Newmar Builds State-of-the-Art Assembly Facility 

Newmar Corporation has announced the opening of its new Chassis, Weld, and Assembly Facility. This building houses Towable Frame Welding, Chassis Welding, Chassis Prep, and Steel Fabrication.

This state-of-the-art facility features several innovative technological advances including:

• An intricate heating, air conditioning, and smoke ventilation system;
• Two paint booths for chassis work;
• A dedicated undercoating booth;
• A detailed crane system for material handling;
• Integrated, in-floor trash conveyors;
• A computerized band saw for steel cutting operations;
• A unique catwalk for factory tours.

 “This building will help to improve our manufacturing process in a number of ways including streamlining operations, improving safety, improving employees’ work environment, and productivity,” said Kevin Bogan, Newmar’s Vice President of Manufacturing. “But, the most important thing this large capacity building will enable us to do is improve the quality of our products.” 

“Efficiency is also greatly advanced with the addition of this new building,” said Newmar’s Production Superintendent. “In the past, we moved motorized chassis and towable vehicle frames through four buildings to prepare them to go on the main production line. Our new facility allows chassis and frames to be assembled in one building before going to the assembly line.”

 The facility consists of 144,000 square feet and also includes employee offices and a conference room. Newmar began operating out of the facility in October. 

The Recreation Vehicle Safety Education Foundation announced it’s first ever contribution from a dealer 20 group. 

Spader parts and service 20 group # RV051 chose to donate one-half of their “Best Idea” pot to RVSEF, the winner of the pot; Gary Motley (Motley RV Repair) chose to donate his winnings for a total of $355.00. RVSEF extends many thanks to all the members of the RV051 group and to Gary Motley for their support and recognition. “It is only through the support of industry organizations such as this that allows us to continue with the important task of safety education” states Walter C. Cannon Executive Director RVSEF.

For more information and how you can offer your support, contact: Recreation Vehicle Safety Education Foundation 4575 Annette Court, Merritt Island FL 32953. Ph. 321-453-7673; Fax 321-453- 3853 or visit www.rvsafety.org.

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TengoInternet, the oldest and largest provider of high-speed wireless Internet access networks to the outdoor camping industry, today announced that East Cape RV Resort in Los Barriles, Mexico has become a TengoInternet customer. East Cape RV Resort, located between La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, is the first RV Resort to offer wi-fi as a guest amenity in Mexico. 

“Providing wi-fi as a guest amenity will keep our customers happier and enable them to stay with us longer,” said Theresa Comber, owner, East Cape RV Resort. “TengoInternet’s staff is a very professional team that is committed to meeting the needs of their clients. At East Cape RV resort, we are confident that this venture will be very successful for us and for TengoInternet.” 

With this new customer in Mexico, TengoInternet is the first high-speed wireless Internet provider serving the RV industry to offer international service in Mexico. 

“This is an exciting customer win for TengoInternet as we expand into Mexico and return to the roots of the name and idea for our company,” said Eric Stumberg, president and CEO of TengoInternet. “We continue to grow because we focus on what matters to our customers: providing an excellent service experience, flexible contracts and maximizing our customers’ return on their amenity investment.”

TengoInternet will install wireless high-speed Internet access at Goodlife RV Resort in Mesa, Arizona, bringing TengoInternet’s customer count in Arizona to thirteen. In addition, TengoInternet added to its already significant presence in Florida with the addition of Pecan Park RV Resort in Jacksonville, Florida. And, lastly, Escapees - Turkey Creek RV Park and Mark Twain Landing were added to Tengo’s growing presence in Missouri.

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The ultra-low-profile RoadTrip XLP™ Mobile Satellite Television System from Winegard received an Editors' Choice Award from Popular Mechanics Magazine during the 2004 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas. The award was one of just 16 awards given to the thousands and thousands of products on display at both the SEMA and AAPEX shows, which run concurrently during Automotive Week. 

"Our team of editors pounded more than 2 million square feet of displays to find the newest, most innovative new products and technologies in the automotive aftermarket," said Jim Meigs, editor in chief, Popular Mechanics Magazine. 

