Keystone RV Announces 2nd Winner in Contest

Jennifer Russell of Pittsburgh is the recipient of a new Passport trailer as the latest winner in Keystone RV Co.’s “Rediscover America RV Giveaway.” According to a press release, Russell was the second winner selected at random in the national sweepstakes.

“I don’t believe you,” said Russell when informed by phone that she had won the trailer. “I feel so bad. I just kept repeating that and then starting crying and shaking. Just a week before we were notified, my husband and I were online researching new tents.”

Russell, husband Jamie, and five children (ages 6 months to 15 years old) have camped locally for years.

“We’ve always dreamed of owning a trailer and spending our summers at a kid friendly campground,” she said. “I can’t believe our dream has come true.”

“The ‘Rediscover American RV Giveaway’ is a vehicle for Keystone to reach out to millions of potential new customers through national print advertising, RV shows, web sites and publicity,” said Bob Martin, president of Goshen, Ind.-based Keystone RV. “The program generates tens-of-thousands of high quality leads and additional sales for our dealers.”

The Rediscover America Sweepstakes officially launched May 1, 2011, and is offering consumers three opportunities to win a new Keystone RV. In addition to the Bullet and Passport, a Keystone Hideout travel trailer will be awarded this spring. Consumers can enter at www.keystonervgiveaway.com or look for the links on the Keystone website.

 

 

Keystone Names New Fuzion Product Manager

Keystone RV Co.’s Fuzion toy hauler division announced today (Jan. 31) the appointment of Tim Markel as product manager, according to a press release.

A 10-year industry veteran, Markel most recently served as Keystone Raptor district sales manager for the east and southwest.

“Based on the excitement we see at early retail shows, the Fuzion line is dialed-in for success,” says Markel. “Fuzion’s new travel trailer and fifth-wheel floorplans, and industry-first Vizion full-basement fifth-wheel, are generating buzz and sales. I’m excited for the opportunity to lead the Fuzion brand. ”

According to Keystone group general manager Ryan Juday, the toy hauler market is poised for strong growth in 2012. “With our stand-out mix of products and outstanding dealer network, we expect Fuzion to capitalize on the resurging demand for toy haulers,” he said. “Our dealers are thrilled with what they see from Fuzion and this is translating into enthusiasm and sales.”

Contact Markel at 574-535-1473 or markt@keystonerv.com.

 

 

Keystone’s Stender Will Direct NE Montana Sales

Keystone RV Co. announces the hiring of Chris Stender as northeast district sales manager for the company’s Montana division. In his new position, Stender will assume sales responsibility for the Montana, Mountaineer and Montana High Country product lines.

“Montana is the No. 1 selling fifth-wheel 11 consecutive years,” said Stender, a nine-year industry veteran. “It is truly an honor to be part of the Montana team and partner with the top dealers in the Northeast. I am looking forward to contributing to Montana’s continued growth.”

According to group general manager Aram Koltookian, Stender brings to Montana a wealth of experience and close dealer relationships. “We are focused on growing relationships with our dealer partners,” says Koltookian. “Chris will play an important role in helping us do this as we introduce new Montana, Mountaineer and High Country models. Montana is clearly the market share leader. Chris will help ensure that we continue to dominate in the northeast. ”

Stender attended the University of Louisville and Vincennes University on baseball scholarships and resides in Bristol with his wife and twin eight-year-old daughters. Keystone is a Goshen, Ind.-based towable builder and subsidiary of Thor Industries Inc.

 

 

Keystone Names Mack Montana Product Manager

Goshen, Ind.-based Keystone RV Co. announced the appointment of Mike Mack as Montana product manager, according to a press release.

Mack, a former Montana district sales manager for the northeast and seven-year Keystone veteran, will assume responsibility for the Montana, Mountaineer and Montana High Country brands. Keystone Montana has been the No. 1 retailing fifth-wheel brand for 11 consecutive years, according to Statistical Surveys Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich.

“We are hard at work designing the 2013 models,” said Mack. “In order to maintain our position as the No. 1 selling fifth-wheel, we know we need to continue to be far ahead in style, features and value. The Montana buyer expects the best and we plan to deliver.”

