Norcold, an Alcoa company, is being acquired by Thetford Corporation. In a joint announcement it was disclosed that ALCOA and Thetford have reached an agreement in principle for Thetford to acquire ALCOA's Norcold business. The agreement is subject to completion of Thetford's due diligence investigation; as well as negotiation and execution of a definitive purchase agreement.

Ron Riethman, president of Norcold, said, "Aligning our organization with a parent company having a greater strategic interest in the common markets we serve was important to our long term business success. Combining our organizational strengths with those of Thetford will build a solid foundation for growth, both domestically and internationally.

Based in Sidney,OH, Norcold manufactures gas absorption and AC-DC compressor refrigerators for the RV, marine and truck industries. Thetford is a supplier of sanitation products to the RV, camping and marine markets worldwide.

Holiday Rambler to Introduce Lower Priced Line

Holiday Rambler plans to introduce a new product line of travel trailers called Alumascape. The new line is expected to be priced lower than Holiday's traditional market segment which is in the medium-to-higher-priced segments of the motorhome and towable markets. Alumascape will retail in the $15,000 to $18,000 range.

Manchester Tank & Equipment Co. and AEA Investors Inc., a privately held investment group, in a joint announcement said that they have reached an agreement whereby the AEA group will make a majority investment in Manchester Tank.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Brentwood, TN, with manufacturing in the United States, Canada and Australia, Manchester Tank is one of the largest North American manufacturers of cylinders and tanks for the containment of propane, chemicals and compressed air.

AEA is a private company whose investors consist of both individuals and institutions. Individuals include over 50 current or former chief executive officers of major international corporations including John F. Akers (IBM), Charles L. Brown (AT&T), James E. Burke (Johnson & Johnson), Philip Caldwell (Ford), Frank T. Cary (IBM), Donald G. Fisher (The GAP), Clifton C. Garvin, Jr. (Exxon), William R. Hewlett (Hewlett Packard), Samuel C. Johnson (S. C. Johnson), Reginald H. Jones (General Electric), Hamish Maxwell (Philip Morris), John R. Opel (IBM), Charles J. Pilliod, Jr. (Goodyear), Edmund T. Pratt, Jr. (Pfizer), Irving S. Shapiro (du Pont), John G. Smale (Procter & Gamble and General Motors), and John H. and Joseph H. Williams (Williams Companies), among others.

AEA's investment approach is to invest in businesses with market leading positions, strong management teams and companies which provide opportunities to enhance value by building on existing strengths.

Darrel Reifschneider, chief executive officer of Manchester Tank., said, "We found a close fit between AEA's long-term investment strategy with its demonstrated successful track record and Manchester Tank - both aim to create value through growth. Together with AEA we can further build on Manchester Tank's strengths and will have greater resources to fund continued growth of existing products, new product development programs, capital investment and strategic acquisitions."

Reifschneider will remain as CEO and Rob Reifschneider will continue his role as senior vice president. Darrel Reifschneider said, "AEA will add executives to the board of directors who will add a valuable resource to the company. Manchester management will be fully responsible for the day-to-day running of the company."

Due to the extraordinary demands placed on his schedule by the Dole for President Campaign, Jack Kemp is unable to keynote the convention as previously announc-ed. As the Republican nominee for vice president, Kemp was forced to clear his schedule of speaking engagements not directly related to the campaign.

Former Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander will deliver the keynote address during the general session of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association International Convention/Expo on Monday, Sept. 23, in Orlando, FL.

Alexander, who also served as secretary of education under President Ronald Reagan, is one of the nation's most innovative political leaders. During his two terms as governor, Tennessee became the fastest growing state in family income and Alexander left the state with a smaller debt and the fifth lowest tax rate in the U.S. In the 1980s, Alexander chaired President Reagan's Commission on Americans Outdoors. The panel's recommendations helped create a national Scenic Byways program. Grassroots support throughout the nation propelled Alexander into presidential politics during the 1996 election cycle. Strong showings in early primary states firmly established Alexander as one of the Republican party's up and coming national leaders.

