|
European Private Equity Group Acquires Dometic®
European private equity group BC Partners has
acquired the Dometic Group from EQT, which includes
Dometic North America. Similar to EQT, BC Partners is a
European equity firm that acquires successful companies
like Dometic.
“BC Partners will become a valuable resource in further
developing our excellent products, strong marketleading
positions and the Dometic brand,” said Lars
Johansson, CEO of Dometic. He noted that in unison with
BC Partners, the company is poised to make an even more
powerful impact on the industries it serves. “Dometic has
developed strongly under EQT’s ownership and we are
today the world’s leading supplier to the growing mobile
leisure markets. We look forward to working with BC
Partners to capitalize on our attractive future growth
opportunities,” Johansson added.
While specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed,
no changes in Dometic’s global operations are
anticipated, nor will daily contacts with customers, suppliers
and end-users be affected. Dometic has 4,400
employees and production facilities in ten countries and
sales and marketing operations in nearly 100 countries
globally.
According to Simon Palley, who led the investment
in Dometic at BC Partners, the Dometic management and
the existing organization will continue to be key in further
developing Dometic’s leading products and positions.
“Dometic’s financial targets for growth and profitability
remain intact and we will continue to see both
organic and acquired growth,” said Rutger Wachtmeister,
executive vice president of marketing and sales Dometic.
“The market for better equipped motorhomes, caravans
and pleasure boats is growing, creating a strong underlying
demand for Dometic’s products. A clear trend is that
end-users expect and demand the same level of comfort in
their mobile leisure life as they have at home. The value of
Dometic’s installed products per vehicle has thereby
increased considerably over time.”
In 2001 the Swedish private equity company EQT
acquired Electrolux Leisure Appliances, which at the time
was an independent product line within the Electrolux
Group. The new group was named Dometic, a brand used
since the 1960s for the leisure appliances manufactured
by Electrolux and sold on the important North American
market. Since 2001, Dometic has grown consistently in
product sales and employees.
Background Information:
BC Partners Dometic Group Workhorse’s 100,000th chassis marks Workhorse Custom Chassis marked a major milestone as it celebrated the
100,000th chassis to come off its production line since it began manufacturing operations
in 1999.
In that time, Workhorse has become the
leading manufacturer of Class A (bus-style)
motor home chassis. According to 2004 R.L.
Polk data of new vehicle registrations, the top
ten RV dealers in the United States ordered 79
percent of their Class A gas motor home inventory
on Workhorse chassis.
Workhorse achieved this status by introducing
innovations that have dramatically
improved the power, performance, ride, handling
and overall appeal of new motor homes.
Thanks to Workhorse, the rapidly growing RV market now has more choices than ever
to offer new buyers.
Workhorse has also led the way in providing better choices for walk-in trucks,
such as its new W42 commercial chassis, and in streamlining the walk-in truck ordering
process. Workhorse’s integrated vehicle approach to providing both body and chassis
through a single order has been welcomed by customers and by dealers.
Workhorse’s FasTrack program, for example, allows dealers to quickly order standard
walk-in models just as they can order any other vehicle, making it easier for businesses
to take advantage of the vehicle’s versatility.
Recently Workhorse extended its innovation to the mid-sized bus market with
the introduction of the LF72 — a unique low-floor bus platform that eliminates steps
with easy ramp-on access. It’s seen a boon for operations requiring easy transportation
access for those with disabilities or limited mobility.
Joining Workhorse in its 100,000th chassis celebration are two of its biggest
customers, Winnebago Industries Inc., a major motor home manufacturer, and Bimbo
Bakeries USA, one of the nation’s largest bakers. John Margalski, Workhorse director
of RV sales, will present the 100,000th chassis to Winnebago Industries. Jay Sandler,
vice president of sales, commercial product, will present the 99,999th chassis to
Bimbo Bakeries USA.
“We’re very glad to have two of our good customers with us on this occasion,”
said Workhorse President David Olsen. “Because we’re solely focused on these particular
niches, we’re able to stay on the leading edge of innovations that directly respond
to what they need.”
Also celebrating with Workhorse are a number of government officials who have
worked with the company to develop this thriving manufacturing concern, bringing
400 jobs to the Union City area over the past six years. “We have a great workforce
and we really appreciate the support from the community,” said Olsen.
