Fleetwood RV is a smaller, more nimble company we can implement dealer and customer feedback into our products more quickly and successfully, added Draheim. This agility also allows us to produce better quality motor homes at a higher value.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Chuck
Date: 17-Feb-10
By Chuck | February 11, 2010 - 10:25 am - Posted in Uncategorized RV maker Winnebago Industries, Inc. of Forest City, Iowa, has been recognized for the ninth consecutive year as the nations top-selling motorhome manufacturer according to Statistical Surveys, Inc., a retail reporting service in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Winnebago Industries dealers retailed more Class A and Class C motorhomes combined than any other manufacturers dealer group in calendar 2009, achieving 19.2 percent market share versus 18.3 percent market share for calendar 2008.
Achieving the top-selling position again is a tribute to the teamwork of our dealer partners and our employees, said Winnebago Industries Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin. Once again our dealers have shown that when our company gives them the right product and the right support, they can accomplish anything. We were extremely pleased with our market share performance in calendar 2009, particularly in the Class A diesel motorhome market segment, due in part to the success of our new 2010 lineup. Winnebago Industries had the largest Class A diesel market share gain in the industry with 11.3 percent of this market segment in 2009 versus 8.1 percent in calendar 2008; an amazing gain of nearly 40 percent for the year.
Winnebago Industries also led the Class A gas market segment and the Class C market segment, both with 22.9 percent market share in calendar 2009. Winnebago Industries ERA was also the top-selling Class B motorhome model in calendar 2009 with 17.9 percent market share.
We believe RV consumers are drawn to quality, well-established brands, particularly during the challenging economic conditions we faced in 2009, said Martin. At a time when too many dealers and consumers are left out in the cold without the support of their manufacturer, we will continue to work diligently to distinguish our products from the competition through stringent quality, innovative product design and unmatched service after the sale. Through these efforts, Winnebago Industries has also been recognized as a Quality Circle Award recipient by the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association for each of the last 14 years.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Canadian Press
Date: 19-Jan-10
Canadian RV manufacture declares bankruptcy, blames high gas prices and soaring loonie
OAKVILLE, Ont. Canadian RV manufacturer Glendale International (TSX:GIN) has declared bankruptcy.
The Oakville, Ont.-based company says high gasoline prices have had a devastating effect on the North American recreational vehicle industry.
Glendale's chief executive, Edward Hanna said Tuesday in a statement that the company has reviewed all options available to it, but didn't see a significant rebound ahead.
As a result, Glendale decided to make a voluntary filing under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
The company said all of the Glendale directors have resigned but didn't provide details on how the bankruptcy affects its employees or customers.
Calls to Glendale's head office were not immediately returned.
Among its products, the company has sold recreational vehicles under the Glendale and Travelaire brands.
Glendale has manufacturing plants in Strathroy, in southwestern Ontario, and Red Deer, central Alberta.
According the most recent financial report issued by the company in October, the Glendale RV division had just under $9 million in sales for the first nine months of 2009 - down from about $16.6 million in the same period of 2008.
Sales at the Travelaire division were more resilient, falling to $6 million from $6.7 million in the first nine months of 2008.
In addition, Glendale is part owner of Firan Technology Group Corp. (TSX:FTG), which makes printed circuit boards for the aerospace and defence industry.
The Toronto Stock Exchange said it has begun an expedited review to delist the company's shares from the key stock market.
Copyright © 2010 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From:
Date: 07-Jan-10
January 06, 2010, 9:00AM
Now is certainly a challenging time to be a Michigan manufacturer, but within each of these challenges lies opportunity.
For the past five years, my company, Spartan Motors Inc., has experienced tremendous year-over-year growth in both sales and income from our motorhome and firetruck chassis, emergency rescue vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances and other specialty vehicles. These were great years for us as a company, and we consistently knocked the cover off the ball.
But in the back half of this year, we have found it difficult to replicate those results a condition we expect to continue into at least the first half of next year. We could simply do what other manufacturers have done: Lay off employees, close production plants and hunker down until the worst of the economic storms are over.
Our leadership team has taken a different approach, though.
We are using this time to realign the organization to ensure we are capitalizing on all the opportunities available to us. We are investing new products and exploring new markets. We are increasing our marketing efforts to make certain our customers and vendors know and understand our brands and their value propositions. And we are sharpening our communication tools so all of our 1,500-plus associates understand who we are, where we are going, and what their role will be along the way.
As we prepare for the economic upturn, Spartan Motors has:
" Established 10 strategic directives that guide our day-to-day actions. From speed with agility to green to innovative, our strategic directives provide the framework for everything we do. We encourage our associates to actively manage their 25 square feet of work space, making improvements to daily tasks, which we can leverage across the organization.
" Launched an Advanced Market Development team, a cross-functional group drawn from engineering, design, manufacturing and sales. They are tasked with identifying two to three new markets where we can successfully compete within the next three to five years. They work side by side with our in-house product development teams, who are focused on short-term results revolutionary vs. evolutionary, if you will.