Lazy Days Continues To Set Industry Standards With Record Breaking Sales

Lazy Days RV SuperCenter celebrated its move into the new 100 acre plus, state-of-the-art recreational vehicle facility by continuing to set industry records in both sales and deliveries. Lazy Days has designed what it describes as "the ultimate dealership" for all RV enthusiasts. With over 30 acres of new and pre-owned RVs and 122 service bays, a convenient on-site Cracker Barrel Restaurant, and the on-site Camping World, Lazy Days has become a popular destination for visitors.

For the month of June, Lazy Days deliveries increased by 34.7% over June 1995. The Lazy Days team also set an all time record for the number of deliveries in one day on June 30. This new record represents a 14.5% increase in recreational vehicle deliveries over the previous record set March 29,1995.

Fleetwood Reports 1^st Quarter Sales Increase

Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., announced preliminary sales for the first quarter which ended July 28, 1996. Sales for the thirteen-week period were up about 7% to approximately $750 million compared to $704.7 million for last year's similar period. Last year's revenues have been restated to exclude $13.8 million of finance interest income from Fleetwood Credit Corp., the company's RV finance subsidiary which was sold in May 1996.

The company attributed the revenue gain to improved sales of both manufactured housing and recreational vehicles. Fleetwood president Glenn Kummer said, "The RV group accounted for the majority of the revenue increase due to a resurgence in sales of motorhomes. We have been pleased with the relatively healthy consumer demand for motorhomes and, in particular, the favorable market reception to new Fleetwood products introduced since last year."

Recreational vehicle revenues of $358 million were 8 percent ahead of last year's $332.3 million on the strength of the higher motor home sales. The company's motorhome division posted first quarter revenues of approximately $224 million, 33% ahead of last year's similar period. Sales of towable products were off from the prior year with travel trailers easing 5% to nearly $117 million and folding trailers declining 22% to $17 million. Last year's RV revenues included sales of $18.3 million from the company's European operation which was sold in May 1996.

RVDA has appointed Scott Myers to the position of director of program development and marketing.

Myers will be responsible for liaison with the association's associate members and direct RVDA's Convention /Expo. He will also coordinate advertising for RV Executive Today and other association publications. One of his new duties will be development of new programs for RVDA members. He will also serve as staff liaison to the AfterMarket Committee.

Myers has served in several positions at RVDA since 1993, most recently as national director of marketing.

Coachmen Sets Record Second Quarter

Coachmen Industries, Inc. (COA) announced record second quarter sales and earnings per share, saying demand for both recreational vehicles and modular housing remains strong.

Sales for the second quarter ended June 30, 1996, were $166,715,051, a 30% increase over the $128,192,670 reported for the second quarter of 1995. Sales for the six months ended June 30, 1996 were $315,355,074, a 21% increase over 1995's six month sales of $259,963,049.

Coachmen Industries chairman and CEO Thomas H. Corson said both sales figures are records, and second quarter sales were a record for any quarter in the 32-year-old company's history.

Net income earned in the second quarter was $8,685,723, a 106% increase when compared with the $4,212,086 earned in 1995's second quarter. Earnings per share for the quarter were $1.16 compared with last year's 57 cents. Net income for the six months was $14,936,679, a 101% increase from the $7,415,550 earned in the first six months of 1995. Earnings per share for the six months were $1.99 compared to $1.00 earned in the first six months of 1995.

SMC Reports Record Revenue and Profits

SMC Corporation (Nasdaq: SMCC) reported record revenues and profits for the second quarter of 1996. For the quarter ended June 30, 1996, net sales rose 44% to $48.7 million from $33.9 million in 1995. Second quarter unit sales increased 42% to 455 units up from 320 in the prior year. Pretax income increased 120% to $2.7 million from $1.2 million reported a year earlier. Second quarter 1996 net income after taxes was $1.6 million, compared to 1995's second quarter net income of $800,000. 1996 second quarter earnings per share were $.24 on 6.7 million shares outstanding, compared to 1995's $.12 per share on 6.8 million shares.

