TMC Reporting Record Sales at Hershey Show

“The customer response for our motorhomes was amazing. We had people in the Thor Motor Coach display from the time the show opened until we closed,”  remarked Joel Grimm, national sales manager for gas motorhomes at Thor Motor Coach.

According to a press release, the most sought after and talked about addition at the RV show was Thor Motor Coach’s new HD-MAX exterior packages, a line of full color exterior décor packages that provide the look and feel of a full body paint package, but for thousands of dollars less. HD-MAX exteriors are available on TMC’s A.C.E., Hurricane, and Windsport Class A motorhomes, Four Winds and Chateau Class C motorhomes, along with the Siesta and Citation Class C, B-plus style motorhomes.

The redesigned Hurricane and Windsport Class A motorhomes, shown to the public for the first time at Hershey, were well received, according to TMC, particularly the new 34E rear bath-and-a-half floorplan.

TMC reported that its best selling A.C.E. brand posted record sales, while the Palazzo line of compact diesel pusher motorhomes also attracted buyers. The Tuscany and Tuscany XTE luxury diesel pushers also drew attention with a mix of content and price in a higher-line diesel motorhome.

The new 31L Four Winds and Chateau Class C motorhomes are marketed as offering more interior living space than most Class A motorhomes while the 29TB triple-slide Siesta and Citation had completely new interiors with upgraded features including optional leveling jacks, Firestone Ride-Rite air suspension, and HD-MAX exteriors.

“The commitment to our valued dealers and retail customers, focus on innovative customer service programs, and the development of ‘must have’ products is generating added excitement for Thor Motor Coach products,” commented Dana Simon, vice president of sales at Thor Motor Coach.

Visit http://ThorMotorCoach.com for more about Thor Motor Coach.

Industry Shines as Hershey Show Posts Record

America’s Largest RV Show reported record attendance at this year’s event with a turnout of 43,131 people for the Retail Days alone, according to a press release.

As previously reported by RVBUSINESS.com, the Sept. 10-16 event at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., saw a 29% increase in attendance from 2011 and set a new record for the history of the show. The show had over 1,092 new units on display, 172 booth vendors and 45 manufacturers covering display space that surpassed 2011 by over 7%.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the increase in both show space and attendance,” said Rebecca Lenington, executive vice president of the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), which annually hosts the show. “We sold out of booth vendor space inside the Giant Center and extended the manufacturer space further into the parking area. People coming to the show are always amazed at how many RVs and accessories the show has and this year’s show definitely exceeded expectations.”

Industry Days were the focus of the first two days of the show allowing dealers one-on-one time with manufacturers and the opportunity to see the debut of the 2013 products.

“There’s a lot of value in Hershey’s Industry Days,” said Dan Saltzgiver, general manager of Camping World of Hanover and PRVCA show chairman. “The show allows dealers and campgrounds to have the first glimpse of the new product and familiarize themselves with the models.”

Industry Days also included education clinics focusing on F&I, service writers and advertising along with a Red Carpet Breakfast featuring NFL Hall of Famer Marcus Allen and a party at Hersheypark.

This year, PRVCA held a trip giveaway to the Dominican Republic for campground and RV dealership owners attending Industry Days. The winners were John and Linda Sosko, owners of Silver Valley Campsites and RV Sales in Saylorsburg, Pa. “I can’t believe we won,” Linda Sosko said. “I am going home and packing my bags.”

Retail days brought consumers who were ready to shop. “We had our best show yet,” Saltzgiver said. “Our sales were up over 20% and, from what I could tell, all segments of the industry did well at Hershey.”

“Traffic has been up and sales have been steady,” Ed Lerch, owner of Lerch’s RV, said during the show. “We are ahead of last year.”

Jay Troyer, director of sales and marketing for first-time exhibitor Forks RV Inc. noted, “We were very pleased with traffic and public reaction. This show will become a staple in our show schedule.”

The Hershey Show also provided hourly seminars for both new and experienced RVers. Industry experts such as Bob Marx, Walter Cannon, John Holod and RV Doctor Gary Bunzer were on hand to share their know-how.

“This year, America’s Largest RV Show far exceeded all my expectations,” Bunzer states. “We were blessed with glorious weather, outstanding sales and, of course, enthusiastic crowds that attended in record numbers each day of the show. In my 23 years of presenting seminars at this show, I cannot recall any year where we had such perfect sunshine, moderate temperatures, low humidity and no rain for the entire run of the show, every single day – including the two Industry Days on Monday and Tuesday.