"We are thrilled and honored to have been chosen for such a prestigious honor," said Randy Winegard, president, Winegard Company. "We poured a tremendous amount of time resources into developing highly sophisticated, cutting-edge GPS-based satellite software for the RoadTrip XLP mobile satellite television system, and it is gratifying to have those efforts recognized by a magazine with such a stellar reputation." 

Winegard's RoadTrip XLP Mobile Satellite Television System, designed for SUVs and minivans, delivers more than 300 channels of live TV programming to any mobile media system, making travel across town or across the country more entertaining and enjoyable. Using advanced satellite GPS-based tracking antenna technology, RoadTrip XLP receives both DIRECTV® and DISH® Network signals throughout the majority of the continental United States. No other ultra-low-profile satellite system delivers more channels. The RoadTrip XLP boasts faster satellite acquisition time, superior reception in all weather conditions and a greater geographic coverage area than all competitive products.

The system provides passengers with a mobile video system clear digital video pictures, music and sound for all their favorite live television shows, sporting events, news programs, children's programming and pay-per-view events. Consumers who have existing satellite subscriptions with DIRECTV or DISH Network can start receiving live satellite TV in their vehicles immediately, for a nominal monthly fee.

Weyerhaeuser Building Materials is pleased to announce a significant expansion to its Customer Service Center in Elkhart, Indiana. The expansion will involve the construction of two new buildings adjacent to Weyerhaeuser’s existing facility, provide space for an additional 130 truck loads of building materials, and add 35,000 square feet of paved outdoor storage. The construction is scheduled for completion over the next few months.

“We are experiencing strong sales from our home construction, recreational vehicle manufacturing, manufactured housing and other customers throughout the Midwest,” says Weyerhaeuser sales manager Gary Gill. “This expansion will allow us to broaden our product selection and increase inventory levels. We also will be adding two additional sales representatives to keep pace with the prompt and dependable service that all our current customers have come to expect – and potential customers can rely on.”

Home & Park has announced a new era in motorhome warranties by being the first to offer a Four Year Limited Motorhome Warranty on all Roadtrek camper vans purchased as of December 1st, 2004 on 2004 or later chassis.

This warranty puts Roadtrek, the class sales leader since 1990 with over 30 years in business, in a leadership position in this area.

Details of the warranty are as follows:

LIMITED MOTORHOME WARRANTY:

Home & Park warrants to the Purchaser that the Vehicle is free from defects in material and workmanship on the portion manufactured by Home & Park, under normal use and service, for four (4) years or 48,000 miles or 80,000 Km (in Canada) whichever occurs first, from date of purchase by the first Purchaser or the date the Vehicle was first put into service (for example, as a demo or rental), whichever is earlier. Certain exclusions and limitations apply.

(Chassis is covered by the automotive warranty offered by the chassis manufacturer (currently Chevrolet’s 3 year warranty). Appliances and other major components are covered by the individual warranties offered by their respective manufacturers.)

 “Home & Park Motorhomes is pleased to offer this Four Year Motorhome Warranty to demonstrate our confidence in the quality of the Roadtrek camper van and provide peace of mind to owners and prospective owners. Since 1974 we have been committed to building the very best class B motorhome possible. This warranty is very much in line with our strategy of product innovation and quality that have been the cornerstones of our success” commented Chairman Jeff Hanemaayer.

For additional information, contact Andrew Knowles, Director - Sales & Marketing at 888-ROADTREK (762-3873) or andrewk@roadtrek.com.

Chrysler Group is taking the auto show experience to new heights with the creation of a half-mile test drive track that will debut at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show in February. Consumers visiting McCormick Place will have the opportunity to test drive Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge products on a specially designed course around the perimeter of the 156,000-square-foot exhibit. The collective displays are the largest ever constructed in Chrysler Group history.

The exhibit is the size equivalent to almost four football fields, and the test track will be located on the perimeter of the exhibit on the show floor. The McCormick Place complex comprises three state-of-theart buildings and over 2.2 million square feet of exhibit halls. The Chrysler Group exhibit is located in the South Hall.