For the six months ended June 30, 1996, revenues were a record $91.8 million, up 35% from 1995 revenues of $67.9 million. 1996 year-to-date income was also a record, at $2.9 million, up 35%. from 1994's pro forma earnings of $2.1 million. Year-to-date earnings per share were $.44 per share in 1996, compared to pro forma earnings of $.32 per share in 1995, a 38% increase.

Mathew M. Perlot, chief executive officer of SMC Corporation, said, "The second quarter of 1996 marks the fourth consecutive period of record revenues for SMC Corporation. This is the fourth consecutive quarter of increasing profitability as well. SMC is continuing to increase its market share in the high-line class A motor coach market, and strong demand for both our Beaver and Safari lines has increased production in our manufacturing plants by nearly 50% compared to a year ago. Based on the increasing demand that we continue to see for SMC products, our analysis indicates that we now control approximately 28% of the high line market. High line coaches are RV's with retail sales prices over $100,000," explained Perlot.

In response to this growth, SMC acquired a 178,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Burns, OR in January 1996. Presently, the company is producing motor coach components at that site. SMC also announced plans to introduce an all-new product line of Class C motor coaches to the market during 1996 aimed at the emerging baby-boomer market. Commenting on the new product line release, Perlot said, "This new generation of RVers are affluent and they value quality products. We are confidant that we have the correct product strategy to attract these people."

Country Coach, Inc. (CCI), has begun prototyping a new 26-foot and 29-foot Class C mini-motorhome which will be manufactured in a recently acquired 110,000-square-foot manufacturing facilities located adjacent to its corporate offices.

Prototypes will be on display at the National RV Show in Louisville in November with full production expected to be underway by January 1997. The new Class C motorhome will be built on the super-duty cutaway Ford chassis with a V-10 engine. The suggested retail price of the new mini-motor coach will be in the $50,000 to $60,000 range

Rob Lynch resigned as Executive Director of the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association/ Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council in July.

Lynch resigned to pursue further business opportunities with his company, Trade Show Presentations in Sarasota, Florida.

Holiday Rambler Closes One Plant and Breaks Ground for New Plant

The Navigator motorhome plant in Wakarusa, IN, closed at the end of last month, but employees were offered the opportunity to move to other jobs within the company.

Also, Holiday Rambler announced that it is building a new "state-of-the-art" motorhome manufacturing plant. The new plant is expected to be finished next summer.

Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week Takes Steps To Accommodate Growth

The Joint Operating Committee of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week 1996 (AAIW '96) has introduced many conveniences to accommodate the dramatic growth of Industry Week.

AAIW, which features the SEMA/AI show and the APAA/ASIA/MEMA show running concurrently in Las Vegas, November 5-8, 1996, is the largest automotive aftermarket trade-only exhibition in the world.

With AAIW getting larger every year, show management has recognized the need to make it seem less overwhelming for buyers and exhibitors alike, according to David E. Colburn, chairman of the 1996 show committee and senior vice president and chief operating officer of the North American Aftermarket Division of AP Parts International, Inc. (APPI).

Advance registration procedures represent one convenience introduced by show management. "Early registration eliminates the hassle one might expect when signing up for an event attended by nearly 60,000 people," Colburn said.

Simply by dialing 1-800-ShowFax (access code 96125), callers can have vital information returned instantaneously to their own fax machine, including registration forms, hotel reservations, and an AAIW '96 schedule of events.

Attendees who register early (cost $10) will save $20 off the on-site registration fee of $30, receive their identification badge in the mail weeks before the show, and avoid the potentially long registration lines at the show. Advance registration forms must be received by September 20.

And, to help attendees cope with the sheer enormity of AAIW, management will once again provide electronic locators. "These user-friendly locators allow attendees to easily identify and track down the products, companies, importers and exporters they came to Las Vegas to see," Colburn explained.

In addition, show management has expanded shuttle bus service to accommodate the many attendees interested in visiting both shows on the same day.