“The dealers and vendors I spoke with were ecstatic about the record attendance and how well their sales were progressing as each day built towards the big weekend. I especially liked chatting with the first-time vendors and attendees. Everybody wore smiles the entire week. That’s a great sign for the RV industry.”

The universal appeal of RVing, as well as the ability to shop and compare so many manufacturers at one place, continues to attract thousands of people to Hershey. “We are so happy to provide a place where people can come together and share their passion for RVing,” Lenington stated. “We are in planning mode for next year’s show to make it even better.”

The 2013 PA RV & Camping Show will be held on September 9–15. For more information, visit www.largestRVshow.com.

Hershey Show Sets All-Time Attendance Record

Robust attendance and strong sales marked this year’s edition of America’s Largest RV Show as the host Pennsylvania RV & Camping Association (PRVCA) welcomed 43,131 attendees – an all-time record for the longstanding event – to the sprawling grounds at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. Following Industry Days, which ran Sept. 10-11, 6,485 people poured through the gates on the opening of Public Days, offering notice that this year’s show was going to be special. “This year, we had record numbers almost every day,” said Heather Leach, marketing and education director for PRVCA, noting that last year’s total attendance reached 33,407 despite heavy flooding the week prior. “Saturday was phenomenal, and was by far a record-setting day.” The show, which ran through Sept. 16, annually stands as a harbinger for the industry heading into the fall. Widespread reports from dealers and manufacturers indicated that people were in a buying mood. Forest River Inc. President and CEO Pete Liegl noted, “The Hershey Show was a barn-burner. Forest River did phenomenally well in selling virtually hundreds of units.” Dan Saltzgiver, show chairman for PRVCA, also gave a strong review, stating, “Dealers have been telling me that sales were great. Everyone I talked to was very upbeat.” PRVCA reported that over 1,000 units were on display in the outdoor grounds at the Giant Center. There was also a strong showing during Trade Days, which featured a full roster of seminars and workshops. “The show is truly a unique selling environment because it draws a mix of industry people and retail consumers,” said PRVCA Executive Vice President Rebecca Lenington. “That hybrid format lets manufacturers not only intermix with dealers, but also get feedback from the end buyer.”

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.”

 

 

Hershey RV Show Shoppers in a ‘Buying Mood’

Upscale motor coaches, along with popup tents, travel trailers and accessories – everything from travel coffee mugs to golf carts – enjoyed strong sales at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., during last week’s America’s Largest RV Show, hosted by the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA).

“They’re cranking. Business is booming in every aspect,” said Frank Davis with Camping World RV Sales.

The Patriot News reported that show organizers saw a record turnout Wednesday (Sept. 12) with more than 6,000 people through the gates. Davis said in two days he sold 29 motor coaches and a total of more than 200 items including trailers and campers.

Shoppers were out in full force, despite higher gas prices, checking out the latest models and taking advantage of interest rates as low as 3.9% for a 20-year loan, according to Davis, adding that he hadn’t heard anyone say gas prices are not preventing them from making a purchase

“It’s like buying a Corvette and asking about fuel economy,” he said.

Mario Pelletier of Annapolis, Md., said his motor coach gets about seven to eight miles per gallon but the trade-off is he and is wife, Denise, save money by pulling into camp grounds where it costs about $30 to $40 a night versus $200 for a hotel room.

He was canvassing the show in search of accessories, things like a GPS designed for Winnebago owners listing camp sites, service stations and restaurants. He was also checking into electrical isolation systems and tire sensors.

“Camping is a lifestyle. You have to love it,” he said.

“Sold” signs decorated several trailers at Grumbine’s RV lot at the show. The company is based in Harrisburg.

“This by far has been one of the best shows in three years,” said Steve Jablonski, sales manager. “I really think it’s kind of a renewed confidence in the economy. It seems to be a lot stronger than the past couple of years.”

He said he has noticed everyone from retirees to young families making purchases. They are spending $20,000 to $30,000, and not just on any one type of travel trailer.

“It’s all over the board. I can’t nail down a trend. It’s everything,” Jablonski said.

Rick and Beth Roberts of Columbia, Md., Were eyeing a Starcraft travel trailer at Grumbine’s. The couple , with two young boys in tow, said they are considering trading up from their current travel trailer.

Rick Roberts was especially enticed by the deals.

“They come here ready and willing to deal. They’ve already marked down a lot of their product line,” he said.