According to Group General Manager Aram Koltookian, Mack’s well established track record and in-depth product knowledge earned him the opportunity to lead the Montana team. “Mike’s strong relationships with our dealers will provide Keystone with valuable input as we continue to refine the Montana line,” said Koltookian. “I am excited about the future of Montana and our dealers.”

Mack is a Michigan State University graduate, currently residing with his family in Elkhart. Keystone is a Thor Industries Inc. subsidiary.

Keystone Delivers First Vantage to Dean’s RV

Dean’s RV Superstore of Tulsa, Oklahoma, recently took delivery of the very first production Keystone RV Co’s Vantage travel trailer. Pictured (L-R): Tom Morgan, general sales manager, Dean’s RV Superstore; Randy Coy, owner/president Dean’s; Troy Nusbaum, Vantage product manager; Jeff Runels, Keystone group general manager. Initially unveiled at the Elkhart County RV Open House in late September, the Vantage has garnered widespread industry recognition and media coverage. Most recently, Vantage was selected by RV Business as one of the “Top New Product Debuts of 2012 Model Year.” Morgan noted, “When the tarp came off the Vantage at the Keystone Open House, I immediately texted my sales staff to let them know we were all in. The sleek, aerodynamic styling is very appealing and offers state of the art design at an affordable price.” Vantage is currently offered in four floorplans in lengths from 30 to 34 feet, with MSRP starting at around $33,000. Dean’s RV will display the Vantage front and center at their dealership and at RV shows, featuring the product as an attention getter and traffic stopper. “We want to make sure every customer sees the Vantage,” adds Morgan. Dean’s RV first opened for business in 1971 and has been a Keystone partner since Keystone was established in 1996. In addition to the Vantage, Dean’s is a full line Keystone dealer. “Dean’s has been a tremendous dealer partner since day one,” says Runels. “They see the potential Vantage offers and will take advantage to attract new customers and increase sales.”

Keystone’s Raptor Captures Sales in Louisville

In the midst of a strong Louisville Show, Raptor 384PK toy hauler’s patio-kitchen floorplan proved to be one of Keystone RV Co.’s top sellers, according to a press release.

The floorplan  features an industry-first elevated side patio complete with pull-down kitchen, refrigerator access, LCD TV, awning and deck railings in addition to the rear cargo ramp for loading quads, motorcycles or other toys. According to Raptor Product Manager Jim Rzepka, sales of the floorplan far exceeded expectations. “Our dealers loved the kitchen patio outdoor living zone and stepped up big-time by placing a record-setting number of orders. We were thrilled,” he said.

Goshen, Ind.-based Keystone said that the dual ramp and patio system is a feature Raptor innovated based on conversations with its dealers and existing owners. Other toy hauler brands offer a patio which can be set up on the rear ramp door, requiring partial disassembly of the patio in order to load or unload toys. The 384PK is different in that it has both a rear cargo ramp door and a separate side patio door.

Another unique feature of the 384PK floorplan is the angled front bedroom queen bed. According to Rzepka, by angling the front queen bed, Keystone was able to utilize otherwise wasted space in the front cap — creating an additional 12 inches of room at the foot of the bed. “This opened up the bedroom and allows us to better create a feeling of spaciousness. Kudos to our design team for the idea and to our production team for implementing it,” said Rzepka. “Twelve inches might not sound like a lot, but in an RV it is huge.”

The 384PK was not the only hit in the Raptor product line. Raptor scored big with its new SE fifth-wheel. Now available in three floorplans, the Raptor SE toy haulers are lighter in weight and lower priced than other Raptor models. “With the addition of the SE models our dealers can now offer a full range of Raptor products at various price points,” said Rzepka. “As the No. 1 selling toy hauler for seven consecutive years, every buyer can now find a Raptor at a price that is within their budget.”

Keystone Partners With Adventure RV Center

Keystone RV Co. announced today (Dec. 16) the addition of Adventure RV Center as its newest dealer, according to a press release.

In operation for over 23 years, the West Fargo, N.D.-based dealer will handle Keystone’s Alpine, Avalanche, Sprinter, and Copper Canyon brands.