The test track will include a Jeep Trail Rated® course to demonstrate the Jeep brand’s off-road capabilities, including traction, articulation, ground clearance, maneuverability and water fording, and a Dodge truck off-road course. Thirty vehicles will operate on the test track at any given time, featuring Chrysler and Dodge brand passenger cars.

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David Gorin, President of Best Parks in America, presented the company’s first national awards at the system’s second meeting of alliance members in Savannah, GA.

The top President’s Awards were presented to Austin Lone Star RV Park, Austin, TX and Skyway Camp Resort, Greenfield Park, NY for excellence in providing guests with Warm Hospitality with a Smile. The award recognizes the parks with the highest score in service and hospitality as measured by consumer feedback during 2004. The 2 honorees received a 100% rating based on consumer comments for the 9 months ending October 31, 2004.

The President’s Awards for Excellence in Internet Branding went to All Seasons RV Park, Arlington, Tx, Chocorua Camping Village, Chocorua, NH, and Victoria Palms RV Resort, Donna, TX.. These parks scored a perfect 5 on the judging criteria that recognizes consistent brand identification on the parks website.

Three parks were cited for outstanding achievement in enrolling Rvers and campers as members of Best Guests in America, the Best Parks’ frequent visitor club. Cherry Hill Park, College Park, MD, Lake George Escape, Lake George, NY and Sundermeier RV Park, St. Charles, MO were recognized for leading the all alliance parks in enrolling new Best Guest members.

Bob London, owner of Skyway Camping Resort, Greenfield Park, NY received the system’s most prestigious award – a Presidents Award for Outstanding Leadership and Spirit. London’s resort is one of the charter affiliates of Best Parks in America and Bob’s strong advocacy and support of a national premium brand for RV parks and campgrounds was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of Best Parks in America in 2003.

“In making this first round of national awards for Best Parks affiliates, I hoped to capture the real spirit and energy behind Best Parks. Every park in the system is a Best Park and I’m confident that in the coming years, every affiliate will be recognized for their great guest service, warm hospitality, facilities, amenities and contributions to Best Parks in America,” said company President David Gorin.

The national Best Parks in America awards program will be expanded in 2005 and next year’s awards will feature the first Park of the Year awards and a group of new awards recognizing excellence in many areas of marketing and operations.

Best Parks in America was founded in 2003. It is a national marketing alliance and brand promoting alliance members who provide the highest levels of Rving and camping accommodations, amenities, facilities and service in America. The system was founded by David Gorin, former President of the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds. Information on Best Parks in America is available from the company at (703) 448 6863 or at www.campgroundbusiness.com

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TruCenter® Steering Control from Blue Ox® promises to eliminate many of the inconveniences involved with conventional steering controls available. Blue Ox is so sure that you will be satisfied that we now offer a 60 day money back guarantee.

Within the 60 days from date of purchase if the customer is not completely satisfied they may return the unit to Blue Ox for a full refund.

TruCenter improves steering, vehicle controls and reduces driver fatigue when encountering conditions such as strong winds, tire blowouts, highway ruts or uneven pavement, passing trucks and low or soft shoulders. 

With TruCenter Steering Control, an RV operator simply pushes a dash-mounted button to trim steering to a true center position. The adjustment, made “on the go” to counteract temporary conditions like off camber roads or high cross winds.

To further improve user convenience, TruCenter Steering Control offers bolt-on installation, making the unit transferable from coach to coach.

TruCenter Steering Control also utilizes gas spring technology and is zinc-plated, both efforts at improving the durability and reliability of today’s steering control units. TruCenter is available at leading RV equipment dealers and comes with a limited lifetime warranty as well as the 60 day money back guarantee.

DTI Offers a Procurement Solution for Slide Room Parts

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DTI RV Parts & Appliances has announced it has become a distributor for Power Gear slideout system replacement parts. This partnership, between DTI and Power Gear, was formed to complement the procurement process and technical assistance for Power Gear slideout system repairs.

Trey Miller, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for DTI stated, “We are extremely excited to have established this partnership with Power Gear. We feel that DTI’s level of technical service and our warehouses throughout the U.S. will be a great complement to

DTI RV Parts & Appliances, is the leading wholesale parts distributor to the RV Industry.