Specializing in the manufacture of chassis for motor homes, walk-in trucks and
buses, as well as integrated walk-in trucks, Workhorse Custom Chassis is ISO 9001
certified and considered a leader in the motor home and walk-in truck industries. For
more information visit www.workhorse.com.
Progress Mfg. Inc. Launches A New Equal-i-zer Website
Progress Mfg. Inc., producers of the Original Equal-i-zer* Sway Control Hitch,
launched a new website for distributors, dealers, and individual consumers to get
more in-depth information about the product.
The new website has been designed to provide both the
fundamentals and specifics about the Equal-i-zer hitch in a
format that is easy to navigate. Some of the new features on
the website include a dealer locator by zip code and map,
improved assembly instructions and parts description, online
video, 4-Point Sway Control* explanation, trailering tips, and
frequently asked questions.
Website coordinator, Matt Johnson, said he is very
excited about all the new features and information offered.
"I am excited for two reasons, first that customers can
find local dealerships that carry the hitch. These local dealers can help them get the
right model of Equal-i-zer hitch on their rig. Second, our brochures, instructions and
detailed product information is now conveniently available to everyone via the web,"
Johnson said.
Progress Mfg. Inc. believes that the new website is a beneficial tool in providing
greater customer service.
"The updated website is another medium we have constructed, in addition to
our advertising campaign, to get customers to the dealer's doors and provide the dealers
with easily accessible information," said Richard Elliott, sales and marketing director.
Customers now have access to find all available dealers while they are traveling
as well as an extra set of installation instructions at their fingertips.
To visit the website go to www.equalizerhitch.com.
Blue Ox Honored
Blue Ox was again honored at the Annual Nebraska Safety, Health &
Environmental Conference & Exposition. In the past, Blue Ox has been awarded the
Safety Merit Award for 2001, Safety Achievement Award for 2003. The conference was
held in Lincoln, Nebraska at the Cornhusker Hotel April 26 & 27, 2005.
Twenty-six companies throughout Nebraska
were honored for their safety record and training
practices and procedures in 2004. There were three
levels of awards: Spirit Award, Star Award, and Peak
Performance Award. Blue Ox was one of only nine
other companies in the state of Nebraska that was
awarded a Safety Spirit Award. Some of the other
companies in this category included: Fremont Beef
Company, General Dynamics, and Nebraska
Aluminum Castings.
The committee looks at two key areas when
selecting award recipients: statistical information on
injuries and illnesses and where companies are in
relation to the national average for their specific industry. Criteria used to grade the
recipients include such things as: Is the company making progress in their injury/illnesses
numbers? Is the company addressing the most common injuries/illnesses in
their facility? The committee also looks at how much training is provided to associates
on safety and health. In addition, the committee will examine the company’s safety
committee minutes for content and purpose.
Members of the Blue Ox Safety Committee, Kevin Fendrick (Production Team
Leader) and Betty Roberts (Human Resource Assistant) accepted the award on behalf
of Blue Ox.
New PDI center enhances Workhorse’s Exceeding customer expectations continues to be the mantra for Workhorse
Custom Chassis. Recently Workhorse enhanced its quality control procedures by
opening a new 10,000-square-foot Pre Delivery Inspection Center next to its Union
City manufacturing facility.
“This center represents a significant
investment in extended quality control,”
said Workhorse President Dave Olsen.
“We are continually looking at our systems
to discover new ways to better
serve our customers, and this facility
does just that.”
Twelve new employees staff the center.
There are six inspection bays. Chassis
are inspected and tracked with the
assistance of a computerized state-ofthe-
art diagnostic system custom
designed for this purpose. The center performs pre-shipment quality checks to all
platforms manufactured at the Workhorse facility. This includes all chassis for motor
homes and walk-in trucks.
“Before, pre delivery inspection (PDI) was usually performed at dealerships,”
said Jaco Calitz, project manager for the new center. “Among other things, this meant
delay for new replacement parts when bugs were uncovered and Workhorse often
received little feedback about its build quality for its production line.”
“By conducting PDI before the vehicle is shipped to the customer, feedback to
the plant is immediate and any problem can be quickly solved,” said Calitz. Delays for
paperwork and parts shipments are eliminated. “Dealerships have welcomed this
move. First, when problems are found, it eliminates the time and expense of moving
things through the warranty system.
“Second, without the need for PDI at the dealership, motor home manufacturers
and truck body builders can more quickly get vehicles into production and more
quickly deliver units to customers, which is what everyone wants. The PDI center
improves the whole delivery process.”
