Monaco Partners with the Wynns for Web Saga

Monaco RV LLC announced a strategic partnership with entrepreneurs Jason and Nikki Wynn, the creative team behind “Gone with the Wynns’,” an interactive website and popular video web series of the same name.

The Wynns travel the country in their new Monaco Vesta in search of the greatest and greenest RV adventures America has to offer, while producing a series of short videos that document where they are, what they‟re doing and who they meet, according to a news release. It began as a way to provide a visual journal of sorts for their friends and family to enjoy. A way to stay connected.

“We knew we wanted to take advantage of today’s social media, like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter,” explained Jason. “Once we knew this was something that could be opened up to the general public, it just took off.”

The idea has blossomed into the website and video series “Gone with the Wynns’.” (Visit www.gonewiththewynns.com). Each 3-5 minute webisode, hosted by Nikki and shot and edited by Jason, is a reflection of the Wynns’ infectious personalities and diverse interests. “From a music and art festival in Nevada, to exploring the wetlands of the Mississippi River,” explained Nikki, “we hope RVers from all walks of life find inspiration for their next trip, and even offer their own suggestions.”

When the Wynns were seeking a new Class A motorhome that was eco-friendly, easy to drive and would fit their youthful lifestyle, they turned to the 2011 Monaco Vesta 32PBS. “We love the Vestas clean, modern design and eco-friendly features,” said Jason, “including energy-efficient windows, the clean-burning fuel-efficient diesel engine and optional LED lighting and solar panels.”

The Wynns, their two cats, Cleo and Singa, and their new Vesta, nicknamed “Windy,” are scheduled to make several stops throughout the Western states, including Breckenridge, Colo.; Taos, N.M.; Dana Point and Indio, Calif.

New webisodes will be posted to the website weekly, along with a “tip of the day,” featuring RV and environmental-related tips.

You can also follow the Wynns via Facebook or Twitter through links on their website. Via the “Contact” page on the site, they strongly encourage suggestions for cool destinations, events or local food spots. Their videos are also viewable through video sharing sites YouTube and Vimeo.

“We seized the unique opportunity to partner with Jason and Nikki Wynn for the ‘Gone with the Wynns” venture,” explained Ryan Lee, director of marketing for Monaco RV. “They love their new Vesta and their passion for RVing and the outdoors are sure to raise awareness to consumers who may not have considered RVing before, while helping to drive prospective buyers to dealers‟ lots.

“The Wynns are youthful, active, green-minded and eco-conscious, which isn’t something people always associate with RVers. Partnering with Jason and Nikki is a unique way for us to get our products in front of a demographic group that is largely new to the RV market. They Wynns are great people, talented professionals and tremendous ambassadors. We’re proud to have them representing Monaco RV, our products and the RV lifestyle.”

Holiday Rambler Adds Key Florida Dealership

Monaco RV LLC announced that R.V. World of Nokomis as a new dealer partner carrying the Holiday Rambler brand of motorhomes.

Located at 2110 N. Tamiami Trail in Nokomis, Fla., the family owned and operated dealership was founded in 1977 and has grown to become one of the largest new and used RV dealerships in Southwest Florida, according to a news release.

“Our sales team looked at many manufacturers, and we choose the Holiday Rambler brand because of it offers more unique floorplans and models than other brands,” this according to Matt Gerzen, owner of RV World of Nokomis. “The Holiday Rambler brand has an extensive customer base along with a strong, iconic name in the industry. We are excited to offer the quality products of Holiday Rambler to its established loyal customer base, as well as introduce the Holiday Rambler brand to new RV customers.”

“Holiday Rambler and RV World of Nokomis are a perfect fit,” stated Scott Jacobson, national sales manager of Holiday Rambler. “Both have a rich, well-established history spanning many decades and the deep-rooted philosophy that customer always comes first. We are extremely happy to be joining forces with RV World to bring our mutual customer the very best in family friendly, affordable RV’s on the market.”

R.V. World of Nokomis is a full-service dealership, offering a 16-bay service department that employs RVIA/RVDA Certified technicians. The dealership also has an extensive Parts Department and Body Shop. For more information about R.V. World of Nokomis, visit www.rvworldinc.com or call (800) 262-2182.

For more information about Holiday Rambler products, visit www.holidayrambler.com or (800) 245-4778.

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Chesapeake RV Joins Holiday Rambler Network

Monaco RVLLC announced Chesapeake RV Solutions as a new dealer partner carrying the Holiday Rambler brand of motorhomes.

Located at 3360 Battlefield Blvd. South, in Chesapeake, Va., the family owned and operated dealership will exclusively carry Holiday Rambler motorized products, according to a news release.

Chesapeake RV Solutions was founded by Tim and Jacqueline Loen in 2003. Tim, a retired Navy SEAL and Jacqueline, a former homemaker, had made camping trips a regular part of their yearly routine. They set out to open a business in which they could share their enjoyment of the camping lifestyle, and Chesapeake RV Solutions was born. Over the eight-year history, the dealership has gained constant growth.

