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Fleetwood Opens New State-of-the-Art Paint Facilities
in California and Pennsylvania

Fleetwood RV’s Collaboration with DuPont Performance Coatings Produces Industry First Environmentally Friendly Paint Processing System

Fleetwood RV has announced the grand openings of its new paint facilities in Riverside, CA, and Paxinos, PA. In recent months, Fleetwood RV and DuPont Performance Coatings have worked together to develop a unique paint processing system that they expect will revolutionize the industry. The facilities cost about $13 million each to build.

These state-of-the-art facilities feature several innovative technological advances including:

3 Humidity and temperature-controlled paint booths that allow Fleetwood more control over color and application, and, over time, will require less overall maintenance.

3 Environmentally friendly abatement equipment that captures and burns off VOCs, creating 98% clean-air emissions.

3 Clean room technology that helps Fleetwood provide high levels of quality on all painted surfaces within a controlled environment.

“The collaboration with DuPont Performance Coatings in the development of the new paint facilities is a great example of our investment in the future of the RV industry,” said Chris Braun, Senior Vice President of Fleetwood RV. “Working with leading companies such as DuPont to develop innovations for our new products helps our industry prosper and thrive in the technology age. These new paint facilities will give Fleetwood the unique advantage of being able to offer full-body paint on a much broader range of products.”

“We are thrilled to have been a part of the exciting steps that Fleetwood RV has taken to revolutionize paint processes,” said Ray Anderson, VP of DuPont Refinish Coatings for the Americas. “Fleetwood is a true innovator and we look forward to helping them further develop and refine key areas of the RV manufacturing process.”

At its annual meeting on August 2, 2004, the board of directors of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation, parent corporation of the national RV/MH Hall of Fame, museum and library, voted unanimously to begin a phased-in construction of its new home. The new facility will not only house the Hall of Fame, museum, and library, as well as the foundation's general offices, but will provide exhibit space for current industry products and will include over 10,000 square feet of conference and convention space.

The board's action, announced to over 300 industry representatives at the annual RV/MH Hall of Fame induction program that evening, clears the way to finalize plans with construction estimated to begin in the first quarter of 2005.

Phase one of the complex is scheduled to include the general offices, reception area, hall of fame gallery, theater, and exhibit space for the foundation's collection of vintage recreational vehicles. Dick Aker, Chairman of the Board, stated "The total needed funds to build phase one has been raised and the construction will be fully paid for the day the doors are opened."

"Four years of hard work by leaders of both industries from coast to coast have gone into planning and raising funds to get this far. This step will pave the way for the foundation to continue to grow in honoring industry leaders and as the historical archive for the history of the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries."

Phase two, to be undertaken as soon as funding for it is complete, will include exhibit space to display the historic products of the manufactured housing industry and the conference facility as well as the exhibit area for current industry products. Aker stated, "This step is cause for celebration in that the foundation will continue to have a first class facility and now will have greater visibility and accessibility immediately adjacent to the Indiana toll road. With this 40 acre site, which has been previously acquired, we will have room to continue to grow for years to come, and potentially to host RV shows and other events."

Carl Ehry, President of the foundation, said, "As we proceed with the plans and construction of our new home, we will be reopening our fund raising campaign to allow additional industry companies, associations and individuals the opportunity to become a part of our continued preservation of our industries' history and heritage."

The RV/MH Heritage Foundation founded in 1972, has honored over 250 leaders in the RV/MH Hall of Fame and has a public museum and library archiving the products and literature of the industries' past.

Carriage, Inc. has entered into an associate sponsorship agreement with Tim Fedewa of FitzBradshaw Racing. They will be featured on the No. 12 Super Cuts Busch car.

Tim teamed up with FitzBradsaw in 2003. In his career he has had 296 starts, 4 wins, 4 poles, 24 top 5’s and 65 top 10’s.

FitzBradshaw Racing currently fields three NASCAR Busch Series programs, the No. 12 Super Cuts team with driver Tim Fedewa, the No. 14 Navy team with driver Casey Atwood and the No. 82 Jani-King team with driver Randy LaJoie.