“We’re thrilled to have Adventure RV join the Keystone family,” says Ryan Juday, Keystone RV general manager. “Adventure RV’s professionalism and excellence in customer care make them a perfect fit for the Keystone product line. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”

Mike Boe, Adventure RV general manager, feels that the time is right to feature Keystone products at his dealership, noting: “With the addition of the premium Alpine and Avalanche brands and the popular Sprinter and Copper Canyon models, we will now be able to offer our clients even more choices as well as a higher level of quality and value. Adventure RV is the leader in our market and Keystone RV is No. 1 in RVs in North America. Together we make a great team.”

 

Mike Thompson RV Adding Keystone’s Vantage

Mike Thompson RV continues to expand its product line, adding Keystone RV Co.’s new Vantage travel trailer, which was unveiled during the Elkhart County RV Open House in September.

“It’s such an exciting time to be in the RV industry and have the opportunity to represent awesome new products that are perfect for today’s RV buyer,” said Mark Rosenbaum, sales director at Calif.-based Mike Thompson RV, in a press release. “Once again Keystone RV is setting the bar for the rest of the industry. We are proud to represent the new Vantage line travel trailer. It’s the perfect fit for the first time buyer or a step up from a smaller travel trailer without the big price tag.”

The Vantage trailer offers “timeless design while incorporating cutting-edge construction technology,” according to Keystone. Features include:

• Laminated high-gloss gel-coat curved sidewalls, curved corners and arched ceilings increase Vantage’s livable space.

• Lightweight construction technology.

• Euro-style interior that features contemporary-glazed maple cabinets and two-tone fascia, and extra storage.

• LED lighting inside and out; front and rear fiberglass caps and minimal graphic coverage.

Mike Thompson RV Superstores’ California locations include outlets in Colton, Santa Fe Springs, and Orange County with two locations in Fountain Valley. For more information visit www.mikethompson.com.

 

Keystone Donates $140,000 to Assist United Way

Goshen, Ind.-based Keystone RV Co. recently completed another successful United Way fund drive, marking the 15th consecutive year Keystone has participated, according to a news release.

Even in this difficult economy, Keystone employees contributed over $140,000, making the company the No. 1 United Way contributor in Elkhart County. Since 1998, Keystone RV has raised a total of nearly $2.4 million and has been the No. 1 United Way contributor in Elkhart County nine of the past 10 years.

“I am so proud that the Keystone family continues to step up and support those in the community who need our help,” says Bob Martin, Keystone RV president. “We all live and work in this community. Our family and friends are here. We are a big part of the community and the community is a big part of our lives. It says something positive about the character of the Keystone employee that when times get tough, we dig deeper. ”

United Way of Elkhart County executive vice president Jessica Koscher, noted, “Keystone offers a great example of corporate philanthropy. They are dedicated to creating a better community and their employees demonstrate this every year during the United Way Campaign.

“They have had an unwavering commitment to Elkhart County during good and lean times. Because of Keystone, United Way has had the ability to continue to hone in on key issues, move ahead and support new and innovative programs in a time where many are only treading water.”

 

Keystone Ramps up Ore. Plant for Bullet Trailer

Keystone RV Co.’s Bullet ultralight travel trailers are now rolling off the production line at the Goshen, Ind.-based builder’s facility in Pendleton, Ore.

According to a press release, Bullet has seen strong market share growth in 2011, following its product launch in December of 2009. Keystone said that with a 48% market share gain, Bullet is one of the fastest growing laminated trailers of the top 40 brands and has climbed to  No. 6 in retail sales of ultralight units, according to Statistical Surveys Inc. The Keystone Bullet also garnered its second consecutive DSI Award from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) this past October.

Ramping up West Coast production will enable Bullet to further increase sales, according to Bullet product manager Brian Hyde. “By opening up production in Pendleton, Bullet is ideally positioned to meet the needs of our western dealers and their customers,” he said.

In addition to the new manufacturing facility in Oregon, Bullet is adding key features to the line,  including new exterior graphics, a slideroom system that creates additional living space and several new floorplans. “One of the big changes that excites Bullet dealers is the launch of a Bullet ultralight fifth-wheel for half-ton buyers,” says Hyde. “We will be introducing our second fifth-wheel floorplan at Louisville. This floorplan features a bunkhouse bedroom with an incredible amount of storage.”

Keystone’s Pendleton facility today consists of four production lines and support facilities, totaling 203,000 square feet under roof. In addition to Bullet, the facility also produces Keystone Springdale, Passport, Hideout, Cougar and Energy travel trailers and fifth-wheels.

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