Winnebago Debuting Roadside Assist Program

Winnebago Industries Inc. has announced a new 24/7 Premium Roadside Assistance Program for Winnebago Industries Towables.

Beginning on the new 2014 Winnebago and SunnyBrook model vehicles now being introduced, Winnebago Industries Towables will provide every new owner with a complimentary one-year membership in the 24/7 Premium Roadside Assistance program that covers items such as lock-out service, fuel delivery and flat tire changes for their RV.

Backed by Coach-Net, a North American roadside assistance service provider network, the tow vehicle is also covered when towing a Winnebago or SunnyBrook travel trailer or fifth-wheel.

“We are very pleased to offer premium roadside service to our towable customers,” said Winnebago Industries Towables President Johnny Hernandez. “Our commitment to superior service after the sale sets Winnebago Industries apart as a leader in the industry. We are dedicated to providing our owners with the service and parts they need to enable them to enjoy years of great RVing memories.”

EverGreen Gets Strong Rating from Coach-Net

EverGreen Recreational Vehicle LLC’s latest reported figures from Coach-Net show that it is among the lowest in terms of utilization rates of the RV roadside assistance service, according to a press release.

“This means that EverGreen, as a manufacturer, has a documented low rate of usage of our two main services, which are technical phone assistance and dispatch services for RV owners who are having trouble or breakdowns with their coach or tow vehicle,” said Dan Lopez, vice president of sales and business development for National Motor Club and its suite of RV products and services offered under the Coach-Net brand.

A year of Coach-Net roadside assistance and technical support services is included in the purchase of all new EverGreen fifth-wheel and travel trailer products, including the Element, Ever-Lite, Ever-Lite Select, Ascend and i-Go fifth-wheels and travel trailers.

“These reports confirm that our products are well built and durable,” said Doug Lantz, EverGreen’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Each travel trailer and fifth-wheel is constructed to pass a rigorous 100-point testing system that includes rain booth, cabin pressure, gas systems and electrical systems testing.

“Our commitment toward creating a high quality product enables EverGreen RV owners to spend more time camping and less time at the dealer or service center getting work done on their coach, or worse yet – stranded out on the road.”

9 Priority RV Network Dealers Join Coach-Net

Priority RV Network dealerships that participate in the Coach-Net dealer program increased by nine recently, bringing their total participating dealers to 29 representing 45 locations, according to a news release.

McLaughlin’s RV & Marine, Summit RV, Tacoma RV Center, Pontiac RV, Wichita RV, Tom Schaeffer’s RV, Holland Motorhomes, Leisure Time RV and Dave Arbogast RVs have joined the ranks of dealers across the United States and Canada who can expand their after-hours support to their customers.

Endorsed by the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) and Priority RV Network, Coach-Net’s preferred provider service network continues to grow with more than 217 dealer locations throughout the nation. Coach-Net’s 24/7 availability amplifies the dealer’s after-hour service and provides RV trained dispatch and customer service reps as well as RVDA/RVIA/ASE certified and master certified technicians to assist RV owners wherever they travel throughout the United States and Canada.

About NMC and Coach-Net

National Motor Club (NMC) has been a provider of emergency roadside assistance and other travel related services over its 56-year history. Through its Coach-Net line of services, NMC celebrate 25 years serving the RV industry. The Texas-based company serves millions of travelers throughout the United States and Canada and is one of the largest independently owned motor clubs, according to a press release.

To learn more about NMC and Coach-Net RV Technical & Roadside Assistance, visit www.nmc.com.

Airstream, Coach-Net Create RV Aid Partnership

National Motor Club (NMC) and Airstream Inc. recently announced a partnership agreement that will provide Coach-Net RV technical and roadside assistance to be included in the Airstream 2012 models.

The agreement also provides owners of earlier Airstream models the ability to purchase a membership at an Airstream negotiated rate. Legacy Airstream owners will be notified within the week of this special, limited time offer.

The program, that began mid-September, amplifies Airstream’s premium level of customer service, said Justin Humphreys, Airstream’s vice president of sales.

