Fleetwood Initiates Key Organizational Moves

Decatur, Ind.-based motorhome builder Fleetwood RV Inc. recently announced a series of key organizational changes and additions to the Fleetwood RV and American Coach sales and product teams. According to a press release, these changes “support Fleetwood’s continued market expansion and product development.”

Kyle McCrary has been appointed to senior vice president of product planning and design. He will oversee all current and future product design for both Fleetwood RV and American Coach brands. This move formalizes the role of influence which McCrary already plays with the American Coach brand as it continues its resurgence in the marketplace. Product design will “play an increasingly vital role as the brand continues to expand and enhance its model lineup and offer some of the most luxurious motorhomes in the industry,” according to Fleetwood.

“Kyle has been instrumental in the success of the redesign and branding of the iconic American Coach brand,” stated John Draheim, president and CEO of Fleetwood RV.  “His forward-thinking coupled with his 27 years of RV experience make him a great asset to our company. Kyle will be very influential in the ongoing product design innovations for all Fleetwood RV products.”

Additionally, Matt McQuown joins the company as director of sourcing, bringing over 20 years of procurement experience to the Fleetwood team. McQuown will apply his extensive supply chain and commodity expertise as he leads the strategic sourcing team and establishes processes. He will be based out of the Decatur manufacturing facility.

Other appointments include:

• Dave Denarola has been appointed director of sales, Western region and Lenny Razo is now director of sales for the Eastern region, equally focusing on Fleetwood RV and American Coach product lines. Both will report directly to Draheim and will handle strategic sales planning and management of all sales operations and activities for their respective sales regions.

• Tim Schulyer joins the American Coach sales team as a district sales manager, Eastern region, reporting directly to Razo. He will be responsible for the sales activities of the American Coach product line in all areas of the United States east of the Mississippi River and Eastern Canada. Schuyler brings a wealth of knowledge to his position with more than 15 years of RV industry experience, which includes holding positions at the retail level in sales and management.

• Jeff Gibson comes to Fleetwood RV as district manager to its Western region sales team. He brings a wealth of knowledge to his position with more than 20 years in the RV industry, including both wholesale and retail experience and in the rental segment. Gibson will be responsible for the sales activities in the key California and Mountain states area.

Draheim noted, “These organizational changes more closely align Fleetwood RV’s structure with our strategy and commitment to innovation, design and to provide a strong value proposition to our dealer network and retail customers.”

Fleetwood RV Honored For Corporate Citizenry

Fleetwood RV Inc. recently received the “Large Business of the Year” Award from the Chamber of Commerce in Decatur, Ind., where the motorhome manufacturer is headquartered.

According to a press release, the award is presented annually to a business that has more than 25 employees and has demonstrated “apparent, consistent success as well as good corporate citizenry.” The business must show a concern for the well-being of the community and have management and personnel who actively participate in civic organizations or community activities.

“We are very much honored to have received this distinguished award from the Decatur Chamber of Commerce,” said John Draheim, president and CEO of Fleetwood RV. “The Decatur community and its local businesses have been an essential part of our success, and we sincerely thank them for that.”

Draheim said that Fleetwood RV has experienced a major transformation over the last few years, today employing 950 people. The local work force as well as the community played a critical role in the company’s decision to locate in Decatur.

Fleetwood to Hold 5th National Rally in Colorado

Fleetwood RV Inc. announced the 5th Annual Fleetwood RV National Rally, “Rocky Mountain High,” will be held at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, Aug. 2-6, according to a press release.

“We’re excited and looking forward to our 5th Annual National Rally in Colorado,” stated John Draheim, president and CEO of the Decatur, Ind.-based motorhome builder. “This event is open to all Fleetwood RV and American Coach owners – regardless of brand – and is a great opportunity for fostering open dialogue regarding their insights and product needs while cultivating deeper bonds with our customers. We recognize the value of listening to our customers and meeting their needs through our innovative products and services.”

Event highlights include:

• Musical entertainment from Ted Vigil (a tribute to John Denver) joining John Denver’s original lead guitarist Steve Weisberg.

• Daily driving seminars conducted by Gary Lewis from RV Basic Training LLC.

For more information about the “Rocky Mountain High” national rally or to register, visit www.fleetwoodrv.com/mhevent.

HGTV Showcases Fleetwood, American Coach

Fleetwood RV Inc. and its American Coach luxury diesel-pusher division will be featured on HGTV’s “RV 2013,” scheduled to run Jan. 1 at 6 p.m. (EST and PST).