" Expanded our business model through an acquisition. In October, we completed the acquisition of Indiana-based Utilimaster, the industry leader in parcel and walk-in vans. The new company has an excellent client base, including customers like FedEx, UPS, Frito-Lay and other market leaders in the parcel, textile, snack, utility and other industries.
Utilimasters product line is in our wheelhouse. Its corporate culture complements ours. And this addition allows us to diversify our market mix all good things in keeping with our strategic directives and corporate goals. We will continue to look for opportunities to partner or acquire companies both here and overseas.
" Realigned our organizational structure to establish seven market teams focused on the products where we sell vehicles, both today and in the future. Our market teams, which include emergency response vehicles, outdoor recreation, defense and government, and delivery and service, allow us to better align resources and focus on profitable growth and market penetration both in North America and beyond our borders.
These steps, and others we are taking throughout the organization, will ensure that Spartan Motors continues to grow and evolve profitably even as we wait for the economy to catch up.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Marilyn Odendahl
Date: 01-Jan-10
Wholesale shipments of motorhomes have finally outpaced the prior year, putting an especially hard-hit segment of the recreational vehicle industry into positive territory for the first time since October 2007.
The number of motorized units sent from manufacturers to dealers' lots rose 50 percent in November compared to November 2008 totals, according to data released by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association on Tuesday. Year-to-date, 2009 motorhome shipments trail the previous year by 58.1 percent.
In addition, the figures show that shipments are "slightly greater" than retail sales, said Mac Bryan, vice president of administration at the RVIA. That is good news, he said, since the upswing indicates that not only is financing easing both for wholesale and retail but also that dealers are feeling confident sales will improve and they will need to have more units in stock to meet demand.
Motorhome shipments are climbing partly because the totals recorded during the winter of 2008-09 were so bad, it would be difficult to do worse. Still, coupled with the turn in towable units that came in August, industry leaders are becoming more comfortable.
"Each month that we're positive, there is less likelihood of a double dip," Bryan said, referring to the potential for shipments to decline again. "Is it still possible? Of course. ... It certainly appears the economy is recovering in a consistently slow but steady path."
Towables continued to post strong numbers, with November shipments trumping November 2008 totals by 140.4 percent. However, year-to-date, the entire industry has shipped 151,700 RVs, down 34.4 percent from the 231,400 sent through November a year ago.
Richard Curtin of the University of Michigan Consumer Survey Research Center expects RV shipments to reach 159,500 by the end of 2009, which will be the lowest yearly total since 1982.
Motorhome dealer Hank Schrock, owner of Total Value RV of Indiana in Elkhart, said 2009 sales at his business have been stronger than 2008 and he is "kind of optimistic" and "looking forward" to 2010. Yet he is concerned that if consumer demand overwhelms manufacturers' ability to build units, buyers will possibly leave the RV market and purchase another discretionary item like a pleasure boat.
Bryan and Schrock contend the motorhomes will take several years before the units reach the shipment levels they previously enjoyed. Currently, nine towables are being sent to dealers for every one motorhome, Bryan said, noting at one time, shipments were evenly split between the two segments.
As the national rebound begins, RVs seem to have assumed their traditional role of leading the country out of the recession. For economists who said the industry would lag during the recovery because consumers would not have the money to buy a motorhome or a travel trailer, Bryan counters they did not understand the primary demand.
Consumers may be buying less expensive models, Bryan said, but they still want their RVs.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Marilyn Odendahl at OSMC MICHIGAN
Date: 21-Dec-09
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the Fleetwood and Monaco booths at the 47th annual National RV Trade Show was that both manufacturers even had displays. Just nine months earlier, the two companies had filed for bankruptcy and announced they were looking for buyers, but in Louisville, with booths positioned at opposite ends of the exhibition hall, they have new owners and a new inflow of capital.
Once towering giants, Fleetwood and Monaco may represent the boom, the bust and the uncertain recovery of the recreational vehicle industry.
In filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the former Fleetwood Enterprises and Monaco Coach Corp. each billed themselves as "a leading manufacturer" of recreational vehicles. Yet in March 2009, both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. If Monaco's decision the previous summer to slash operations and work forces in Indiana and Oregon signaled the entire industry was in trouble, the red ink that drowned Fleetwood and Monaco demonstrated how deep that trouble was.
The financial turbulence experienced by Fleetwood and Monaco landed the pair on Robert Salomon's list of Notable Bankruptcies of 2009. Salomon, an associate professor of management and organizations at New York University, explained that he included the RV makers because they are sizable companies that failed, both had thousands of employees and multiple facilities in different states.
However, he was not surprised the manufacturers stumbled given the motorhomes they produce were affected most harshly by the economic downturn as consumers curtailed spending on discretionary items.
What did surprise the academic was how quickly the RV divisions of Fleetwood and Monaco were purchased.
During the summer, Navistar International Corp. bought the RV assets from Monaco for $47 million and renamed the company Monaco RV, while American Industrial Partners Capital Fund IV took the motorhome business from Fleetwood for $33.2 million, dubbing the new enterprise Fleetwood RV.