According to a press release, Coach-Net’s 24/7 availability expands Airstream’s service and provides factory-trained reps to assist Airstream owners wherever they travel throughout the United States and Canada.

“We believe the addition of Coach-Net is a great way to round out our service offering and add support to our valued owners,” said Humphreys. “Whether they are on the side of the road, in a campground, or just have a technical question after hours, we want to give our owners peace of mind knowing that they have a respected, knowledgeable RV industry leader available to help.”

“Airstream is a great example of a partner who mirrors our commitment to service and quality,” said Mat Krzysiak, CEO of NMC. “As Coach-Net approaches its 25th year serving the RV industry, we remain focused on delivering a valuable service to our partners and peace of mind to their customers.”

 

MVP RV Adds 24/7 Coach-Net to 2011 Models

Riverside, Calif.-based MVP RV Inc. today (Nov. 1)) announced that all 2011 MVP RV products will include a one-year membership to Coach-Net.

“Outstanding customer service remains a top priority for MVP RV,” Brad Williams, president and CEO of MVP RV Inc., stated in a news release. “It is important that we take care of and cover our customers 24/7, 365 days a year, not just during normal business hours. Coach-Net is the most trusted name in the RV industry and has been in business of servicing the RV community by provisioning roadside and technical assistance for over 22 years.”

Key highlights of the new program include:

• 24/7 technical hotline.
• Unlimited towing.
• Delivery of fuel and fluids.
• Jump starts.
• Flat tire service.
• Lockout service.
• Mobile mechanic services.
• Trip routing service.
• RV service appointment assistance.
• Warranty administration.
• Emergency accident trip interruption.

“Since 1987, Coach-Net has been a trusted name in the emergency roadside assistance industry,” said Ed Thorm vice president of sales for Coach-Net. “We have excelled at providing our clients with high-value, worry-free roadside assistance programs. No third parties, no hassle. Coach-Net has been the preferred RV Technical and Roadside Assistance provider to the industry for over 22 years. We are proud to have the opportunity to work with MVP RV Inc. to ensure their customers have the best RV experience possible.”

MVP RV, Inc. manufactures aluminum framed/laminated trailers, fifth-wheels and toy haulers under the brand names Coast, Summit, Vortex, Envy and Jazz. MVP products will be on display at the upcoming 48th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 30-Dec. 2, where the company plans to launch new brands expanding into new segments of the RV market. For more information about MVP RV call (951)848-4288 or visit www.mvprv.com.

Coach-Net is Moving Its Call Center to Texas

Coach-Net, a leading provider of 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and other services for RV owners and manufacturers, autos and commercial vehicles, recently announced plans to relocate its call center operations from Lake Havasu City, Ariz., to the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area over the next nine months.

The relocation takes place as part of an initiative by the National Motor Club, Coach-Net’s Irving, Texas-based parent company, to implement its strategic growth plan and better align several closely related sister companies, according to a news release.

The vast majority of Coach-Net’s Lake Havasu City employees will have an opportunity to relocate to call center operations in the Dallas area, ensuring continuity in service and preservation of the company’s deep industry knowledge. Coach-Net’s DFW-based call center operations will be managed by National Motor Club’s sister company, Stellar, which will leverage its global expertise in call center management for the benefit of Coach-Net’s valued customers. The process of transitioning calls will begin in October, and the process is expected to be completed by March 2011.

“As we transition these operations to the Dallas area, where our corporate headquarters and accounting functions are already based, we are pleased to be keeping these critical jobs in the U.S. and offering an opportunity to keep much of our outstanding team intact,” said Matt Krzysiak, CFO. “As a consequence of this expected employee retention and our phased transition plan, our customers will experience no disruption to service over the coming months. Ultimately, this relocation will position us for positive growth and allow Coach-Net to be even stronger in delivering outstanding customer service, drawing on our employees’ deep knowledge base and the geographic advantages, telecom technology, network infrastructure and business resources available in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.”