Hershey Show Eclipses Record for Opening Day

Crystal blue skies provided a fitting backdrop for Wednesday’s (Sept. 12) opening of Public Days during this week’s America’s Largest RV Show, as organizers reported a record gate far eclipsing any first-day attendance for the longstanding event in Hershey, Pa.

“We tallied total attendance of 6,485,” said Dan Saltzgiver, show chairman for the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), which annually hosts the event held on the expansive grounds at the Giant Center. “We thought last year was great when we had 5,057 attendees. We’re looking at a 23% increase over those numbers. It just never stopped. At 11 a.m. the line was back across the bridge into the Giant Center and into the parking lot.”

Salzgiver said that the show, which kicked off Monday and Tuesday with Industry Days, was not only attracting strong numbers but also generating sales for the approximately 100 rolling stock dealers and the host of suppliers manning the indoor exhibits at the Giant Center. Prior to the show, PRVCA Executive Vice President Rebecca Lenington reported that over 1,000 RVs would pack the outdoor display area.

“Dealers have been telling me that sales were going great,” Saltzgiver said, adding, “Everyone I talked to was very upbeat.”

In addition to “perfect weather,” Saltzgiver attributed the overflow crowd to a heightened promotional effort by PRVCA. “We spent more money on advertising than ever before – including social media like Twitter and Facebook – along with running billboards across Pennsylvania that went up around eight weeks prior to the show,” he said.

Saltzgiver said another factor behind the record numbers was the Hershey Show’s standing among RVers as “the place to come and see what’s new in the industry.”

“I have talked to a lot of people, and it was apparent that Hershey has evolved into the perfect venue for people shopping for a new RV,” he said. “It’s just grown year after year. They’re not just coming from the Pennsylvania region, but all parts of the U.S. and Canada. And they come to buy. I heard that a lot of people that had bought during a previous show were back to purchase again, so we’re getting repeat Hershey Show buyers.”

The show runs through Sunday and Saltzgiver is looking for a continuation of opening day. “The weather forecast is great,” he said, “so I don’t see a major slowdown in traffic. We are looking to add to those record first-day numbers.”

 

HGTV’s ‘RV 2012′ Slated to Premiere in January

RV 2012 – HGTV’s annual one-hour TV special covering all things RVing – premieres on Jan. 1 at 3 p.m. (Eastern), according to a report by Examiner.com. HGTV host Brandon Johnson will lead three lucky families on the shopping trip of a lifetime as they hunt for the perfect RV – from elegant motorhomes to tricked-out travel trailers and toy haulers.

Shot on location at the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show – held annually in September at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. – the RV show is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA). The show ranks No. 11 out of the 200 largest trade shows in the U.S. and Canada with 59 leading manufacturers and over 100 supplier vendors represented.

Billed as America’s largest RV Show, PRVCA reported record attendance at the 2011 event with a turnout of 36,410 people for the Retail Days alone. The event, held Sept. 12-18, saw a 4% increase in attendance from 2010 and set a new record for the history of the show. The show was over 1.3 million square feet and had over 1,050 new units on display – an increase of 6% compared to 2010. There were 165 booth vendors in attendance – a 15%increase over 2010; and manufacturer square footage increased by 5% compared to last year.

HGTV – America’s leader in home and lifestyle programming – is distributed to more than 89 million U.S. households and is one of cable’s top-rated networks. HGTV.com is the nation’s leading online home and garden destination that attracts an average of 5.2 million unique visitors per month.

 

HGTV to Air 14th Running of Annual RV Special

For a 14th consecutive year, HGTV is producing its annual RV special, which will premiere New Year’s Day and be rebroadcast several times throughout 2012.

The RV segment has been HGTV’s highest rated special the past several years.

Producers worked with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) in mid-September to film this year’s show at the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey. Twenty-two RVs will be highlighted on the hour-long special.

HGTV is received in more than 99 million U.S. households and is one of cable’s top-rated networks.