The purchases did not put either buyer into completely unfamiliar businesses. Navistar makes commercial trucks, school buses and diesel engines. Also, it had previously joined Monaco Coach in 2007 to launch Custom Chassis Products, a joint venture that manufactured chassis for the RV and commercial step-van markets.
American Industrial Partners is a private equity group with an extensive portfolio that includes large vehicle manufacturing. The investment group owns Collins Industries, a maker of ambulances, buses and road construction equipment as well as E-One, Inc., a supplier of fire rescue vehicles.
Along with buying the assets, Navistar and AIP kept some of the management personnel who had overseen the operations of the former RV manufacturers.
THE RECOVERY
At the Louisville RV show at the beginning of December, Monaco's booth spanned a corner and was anchored by a hulking black Navistar truck at one end and the company's military transport vehicle at the other. In between there was a spread of motorhomes and towables.
Monaco officials Jim Sheldon and Richard Bond declined to talk to the media, deferring to a Monaco spokesman. In turn, the spokesman referred all inquires to Roy Wiley, spokesman for Navistar.
By contrast, the Fleetwood booth was smaller and filled with only motorhomes. Pointing to a Class A in the center of the display, Fleetwood chief executive officer Chuck Wilkinson said the new coach, the Encounter, billed as a crossover that combines the best elements of Class A and Class C motorhomes, had been designed and built since American Industrial Partners took ownership.
"We think if we have the best product, the best work force and the best relationship with dealers," Wilkinson said, "the market share will come."
Even so, by focusing on the motorized segment of the RV market, Fleetwood could struggle. The upturn in the RV industry has been led by wholesale shipments of towables, while motorhome shipments continue to lag behind 2008 levels by 61 percent. Also, dealers and manufacturers note that banks are still unwilling to make consumer loans for motorhomes.
AIP only invests in American companies that make things people can put their hands on, Wilkinson said. In taking over Fleetwood, the private equity group instituted lean manufacturing methods and flattened the management organization to where anyone in the sales, production or engineering departments can walk down the hall and talk to either Wilkinson or the president John Draheim.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Russ & Tiña De Maris
Date: 19-Dec-09
A brand that some consider iconic, Airstream, appears to be jetting along in good economic health. In a recent news release, Airstream says it increased its production levels 25% in the month of October, and projects further increases this January.
Following on the heels of that production increase news, the company also indicates it will expand its model lineup with the addition of two towables, a 16 footer dubbed the Sport. A lightweight rig, which Airstream is aiming toward new RVers, the silver trailer can be pulled with most mid-sized SUVs. At the other end of the towable spectrum, the 30 foot Flying Cloud is designed with fulltimers in mind. Other lengths of Flying Clouds are also coming out of the pipeline.
Airstream is also expanding its motorized offerings. A Class-B (van conversion) motorhome called the Interstate is touted as driving like a luxury car. The theme of luxury is carried beyond the steering wheel to the interior decor, Sand Pearl featuring Corian countertops and leather seats. Built on a Sprinter chassis, the Interstate will soon have a cousin rolling out of the Airstream factory. This spring the company plans on releasing another Class-B motorhome built on a Chevrolet platform.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: James B. Kelleher Reuters in Chicago
Date: 18-Dec-09
By James B. Kelleher CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. motorhome maker Winnebago Industries Inc (WGO.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said its quarterly loss narrowed as demand for its biggest and most profitable vehicles showed signs of life, sending Winnebago shares up as much as 15 percent.
Winnebago, which has slashed half its workforce over the past few years as it grappled with the worst downturn in the RV industry's history, said it was hiring workers back, ramping up production and canceling the traditional holiday shutdown in order to keep up with rebounding demand.
"The worst may be over," it said in a statement.
The encouraging announcements from a company that has been hammered by the downturn came as Winnebago reported a quarterly loss of $1.3 million, or 5 cents per share, down from a loss of $9.6 million, or 33 cents per share, a year earlier.
Analysts on average had expected the Forest City, Iowa-based company to report a loss of 7 cents per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
Revenue for the fiscal first quarter rose 16.7 percent to $81 million.
Bob Olson, Winnebago's chairman, chief executive and president, hailed the revenue rise and a 350 percent increase in the order backlog as encouraging signs of a turning point.
The backlog was 1,521 vehicles as of November 28. While the winter months may be challenging, I believe we can now look for growth," Olson said during a call with analysts to discuss the results.
"The general economy is looking healthier, with slightly improved consumer confidence, stable fuel prices, low interest rates and an improved equity market."
He said the credit market was "still difficult but improving."
Winnebago said it had increased its workforce by 350 during the quarter. The current headcount at the company, including the additional workers, is about 2,000. That is down from a peak of 4,220 in 2004.
U.S. motorhome manufacturers have watched sales drop for five years in a row as rising gasoline prices and then the worldwide economic downturn killed demand for its products, which in the case of Winnebago range in price from $65,000 to $317,000.
RV manufacturers expect to ship just 14,100 motorhomes in 2009, the industry's worst showing in the 38 years data has been collected. That is down 50 percent from the 28,300 shipped in 2008 and down 80 percent from 71,800 in 2004.