“We have been searching for a high-end, quality motorhome manufacturer for years,” according to Tim Loen, owner of Chesapeake RV Solutions. “Monaco RV/Holiday Rambler was the perfect choice for us and is the only motorized manufacturer we carry. With its support from Navistar, Holiday Rambler has the most technology-based building process in the industry and offers the excellent MaxxForce engine with Advanced EGR, the most user-friendly solution.”

“We are delighted to partner with Chesapeake RV Solutions to provide their customers the opportunity to experience the legacy and bright future of the Holiday Rambler brand, along with the highest level of service before and after the sale,” says Scott Jacobson, national sales manager for Holiday Rambler. “Chesapeake RV Solutions has an impressive reputation in the industry and we look forward to a long, successful partnership ahead.”

Chesapeake RV Solutions is a full-service dealership, offering both service work employing RVDA Certified RV technician and an in-house and on-line parts department. For more information about Chesapeake RV Solutions, visit www.chesapeakervsolutions.com or call (866) 432-0222.

For more information about Holiday Rambler products, visit www.holidayrambler.com.

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Monaco RV Debuts New Models at SuperShow

Monaco RV LLC concluded a successful presentation of its latest models by each of its three brands, Monaco, Holiday Rambler and R-Vision, at the 26th Anniversary 2011 Florida RV SuperShow held Jan. 11-16 in Tampa, Fla., according to a news release.

The annual show enjoyed record attendance of over 50,000 people. Monaco showcased the Vesta, the vertically integrated, sleek front-engine diesel coach with a low center of gravity, air bag suspension, air brakes and a tapered rear section which increases fuel economy.

“It’s a small coach that packs a big punch,” according to Toby Crews, regional sales manager for Monaco. “Customers lined the aisles to see this coach. Response has been great. Customers are amazed at the amount of room inside this 33-foot coach. They love the Advanced EGR no hassle Maxxforce engine, and the handling of this coach thrilled demo drivers.”

Holiday Rambler motorized division debuted for the first time the new full-wall slide Class A and C Aluma-Lite models. “We were extremely pleased with the response to our new gas products,”  according to Scott Jacobson, national sales manager for Holiday Rambler. “We offer more options at this size RV than any other manufacturer. We continue to listen and incorporate customer feedback to build the most successful, lightweight and fuel efficient motorhomes on the market today.”

Holiday Rambler towable division introduced the return of the iconic Presidential nameplate to its line-up, as well as their new half-ton towable Aluma-Lite fifth-wheel. “The Presidential received a great reception,” said Jim Weiss, regional sales manager for Holiday Rambler Towables. “Attendees raved about Presidential features and pricing, and dealer interest has also been strong.”

R-Vision showcased the expansion of its product line up with the affordable lightweight Silver Creek travel trailer and Onyx5 fifth-wheel. “Crowds were steady and strong,” according to Jay Kinney, regional sales manager for R-Vision. “Families are very positive about getting back in the market after two tough years. Ultra-lite products are the primary focus for many customers and the R-Vision brand provides a wide selection and range of lightweight products from which to choose.”

Navistar Expects Big Gains in Fiscal 2011

Navistar International Corp. announced today (Jan. 25) it expects substantial gains in fiscal 2011 earnings as the result of the successful implementation of its three-pillar growth strategy and improving economic conditions.

Navistar said it believes that net income attributable to Navistar International Corp. for fiscal year ending Oct. 31, 2011, is expected to be between $388 million and $466 million, equal to $5 to $6 diluted earnings per share, excluding transition costs associated with the integration of the truck and engine engineering operation and the potential positive impact of income tax valuation adjustments, according to a news release.

Navistar is the parent company of RV maker Monaco RV LLC.

“As evidenced by our guidance, our strategy continues to drive value for our shareholders,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO. “Coming out of the recession, we have developed today’s earning guidance around a stronger economy, further expansion of our after-market service parts business and continued benefit from great products, a competitive cost structure and profitable growth.”

The company raised its guidance for industry volume and now anticipates that total truck industry retail sales volume for Class 6-8 trucks and school buses in the United States and Canada for its fiscal year ending Oct. 31, 2011, will be in the range of 240,000 to 260,000 units. Truck industry volume in fiscal 2010 was 191,300 units.

Growth strategy transition costs associated with the integration of the truck and engine engineering operation into a single facility could be between $75 million and $80 million. Including the integration costs net income attributable to Navistar International Corp. for fiscal year ending Oct. 31, 2011 is expected to be between $311 million and $388 million, equal to $4 to $5 diluted earnings per share. Navistar earned $223 million, equal to $3.05 diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2010.

Additionally, Navistar continues to evaluate its ability to realize certain U.S. deferred tax assets which have previously been fully reserved. Once the company concludes that it is more likely than not that these assets will be realized, it expects to release the valuation allowance and restore these deferred tax assets on the balance sheet. As of Oct. 31, 2010, the company had about $1.5 billion of U.S. federal and state valuation allowances, out of a total of $1.8 billion, which it is evaluating for release and its impact on diluted earnings per share.