According to a press release, “RV 2013″ features HGTV’s host, Brandon Johnson, as he leads families on a shopping trip searching for their perfect RV at America’s Largest RV Show, held in Hershey, Pa.

Fleetwood’s top Class A models, the Excursion 35B and the Discovery 40E, along with its popular Class C model, the Jamboree Sport 28Z, will be the highlighted throughout the program. American Coach also received recognition for the 2013 American Heritage, featuring a gourmet galley and lavish amenities.

“We’re pleased to be included in HGTV’s ‘RV 2013’ program,” said John Draheim, president and CEO of Fleetwood RV. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to listening to our customers and creating designs that inspire and lead the industry in innovation, quality and value.”

Fleetwood Shows Four 2013 Class A Floorplans

According to a news release, the Southwind 36L floorplan provides abundant comfort features like a Euro chair with an ottoman and hide-away table and a Flexsteel L-shaped transformer sofa. A bath and a half with a rear Super Shower, a mid-coach 40-inch Sony LCD HDTV, his and her bedroom wardrobes and a 32-inch Sony LCD HDTV also make the Southwind an ideal companion for the road ahead.

The Bounder Classic 34M floorplan offers a number of exciting new options including the availability of a king bed for an extra level of comfort. The 34M floorplan also includes an L-shaped transformer sofa, large his and hers bedroom wardrobes for extra storage space, an L-shaped galley with a convenient pull-out pantry and a curb-side dinette with a large window.

Features such as a bunk-bed area with sliding doors, a mid-coach 40-inch LCD HDTV and a bath and a half with a rear Super Shower make the Bounder Classic 36H floorplan an ideal home on the road. A king bed is also available in this floor plan, which is built on a rugged 22,000-lb. Ford chassis.

Customers get the ultimate in RV living with the Bounder 36E floorplan that features a bath and a half with a rear Super Shower, a Flexsteel L-shaped transformer sofa and an entertainment center with a 40-inch Sony LCD HDTV. An available electric fireplace provides a cozy atmosphere on cool nights and the bedroom features his and her wardrobes and a 32-inch Sony LCD HDTV.

“The new floorplans for our Southwind and Bounder models are the result of our focus on building innovatively engineered and uniquely designed motorhomes,” said John Draheim, president and CEO of Fleetwood RV. “We continually push the envelope when it comes to designing floor plans that our customers thoroughly enjoy.”

For more information about these new floorplans and Fleetwood RV’s entire line-up call (800) 322-8216 or visit www.fleetwoodrv.com.

About Fleetwood RV Inc.

Fleetwood RV Inc. is a leading manufacturer of Class A and Class C recreational vehicles. The company has one of the best and longest standing distribution networks in the industry and boasts some of the industry’s most recognized and iconic brand names such as American Coach and Bounder. Fleetwood RV is headquartered in Decatur, Ind., which is also its principal manufacturing location.

 

Fleetwood Grows Lines With 6 New Floorplans

Decatur, Ind.-based motorhome builder Fleetwood RV Inc. will highlight six new floorplans during the National RV Trade Show, Nov. 27-29 in Louisville, Ky.

“Our focus continues to be on our relentless commitment to innovation, quality and value,” said John Draheim, president and CEO of Fleetwood RV, in a press release.

The new models extend the company’s product expansion this year as 13 new floorplans have been introduced throughout 2012. In addition to the new floorplans, Fleetwood will showcase its Platinum Edition paint schemes in Louisville.

“The combination of Fleetwood’s quality engineering and new floorplan selections make these products a ‘must see’ at this year’s show,” said Draheim. “These new products offer dealers the value and opportunities they’re looking for to be prepared for a successful spring selling season.”

For more information on dealer opportunities, contact Lenny Razo, national director of sales, at (800) 854-1344 or email Lenny.Razo@Fleetwoodrv.com.

Fleetwood Reports Strong Hershey Show Sales

Decatur, Ind.-based motorhome builder Fleetwood RV Inc. announced recent sales success at America’s Largest RV Show. The show, hosted by the Pennsylvania Camping & RV Association (PRVCA), was held Sept. 10–16 in Hershey at the Giant Center.

According to a press release, Fleetwood RV reported over 50% sales growth over last year’s show, with increased sales of Class A gas and diesel motorhomes. The growth was driven by the Bounder and Excursion brands retail volume. Fleetwood stated, “This success can be attributed to exciting new products, partnering dealer Grumbine’s RV and the record attendance.”

“We’re extremely pleased with the results generated by the Hershey show,” said John Draheim, president and CEO of Fleetwood RV. “We’ve worked hard to make the 2013 product line our most exciting yet with new floor plans that meet the needs and wants of our customers. It’s exciting to see such an overwhelming response to our products. These results prove that great products and great dealers are a winning combination.”