Winnebago shares were up $1.40 or 12.8 percent at $12.30 on the New York Stock Exchange at midmorning on Thursday, off an earlier high at $12.58.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Freightliner Custom Chassis FRED Chassis
Date: 11-Dec-09
Freightliner is now taking orders for its new ecoFred motorhome chassis, the first of its kind in the large RV market. The new chassis uses a Cummins 6.7-liter diesel inline-6 with an Eaton automated-manual transmission. In between the auto-clutch and the gearbox is a motor-generator that provides regenerative braking, auto-stop and electric drive capabilities. Electrical storage comes by way of a lithium ion battery pack although the capacity and source are not specified.
The hybrid drive system not only improves the fuel efficiency but increases the total combined gross vehicle weight rating to 37,000 pounds. The regenerative braking capability means significantly reduced brake wear, which is particularly useful when driving in mountainous areas. The new chassis are available to custom coach builders new motorhomes with the hybrid system should start arriving in 2010. These won't be cheap, but if you are renting an RV for a trip, but it might worth searching one out.
[Source: Freightliner]
PRESS RELEASE:
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation ecoFRED" Motorhome Chassis Ready for Production
LOUISVILLE, Ky. Dec. 3, 2009 ecoFRED", the RV industry's first hybrid-electric Class A motorhome chassis, is now available for order. Introduced in December 2008 by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) as a prototype, ecoFRED provides improved fuel economy while also reducing engine emissions.
Equipped with the Eaton® hybrid-electric system, ecoFRED is unlike any other chassis available in the RV market today. Powered by the Cummins® ISB 6.7-liter engine with up to 300 hp and an Eaton automated manual transmission, ecoFRED provides increased torque for better acceleration, contributing to a superior performance that has become synonymous with the FCCC brand.
"We are pleased that ecoFRED is ready for production," said Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketing for FCCC. "ecoFRED offers reduced exhaust emissions, leading toward a cleaner environment, requires less fuel to operate and has an improved brake life, all of which contribute to better overall performance and a reduced operational cost for our customers."
ecoFRED, so named because of its increased fuel economy and ecological/ environmental benefits, offers significantly less brake wear due to regenerative braking, leading to lower replacement costs. The chassis also boasts of better acceleration and increased towing capacity, operating similar to driving an automatic transmission. ecoFRED has increased towing capacity with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 27,000 lbs. and a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 37,000 lbs. This enables travelers to carry more weight in the coach storage compartments or tow a heavier or additional vehicle.
FCCC engineers also designed ecoFRED to offer a best-in-class 55-degree wheel cut to better travel and navigate through tight spatial constraints. Similar to the popular FRED (Front Engine Diesel) chassis, ecoFRED does not have an engine hump or "dog house" typically found on a gas chassis. The result is a flat floor and more room in the driver cockpit, contributing to driver comfort and easier entry and egress from the seats to the back of the motorhome.
Two OEMs have built prototype coaches on ecoFRED. This summer, Brad and Amy Herzog, spokespeople for the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), decided to use a Winnebago motorhome with the innovative ecoFRED RV chassis for its 10th annual travel tour.
The Herzogs chose to travel the country in the 2009 Winnebago Adventurer® built upon ecoFRED because of its improved acceleration, reduced fuel consumption and emissions and ease of maintenance, Brad Herzog said.
Brad, Amy, and their sons started the 50-day tour from Chicago, where their parents live. The tour included 15 states (Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana), as well as Washington, D.C.
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation manufactures premium chassis for the motorhome, delivery walk-in van, and school bus and shuttle bus markets. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: FRED Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation
Date: 06-Dec-09
ecoFRED, the RV industrys first hybrid-electric Class A motorhome chassis, is now available for order. Introduced in December 2008 by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) as a prototype, ecoFRED provides improved fuel economy while also reducing engine emissions.
Equipped with the Eaton hybrid-electric system and powered by the Cummins ISB 6.7-liter engine with up to 300 hp and an Eaton automated manual transmission, ecoFRED provides increased torque for better acceleration.
We are pleased that ecoFRED is ready for production, said Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketing for FCCC. ecoFRED offers reduced exhaust emissions, leading toward a cleaner environment, requires less fuel to operate and has an improved brake life, all of which contribute to better overall performance and a reduced operational cost for our customers.
ecoFRED, so named because of its increased fuel economy and ecological/ environmental benefits, offers significantly less brake wear due to regenerative braking, leading to lower replacement costs. The chassis also boasts of better acceleration and increased towing capacity, operating similar to driving an automatic transmission. ecoFRED has increased towing capacity with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 27,000 lbs. and a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 37,000 lbs. This enables travelers to carry more weight in the coach storage compartments or tow a heavier or additional vehicle.