“Finally, with our inspection crew in close communication with our production
crew, we have another great way to continually assess our quality procedures on the
line,” said Calitz.
“We want to give our customers every edge in today’s competitive business environment,”
concluded Olsen. “At Workhorse, our goal is to provide the highest level of
quality and outstanding value in every way we can.”
Specializing in the manufacture of chassis for motor homes, walk-in trucks and
buses, as well as integrated walk-in trucks, Workhorse Custom Chassis is ISO 9001
certified and considered a leader in the motor home and walk-in truck industries. For
more information call toll-free 877-294-6773 or visit www.workhorse.com.
Martin Flory Group Signs On Two New Clients
JT's RV Accessories of Paso Robles, California, and Pipe-Light Inc. of Port St.
Lucie, Florida, have selected Martin Flory Group to head up their public relations
efforts. Kelly Flory, general manager of the 43-year-old PR firm, made the announcement.
Pipe-Light Inc., founded on years of industrial electrical experience and practical
boating knowledge, manufactures an inventive trailer light. Its Pipe-Light Kit attaches
to existing PVC boat trailer guides, keeping them high and dry for easier viewing and
increased longevity.
An innovator in the RV industry, JT's RV Accessories manufactures consumer
friendly products that make the RVing experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Its
Strong Arm™ Jack Stabilizer permanently attaches to the jacks and chassis of 5th
wheel and travel trailers to make them as rock-solid as a house.
"While we already successfully represent a number of clients in the RV marketplace,
we continue to expand and grow as companies recognize the extent of our abilities
in multiple industries," said Flory.
Contact Martin Flory Group, PO Box 360, Gurnee, IL 60031. Phone: 847-662-9070;
Fax: 847-336-7126. www.martinflory.com; info@martinflory.com.
Coach Care Opens Two More Service Centers Coach Care announced the opening of two new service center facilities in
Cloverdale, Virginia and Columbia, South Carolina – both locations are operated by
Cummins Atlantic. With the opening of these new locations, the third and fourth new
facility openings in 2005, the Coach Care network now has 30 facilities in 20 states.
“It’s our goal to have a Coach Care facility within one day’s drive of anywhere in the
continental United States in the next five years,” said Onan’s Coach Care development
manager, Bill Gibson. “With these two new locations we’re getting closer to achieving
our goal.”
The Virginia facility is located in Cloverdale off of I-81 at exit 150 just outside of
Roanoke. The nearly seven acre facility features several wide service bays to allow for
servicing several vehicles at once. It also has a separate lounge for RV customers
located near the main lobby entrance as well as LP gas and sanitary dumping stations
behind the building.
In South Carolina, the Coach Care service center is located less than one mile
from I-77 in Columbia. The building showcases a covered, pull-up entrance for use in
inclement weather and the spacious lobby is stocked with RV accessories. RVers can
enjoy a separate customer lounge and the facility even has a picnic table and outside
grill for use during the summer. Both facilities offer onsite overnight parking with
24/7 access and electrical hookups.
Located throughout the country near some of America’s most popular RV destinations,
each Coach Care facility offers RVers one-stop, “bumper-to-bumper” warranty
work. In addition to servicing Onan generators and Cummins engines, each Coach
Care center partners with chassis and accessory manufacturers (HWH, Workhorse,
Spartan) and appliance manufacturers (Atwood, Suburban, RVP, Norcold) to provide a
full range of warranty services.
Currently, Onan has Coach Care facilities located in California, Colorado,
Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North
Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina,
Texas, Virginia and Washington.
MPR Corp. Acquires Flame Treat, Inc.
MPR Corporation, parent company of Fabric Services Inc., announces the acquisition
of Flame Treat Inc. Flame Treat’s business operations and assets transferred to
MPR Corporation and the company now operates under the name Flame Treat,
Division of MPR Corporation. The acquisition helps to broaden MPR’s fabric-related
offerings.
“We are excited about the merger of these two companies,” said John Regan,
CEO of MPR. “Fabric Services and Flame Treat have fit well together. They have
enjoyed a long relationship as separate entities. Now they will continue to work
together under MPR, providing one more value-added service to our customers.”
According to Regan, employees, systems, services and processes will remain the
same for Flame Treat. Former owner, Nyal Weaver, will remain in a consulting capacity
under the new ownership.