 

Show Hauler’s Big Coach Drew Hershey Crowd

One of the real show stoppers at the 43rd Annual Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show Sept. 12-18 at the Giant Center in Hershey, was a heavy-duty “Class C” motorhome on a Freightliner Coronado Class 8 truck from Show Hauler Trucks Inc. The 54,000-pound GVWR coach is designed to appeal to the racing crowd and anyone else who wants to combine the livability of a motorhome with the sheer power and brawn of an over-the-road truck capable of hauling 40,000 pounds. The 45-footer on display at Hershey, retailing with solid oak or maple interiors and all the electronics one might expect in a $319,000 coach, featured two full bedrooms, two full baths and four slideouts in a front-engine “diesel puller” that doesn’t really fit in any of the current categories applied nationally to motorhomes, according to Lonnie Troyer, sales manager for the 11-year-old Middlebury, Ind., custom motorhome builder. “We’re talking about a diesel puller here,” said Troyer. “Maybe we need a reclassification for something like this, maybe a ‘Class D’ or something like that. I’d personally prefer a Class D, a diesel puller, as opposed to a diesel pusher. Yet, diesel pushers are allowed in resorts, and these in some cases aren’t. We have a $300,000 unit here that’s not allowed in some parks because it’s technically a Class C.”

 

 

Hershey Show Hits All-time Attendance Record

The recently completed Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey posted record attendance with a turnout of 36,410 people for the Retail Days alone, according to a press release.

Event organizers reported that the Sept. 12-18 event, billed as America’s Largest RV Show, saw a 4% increase in attendance from 2010 and set an all-time record. The show encompassed over 1.3 million square feet and had over 1,050 new units on display – an increase of 6% compared to last year. There were 165 booth vendors in attendance, representing a 15% increase over 2010, while manufacturer square footage increased by 5%.

This year’s show battled national media attention as flooding hit the area the week prior to opening. “We received hundreds of phone calls and e-mails asking if the show was still opening,” said Rebecca Lenington, executive vice president of the host Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA). “Thanks to the PRVCA staff and the understanding and the cooperation of our exhibitors, set-up of the show went as scheduled and we opened on time without having to make any changes to the show’s program.”

Industry Days were held the first two days of the event allowing dealers one-on-one time with manufacturers and the opportunity to see the debut of the 2012 products. “There’s a lot of value in Hershey’s Industry Days,” said Dan Saltzgiver, owner of Reicharts RV and Camping Center and show chairman. “We send staff to the show both days so that everyone has a chance to see the new product and get a chance to talk with manufacturer representatives and suppliers.”

The educational events were a popular draw with eight featured industry experts. Keynote speakers Randy Sobel and Scott McKain focused on operating in today’s economy, allowing attendees to walk away with some new approaches to their businesses.

PRVCA said that Retail Days attracted consumers who were ready to shop, representing a good sign for the industry as the show is generally regarded as a bellwether for the coming year. Comments included:

• “Consumer attitudes were positive and it looks like we’ll bypass our 2010 sales,” Nick Palm of Tiffin Motorhomes Inc. said. “We had an excellent show. (Owner) Bob Tiffin attended all retail days and was impressed with PRVCA’s management and consumers’ attitudes.”

• “PRVCA did a phenomenal job,” said Chris Colton, owner of Colton RV. “Sales have exceeded last year’s sales and we’ve sold more gas products than in the past. It was a good show and Mother Nature was on our side this week.”

• “We are very happy with how the show has been,” offered Gene Ulrich, sales manager of Stoltzfus RV of West Chester. “As of Saturday night, we surpassed any sales we’ve ever done.”

• “The show finished well for us and we’re pleased,” Don Laird, president of Lime Lake RV said. “A lot of people are really getting into the green phenomenon and that’s been a real plus for us.”

• “It was very encouraging to see such a positive consumer attitude,” said Jeff Kline, owner of Gayle Kline RV. “Sales are good.”

Supplier booth vendors also experienced good sales. “For a product debut, it was everything and more,” noted Drew Schiller, president and inventor of Bag Rack. “I received a lot of validation for the product and signed six distributors during Industry Days.”

The show also provided hourly seminars for both new and experienced RVers. “I get a lot of attendees in my seminars who have yet to purchase an RV,” Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor, said. “They find value in being able to apply what we discuss in the seminars to make a better informed decision when they buy. And they know the Hershey Show is THE place to get a good deal on a brand new RV.

“Those who already have a coach, love, not only to look at the new models, but they glean value from the great educational topics presented at the show. I’m guessing everyone walks away with something; a new recreation vehicle, or a new product, or valuable information about maintaining their recreational investment. Everyone wins.”

The universal appeal of RVing, as well as the ability to shop and compare 56 manufacturers at one place, continues to attract thousands of people to Hershey. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the success of the 2011 Show,” Lenington stated. “We are in planning mode for next year’s show to make it even better.”

The 2012 PA RV & Camping Show will be held on September 10–16. For more information, visit www.largestRVshow.com.

 

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