FCCC engineers also designed ecoFRED to offer a best-in-class 55-degree wheel cut to better travel and navigate through tight spatial constraints. Similar to the popular FRED (Front Engine Diesel) chassis, ecoFRED does not have an engine hump or dog house typically found on a gas chassis. The result is a flat floor and more room in the driver cockpit, contributing to driver comfort and easier entry and egress from the seats to the back of the motorhome.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Fleetwood RV
Date: 28-Nov-09
DECATUR, Ind., Nov. 25 Fleetwood RV, Inc., a maker of Class A and Class C recreational vehicles, will launch several new products and innovations during a product launch event at the Recreation Vehicle Industry Associations 47th Annual National RV Trade Show on Tuesday, December 1 in Louisville, Kentucky.
New features and innovations on display will include: * The first 45-foot quad-slide, side-aisle floor plan on the high end American Tradition Class A diesel brand. * A 40-foot full-wall-slide floor plan featuring full-tile and residential refrigerator on the Discovery Class A diesel brand. * A 35-foot premium edition Fiesta with full body paint, chrome luggage doors, Corian countertops and halogen lighting. * A 29-foot floor plan with wrap-around dinette and full-body paint on the value-priced Tioga Ranger Class C motorhome .
In addition, Fleetwood will unveil its new 2010 Encounter crossover motorhome, which features the sleeping capacity and value of a Class C RV along with the space and storage area of a larger Class A motorhome.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: California Motorhome Dealers
Date: 26-Nov-09
By Thomas Himes, Staff Writer Posted: 11/25/2009 02:14:03 PM PST
Thanksgiving eve traffic is heavy but moving along on the westbound 210 Freeway near Irwindale Avenue on Wednesday night, Nov. 25, 2009. (SGVN/Staff photo by Watchara Phomicinda)More Southern Californians are taking to the highways for the holidays and forgoing the cost of air travel.
A little more than 2 million Southern Californians will travel today for Thanksgiving, 85 percent via the automobile, according to a study conducted for the Automobile Club of Southern California.
"The main reason is probably a plane trip is going to be more expensive," said Automobile Club of Southern California spokeswoman Marie Montgomery. "A lot of costs can be associated with a plane trip, including car rentals and hotels."
El Monte RV rented out 56 recreational vehicles to local families Wednesday, General Manager Edward Calderon said.
"This is our busiest holiday for rentals," Calderon said. "All of our biggest RVs are rented." Most of the rentals are coming online with our secured reservation software by going to our discounted last minute site at: www.elmonterv.com/travelAgent.aspx?id=62 You will get the most up to date online prices with our special link.
Paul Peterson of La Crescenta rented a smaller RV, about 25 feet, Wednesday to drive with his wife and two children to California City.
"We join a group of about 20 to 30 people at a campground," Peterson said. "We did it last year for the first time, and decided to do it again this year."
While Peterson is renting a motor home for a Thanksgiving camping trip, others rented out RVs to park in their driveways and put up family members, Calderon said.
"Some people have more family members than rooms," Calderon said. "Instead of sending them to hotels, they're renting RVs."
The top cost-saving measure taken by many travelers this holiday season is staying with friends and families instead of in hotel rooms, Montgomery said.
Although driving may spare holiday travelers the cost of flying, gas prices will be nearly 30 percent higher than they were last Thanksgiving, hovering at $2.90 a gallon.
Jonathan Myers stopped at the Chevron gas station on Valley Boulevard in El Monte to fuel up before heading to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving.
The 28-year-old said he plans to forsake the cranberry sauce and find the craps table.
"My family lives in Maryland, it would be a lot to go there for a couple days," Myers said. "I've never been to Vegas, and since I have the day off I figured what the heck."
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Harley Davidson & Holiday Rambler Motorhomes
Date: 25-Nov-09
Question: Can Harley-Davidson survive the world economic disaster?
The company itself paints a bleak picture of its present and future. To quote from an October 15 corporate press release:
Worldwide retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles declined 21.3 percent in the third quarter compared to last year's third quarter, an improvement from the 30.1 percent decline in this year's second quarter. An 84.1 percent decline in net income and an 84.5 percent decline in diluted earnings per share from the year-ago quarter reflected lower motorcycle shipments and the effects of the economy on retail and wholesale loan performance at Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Hummer, which became an iconic brand in just a few years, has been sold to a Chinese industrial manufacturing company. Now H-D, which is for many a Hummer-like example of housing bubble-fueled consumer product overkill, seems in danger of going down a similar road.
This past week H-D shut down the East Troy, Wisconsin, factory where their Buell sport bikes are built, putting about 180 people out of work, and announced they're looking for a buyer for their MV Agusta brand (which also builds Cagiva bikes), based in Italy.
Harley bought Agusta in 2008 for $109 million, just before the Bush Depression hit the world economy.
A 1907 Harley-Davidson track racer In 1993, Harley-Davidson bought a minority interest in Erik Buell's bike-making company, which used H-D XL 883 and 1200 engines in sportier, racier chassis. In '98, H-D bought the remaining 49% of Buell.
And Buell just last month won the American Motorcyclist Association's SportBike championship -- the first for an American motorcycle maker since 1986. MV Agusta is perhaps the world's most-storied name in two-wheel racing, with a history of one world championship title after another in road racing.