Flame Treat specializes in fire retarding fabrics to meet the Federal Motor
Vehicles Standard 302. The company was founded in 1990 to help meet the needs of
the recreation vehicle industry. It also provides cleaning solutions for vehicles and
fabric stain repellants.
Fabric Services is dedicated to providing its customers with reliable solutions for
their specialty textile needs. Its integrated services include mill direct representation,
warehouse distribution, and value added services and manufacturing. Fabric Services
supplies the automotive, furniture and specialty markets. For more information, call
574-848-5100.
Workhorse extends W Series capabilities to all-new The “P’s” are leaving and the “W’s” will now reign across the Workhorse gas
chassis landscape.
Workhorse Custom Chassis will soon begin producing two entirely new chassis
for the entry level and smaller Class A motor home buyer. The new chassis will extend
customer-driven features from Workhorse’s successful W Series platforms into allnew16,000
and 18,000 lb. GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) models.
p>Starting in mid July, the two new W Series models, the W16 and W18, will
replace the current P Series models that have GVWRs of 15,000, 17,000 and 18,000
lbs.
“This is a watershed moment,” said Bob Wert, Workhorse vice president of sales,
marketing and product planning. “Our last link to the old GM chassis is gone. We
have nothing but W Series gas chassis now – all designed from the ground up specifically
for the needs of today’s motor home buyers.”
The W16 and W18 models will have wider and more robust frames, 50,000 psi
steel vs. the competition’s 36,000 psi steel, to better accommodate smaller motor
homes with slideouts. The engine will be lower to the ground in the same fashion as
the heavier-duty W20, W22 and W24 chassis in order to minimize the engine doghouse
— what has proved to be a popular aid to cockpit access. The lower engine also
aids stability and reduces noise.
Both models will feature the big block GM Vortec™ 8100 8.1L gasoline engine
used with all W Series models. However, an optional GM Vortec™ 6000 6.0L engine
will also be available. Both engines are mated to Hydra-matic 4-speed automatic
transmissions.
The new W Series models will feature an industry-best 50-degree wheel cut for
better maneuverability and will sport high performance Brembo® brakes with fourwheel
anti-lock capability.
The chassis will also have an I-Beam front suspension rather than the independent
front suspension used by the P Series. “Many RVers like the stability of the
IBeam,”
said Wert. “By adding the Stabil-Ride suspension, Bilstein® shocks and other
improvements our W Series is noted for, we think we’ve hit an excellent balance of ride
and control that the motor home driver will appreciate.”
“Workhorse has built its RV name on maximizing power, performance, ride and
handling,” Wert continued. “We’re sure these new models measure up in all those
respects. We’re bringing the Workhorse W Series experience to every gas motor home
buyer, including those buying their first Class A.”
“The reaction from manufacturers has been very positive so far,” added Wert. “A
number of them have prototype units and are already designing new motor home
models. We think RVers are going to be really excited with what they see on these
platforms. We’re looking at a potential wave of new models that will really entice people
into the Class A lifestyle.”
“For gasoline motor homes, we now cover GVWRs from 16,000 to 24,000 lbs
with a wealth of high-performance features,” concluded Wert. “Add our R Series diesel
platform and our collaboration with General Motors on the new Chevy Workhorse
Class C chassis, and you can see we’ve brought many new choices to motor home
buyers. And there’s more on the way.”
For more information call toll-free 877-294-6773 or visit www.workhorse.com.
Drew Industries Named to Businessweek Drew Industries Incorporated (NYSE: DW), a leading
manufacturer of components for recreational vehicles and
manufactured homes, today announced it has been
named to BusinessWeek's annual "Hot Growth" list of the
100 best small companies.
Drew was ranked 57th, marking the second consecutive
year the Company has achieved placement on the
list. In 2004, the Company was ranked 64th on
BusinessWeek's list.
"We are pleased to be recognized by BusinessWeek
as one of America's best performing growth companies,"
said Leigh J. Abrams, Drew's President and CEO. "During
the last several years our success has been based on a
combination of organic growth, new product introductions
and targeted acquisitions. Moving forward, we expect this
strategy to help continue our growth and enhance our
profitability."