Coach-Net is a leading provider of 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and other travel-related services for various RV, commercial vehicle and automotive segments. Founded to meet the demanding needs of RV travelers throughout the U.S. and Canada, Coach-Net pioneered RVTech Advantage, providing RV owners and OEMs with the premier roadside assistance plan that allows access to a team of RVIA- and ASE-certified and master certified technicians. As the service provider of choice for major RV chassis manufacturers, Coach-Net has a superior reputation for supporting specialty products and components to both the manufacturer and the end customer.

Stellar is a leading global provider of call center and business process solutions. Dedicated to building long-term collaborative client partnerships, Stellar has forged enduring relationships with many successful high-profile companies across the world to deliver innovative solutions. In bringing its unique philosophy of Open Book Management (OBM) to this new Texas flagship facility, Stellar is building a strong business partnership with its sister company, Coach-Net. The combination of OBM and state-of-the-art technology will enable Stellar to provide Coach-Net, its clients and their customers world-class service.

Stellar employs over 5,000 people across 17 centers, managing over 300 million customer interactions on behalf of its clients every year.

Fleetwood’s Offering 24/7 Roadside Assistance

Fleetwood RV Inc. today (June 15) announced that all 2011 Fleetwood RV and American Coach products will include a one-year membership to Coach-Net.

“Outstanding customer service continues to be a top priority for Fleetwood RV,” said John Draheim, CEO of Fleetwood RV Inc. “Our customers aren’t just using their products during normal business hours. It is important that they are covered 24/7, 365 days a year. Coach-Net is an industry leader in roadside assistance for RVers, so they were the natural choice for this exciting new offer.”

Key highlights of the new program include:

• 24/7 technical hotline.
• Unlimited towing.
• Delivery of fuel and fluids.
• Jump starts.
• Flat tire service.
• Lockout service.
• Mobile mechanic services.
• Trip routing service.
• RV service appointment assistance.
• Warranty administration.
• Emergency accident trip interruption.

“Coach-Net has been meeting the demands of RV travelers in the U.S. and Canada for over 20 years,” said Ed Thor, vice president of sales for Coach-Net. “We are proud to have the opportunity to work with Fleetwood RV Inc. to ensure their customers have the best RV experience possible.”

For more information about Fleetwood RV, Inc. call (800) 322-8216 or visit www.fleetwoodrv.com .

Entegra Coach Launches Groundbreaking Warranty

As part of the company’s commitment to customer service and product quality, Entegra Coach announced today (May 28) that it is introducing a new two-year warranty (5-year structural), along with a platinum-level roadside assistance program.

“Treating others the way you would want to be treated and demonstrating reliability, responsiveness and thoroughness are key ideals on which Entegra Coach was founded,” Jim Jacobs, general manager of Entegra Coach, stated in a press release. “Offering a premium warranty and roadside assistance program are two ways in which we continue to support those values and provide our customers with the high quality of service they deserve from Entegra Coach.”

Beginning with 2010 models, all Entegra Coach Class A motorhomes will be warranted to the original purchaser for 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the original date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. The limited two-year warranty will cover the vehicle from bumper to bumper. In addition, Entegra Coach is providing purchasers with a five-year structural warranty, which covers the body built by Entegra Coach.

“Traditionally, an RV warranty makes a strong statement about a manufacturer’s willingness to stand behind its products,” said Jacobs. “At Entegra Coach, we’re confident in our ability to provide our customers with products that combine high quality and value, and therefore, we’re comfortable in offering this industry-leading warranty program.”

The Entegra Coach Platinum Roadside Assistance program takes the notion of worry-free travel to a higher level. The innovative new program is offered in cooperation with Entegra Coach dealers by Coach-Net, one of the nation’s leading providers of roadside assistance plans. It gives Entegra Coach purchasers immediate access to a higher level of sophisticated services in addition to 24-hour roadside assistance and support.

Platinum services include RV technical support, emergency road service, RV service appointment assistance, mobile mechanics and access to more than 40,000 service providers and repair facilities.