GM and Workhorse Custom Chassis Combine Forces To
Market New Class C Chassis

Just as they have combined forces to develop the new Class C chassis, General Motors and Workhorse Custom Chassis are collaborating on marketing this recreational vehicle chassis.

General Motors is working with the body companies and will be responsible for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sales and service relationships.

"For customers of this new chassis, the collaboration between GM and Workhorse means they can take their vehicle to any North American Chevrolet dealer - including a large number of current Workhorse service centers - for any warranty-related service," said Ross Hendrix, General Motors marketing director of commercial vans.

Workhorse, meanwhile, will handle all relationships with RV dealers that will sell motor homes on the new chassis. Workhorse will provide dealer sales training, develop ride and drive promotions at consumer events, sales aids such as literature, and advertising support for the chassis.

"We're extremely pleased to be collaborating with General Motors on the development and marketing of this new chassis. We believe this partnership between two leaders in their respective fields provides a host of benefits for everyone involved, especially the ultimate customers," said Eric Schwartz, Workhorse business development specialist.

"From GM, they get the proven durability and reliability of the Chevrolet Express Van chassis, along with the service support of one of the largest dealer networks in North America. From Workhorse they get a company that is singularly focused on the design, production and support of RV chassis. It truly is a win-win situation for Class C chassis customers," Schwartz added.

Recreational vehicle owners who want all the comforts of home - as well as the convenience and familiarity of a passenger vehicle - now have a clear choice for their next motor home chassis: the Chevrolet/Workhorse Class C Chassis.

"Our new 14,050-pound GVWR chassis delivers exactly what motor home customers want from their RV - exceptional capability and durability, along with the comfort and convenience they've come to appreciate from their GM passenger vehicle," said Ross Hendrix, General Motors marketing director of commercial vans.

The Chevrolet/Workhorse Class C Chassis is powered by the 300-horsepower Vortec 6000 V-8 engine. It's mated to the 4L85-E heavy-duty four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive. Braking performance is provided by the standard four-wheel-disc anti-lock brake system with Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP). DRP adjusts brake pressure toward the front or rear of the vehicle, as required, thereby optimizing front and rear brake performance under varying loads and road surfaces. 

General Motors will build the chassis at its Wentzville Assembly Center in Missouri. Full production is expected to begin in mid- February and motor homes should arrive on dealer lots in April 2005.

Fortune Magazine has ranked the Airstream International CCD among the 25 best new products of 2004, giving the trailer high marks for balancing the iconic Airstream exterior with contemporary interior design. The ranking of “Design Products of the Year” appears in Fortune’s Dec. 13th issue.

Manufactured in Jackson Center, Ohio and designed in collaboration with noted San Francisco architect and designer Christopher Deam, the International CCD remains loyal to Airstream’s classic hand-riveted, aluminum body; while, on the inside, clean lines, geometric furniture, and influences from past, present and future work together harmoniously.

“Airstream has received overwhelmingly positive response on the design of the International CCD, and we are delighted that it stood out to Fortune’s panel of experts,” said Dicky Riegel, President and CEO, Airstream. Inc. “Airstream’s hallmarks are design, quality and innovation, and the International CCD trailer is another great example of how we are building on that heritage. Not only does the International model line-up distinguish itself from the crowd due to its revolutionary design, it has added significantly to Airstream’s revenue growth since its introduction.”

Fortune selected the Airstream International CCD from among hundreds of consumer products that hit the U.S. market in 2004. The magazine’s panel of design experts included leading industrial designers, academics and museum curators, who chose the top 25 from among 70 finalists selected by Fortune’s editorial staff. Entries were judged on innovation in materials, form and function.

Fortune’s full list of “Design Products of the Year” also can be found at www.fortune.com, and was featured on CNN beginning December 10.

Dometic Corporation has named Independence RV, Winter Garden, Fla., winner of the Dometic T2000 MVP Service Center award. Candidates for this annual honor are judged on excellence in customer service, warranty work and promoting Dometic products, among other qualifying factors.

Ronnie Jordan, Independence RV president, and Chuck Simpson, vice president, accepted the award. John Waters, Dometic president, presented the award at the 2004 National RV Trade Show held November 30 through December 2 in Louisville, Ky.