H-D itself laid-off 1,100 factory workers this past January.
And in another instance of what would turn-out to be bad timing, Harley opened their 130,000 sq ft museum in downtown Milwaukee in July, 2008; the next few years would not prove to be the best time to say "Welcome!" to tourists.
Until the downturn, H-D had been enjoying the best years of their long, long existence. Their Harley Owners Group (known as HOG) remains the biggest motorcycle club in the world and the machines were sought-after everywhere, especially popular in Japan during that nation's awash-in-cash housing bubble in the 1980s and '90s.
2008 MV Agusta "750 America" Japanese bike enthusiasts considered Harleys acceptable symbols of American high technology and they represented a very different lifestyle from what one would experience in Tokyo or Osaka.
Harley-Davidsons, like Hummers, are overpriced, overweight and overwrought. Buyers who wanted a Harley would accept nothing less, though, similar to Hummer buyers, and with fast and easy cash pouring through the economy starting in the 1980s and continuing through the end of 2008, the bikes sold in record numbers.
The company even established a modern image while still considered ruffian and gangster-like, something H-D does little to downplay in its advertising or even on its website.
Many recent owners probably would never have bought a H-D if "bigger is better" vehicles didn't become a symbol of success in those phony mortgage-backed security years.
Is a Harley-Davidson nothing but a two-wheel Hummer? And is that necessarily a bad thing?
Doctors, lawyers and celebrities of all sorts were financing new Harleys, earning these buyers the derisive nickname Rubbies, short for "rich, urban bikers," considered by "real bikers" as mere poseurs who didn't really understand what made a Harley a Harley (which, after years of study, I consider to be the bone-rattling noise they produce; in fact, that sound has been trademarked by the company).
And Jay Leno, who posed with his Harley in front of the Hollywood sign for an article I wrote about him and his bike collection for Popular Mechanics magazine in 1986, saw his growing popularity encourage more sales of these loud, boisterous and often chrome-laden machines.
But in the past 18 months, since the economy began its tanking maneuver, Harleys, like Hummers, became representative of obnoxious excess to more and more Americans.
And this past week there was yet another "sign o' the times" when it comes to the economy and involving Harley-Davidson.
Seen in Jay Leno's garage -- along with mere motorcycles, here's an over-$1 million McLaren
The Love Ride, an annual biker extravaganza in southern California staged and sponsored by Glendale Harley-Davidson, was to celebrate its 26th anniversary this year. Started in 1984 with 600 riders as a fundraising event for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, it now benefits more than a dozen children's charities and raises over $1 million a year.
The event morphed over the years into one of the largest single-day motorcycle events in the world, attracting 20,000 riders including celebrities like Jay Leno (there he is again!), Peter Fonda, Lorenzo Lamas (well, they can't all be big-time), Robert Patrick (of "Terminator" fame) and Willie G. Davidson, grandson of company co-founder Arthur Davidson (those celebrity-watchers wanting to catch Guvernator Schwarzenegger on his H-D should stake-out San Vicente Boulevard in Santa Monica, CA, on a nice, warm weekend afternoon).
Last year, ZZ Top and Foo Fighters entertained the Love Ride-rs at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona, about a 40 mile ride from the Glendale Harley store. This thing is a big deal (and all motorcycles are welcome, not just H-D machines).
But this year, the Love Ride was canceled, due not only to a dearth of bikers willing (or able) to pay the $70 minimum entry fee, but also because local businesses, which normally pick-up some of the tab for the festival, bowed out, ending their sponsorships and support.
Many of the Love Ride participants (and I've been one several times) are some of the most highly-visible Rubbies/Harley owners in the Los Angeles area; if $70 is a big hit for them, then what's the possibility of their buying a new $20,000 motorcycle anytime soon?
Of the hundreds, more likely thousands of motorcycle companies which have existed in the US in the past 110-or-so years, only Harley-Davidson, that icon of Milwaukee, biker gangs and those Rubbies, has been an ongoing success.
This is what many people see in their mind's eye when someone says, "Hey! Check-out that Harley!"
H-D has been a dominating presence on race tracks made of wood, concrete and dirt since the company's inception up until right now. While it also innovated and perfected many bike powerplant and chassis features which have become standard throughout the industry, the company's motorcycles were never able to really overcome a reputation for poor reliability.
Until 2001, that is, when the VRSCA V-Rod was introduced for the 2002 model year. Designed with help from Porsche Engineering, the V-Rod was Harley's first bike to combine fuel injection, overhead cams and liquid cooling, and delivers 115 horsepower. Plus, it was a great-looking machine and quickly became known for its dependability.
Harley's VRSCAW V-Rod has changed the image of the company, with help from the folks at Porsche when it came to engineering and design
H-D started selling bikes in 1903, two years after William Harley, then age 21, designed the machine to be a track racer. Arthur Davidson was his partner and in 1904 the first H-D dealership opened in Chicago, selling one of the first three H-D bikes ever produced.