ATI Adds Wire Harness Group

Advanced Technology, Inc. recently broadened its customer service by adding the Wire Harness Group. Located in an 8,000-square-foot facility, the new group services RV and commercial industry customers and all ATI in-house wire harness needs. The ATI Wire Harness Group is staffed with experienced engineers and production operators and is equipped with the latest computer operated wire harness machinery.

According to Enos Yoder, corporate vice president operations, the purpose of forming the ATI Wire Harness Group, was to increase the quality of wire harness products that ATI supplies to its customers. He said, "We demand consistent, high quality harnesses for our customers' applications. Therefore, we found it necessary to build our own team capable of serving our needs and that of industry. This will enable us to continue making our services available to broader markets."

Fleetwood Enterprises has been awarded a patent for its exclusive Power Platform Chassis System™. The patent award was announced recently by the U.S. Office of Patents and Trademarks.

John Weiss, Fleetwood's director of sales for their Class A motor home division, said, "The Power Platform Chassis system represents a major advance in motorhome construction. It's strength and durability are unmatched, and this patent demonstrates Fleetwood's ongoing commitment to quality and innovation that directly benefits our customers."

Weiss also said, "Anchored by a pair of steel I-beams that are welded the full length of the chassis, the Power Platform is significantly stronger than conventional motor home construction in its ability to support a load. Rugged steel outriggers extend from the I-beams to the sidewalls. These provide a firm foundation for all exterior compartments including luggage, holding and water tanks, generator, LP gas and other compartments. This relieves the sidewalls from having to support all this weight. Using this new technology, the floor and sidewalls are actually locked together at a 90' angle. Because the components are made of aluminum, they can be precisely shaped to form a perfect match that provides absolute stability, as well as exceptional durability, safety and strength."

Deutsche Financial Services (DFS), recently began offering two new electronic commerce systems to its customers.

Dealers who utilize DFS as a source of financing may now use Electronic Application System (EASY), to initiate payments on-line against their outstanding DFS account balances. EASY eliminates the need for paper checks, instead utilizing electronic data interchange (EDI) to transfer funds. In addition, dealers who use EASY will have immediate access to their accounts to check their current account balance, payment summary and other related information.

DFS also offers a new EDI-based system to its manufacturer and distributor customers. The system, called DIVA, or Dial-In Vendor Approvals, offers manufacturers and distributors on-line dealer credit approvals. DIVA allows those vendors to access that information more quickly and easily with an on-line connection.

Tiger Veteran to Pitch RVs for MARVAC

Alan Trammell, a Detroit Tiger veteran, will join MARVAC this fall to help promote the eight industry RV shows. Trammell will appear in the association's radio, TV and print advertising.

According to Bill Sheffer, MARVAC director, Alan Trammell adds another dimension to our advertising. He's a credible celebrity and well known as a gentleman both on and off the baseball field. His presence in our advertising will draw more attention to our message and Alan has assured us that he is supportive of the RV lifestyle. The manufactured housing part of our association has used Ernie Harwell with much success for almost four years; we hope to do the same with Alan."

As the new market expansion program, Go RVing, gets closer to its launch date early next year, Norcold has affirmed its commitment to one of the most pressing issues that cause RVers to abandon the RV lifestyle - service.

Ron Riethman, president, said, "Norcold is committed to continuous training of service technicians on all our refrigerators, both current as well as previous models."

Citing the most recent University of Michigan study Riethman said that among RV owners the most frequently mentioned source of discontent is dissatisfaction with dealer service. He added, "We do not believe this is indicative of field service on Norcold refrigerators. Norcold has over 700 qualified service centers which have one or more service technicians that have received hands-on training by Norcold."

According to Riethman, Norcold has found that dealers are more willing to send their service technicians to a school that entails a minimum investment of time and money on their part. And that's why Norcold has developed its mobile service school system. With this method of training the dealer has a minimal financial investment, and the technician is only absent one day from the dealer service facility.

Riethman pointed out, "There is a major commitment on the part of Norcold. We have three instructors that conduct the classes, two vans used to transport all materials, a number of training models plus all the necessary support materials to conduct a successful training class at each location."