Added to these features is an RV Concierge Service that helps RV owners travel with less hassle. The RV Concierge Service includes prescription delivery, campsite referrals, RV storage facilities locator, personal delivery services, traffic reports, turn-by-turn driving directions, research requests, a business locator, nationwide trip-routing service and more.

“The Platinum Roadside Assistance Program is like having access to a personal assistant while you’re out on the road,” said Jacobs. “Our goal is to provide Entegra Coach Owners with a peace of mind that allows them to thoroughly enjoy their travels and conquer any small bumps in the road. We believe both the 2-year warranty and 3-year Platinum roadside assistance program give our consumers a sense of unmatched confidence and convenient service not found with most manufacturers.”

Canada’s RV Care Group Membership Hits 49

RV Care Group, a Canadian dealership buying cooperative spawned 10 years ago by a Spader 20 Group, has added six locations since January for a total of 49 outlets.

”We cover coast to coast,” said Earl Manning, RV Care Group vice president and general manager. ”If a customer is 2,000 miles away and they have a problem, they can call one of our members and ask if they can help out.”

Bill Redmond, co-owner of Bucars RV Centre in Alberta, is president of RV Care Group, which provides employee health insurance, business products and parts and accessories programs along with retail finance, extended warranties and a private-label roadside assistance program provided to consumers by Coach-Net.

”RV Care Group works as a value to the dealership on two sides,” Manning said, ”The partnership program for the dealerships saves them money with discounts and rebates and on the consumer side there is a strong added-value network of 48 other dealers that can look after customers if they have problems and get them on the road again as quickly as possible. That’s a huge benefit to the retail customer.”

Manning said RV Care Group is in ongoing discussions with various suppliers to more wholesale and retail services.

With regard to service, retail customers from other RV Care dealerships ”are given the highest possible priority when the come into an RV Care dealership,” Manning said.

He said that RV Care Group was initially formed in 2000 by members of a 20-Group who already were providing cooperative service to its members’ customers. ”When you look at RV Care Group members, they are highly respected industry leaders,” Manning said.

Based on population, however, RV Care Group intends to grow no larger than 60 or 70 dealers, Manning reported.

”One of our principles is not to over-populate any one area of the country,” Manning said. ”We want to fill in the gaps, but we want to retain the value of RV Care for those dealers who are already in the group. We don’t want an RV Care dealers on every corner.”

There is no sales threshold for membership; the only requirements are that the dealership provide full service and be open year-round.

RV Care Group members, who recently made international headlines for having donated $80,000 to purchase generators for Haitian earthquake victims, include:

• 1000 Islands RV Centre Inc., Gananoque, Ontario.
• Adventure Sports RV, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
• Big Boy’s Toys Ltd., Nanoose Bay, British Columbia.
• Bucars RV Centre, Balzac, Alberta.
• Campkin’s RV Centre, Myrtle Station, Ontario.
• Camp-Out RV Ltd. Stratford, Ontario.
• Can-Am RV Centre, London, Ontario.
• Caravanes de la Petite Nation, Gatineau, Quebec.
• Chemo RV Sales & Service, Quesnel, British Columbia.
• Chemo RV Sales & Service, Williams Lake, British, Columbia.
• Christie’s RV, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
• Earlton RV, Earlton, Ontario.
• Eldorado RV Sales Ltd., Lethbridge, Alberta.
• Ferguson RV World Inc., St. Thomas, Ontario.
• GNR Camping World, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
• Happy Camper RV, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
• Happy Trails RV, Grande Prairie, Alberta.
• Happy Trails RV, Prince George, British Columbia.
• Holiday RV & Auto Centre, Redcliff, Alberta.
• Import Export RV M.A.C., Laval, Quebec.
• Lardners Trailer Sales Ltd., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
• Leisure Time RV Center, Saint John, New Brunswick.
• Leisure Trailer Sales, Tecumseh, Ontario.
• Luxury Motorhomes, Carlton Place, Ontario.
• McPhail’s of Harriston, Harriston, Ontario.
• Mike Rosman R.V. Sales, Vernon, British Columbia.
• Mobilife RV Centre, Kitchener, Ontario.
• Niagara Trailers, St. Davids, Ontario.
• Nickel Belt Camping, Chelmsford, Ontario.
• O’Connor RV Centre (Langley) Ltd., Chilliwack, British Columbia.
• O’Connor RV Centre Ltd., Chilliwack, British Columbia.
• Ottawa Camping Trailers Ltd., Ottawa, Ontario.
• Peden RV Superstore, Sidney, British Columbia.
• Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre, Brandon, Manitoba.
• Primo Trailer Sales, Ottawa, Ontario.
• Recreation World RV, Thunder Bay, Ontario.
• Roulottes Desjardins Inc., Saint-Jerome, Quebec.
• Roulottes E. Turmel, Chateau-Richer, Quebec.
• Ruston RV Centre, Burlington, Ontario.
• RV City, Morinville, Alberta.
• Sellers RV Centre, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.
• Springmount RV Centre, Owen Sound, Ontario.
• Stone’s RV & Home Center, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.
• Stone’s RV Centre, Sydney, Nova Scotia.
• The RV Warehouse Inc., Cookstown, Ontario.
• Trailblazer RV Centre Ltd., Nisku, Alberta.
• Traveland Leisure Centre Ltd., Regina, Saskatchewan.
• Vellner Leisure Products, Red Deer, Alberta.
• Westgate RV Centre Ltd., Kelowna, British Columbia.