1909 saw the six-year-old company introduce what would become its signature "look," its first V-twin motorcycle, with a displacement of 49.5 cubic inches. Two cylinders in a 45-degree configuration would fast become one of the most enduring icons of Harley-Davidson (and world motorcycling) history. Also available this year for the first time from H-D were spare parts for motorcycles.
Seeing both success and tough times through the years, H-D produced machines for the war efforts in both WWI and WWII and became part of the American psyche. Biker gangs like the Hells Angels and Mongols admitted new members only if they rode Harleys, and the bikes became representative of a "Buy America" feeling among motorcycle purists as reliable Japanese motorcycles began pouring into the US in the 1960s, hurting H-D sales and supplanting Euro-made machines for most buyers, too.
Ford sells a pricey "Harley-Davidson"-themed version of their Super Duty F-series truck ... and it's damn popular
It was also in the '60s that H-D formed a single-cylinder, small-displacement bike-building division in Europe (Aermacchi Harley-Davidson), bought 60 percent of the stock in the Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company and, in 1969, became part of AMF, American Machine and Foundry Company, a longtime producer of leisure products. H-D eventually would make everything from small off-road motorcycles to snowmobiles, diluting the company's image and whatever engineering prowess the company could claim.
In 1981, the company's senior executives began the buy-back of Harley-Davidson from AMF. By mid-June, the deal was official and H-D was once again in-charge of its own destiny.
And almost instantly, corporately-speaking, in 1983, Harley-Davidson successfully got an import tariff tacked on all imported Japanese motorcycles 700cc or larger. This tax on American buyers was to last five years.
The tariff worked, "encouraging" Americans to buy H-D bikes, and by 1987, the company was doing well enough to ask for the tariff to be ended a year early. By this time, H-D had opened a new assembly plant in York, Pennsylvania along with new R&D and engineering facilities in their Milwaukee HQ and various other warehouses, R&D, manufacturing and assembly facilities in the US and, in 1998, even in Brazil.
H-D was listed on the American Stock Exchange in 1986. Many, though, questioned the company's choice to further diversify its holdings, purchasing Holiday Rambler Corporation, a motor home manufacturer. A decade later, the motorcycle maker sold Holiday Rambler to Monaco Coach Corp., a manufacturer of luxury Class A motor homes near Eugene, Oregon.
But as it has for Hummer and other American motoring products including Plymouth and Saturn, the economy seems ready to come down on Harley-Davidson.
Harley's first competition venue was in board track racing ... yes, the tracks were made out of wooden boards, and the first one in the country was in Playa del Rey, CA; falling down resulted in splinters the size of, well, boards
Has Harley made deadly mistakes by too often diversifying in what appears to be to some a wild attempt to build a gigantic, world-dominating multi-faceted "leisure products" company?
Which image, the biker gang or the Rubbie, should H-D cultivate as it tries to pull out of its sales spiral? (But don't expect an H-D version of the famous "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" ad campaign which established that company's two-wheelers in this country).
Has Harley-Davidson established their credentials as a dependable, reliable and common-sense machine which appeals to a wide-range of buyers, or would that be anathema to the company's heritage?
What must H-D do now to stem the bleeding of red ink?
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: MHDA.net
Date: 31-Oct-09
NAPPANEE -- In more signs the recreational vehicle industry may be recovering, wholesale shipments again outpaced the previous year and one local motorhome maker announced plans to increase production and recall workers.
A total of 17,400 units were shipped to dealers during September, a 13 percent increase over the 15,400 shipped in September 2008, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. This is the second month the RV industry has entered positive territory, with August shipments posting a year-over-year gain for the first time in nearly two years.
Towables led the surge, topping year-over-year numbers by 17.5 percent. Motorhomes, on the other hand, trailed September 2008 shipments by 23.5 percent; but Craig Kennison, analyst with Baird & Co., noted the decline in motorized shipments is moderating.
Reviewing Winnebago's most recent quarterly performance, Kennison sees evidence dealer lots are empty and inventory levels are set to rebound. Although he contended the manufacturer's potential earnings may be overstated in the recovery scenario, Kennison anticipates a "robust cyclical recovery as demand improves and dealers rebuild inventory."
EXPANDING
Local RV maker Gulf Stream Coach is "pretty optimistic" and believes the current market has more demand than supply, according to Claude Donati, vice president of Gulf Stream and GulfTran. Part of the upswing comes from fewer motorhome manufacturers crowding the field, with about five companies remaining from the eight or nine that were in business when the economic recession hit, Donati said.
To meet demand, the Nappanee facility will be hiring about 50 production workers and increasing its manufacturing by 50 percent next week, followed by a 25 percent increase after the National RV Trade Show in Louisville in early December, Donati said. The company even expects the number of orders to keep the motorized division busy enough that employees will not be given extra time off during the holidays.
STILL DOWN
Despite the September shipment results, the year-to-date numbers show the RV industry lags behind 2008 by 42.7 percent. In cumulative shipments from January through September, towables are down 39.7 percent and motorhomes have dropped 64.8 percent compared to the same period in 2008.
