Safari Introduces Type A Diesel Toy Hauler
Safari, C3735, a division of Monaco Coach Corporation, C2111, based in Coburg, Oregon, recently unveiled the 2007 Safari Simba STS, touted as the RV industry’s first type A diesel-powered, rear-entrance toy hauler.
The 37-foot Simba STS is built on a Freightliner front-engine diesel chassis and is powered by a Cummins ISB 300-horsepower engine. The front-engine design allows for 80 square feet of rear cargo area that is not available on conventional rear-engine diesel-pusher motorhomes. A large aluminum hydraulic liftgate on the rear of the coach can handle cargo weighing up to 3,300 pounds. This allows Simba STS owners to raise or lower motorcycles, ATVs, or other heavy cargo with the touch of a button.
The rear cargo area of the Simba STS also can double as a separate living area. The area is outfitted with Loin-Con nonskid industrial material, which resists oil and gasoline stains, and bright diamond-plate metal walls. Twin bunk beds raise and lower from the ceiling of the cargo area, and an optional sofa bed and 20-inch LCD television provide travelers with an informal yet comfortable place to watch a NASCAR race or a football game.
In the main living area, the Simba STS features high-end amenities such as Corian kitchen countertops, an optional central vacuum system, a three-camera rear-vision system, and power sun visors. An 80-inch sleeper sofa expands sleeping capacity to eight people, while four bucket seats in the front of the coach, arranged club-cab style, allow for comfortable riding on the road and maximum entertaining possibilities when parked. The 2007 Simba STS toy hauler has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $142,301.
For more information, log on to www.monaco-online.com or call (800) 634-0855.
Blue Bird Corporation To Be Acquired
Blue Bird Corporation, parent company of Blue Bird Coachworks, C4, based in Fort Valley, Georgia, announced in late August that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management LP, one of the world’s leading private equity investment firms. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Jeffry Bust, president and chief executive officer of Blue Bird, said, “The acquisition is a significant step forward, ensuring Blue Bird will remain one of the world’s leading school and commercial bus manufacturers. The acquisition also provides financial stability for our distributors, suppliers, and employees.”
According to Blue Bird officials, no disruption in business activities is expected. The transaction was expected to be completed in September.
Forest River Produces First Coach Built On New Workhorse UFO Chassis
Forest River Inc., C7781, has become the first motorhome manufacturer to offer a coach built on the new UFO rear-engine, gas-powered chassis from Workhorse Custom Chassis, C8291. The 2007 Georgetown made its debut at the 38th Annual Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle & Camping Show September 11 to 17, 2006, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The motorhome also will be shown at the 53rd Annual California RV Show in Pomona, California, October 13 to 22.
According to Workhorse, the UFO chassis is the first gas-powered, rear-engine platform the industry has seen in more than two decades. Forest River intends to offer the rear-gas option on its standard Georgetown model and on select Georgetown SE and Georgetown XL models. Several new floor plans have been developed for coaches ranging from 35 feet to 38 feet in length.
The advantages of a rear-engine motorhome include less cabin noise, less cabin heat, and, without the front-to-back driveshaft, less vibration and the opportunity to build in pass-through basement storage. The front rather than side entry door is also a plus for floor plan variety, and the lack of a “doghouse” engine cover in the cab makes it easier to move in the cockpit.
The name “UFO” is an abbreviation used by Workhorse officials to describe what they have outlined as the chassis’ three advantages. First, UFO stands for Universal Floorplan Option. Workhorse reconfigured the drivetrain and frame so that manufacturers can build upon a completely flat floor from front to back, without the intrusion of the engine and cooling system into the rear bedroom or cockpit space.
UFO also stands for Universal Fuel Option. The new platform is a rear-engine chassis that offers the choice of a gas or diesel engine with the same chassis. The abbreviation also can stand for Universal Footprint Option. The chassis can accommodate either a gas or diesel engine in the same space package. Manufacturers can build identical motorhomes on either a gas- or diesel-powered frame, making the choice of engine more of an option than ever before.
For those who prefer a diesel engine, the UFO can be outfitted with either a Cummins ISB power plant (available in spring 2007) or an International MaxxForce 7 engine (coming in fall 2007).
For more information about the Georgetown built on the Workhorse UFO chassis, call Forest River at (574) 296-7700 or visit www.forestriverinc.com. To find out more about the Workhorse UFO chassis, call Workhorse Custom Chassis at (877) 294-6773 or visit www.workhorse.com.Blue Bird Corporation To Be Acquired
Blue Bird Corporation, parent company of Blue Bird Coachworks, C4, based in Fort Valley, Georgia, announced in late August that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management LP, one of the world’s leading private equity investment firms. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Jeffry Bust, president and chief executive officer of Blue Bird, said, “The acquisition is a significant step forward, ensuring Blue Bird will remain one of the world’s leading school and commercial bus manufacturers. The acquisition also provides financial stability for our distributors, suppliers, and employees.”
According to Blue Bird officials, no disruption in business activities is expected. The transaction was expected to be completed in September.