RV Business Announces 2009 Top 50 Dealer Awards

RV Business today (Aug. 31)  has announced selections for the 2nd Annual RV Business Top 50 Dealer Awards, which are based on the nominations of North American RV manufacturers and are to be presented on the evening of Wed., Oct. 7, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas during the annual RV Dealers International Convention/Expo.

A volunteer panel of industry veterans concluded its review of dealer applications on Aug. 21 at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Ind., keeping a keen eye on dealers’ overall focus on professionalism, association activities, civic involvement, best practices and consumer care.

Above all, RVB Publisher Sherman Goldenberg maintains, the mission of the Top 50 program is to continue to remind individual dealers – and the industry at large – of the intent and specific recommendations of the Go RVing Coalition’s Committee on Excellence and, beyond that, to give attendees at the Recreation Vehicle Dealer Association’s (RVDA) Con/Expo a chance to relax and reflect on a year that was trying at best.

“We had an overwhelming response from our manufacturer nominees this year,” said Goldenberg. “The number of applicants received was about 40% more than what we had in 2008. Before judging even started, we considered this year’s program a success, and that was largely due to the many quality dealerships submitting applications. Because there were so many worthy RV dealers who applied, it was a much more difficult selection process this time around, and, unfortunately, we weren’t able to include everyone who applied.”

“The judges did take a very good look at all the application materials dealers sent in, and it was a very close race,” adds BJ Thompson, president of BJ Thompson Associates Inc., whose Mishawaka, Ind.-based agency oversees the application process for RVB. “We encourage all participating dealers, whether they were selected or not, to reapply next year.”

RVB Top 50 dealers are not ranked, although 10 Blue Ribbon retailers are singled out for special recognition. In addition, a Dave Altman Award for lifetime achievement in RV retailing and exceptional corporate citizenship will also be presented to one of the Blue Ribbon dealers at this year’s RVBT50 dinner at which Fox News contributor Mike Huckabee, the former — and possibly future — Republican presidential candidate  will be keynote speaker.

“Given the current national political climate and the ongoing debate between the two political parties — and the ways in which these debates directly impact the recreational vehicle industry  — we consider Mr. Huckabee an excellent and thought-provoking choice for an enjoyable evening in Las Vegas,” said Goldenberg. “And that goes for industry people of all political persuasions.”