To create the list, BusinessWeek begins with a database
of 2,200 publicly traded companies with revenues of
$50 million to $1.5 billion a year. The companies are then
ranked by sales and earnings growth, as well as return on
capital over three years. Contenders must have a market
cap of $25 million or more and a stock that trades for at
least $5 per share. Companies that underperform the
NASDAQ composite are eliminated, as are companies with
recent earnings disappointments. The top 100 remaining
companies make BusinessWeek's "Hot Growth" list.
BusinessWeek's cover story "Hot Growth
Companies" is available online at http://www.businessweek.
com.
Winnebago Industries Reports 3rd Qtr. And 9 Months
Results
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), the
nation's leading motor home manufacturer, has reported
net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 of $17.6
million, compared to net income of $17.7 million for the
third quarter of fiscal 2004. On a diluted per share basis,
the Company earned 52 cents for the third quarter of fiscal
2005, compared to 51 cents for the third quarter last
year. Net income in the third quarter of fiscal 2004
included a charge for a legal settlement, net of income tax
effect, of $4.6 million, or 13 cents per diluted share.
Revenues for the third quarter ended May 28, 2005
were $255.0 million, a decrease of 17.8 percent compared
to revenues of $310.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal
2004.
Net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was
$49.7 million, compared to $51.7 million for the first nine
months of fiscal 2004. On a diluted per share basis, the
Company earned $1.46 for the first nine months of fiscal
2005, compared to $1.48 for the first nine months of fiscal
2004.
Revenues for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 were
$760.5 million, a decrease of 8.5 percent compared to
$831.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2004.
"Third quarter results were negatively impacted by lower
motor home deliveries, as well as lower production efficiencies
caused by reduced factory production," said Winnebago
Industries' Chairman and CEO Bruce Hertzke. "Motor home
deliveries for the quarter were lower due to lower retail
demand and an industry-wide oversupply of motor homes.
As a result, we reduced our production level during the
third quarter to better correspond to demand. Additionally,
a higher level of discounts was needed to move 2005 motor
homes into the distribution channel prior to the new model
year."
The Company's sales order backlog was 1,523 units at
May 28, 2005 compared to the backlog of 2,444 units at the
third quarter of fiscal 2004. "As a result of a weaker backlog
and industry-wide softness in the motor home market,
we will continue to adjust our factory schedule as necessary
to correspond to the demand for our products," said
Hertzke.
"Winnebago Industries began production of the unique
new Winnebago View and Itasca Navion Class C motor
homes in March and began shipping them to dealers during
the Company's third quarter," said Winnebago Industries'
President and CFO Ed Barker. "The View and Navion are
the only motor homes in the industry to be built on the
Dodge Sprinter 10,200-pound cutaway chassis with a
Mercedes diesel engine. We continue to increase the production
rate of these new motor homes and are beginning to
fill the dealer channel. Initial response from our dealers on
the new View and Navion has been very positive and they
have been retailing very quickly after reaching the dealers'
lots."
Winnebago Industries is the top-selling motor home
manufacturer in the United States. According to Statistical
Surveys, Inc., an independent retail reporting service,
Winnebago Industries leads the industry with 17.8 percent
of the combined Class A and C retail market for the first
four months of calendar 2005 compared to 18.4 percent for
the same period last year.
During the third quarter ended May 28, 2005.
Winnebago Industries completed the Company's ninth stock
repurchase program with the repurchase of 807,721 shares
for an aggregate price of approximately $25 million. On a
fiscal year to date basis, Winnebago Industries has repurchased
860,321 shares for an aggregate price of approximately
$27 million.
At a meeting held June 15, 2005, Winnebago Industries'
Board of Directors authorized a tenth stock repurchase program,
authorizing the purchase of outstanding shares of
Winnebago Industries' common stock for an aggregate price
of up to $30 million.
Winnebago Industries also announced that the Board of
Directors increased its quarterly cash dividend by 29 percent.
In the same meeting the Board declared a quarterly
cash dividend of nine cents a share, payable on October 3,
2005 to shareholders of record as of September 2, 2005, an
increase of 29 percent from the previous dividend of seven
cents a share.
Vince Lombardi, Jr. to be Keynote Speaker Vince Lombardi, Jr. will be the keynote speaker at
the first annual Indiana/Michigan joint conference being
held September 19-21, 2005 in South Bend, Indiana.
As the son of the late Vincent T. Lombardi, remembered
as one of the greatest football coaches in history,
Vince's early years were spent in an atmosphere full of
personal power and achievement. He moved on to politics
and, in 1975, made the jump to professional football when
he joined the head office of the fledgling Seattle Seahawks.