In 2001 Armando Fitz purchased his NASCAR Busch Series operation from Felix Sabates. After a challenging season, Fitz decided to take his team to the next level by partnering with Pro Football Hall of Fame member and FOX Broadcaster Terry Bradshaw and creating FitzBradshaw Racing.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be associated with Tim Fedewa and FitzBradshaw Racing. We believe our customer and the NASCAR fan fit the same demographic profile and that our sponsorship will expand the brand recognition of Carriage products,” said Kathy Fuller, Marketing Manager.

Potomac RV celebrated today as the 500th unit rolled off their assembly line. The milestone unit was their recently introduced 5435 RLES quad-slide floorplan.

“We are extremely excited to see the 500th unit produced in just a little over one year of production,” states Jim Johnson, President of Potomac RV. “The 500th unit roll-off is consistent with our business plan of controlled growth that allows us to maintain our high quality standards and to serve our dealers and customers.”

Incorporated in October of 2002, Potomac began shipping units in February of 2003. Potomac’s lineup of travel trailers and fifth wheels quickly gained the reputation as a high-quality product with a residential feel at extremely competitive prices.

“Our vision since day one has been to provide a quality product backed by a level of service and responsiveness unlike anything in the industry. Seeing the 500th unit roll out of our plant, is a testimony to Potomac’s employees and their commitment to that vision,” added Johnson.

Lazydays RV SuperCenter (“Lazydays”), the nation’s number one RV dealer was awarded by Monaco Coach Corporation as their #1 Corporate Dealer Overall at the recent 2004 Monaco Dealer Congress in San Antonio, Texas. Mike Snell, Vice President of Sales for Monaco Coach Corporation, said, “It is an honor to recognize Lazydays as our number one dealer. We value the strong relationship our two companies have established and look forward to strengthening it further as it benefits our two companies as well as the thousands of RV owners in the Lazydays/ Monaco family.”

Lazydays also received the following awards: #1 Monaco Dealer, #1 Holiday Rambler Motorized Dealer, #1 Holiday Rambler Towable Dealer and #1 Safari Dealer. “The employees of Lazydays are proud to achieve these awards for 2004.” said Don Wallace, founder and CEO of Lazydays. “Going forward, these lines of recreational vehicles play an important role in our overall product strategy that will enable us to achieve our goal of $1 billion in annual sales revenue.”

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Tiffin Motorhomes heralds the return of its top-of-the line coach, which hasn’t been produced in the past two model years.

"There’s a lot of pent-up demand, especially from previous customers," says General Manager Tim Tiffin, "but we are taking a slow, methodical building approach to bringing the Zephyr back into production. We will probably build 50-75 units a year."

The upscale Zephyr will capture the dreamy eye of many motorhome enthusiasts, especially with its new side-vision cameras and accommodations for king-size beds and full-size sofas. The new model year news for the other Tiffin models, Allegro, Allegro Bay, Allegro Bus and Phaeton is elegant and bold designer interiors, additional floor plans and many new options, including full-body paint.

For the first time since Tiffin built two motorhomes in a cotton warehouse in 1972, the Red Bay, Al.-based manufacturer has looked to a consultant for interior design guidance

"In the past, Tiffin interiors have been very understated with no bold statements," explains Tim Tiffin. "We were very plain. Our theory was that our customers would use their accessories to dress things up. We turned to an interior design consultant who has worked with a number of other leading manufacturers in the recreational vehicle industry. Our new interiors are rich, elegant, fantastic and different, but they still reflect the good taste that we have always enjoyed."

"Sometimes, a radical change takes some paradigm breaking," Tim Tiffin adds. "Industry tastes have changed, and while we like to think of ourselves as leaders, we are really followers. We do what our customers and dealers tell us. We are constantly changing, and that sets Tiffin apart from the rest of the industry. If we see something that needs to be changed, we can change it right away. We don’t need to go through 15 levels of management."