“We were very excited about receiving such a prestigious award,” Jordan said. “We owe our success to our employees and low turnover rate. Our philosophy of treating employees and customers fairly has been the key to our company‚s success.”

Independence RV works to provide all customers with excellent service. Jordan started the company in 1985 as a small one-acre facility. Since then, it has grown in size and inventory, becoming one of the largest RV dealerships in Florida.

Independence RV represents three manufacturers and over a dozen models. For more information visit www.independencerv.com. Sirius Satellite Radio to Provide Real-Time Traffic Data to Consumers SIRIUS Satellite Radio recently announced that it will provide real-time traffic data to vehicles over its nationwide satellite radio network. The company has signed an agreement with NAVTEQ, the premier provider of mapping and traffic data reporting services, to offer consumers reliable traffic information in their vehicles. The new service will provide consumers with regularly updated traffic information, such as accidents, scheduled road closings, traffic flow data or other traffic-related incidents to help them select the best available route. Traffic information will be integrated into new in-car navigation systems combining route guidance and mapping with traffic. Initially, the service will cover 30 markets and is expected to expand to more than 50 markets. "This new data service will complement SIRIUS' First Traffic audio service by providing a visual representation of current traffic conditions specific to each link of roadway. Over time, additional features will be added to help determine estimated drive times on a given route, based on historical traffic patterns," said Jim Meyer, president of operations and sales for SIRIUS. "Combined with an in-car navigational system, consumers will be able to accurately determine the most direct routes through the mapping function, while being continuously informed about potential delays or incidents that could disrupt their travel plans."

According to company officials, SIRIUS automotive and retail partners have shown a high level of interest in the new service, and plan to offer it as a product upgrade for their upcoming navigational systems. The service is also expected to provide an additional revenue stream for SIRIUS, which the company believes will have a positive effect on its average revenue per user (ARPU) when implemented. "This agreement with NAVTEQ is an excellent example of the types of data services SIRIUS plans to offer to provide even more benefits to our subscribers," added Meyer. "Along with our commercial-free music, plus news, sports and talk shows, you have an unbeatable combination of entertainment and services for drivers across the country."

Coachmen Industries, Inc. (NYSE: COA) has sold the assets of one of its two RV dealerships, Colfax Country RV, LLC, in Colfax, N.C. The buyer, Holiday Kamper Company of Columbia, LLC, is part of FreedomRoads, LLC, a Chicago-based RV retail chain.

The purchase includes the inventories of new and used RVs and parts, equipment and all real estate. The transaction closed on December 31, 2004. The buyer plans to retain the employees of Colfax RV Sales.

“This transaction allows us to focus on our core strength of RV manufacturing,” noted Michael R. Terlep, President of Coachmen’s RV Group. “At the same time, since Holiday Kamper Company of Carolina will continue to be a full line Coachmen dealer, all of our customers will continue to receive excellent service.”

Coachmen Sues Coleman

Coachmen Industries, Inc. (NYSE: COA) has announced the judge presiding over the legal dispute between Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. and The Coleman Company, Inc. entered an order granting Fleetwood’s request for an injunction against Coleman, prohibiting their use of the trademark registration “Coleman” in the recreational vehicle industry. To protect its rights under its existing license agreement with Coleman, Consolidated Leisure Industries, LLC, doing business as the Coachmen RV Group, has filed suit against The Coleman Company, Inc. in federal court in Kansas City, Kansas, to enforce its rights under the License Agreement.

Coachmen Chairman and CEO, Claire Skinner stated, “We have a signed, exclusive license from the owner of the ‘Coleman’ brands, The Coleman Company, Inc., to use the ‘Coleman’ brand in the recreational vehicle market for the next 15 years, and thereafter. ‘Exclusive’ means only we can use the ‘Coleman’ brands in the recreational vehicle market. We do not intend to relinquish those rights; we will fight for them; and we intend to exercise them.” Until this matter is finally and completely adjudicated, Coachmen will introduce and market the new products under a different name, through an independent body of dealers. The new Camping Trailer and Travel Trailer lines, which were to be launched under the “Coleman” brand, were on display at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky.

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