He later led two United States Football League teams as
president and general manager. In all of his pursuits,
Vince Lombardi, Jr. has shown the remarkable ability to
put people ahead of an organization, allowing each individual
to do what he or she does best without losing sight
of team goals.
The IN/MI Associations conference committee is
ecstatic that we are able to keep with the theme of this
year’s conference by having Mr. Lombardi deliver the
keynote message to the manufactured housing, recreation
vehicle and campground leaders who will be in attendance.
He is scheduled to address the members on
Tuesday evening at the Industry Reception and Dinner.
Mr. Lombardi’s participation should add to the overall
excitement in following the football classic theme,” said
MMH & RVCA Executive Director Timothy J. DeWitt.
The conference will take place at the Marriott Hotel
and Century Plaza located in downtown South Bend, one
block away from the College Football Hall of Fame. The
opening reception will feature a friendly contest between
the respective boards of directors in a Punt, Pass and Kick
competition at the Gridiron Plaza located directly behind
the Hall of Fame.
The conference will feature a full day of educational
seminars geared for all segments of the industry, including
state-specific sessions, campground program and tour,
panel discussions from national leaders from our respective
industries, and other programs that will give your
company the necessary tools to be more successful.
There is also an invitation for members to exhibit at
the conference. For as low as $100, members can take
advantage of this opportunity and expose their company
products to around 300 attendees.
“For those who are in the industry and members of the respective associations,
this is a great opportunity to bring everyone together to exchange ideas while participating
in this special event,” said IMHA-RVIC Executive Director Dennis Harney,
Drawing Held for Harrisburg Show
The 37th Annual Show Drawing for America’s Largest RV and Camping Show
was held at the HOTEL HERSHEY®. The drawing started at 10:00am with representatives
from manufacturers and suppliers in attendance to draw for their company’s
space in the show. Various members of the Show Committee, which consists of Show
Chairman Dan Saltzgiver, Lisa Baker, Tom Dewalt, Mike Faircloth, Gary Farnsworth,
Jeff Kline, Tom Lane, Jonas Lantz, Jay Mauro, Matt McMann, John Roba, Hadden
Smith, Frank Subasic, Tim Umstead, Paul Wieand, and John Zimmerman, were also
in attendance.
There was an air of excitement in the room as many company representatives
arrived early and the entire drawing ended about an hour from start time. “You could
truly feel the excitement in the room,” says Pennsylvania RV & Camping Association
(PRVCA) Executive Vice President Rebecca Lenington, “everyone arrived early and
everyone seemed satisfied at the conclusion of the drawing.” Show space sales soared
over the 2004 Show Drawing with an increase of 11.9%. Show space continues to be
sold after the Show Drawing and to date; the 2005 show will boast over 1.4 million
gross square feet of show space.
Many improvements have also been made for the 2005 show. Among them are
free parking for exhibitors and attendees, three industry breakfasts with trainers like
Paul Cummings, Randy Sobel, Jan Kelly and motivator Nido Qubein, a meet and greet
with former Pittsburgh Steeler, Franco Harris, manufacturer club participation, an
industry party in HERSHEYPARK® featuring Six-time Grammy Award winning artist
Ronnie Milsap and a significant increase in the advertising budget.
The Annual PA RV & Camping Show, which is sponsored by PRVCA, will take
place at the HERSHEYPARK® Entertainment Complex in Hershey, PA. With an anticipated
total of 1.5 million gross square feet in 2005, the show displays more than
1,200 RVs. This year’s event will be held from September 12-18, 2005 RV Rental Companies Forecast Strong Summer Rental Season
Buoyed by advanced bookings and more capacity, RV rental companies are
extremely optimistic about the outlook for motorhome and travel trailer rentals this
summer and throughout 2005. RV rental activity is expected to grow by an average of
36 percent this year, according to a new survey of RV Rental Association (RVRA) members.
“People are ready to travel this summer and renting an RV is one of the best
ways to see the country,” said RVRA Chairman Bert Alanko. “RVRA members tell us
they’re adding more RVs to their rental fleets to satisfy consumer demand for vacation
travel and trips to special events, such as auto races and concerts.”
Type C (mini-motorhomes) are the most popular type of rental RV, followed by
towable RVs (folding camping trailers/travel trailers), and Type A motorhomes. RV
rental companies are adding capacity and report the average rental fleet size is expected
to increase by 12 percent in 2005.