To ensure effectiveness each class is limited to fifteen students. Every student has a working model which enables them to go beyond textbook theory to hands-on application. Riethman said, "We have found this approach gives the technician knowledge that has immediate on the job application. For the dealer it is an immediate return on their investment."

Norcold has been using this approach to service training for four years. In addition Norcold participates in the RVIA training schools, and trouble shooting clinics.

The RV/MH Heritage Foundation is holding the third annual motorhome raffle which will benefit the national RV/MH Hall of Fame, Museum and Library.

First prize will be a motorhome of the winner's choice, valued at up to $100,000, or $75,000 cash in the drawing to be held December 18, 1996, at the foundation offices. In all 100 prizes will be awarded from a total of 3,000 tickets, making the odds of winning 1 in 30.

Individuals may purchase a $100 raffle ticket by credit card at 1-800-378-8694, by fax at 219-293-3466. or at the Foundation offices at 801 Benham Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516.

Spartan Adds Features to RV Chassis

Spartan Motors, Inc. introduced two new innovations on its RV chassis recently at the FMCA Summer National Convention in Billings, MT. The two features are independent front suspension (IFS) and a new electrical system. Spartan maintains that the two new features represent significant improvements over currently available technology.

Spartan's new independent front suspension system, the first of its kind in the RV industry, according to Jeffrey Lambert, manager, communications and investor relations, offers tighter, more responsive steering, an outboard mounted air suspension for improved ride comfort, and improved stability that drastically reduces vehicle sway, brake dive and bump steer.

Lambert said, "Independent front suspension gives luxury cars their smooth and responsive feel, and RVers should expect a similar ride on their motorhome. The automotive-style IFS design will enter full production in Fall 1996 on Spartan's Mountain Master chassis."

Lambert pointed out that electrical problems are the number one cause of chassis malfunction in the motorhome industry, and troubleshooting these problems has always been a challenge because of the variations between the wiring of the chassis builder and coach manufacturer and the typical lack of supporting documentation.

Spartan's new electrical system, first being introduced on the 1997 Fleetwood American Series chassis, integrates both parties into the process and creates a complete manual of each circuit, its use and load capacity. The electrical set-up also allows for the removal of susceptible components like solenoids and unsealed connectors, reducing the potential for failure by more than 100 percent.

IDS Releases DataSmart Software Update

Coinciding with its recent acquisition of Stag Parkway's computer business, IDS has released a new DataSmart software update and recruited Deanah Hendrix, a former Stag Parkway support representative, as DataSmart customer care analyst. Hendrix will be based in Raleigh and assist former Stag Parkway customers who are currently using the Data Smart Point-of-Sale system. Hendrix supervised the new release and joins IDS with three years experience providing telephone support, installation assistance, and ongoing training to DataSmart users. She also performed troubleshooting and wrote documentation for the product.

The DataSmart 7.2 release includes updates to existing features, including repair order totals, costing totals, Fleetwood warranty forms, close-out report totals, and updates to a variety of other modules. The release became available for current DataSmart customers on Aug. 1.

As part of an acquisition agreement finalized earlier this year, IDS will provide ongoing support for users of the DataSmart system, and IDS and Stag Parkway will offer current DataSmart users the opportunity to migrate to the IDS Dealer Automation System. A five-year alliance was established between the companies to co-develop a factory-to-dealer interface to facilitate the exchange of information, including the automatic and simplified ordering of parts between Stag Parkway and its customers. In addition, IDS and Stag Parkway agreed to cooperate in marketing the IDS Dealer Automation System to Stag Parkway customers,

Leer Celebrates 25^th Anniversary

In March, 1971 Leer opened its doors for the first time. In the 25 years since, Leer has grown to become a leader in light truck caps, tonneaus, and related products.

Paul Young , Leer East general manager, and Bill Umbel, sales manager, kick off Leer's 25^th Anniversary with a toast at their regional dealer meeting held in June in Milton, PA.

Today, Leer services over 700 dealers coast-to-coast in the United States and Canada, through four locations: Conyers, GA, Elkhart, IN, Milton, PA, and Woodland, CA.

