Lippert’s Solera Awnings Seeing Rising Sales

Solera awning from Lippert Goshen, Ind.-based Lippert Components Inc. reported that its line of Solera awnings are now carried on more than 65 recreational vehicle brands, according to a press release. Assembled entirely in Indiana’s Elkhart County, the product is an example of LCI’s vertically integrated production capabilities, with certain parts created in its Indiana-based aluminum extrusion plant. More than 250 awnings are now being produced daily at LCI’s facility with capacity... Read more

ASV is Emerging as Major Motorhome Player

Fleetwood RV's John Draheim In the wake of its announced acquisition of Navistar Inc.’s RV operations, Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV) has begun assembling the pieces for its emergence as a major player in the motorhome segment. Faced with a raft of organizational and engineering challenges, ASV has mapped out a strategy that will consolidate the building of four high-profile motorhome brands at its campus in Decatur, Ind., while also realigning its corporate structure. “We will be manufacturing... Read more

VIDEO 2: Venture RV’s SportTrek Trailer Line

Today’s video comes from Venture RV, a division of Shipshewana, Ind.-based KZRV LP, offering a walk-around tour of the company’s SportTrek line. To access the video click here or scroll down the right side of the RVBUSINESS.com home page.        Read More →

RVIA Partnership Will Offer Export Assistance

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) has partnered with the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration in a program to allow RVIA members enhanced access to international trade resources offered by the federal government. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two organizations, RVIA and the U.S. Commercial Service’s network of worldwide offices will work together on marketing, education programs and... Read more

SSI: Class B Sales Post 10.7% Gain for March

Year-over-year Class B motorhome sales rose 10.7% in March while gaining 12.3% for the first quarter, according to the latest report from Statistical Surveys Inc. Through March, Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc. was No. 1 in Class B sales, owning a 35.4% market share, followed by Thor Industries Inc. with a 21.9% share. Winnebago Industries Inc. (19.7%) ranked third, and Pleasure-Way Industries Ltd. was No. 4 (16.7%). To subscribe to this or other SSI reports, contact Scott Stropkai, national RV sales manager,... Read more

New Canadian RV, Campground Group Forms

Three major players in the Canadian RV and camping industry have joined forces to create a new association: the Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC). According to a press release, CCRVC represents the RV Manufacturers Association, the RV Dealers Association and the campground owners associations from across Canada. The mission of this new organization is the betterment and support of the camping and RV industry in Canada. A board has been elected and Executive Committee formed. The council has... Read more

DRV Reports Strong Sales in Elite Suites Line

Elite Suites kitchen Luxury fifth-wheel builder DRV Luxury Suites is reporting strong growth with its top-of-the-line Elite Suites brand. According to a press release, orders for Elite Suites are up 33% compared to the same period in 2012. “Retail customers have really taken to the product improvements we introduced at Louisville,” said Rocky Holman, product manager for the Howe, Ind.-based company. With MSRPs reaching over $170,000, Elite Suites features standard MOR/ryde IS suspension,... Read more

Wakarusa Gets Hit Again with Navistar Buyout

What looked so promising in 2012 with Monaco RV adding 400 jobs in Wakarusa, Ind., is now moving in the opposite direction. The South Bend Tribune reported that in August, the company will ramp down its operations at its Monaco RV and Holiday Rambler plants and move operations to Decatur, Ind. That’s what about 520 employees at the two plants learned Thursday. Allied Specialty Vehicles announced Thursday the purchase of Monaco RV, Holiday Rambler and R-Vision recreational vehicles, including... Read more

SSI: March Motorhome Sales Post 25.5% Rise

Year-over-year motorhome registrations jumped 25.5% in March while sales for the first quarter increased 23.5%, according to the latest report from Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI). Thor Industries Inc. held the No. 1 spot in year-to-date motorhome registrations with a 25.9% market share followed by Winnebago Industries Inc. (17.4%), Forest River Inc.’s Coachmen RV division (13%) and Forest River (11.5%). In the Class A category, March sales climbed 10.8% compared with 2012 and were up... Read more

VIDEO 2: ASV Moving Monaco, HR Production

Today’s video comes from FOX 28, Elkhart, Ind., featuring an interview with Allied Specialty Vehicles COO James Meyer concerning today’s acquisition of Navistar Inc.’s RV operations. To view the video scroll down the right side of the RVBUSINESS.com home page. Below is a related story from the Elkhart Truth. In the wake of today’s (May 16) acquisition of Navistar RV Inc.’s RV operations, Florida-based Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV) said it will be moving Monaco and... Read more

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