RV News On Line - The Voice of the RV Industry


January 2005		Volume 30 - Number 6

RV News Feature

Airstream clings to legacy, flirts with high technology, and launches new program with RVSEF

by Bob Zagami,
Editor

The history and lore of Airstream was alive and well at last month’s National RV Show in Louisville, Kentucky, in the Thor lineup of industry leading companies that are part of the major consolidator in the RV industry today. How does one hang on to their own distinctive reputation and legacy in such a fast growing company? For starters, Dicky Riegel, president, realized the iconic value of the Airstream nameplate and has done a masterful job of retaining the luster and mystique of the silversided bullets that grace the American heartland.

Riegel said, “Airstream stands for quality, innovation and design and has stood the test of time. Founded in 1931, we have a successful 74+ year record of safety, skill and talent that have set our company apart from all others in this industry.”

Left to Right: Dicky Riegel - Airstream President;
Walter Cannon - RVSEF; Larry Huttle - Airstream Chairman;
and Jim Haddaway, Wally Byam - Caravan Club

Airstream announced a new exclusive safety initiative by teaming up with the RV Safety Education Foundation. The company will create and distribute the most comprehensive guide to safe RV use and travel offered by any RV manufacturer. Beginning January 1, 2005, Airstream will provide every consumer purchasing an Airstream trailer or motorhome with the free Airstream branded safety package. Existing Airstream customers will be able to buy the same package through a special arrangement with the Wally Byam Caravan Club International and the Airstream Owner’s club, provided that they are club members. The company expects to deliver 2,500 to 3,000 new RV’s next year that will contain the RVSEF kit, complete with books and video, and expects to sell another 20,000 copies to club members, at approximately $18.00 per kit.