The survey also shows that more than 75 percent of RV rental companies rent
for more than 10 months a year. RV rentals by foreign visitors are expected to make
up seven percent of all North American RV rentals in 2005.
The big demand for RV rentals means it’s a good idea to book your rental RV as
far in advance as possible, according to Alanko. “If you’re thinking about renting,
book now so you can get the type of RV you want, on the days you want it,” he said.
Consumers looking to take an RV rental vacation this year can visit
www.rvra.org Web site to help them plan their adventure. The online directory is a
state-by-state listing of more than 300 rental companies across the U.S., and also
includes listings from Canada. The site features consumer tips on renting -- including
advice on selecting the proper unit.
RV renters can also get a free DVD, CD-Rom, or video on RV travel by visiting
the www.gorving.com Web site. The video contains useful introductory information
on the type of RV units available.
RVRA is the rental division of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association
(RVDA), the national association representing RV retailers. The association’s members
include RV dealers, RV rental operations, and RV AfterMarket locations.
FRVTA State Convention Set for the Keys The 25th Annual FRVTA State Convention, “Road to Paradise, RV There Yet?” is
set for September 8-11, 2005. This year’s convention is the Silver Anniversary
Convention and as such will be bigger and better than ever, starting with where it is
being held. Hawk’s Cay Resort in the Florida Keys is the site for the convention. As
always, the convention will bring together today’s brightest industry personnel to educate,
inform and entertain everyone. The convention kicks off on Thursday,
September 8th with the “Aloha” Reception. This will include a “Sunset” boat trip to
take advantage of the beautiful setting. The “Tank Tops & Flip Flops” Hospitality
Suite will be opened that evening with beverages and snacks for all to enjoy.
Friday morning begins the meeting portion of the convention with motivational
speaker Cam Marston starting things on an upbeat note. Cam has traveled the world
over with his message of improved multigenerational relations. Current RVIA
President Dave Humphries and incoming President Richard Coon and RVDA President
Mike Molino are next up. They will present the “State of the Industry” Update from
both the RV Manufacturers and RV Dealers viewpoints. Rounding out the morning
session will be Long Distance Satellite Training Director Jim Carr and FRVTA’s
Legislative Consultant Marc Dunbar.
Friday afternoon is open for everyone to participate in a number of fun activities
unique to the Keys including a snorkeling trip and deep sea fishing. Of course you’re
always welcome to just lounge by the pool, use the health club/spa, shop in any number
of stores, explore nearby Key West or just relax. Whatever you choose to do in the
afternoon, be ready to have a great time Friday night at the “Tacky Tourist” Costume
Party/Dinner. Get out those old Hawaiian shirts and sandals with your socks. There
will be music, dancing, souvenir photos, games and whole mess of food and drinks.
Saturday morning the very informational break-out sessions begin. Participants
can choose from a variety of topics including Sales Tax and Audits, Reporting Large
Cash Transactions, The Patriot Act and FTC Safeguards and Practical Business
Protection Under Florida Laws. Following the break-out sessions, everyone is invited to
attend “Trader Dave’s Game Show” Luncheon where Dave “Full Monty Hall” Kelly will
MC a luncheon filled with games, prizes, trivia and MONEY! Rounding out a full weekend
is the “Silver Anniversary” Awards Banquet Saturday night. This is where the outgoing
FRVTA Board Members are thanked for their service and the incoming Board
Members are given their white jackets. Participants will also be able to bid on a number
of great prizes during the Silent Auction to benefit the FRVPC Fund. And of
course the “Tank Tops & Flip Flops” Hospitality Room will be open to give everyone
one last chance to recap the day’s activities.
Any company still wanting to sponsor an event, please contact Dave Kelly in the
FRVTA State Office and secure your event today. We’re also looking for prizes for both
the “Trader Dave’s Game Show” luncheon and the Silent Auction. Call 800-330-7882
for more information.
|
||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
    | |||||||||||||||||
| News of the RV Industry | Wholesale RV Shipments |
| What's New in RVs | New RV Aftermarket Products | Tips on Salesmanship | Service Manager and Technicians Tips |
| Product Feature | Upcoming Shows & Events | Search New & Used RVs | Locate RV Dealer | Classified Ads |
| Join Our Mail List | RV News Archives | Advertisers Index | Advertising in RV News | About RV News | e-mail RV News |