Liberty Coach Cuts Ribbon On New Florida Location
Liberty Coach, C733, based in North Chicago, Illinois, celebrated the official grand opening of its Liberty Coach of Florida sales and service center on February 1, 2002. More than 200 people attended an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new facility in Stuart, Florida. They included company founders Frank Sr. and Jeanne Konigseder; Frank and Carolyn Konigseder; Kurt and Kim Konigseder; numerous Liberty Coach owners; several local officials; and special guests Michael Rochette and Richard Sullivan from Prevost Car of Quebec, Canada.
The facility, which officially opened in October 2001, is a designated Prevost factory authorized service center, servicing all makes of Prevost conversions and most type A motorhomes. In addition to the service center, the new location includes a 16,000-square-foot indoor showroom with many new Liberty Coach conversions and pre-owned coaches on display.
The Liberty Coach of Florida facility is located at 635 S.E. Monterey Road in Stuart. For more information, call (800) 554-9877 or visit www.libertycoach.com
Winnebago Industries Announces Sales Results, Expansion Plans
According to sales data compiled by Statistical Surveys Inc., the recreation vehicle industry reporting firm located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Winnebago Industries Inc., C93, was the top-selling motorhome manufacturer for 2001.
The report revealed that Winnebago Industries, which includes Winnebago, Itasca, and Rialta brands, sold more type A and type C motorhomes combined than any other manufacturer in the industry, retailing 9,018 units last year for a 19.1 percent market share. In addition, the company was the leading type C manufacturer during 2001, accounting for 25.2 percent of the mini-motorhome market.
The company’s Winnebago brand motorhomes were recognized as the top-selling type A and type C brand.
Coinciding with this report was Winnebago Industries’ announcement that it plans to expand its current manufacturing capacity by approximately 30 percent. When completed, this will be the company’s largest expansion to date.
Winnebago Industries president Bruce Hertzke said, “We were pleased to become the leader in retail motorhome sales in calendar 2001, following four consecutive years of market share growth. It is essential for Winnebago Industries to continue to expand to meet the significant growth the recreation vehicle industry anticipates as the baby boom generation reaches our prime target market.”
Construction of a new facility or renovation of an existing site is anticipated to start this spring with motorhome production expected to begin late in the fall and production volume to increase throughout calendar 2003. The final location has not yet been determined, with several sites in Iowa and other states being considered.
Coachmen RV Powers Popular Mechanics’ Centennial Tour
Coachmen RV Company, C328, based in Middlebury, Indiana, is helping Popular Mechanics celebrate its 100th birthday by providing a specially outfitted 37-foot diesel-powered Cross Country motorhome for the magazine’s yearlong Centennial Tour.
The trip, which began in January 2002 and is scheduled to wind through all 48 contiguous states, will eventually cover approximately 25,000 miles as magazine representatives hand out free copies of Popular Mechanics and collect interesting stories about its readers.
The special exterior graphics package used on the motorhome, which includes old Popular Mechanics covers, makes it easily recognizable.
The tour already has made stops at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana; at Disney World in Orlando, Florida; and in Daytona Beach, Florida, for the Daytona 500. The motorhome is scheduled to appear at selected auto racing events and locations throughout the year. Weekly updates about the tour and a schedule of upcoming appearances is posted on the magazine’s Web site, www.popularmechanics.com
Coachmen RV, a subsidiary of Coachmen Industries, manufactures type A and type C motorhomes, as well as other recreation vehicles. For more information about the company, call (800) 881-8765 or visit www.coachmenrv.com
Damon Corporation Announces Promotions
The board of directors of Damon Corporation, C4690, based in Elkhart, Indiana, recently approved the promotions of several executives in its RV manufacturing operation.
Gary Groom was named chief executive officer and president of the division. Mr. Groom, who previously served as president of Damon’s motorhome division, has worked at Damon since May 1999 and has 29 years of experience in the RV industry.
Craig Weeks was promoted to the position of executive vice president of finance and administration. His most recent title with the company was senior vice president and chief financial officer. Mr. Weeks has worked for Damon for more than 9 years, and has been employed in the RV industry for 17 years.
Fund-Raising Rally Set For 2002
Bill Plemmons RV World, C5878, has scheduled its 2002 Camp-In and Annual Bill Plemmons Memorial Golf Tournament for September 27 through 29, 2002. This event, which is held at the dealer’s Rural Hall, North Carolina, facility (near Winston-Salem), is in its ninth year and is held in memory of Bill Plemmons, who died from cancer in 1992. Proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society.
Last year’s Camp-In attracted 130 RVs, whose owners enjoyed numerous activities, seminars, games, prizes, entertainment, meals, and refreshments. The event helped to raise $5,000 for the American Cancer Society. No rally fee is charged, but individuals who wish to play in the golf tournament are charged a $40 fee, and tournament sponsors help to raise funds for the cause.
Individuals or chapters interested in joining the festivities this year should call Renee Brooks at (800) 732-0507 for more information or to make reservations.
Cummins Launches 400-Horsepower Rating For ISL Motorhome Engine
Cummins Engine Co., C4251, has introduced a new ISL engine rated at 400 horsepower for the motorhome market.
Chuck Goode, Cummins director of RV markets, said, “For motorhome owners, it’s all about performance and convenience. And we’ve added a new top-end to the ISL with this new rating that offers more power and responsiveness on steep grades, as well as better acceleration on the flats.”
The ISL is a fully electronic in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine said to be capable of providing ample power for motorhome owners. Additional features cited include excellent fuel economy and electronics that facilitate servicing the engine.
The ISL 400 can be outfitted with a Cummins-designed C Brake by Jacobs. The C Brake is a compression brake designed to greatly increase stopping power while reducing wear on vehicle brakes.
Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, is a leading producer of commercial diesel engines. For more information, visit www.cummins.com
Featherlite Technicians Head Back To School
Featherlite Luxury Coaches, C5238, a Prevost coach converter based in Sanford, Florida, announced that it has enrolled 34 technicians in a training program that company officials believe will provide comprehensive, cutting-edge education in motorhome maintenance and repair.
The program, presented by the Florida RV Trade Association and the RV Training Network, will last 40 weeks and cover every aspect of RV repair, including audiovisual and electrical systems; chassis; generators; hydraulics; appliances; and plumbing. Technicians who complete the course and pass a comprehensive test receive certified or master certified status.
The training program is the product of a partnership between the Florida RV Trade Association, Lake City (Florida) Community College, and the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association/Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association RV Service Technical Training Council.