Founder, President and CEO Bob Tiffin has a practical and simple approach to product development at Tiffin: "The market is never wrong. You can have what you think is a great idea, but if you don’t listen to the market and the market doesn’t like it, you’re wrong."

The new Zephyr boasts a 500-hp engine for its 45-foot length. A king-size bed is standard, along with quad-slide, a 32-in. LCD TV, solid surface countertops in the galley, three A/C units, keyless entry remote and compartment doors, Hydro-hot heating and water-heating systems, On-Star, seamless front and rear caps, a 10,000-watt generator and many other features.

In the past two years Tiffin has added 20,000 square feet to the main production plant in Red Bay, requiring 250-300 more employees. With the addition of another manufacturing facility in Belmont, MS, just seven miles from Red Bay, Tiffin Motorhomes has doubled its total square footage.

Tim Tiffin is general manager of the operation launched by his parents, Bob and Judy Tiffin, in 1972, producing at that time one, then two motorhomes a day. The 50,000th Tiffin motorhome is expected to roll off the line in the summer of 2005.

"This time next year, we will be running 40-45 units a week through the full-body paint in Belmont, where we are now doing 20-22 a week," Tim Tiffin reports. "Next year we will see a 20-25% overall production increase."

Tiffin Motorhomes set a production milestone in 1988, building 2,784 motorhomes. If the market remains healthy in a growing economy, Tim Tiffin says, "We project hitting that production level again in the 2006 model year. We foresee 3,000 units a year a couple years after that."

Winnebago Industries, Inc., manufacturer of Winnebago®, Itasca® and Rialta® brand motor homes, has recognized La Mesa RV Center, Inc., San Diego, CA, as its top Winnebago Industries, as well as top Winnebago and top Itasca brand dealer for 2004. La Mesa RV Center was honored at Winnebago Industries’ annual Dealer Days event in Las Vegas.

“Winnebago also recognized La Mesa RV as their our top dealer for 2004,” said Winnebago Industries Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin. “The team at La Mesa RV put forth a tremendous effort this year and we’re pleased to honor them.”

La Mesa RV Center, San Diego, was also recognized with the prestigious Circle of Excellence award in recognition of their excellence in customer satisfaction, as it relates to the customers’ sales and service experience with the dealer. La Mesa RV Center’s other locations in Tucson and Mesa, Arizona, and Acton and Davis, Calif. also earned the Circle of Excellence award for 2004.

“Winnebago also recognized Altman’s Winnebago as the top Rialta dealer for 2004, as well as Winnebago’s Circle of Excellence award. Altman’s is one of only five dealers to win this prestigious award since its inception 18 years ago. Altman’s locations in Baldwin Park, Carson and Colton,CA, were all Circle of Excellence award winners for 2004.

Onan Corporation announced the expansion of its Coach Care™ Service Center network with the opening of three new locations. The newest facilities can be found in White Bear Lake, Minn., Henderson, Colo. and West Chester, Ohio. With the addition of these locations, Coach Care now has 28 facilities with more slated to open later this year.

Located throughout the country near some of America’s most popular RV destinations, each Coach Care facility offers RVers “bumper to bumper” warranty work. In addition to servicing Onan generators, 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. “The need for experienced, professional RV service centers keeps growing, particularly as we see baby boomers continue to embrace the coach-life lifestyle,” says Richard Coon, director of RV business at Onan. “With the continued introduction of new products – particularly more technology- driven products – RVers will prefer visiting a certified distributor for one-stop service that can get them back on the road enjoying their travels.”

Currently, Onan has 28 Coach Care facilities located in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.

After five years of operation, Creative Mobile Interiors has unveiled a new corporate logo. The new logo was designed by Jodi Barnhill, of Mercury Design Studio in Worthington, Ohio.

“We needed a stronger visual image to better reflect our growing company and niche in the high-end coach conversion market. This new design captures the spirit of our brand,” said CMI President Owen Connaughton. “It’s eye-catching, distinctive and somehow modern and retro at the same time.”