Kay C. James to be Guest at Annual RVI Prayer Breakfast in Louisville

At this year's Louisville show, the 20^th Annual RVI Leadership Prayer Breakfast will emphasize how RV products help bring families together. The schedule speaker, Kay James, is an ardent advocate of the traditional family and will carry that theme into her remarks.

Mrs. James was appointed by President Reagan and re-appointed by President Bush as a Commissioner on the National Commission on children.

The 20^th Annual RVI Leadership Prayer Breakfast will be held in the Mary Room at Executive Inn West from 7 to 8:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 4, 1996.

Everyone is invited but reservations must be received by November 29. Individual reservations may be made at $13 each, or a table for eight may be reserved for $96.

To make reservations send check payable to RVI Prayer Breakfast Committee, and mail it to: 56771 Wedgwood Ct., South, Elkhart, IN 46516-5806.

Heatcraft Inc.'s Heat Transfer Division, OEM Products, received the "1995 Supplier of the Year" award from Recreation Vehicle Products, Inc., a manufacturer of RV air conditioning systems located in Wichita, KS. The basis for this acknowledgment stemmed from Heatcraft's performance in four areas including product quality, on-time delivery, engineering assistance, and customer service.

Ben McElwrath, vice president of the OEM Products sector, says, "This award means a great deal to Heatcraft, especially considering the caliber of the company that is presenting it to us."

Heatcraft's OEM sector specializes in manufacturing custom-engine-ered heating and cooling coils for use in a wide variety of residential, commercial, and industrial heat transfer applications.

On hand for the award presentation were (l-r) Ben McElwrath, VP of Heatcraft's OEM Products division; Sheryll McClenny, purchasing agent for RV Products, Inc.; and Bob Bostian, purchasing manager for RV Products, Inc.

Celebrating 30 years, Camping World has grown to become the world's largest retailer of recreational vehicle (RV) accessories and supplies. Favorite RVing essentials and more than 50 new products can be found in the 104 pages of Camping World's 1996 Fall Catalog.

"We started in 1966 with a 16-page black and white catalog, and have progressed to full-color catalogs showcasing not only the 'tried and true' but the very latest in RV accessories and supplies."

Camping World mails more than ten million catalogs a year to customers' homes and provides free catalogs to newcomers who call the toll-free number: 1-800-838-1923.

DirecTV™, a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service, announced that it will offer its NFL Sunday Ticket™ package for only $99 to consumers who purchase a DSS system and subscribe to a DirecTV Total Choice™ programming package prior to September 15, 1996.

Foremost Insurance Group Companies Establish World Wide Web Site

The Foremost Insurance Group of companies will reach out to its audiences online with a new site on the Internet. The site is located at http://www.foremost.com.

Prospective customers will find topics ranging from Foremost's insurance products and company history to agent services and job postings.

Cummins Engine, Co., Inc., (NYSE:CUM) posted second-quarter results which reflected a continuation of the decline in sales of heavy-duty and midrange truck engines, Cummins said, which was offset partially by increased sales of power generation equipment and engines for Dodge Ram pickup trucks. Sales of heavy-duty truck engines declined 22% from second-quarter 1995 levels and 11% from first-quarter 1996 levels. Midrange truck engine sales were 5% lower than second-quarter 1995 levels and 7% lower than first-quarter 1996 levels.

Cummins reported second quarter 1996 net earnings of $44 million, or $1.10 per share, on sales of $1.3 billion. This compares with second-quarter 1995 net earnings of $69 million, or $1.69 per share, on sales of $1.4 billion.

For the first half of 1996, Cummins reported net earnings of $93 million, or $2.31 per share, on sales of $2.6 billion. For the same period of 1995, the company's net earnings were $136 million, or $3.32 per share, on sales of $2.7 billion.

The company said it expects sales of heavy-duty and midrange truck engines to drop further in the second half of 1996. It also expects some instability in the third quarter as truck manufacturers adjust build rates due to the decline in the heavy-duty truck order backlog.