Winnebago's retail unit sales fell 23 percent in the quarter, indicating to Kennison the RV industry remains weak because of the economy.
Gulf Stream reads the market as wanting more affordable units since consumers are under pressure to make a bigger down payment when buying. To meet that demand, its 2010 offerings will include a line of lower-priced models of its popular brands like Conquest and Sun Voyager, Donati said. The company has removed some options that buyers do not consider absolutely necessary in these units and reduced the retail price by 15 percent to 20 percent.
Also Gulf Stream is focusing on building gasoline-powered motorhomes because, Donati said, the market appears to be saturated with diesel pushers.
The economic downturn forced the company to cut a majority of the workers on the motorized production line, Donati said. Consequently, before rehiring and building more units, Gulf Stream waited until it was sure "our legs were underneath us" and the turn-around is real.
"We think supply and demand is going to drive this" recovery, Donati said. "Supply and demand is in our favor."
TOTAL RV SHIPMENTS
2008 2009
January 24,900 7,300
February 27,600 10,300
March 30,100 12,800
April 31,400 13,300
May 25,000 13,300
June 23,500 15,700
July 17,100 13,500
August 16,900 17,800
September 15,400 17,400
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: fleetwood rv new ownership
Date: 29-Oct-09
On Friday July 17th, American Industrial Partners and Riverside based Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. finalized AIPs acquisition of Fleetwoods RV Division for a consideration of $33.2 million. This is considerably less than the original $53 million offer, and reflects AIP's assumption of Fleetwoods existing warranty obligations. At the same time Fleetwood terminated some 700 employees within the RV division. The US bankruptcy court recently approved $873,669 in bonuses and $571,508 in severance payments to current Fleetwood executives, the very same executives who had helped run up debts of $265.2 million. Meanwhile, workers laid-off from the idled California and Pennsylvania plants wish they had been afforded similar treatment. The late John C. Crean, who founded Fleetwood Enterprises in 1950 and created a $3 billion a year company, without the use of debt, is probably turning in his grave. AIP, a private equity firm, has certainly made a shrewd investment picking up the Decatur, Indiana based motorhome manufacturing plants, RV service facilities and Fleetwoods Gold Shield supply subsidiary for a song. The bid also includes the intellectual property for Fleetwoods current RV brands and certain machinery and equipment from the Riverside plant in California. Dino Cusumano of AIP said recently, We look forward to continuing to manufacture Fleetwood motorhomes. Fleetwoods dealers and customers should see no change in Fleetwood motorhomes commitment to high quality industry-leading product. We greatly value the relationships that Fleetwood has with its dealers, customers and suppliers and very much look forward to continuing and improving those relationships going forward. Fleetwood filed for Chapter 11 protection on March 10th, 2009 due, in large part, to the losses incurred by its Travel Trailer unit. Since then, it has shuttered its trailer unit and divested its military housing operations and manufactured housing unit, as well as the RV Division. Fleetwoods motorhome brands include American, Discover, Southwind and Tioga. The acquisition of Fleetwood RV is in line with AIPs investment philosophy which seeks to acquire businesses with protected competitive positions, proprietary capabilities, or leading market shares, yet have the potential for significant value enhancement.
Subject: RE: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From: Fleetwood RV
Date: 29-Oct-09
On Tuesday 27th October, John Draheim, the President and COO of the fledgling Decatur based Fleetwood RV Inc. sent a personal letter of reassurance to all existing Fleetwood RV customers in which he reaffirmed that the company remains, committed to preserving Fleetwoods 60-year legacy of building high-quality, high-value recreational vehicles and to nurturing our relationship with our dealers and customers. He went on to conclude that, There has never been a better time to buy a new Fleetwood RV motorhome and we look forward to the opportunity to welcome you to the new Fleetwood RV, Inc. In July American Industrial Partners, a private equity firm, acquired the Fleetwood RV Division for $33.2 million from the former parent company Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. based in Riverside, California (see AIPs acquisition of Fleetwood RV seeks to recapture companys lost glory). The decision to establish our company headquarters in Decatur was two-fold, said John Draheim. First and most importantly, was the high-caliber workforce in the area, and the second was the cooperation from the state and city to develop a plan that would be best for the company, the local community and the RV industry as a whole. The luxury arm of the company, American Coach, with its VIP factory delivery option remains a key component of the new look company. The American Coach VIP factory delivery&creates an opportunity for us to personally connect with our customers, as well as helps us ensure their complete satisfaction before they hit the road, said John Draheim.
Subject: USA America Motorhome RV Industry News
From:
Date: 28-Oct-09
Elkhart County, IN The RV industry has grown for the second month in a row. RV sales up 13% from last month Theres good news for the Elkhart County economy.
According to our reporting partners at The Elkhart Truth, the RV industry has grown for the second month in a row. Last month, more than 17,000 RV's were sold, which is a 13% increase over last September.
It's the first year-to-year gain in almost two years.
Trailers led the recovery with a 17.5% increase. Motorhome shipments actually fell, but analysts say they are stabilizing. So far in 2009, overall shipments have been down from 2008 by nearly 43%.