 

 

New American Coach Site Touts Brand Essence

American Coach, the luxury coach division of Fleetwood RV Inc., has launched a new website, www.AmericanCoach.com. According to a press release the site has been redesigned to “capture the brand essence of American Coach.”

The new site features a new look and feel to the American Coach luxury brand, larger product images, easy navigation and an improved owner center portal including downloadable brochures and direct links to the American Coach parts and service center, owners club and upcoming rallies and events.

“After months of brand and website development, American Coach has created a website that details the company’s brand essence of ‘Driving Your Passion,’” stated Kyle McCrary, vice president of Decatur, Ind.-based American Coach. “Our brand essence is based on the important principles of integrity, reputation and commitment.”

American Coach’s new website, which also includes a “Build Your Own” application for visitors, was developed by LaBov & Beyond in Fort Wayne, Ind., with programming completed by Pivot & Levy in Seattle, Wash.

For more information call 1-800-854-1344 or visit www.americancoach.com.

Fleetwood to Show New Models at Open House

Decatur, Ind.-based Fleetwood RV Inc. will unveil several new floorplans and innovative designs in its 2013 diesel and gas motorhome lines Sept. 18-20 during the Elkhart County RV Open House.

According to a press release, the company’s expansive 2013 product lineup “continues to showcase quality construction, reliability and innovative design.” Highlighting the rollout, Fleetwood will show all-new floorplans for its for top-selling Bounder, Bounder Classic, Southwind and Discovery.

Fleetwood is also launching two new floorplans for its innovative compact diesel pusher, the Excursion. The 35B and 35C both boast contemporary layouts and design throughout including a mid-coach Whirlpool 18-cubic foot residential refrigerator and wrap-around kitchen providing functionality and an abundant space for cooking and dining.

“We listened to feedback directly from our customers in creating these new floor plans and designs for our 2013 models,” said John Draheim, president and CEO of Fleetwood RV. “Our new floorplans feature contemporary designs that will resonate with savvy consumers and our sales team is excited for the opportunity to show the new designs to both current and potential dealers.”

Fleetwood’s nationwide sales team will be on hand to show the new product and conduct product training. The company said that dealers should contact their district sales manager to schedule times for exclusive training.

The Fleetwood RV Open House event will be located just 1 mile west of the RV/MH Hall of Fame on County Road 6 at Frederic Drive in Elkhart. The product display will be adjacent to the Burston Marketing building at 52950 Frederic Drive. Complimentary lunch will be served daily.

For more information on all Fleetwood RV products, call 1-800-322-8216 or visit www.fleetwoodrv.com.

 

 

FMCA Expecting Crowd of 8,000 for Indy Event

Fleetwood RV Inc. will unveil a chic new restyled exterior for its top-of-the-line 2013 American Heritage diesel pusher Class A motorhome featuring 20 LED lights in a redesigned front cap at the Family Motor Coach Association’s (FMCA) 87th Family Reunion & Motorhome Showcase next week at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

The Decatur, Ind., company also will introduce a 36-foot, gas-powered Fleetwood Bounder Classic model that includes a full wall, street-side slideout at FMCA’s once-a-year national consumer gathering slated for Aug. 27-30 at the 250-acre fairgrounds on the city’s accessible north side.

In addition, 40 of Navistar Inc.’s Monaco and Holiday Rambler-brand motorhomes will be among the approximately 260 coaches on display at Indy – the first FMCA consumer convention to be held in the Hoosier State since Cincinnati-based FMCA staged a 1991 confab at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend.

”That will be more coaches than we’ve had at recent conventions,” said FMCA President Jerry Yeatts, adding that some 2,500 towable and motorized family coaches with about 8,000 people are expected to show at the late August event.

Attendees, meanwhile, will also see a $1.7 million motorcoach at the Newell Coach Corp. display as well as Newmar Corp.’s 2013 Dutch Star diesel pusher that’s been significantly upgraded. ”The Dutch Star has a completely new look inside and out,” Newmar’s John Sammut, vice president of sales and marketing for the Nappanee, Ind., manufacturer, tells RVBUSINESS.com.

Vendors offering RV accessories, components, supplies and campground information will display their wares inside Champions Hall.

While move-in days are Saturday and Sunday, a special preview of the motorhome exhibits will be held from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the balance of the convention.

Gate price for non-members is $240 per RV, while members pay $190. Daily admission for exhibits is $7.00 per person with children admitted free with an accompanying adult. Individuals with an active military ID are also admitted free.

 

 

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