The following U.S. and Canadian retailers are the recipients of the 2009 RV Business Top 50 Dealer Awards (in unranked, alphabetical order):

•      Aberdeen RV Center, Aberdeen, MS
•      Aloha RV, Albuquerque, NM
•      Altman’s Winnebago, Carson, CA
•      American RV, Grand Rapids, MI
•      Apache Village RV Center, Hazelwood, MO
•      ArrKann Trailer & RV Centre, Edmonton, AB
•      Beckley’s Camping Center, Thurmont, MD
•      Big Country RV, Bend, OR
•      Bill Plemmons RV World, Rural Hall, NC
•      Boat N RV Superstores, Rockwood, Tenn.
•      Can-Am RV Centre, London, ON
•      Carolina Coach & Camper, Claremont, NC
•      Coachlight RV, Carthage, MO
•      Coates Trailer Sales, Columbus, MN
•      Colonial Airstream, Lakewood, NJ
•      Crown RV, Conyers, GA
•      Curtis Trailers, Portland, OR
•      Dandy RV Superstore, Anniston, AL
•      Dixie RV Superstore, Newport News, VA
•      Dodd RV, Yorktown, VA
•      General RV, Wixom, MI
•      Giant RV, Montclair, CA
•      Greeneway Campers, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
•      Guaranty RV, Junction City, OR
•      Hilltop Trailer Sales, Fridley, MN
•      Ketelsen Campers of Colorado, Wheat Ridge, CO
•      Kings Campers, Wausaw, WI
•      Lazydays RV Supercenter, Seffner, FL
•      Little Dealer Little Prices, Phoenix, AZ
•      Mike Thompson’s RV Super Stores, Santa Fe Springs, CA
•      Modern Trailer Sales, Anderson, IN
•      Mount Comfort RV, Greenfield, IN
•      Parkview RV, Smyrna, DE
•      PleasureLand RV Centers, St. Cloud, MN
•      Poulsbo RV, Kent, WA
•      Quality RV, Draper, UT
•      Reines RV Center, Manassas, VA
•      Richardson’s RV, Sun City, CA
•      Rick’s RV Center, Joliet, IL
•      Roy Robinson RV, Marysville, WA
•      RV America Inc., Johnstown, CO
•      Steinbring Motorcoach, Garfield, MN
•      Tennessee RV Sales & Service, Knoxville, TN
•      Terrell Camping Center, Terrell, NC
•      Thompson Family RV, Davenport, IA
•      Tom Johnson’s Camping Center, Marion, NC
•      Topper’s Camping Center, Waller, TX
•      Trafford’s RV, Center Conway, NH
•      Veurinks’ RV Center, Grand Rapids, MI
•      Woody’s RV World, Red Deer, AB

Building on last year’s format, which appears to have worked rather well for those involved, RV Business Top 50 Dealer Award honorees will be promoted in the national press, in dealers’ hometown newspapers and in the pages and websites — of Affinity’s trade and consumer magazines: RV Business, Trailer Life, MotorHome, Highways, Coast to Coast and Camping Life.

Underwriting this year’s program are Platinum co-sponsors ADP Lightspeed, Salt Lake City, UT; Blue Ox, Pender, NE; Coach-Net, Lake Havasu, AZ; Cummins Onan, Minneapolis, MN.; Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., Gaffney, SC, RV Trader and RVTraderOnline.com, Norfolk, VA, and Ultra-Fab Products, Elkhart, IN, while Protective Asset Protection Division, Chesterfield, MO, is a Gold sponsor.

Tickets for the $120-a-plate dinner ($99 for RVDA members, Con/Expo exhibitors and Top 50 dealer guests) are available through RVBUSINESS.com’s registration link (http://www.rvbusiness.com/top-50-dealer-awards/2009-registration-form/).

“All in all, we can’t imagine that anyone attending the RVDA Con/Expo wouldn’t want to take the opportunity to mix with Mr. Huckabee and their industry peers at the cocktail party prior to our dinner and to hear Mr. Huckabee speak on the hot topics of the day at the dinner itself, regardless of their political persuasion,” said Goldenberg. “And, of course, we’ll honor our dealers, one by one, at the dinner as well, giving everyone a chance to reflect on the professionalism for which we’re trying to help raise the bar in this industry.”

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