CMI has experienced steady growth since its founding, doubling in size every year. The company specializes in converting motor coaches, vans, trailers and minicoaches into luxury, commercial and specialty vehicles. CMI is headquartered in a 6-bay, 10,000 sq. ft. facility in Grove City, Ohio. Further information is available at (614) 539-4600, or at www.creativemobileinteriors. com.

Wholesaler/Distributors Strongly Support Bush
Over 80% Support President in NAW Straw Poll

81.3% of the participants in a straw poll conducted by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) would vote for President George W. Bush were the election to be held on the day they indicated their preference.

17.3% would vote for John Kerry, 0.5 % for Ralph Nader, and 0.9% for “Other.” The poll was conducted starting August 5th. It was closed on August 12th.

3,405 managers and executives voted in the straw poll, the largest response ever received by NAW to a survey of this type. Managers at all levels were asked to participate from CEOs to branch managers.

President Bush prevailed in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Kerry tied Bush in Alaska and Rhode Island. Bush’s support was 90% or higher in 12 states, while Kerry held Bush below 70% in 5 states, including his home state of Massachusetts where Bush received 69% of the votes cast.

“We’re not surprised that senior executives strongly support the President given his initiatives to strengthen the economy,” said NAW President Dirk Van Dongen. “But, his margin was uniform throughout the management ranks of those participating in the poll – branch and other middle management participants expressed the same level of support for the President. This seems to make the case that all of them are clear about the positive impact of the President’s economic policies.”

NAW will repeat the poll in early October to gauge how the campaigns on President Bush and Senator Kerry have affected the views of wholesale distribution industry managers.

Following the July, 2003 rally with 500 Roadtrek owners celebrating the10th Anniversary of the Roadtrek International owners club, plans were started for something even bigger to celebrate Home & Park’s 30th Anniversary. With the assistance and support of Roadtrek International a rally was planned and over 10,000 invitations were sent out to Roadtrek Owners. Response was immediate and enthusiastic.

A total of 350 Roadtreks with 675 Roadtrek-kers aboard registered for the rally and gathered at the KOA Music City Campground in Nashville and celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Home & Park Motorhomes, manufacturer of the Roadtrek camper van. Special mention should be made of the excellent dealer support, LeisureTime RV from Winter Garden, FL and Van City from St. Louis, MO with great product and accessory displays. Also thanks to local Roadtrek dealer Music City RV for providing an evening of country music entertainment at the campground.

Highlights of the rally included an exclusive tour of downtown Nashville and the beautiful Cumberland River aboard the paddleboat General Jackson complete with barbeque, live band and wandering banjo player. What trip to Nashville would be complete without a trip to the Grand Ole Opry where Roadtrek-kers were treated to an evening of great entertainment capped off with country superstar Alan Jackson and the surprise of participating in the filming of his latest video?

“The 30th Anniversary Rally was the best ever. The place was Nashville and the largest number of Roadtrek Motorhomes at one time ever gathered together. We camped, cooked, were entertained and had a great time. What a great way of life; good friends, good food, good wine and the best VAN CAMPER on the market.” commented Dick Lowman, President of Roadtrek International. The Roadtrek Owners Club is the fifth largest chapter of the FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) and has a membership exceeding 2000 vehicles and 4000 people.

“I would like to offer sincere thanks to all Roadtrek owners and dealers for making us so successful during the past 30 years. Special thanks to all those attending this rally and making it such a great, record setting event. Our owners have always been known for their enthusiastic support of Roadtrek and this has been demonstrated yet again here in Nashville. Roadtrek is known for market leadership in quality, innovation and customer service and we dedicate ourselves to continuing this in the future.” stated Jeff Hanemaayer, Chairman & Owner, Home & Park Motorhomes.

Home & Park Motorhomes manufactures the Roadtrek, the #1 selling class B motorhome (camper van) in North America (since 1990).


September 2004		Volume 30 - Number 2

RV Industry News