Holiday Rambler Intros Aluma-Lite Class A

Monaco RV LLC has reintroduced the Aluma-Lite nameplate with its new Holiday Rambler Class A gas motorhome.

According to a news release, the small, low-profile, aerodynamic coach is built on an 18,000-pound GVWR Ford Super Duty chassis powered by a 362-hp Triton V-10 engine. The 31SFS floorplan features a telescoping 7-foot 9-inch slide-out inside a 23-foot full-wall slide out. This allows for a large expandable L-shaped sofa behind the driver’s seat. Other amenities include a hide-a-way sofa/dinette table and slam-latch exterior baggage door. The Aluma-Lite measures 95 1/2 inches in width, with height of 11 feet.

“Although smaller in stature, the innovative slide-in-slide technology allows for as much floor space as larger motorhomes,” says Scott Jacobson, national sales manager for Holiday Rambler.” The Aluma-Lite also boasts expansive outside storage space. A king-size exterior pass-through storage at the rear of the coach features 115 cubic feet of exterior storage capacity. The Aluma-Lite is the ideal family-friendly, fuel efficient coach, with ample living and storage space to meet the needs of today’s RVing lifestyle.”

Two additional floorplans will be offered in the spring. MSRP starting at: $93,785.

For more information about Holiday Rambler products, visit www.holidayrambler.com.

Navistar Reports Higher Sales, Lower Profits

Navistar International Corp. reported on Wednesday (Dec. 22) profitable results for the fourth quarter ended Oct. 31, 2010, propelled by the improved performance of its core business and military sales.

Results included costs related to the ratification of the new UAW contract, which provides the company the ability to ensure a competitive cost structure across its production platforms and clears the way for future bottom-line improvements, according to a news release.

The parent company of Monaco RV LLC reported revenues for the fourth quarter totaled $3.37 billion, compared with $3.29 billion in the year-ago fourth quarter. Monaco results were not broken out in the quarterly report.

Net income attributable to Navistar International Corp. for the fourth quarter totaled $39 million, equal to 54 cents per share, which includes $10 million, equal to 14 cents per share from separation and layoff costs related to the new, four-year contract agreement with the UAW. Net income for the fourth quarter a year ago was $86 million, equal to $1.19 net income per share.

“The North American truck market has been depressed for three years now and the company has been able to provide good profits while investing in the future growth,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO. “The company is well positioned to take advantage of the growing North American market as well as expanding globally.”

“Going forward, we anticipate investments in our global operations will deliver profits by fiscal 2011 and provide solid returns to our bottom line in 2012 and 2013,” said Ustian. The company has invested more than $55 million in global expansion in 2010.

Fourth-quarter results were in line with the company’s earlier projection that it would deliver more than 17,000 2010-emission compliant vehicles in the United States and Canada. In addition, in the past month, the company also won new delivery orders for 250 International MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Recovery vehicles and an additional 175 International MaxxPro Dash vehicles DXM independent suspension. Also the company submitted its 15-liter, 2010 MaxxForce 15 engine for regulatory certification.

The company anticipates that total truck industry retail sales volume for Class 6-8 trucks and school buses in the United States and Canada for the year ending Oct. 31, 2011, will be in the range of 230,000 to 250,000 units.

Aluma-Lite Back in Holiday Rambler Lineup

Monaco RV LLC, Coburg, Ore., has reintroduced the Aluma-Lite brand name to the Holiday Rambler Class A gas motorhome lineup. Prominent in Monaco’s Louisville Show display was the low-profile, 31-foot 2012 Alumi-Lite slide-in-a-slide floorplan. The unit is built on an 18,000-pound GVWR Ford Super Duty chassis powered by a 362-hp Triton V-10 engine. ”The Alumi-Lite name hasn’t been around on a Class A since 1994,” said Scott Jacobson, Holiday Rambler national sales manager. The Aluma-Lite 31SF3 floorplan sports a 7-foot 9-inch long slideout housed in a 23-foot full wall  slide that has an L-shaped sectional sofa that sits behind the driver’s seat. ”It’s a smaller coach that gives better fuel efficiency with as much floorspace as a larger motorhome,” Jacobson said. The Aluma-Lite features 115 cubic feet of exterior pass-through storage. Two other floorplans featuring single slideouts will available by spring. MSRP: $99,000.

Monaco Debuts ‘The Next Generation of RVs’

Monaco RV LLC presented its “Next Generation of RV’s” at the 48th Annual RVIA Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., to a large and receptive crowd.

“The show was a tremendous success for our company, our dealer partners and the RV industry,”to Kay Toolson, president of Monaco RV, stated in a news release. “We received great feedback on our new products, our workmanship and the fresh, bold look of the new Monaco RV. I am very grateful to our employees and their unwavering commitment to providing the best products in the market. I also want to thank our dealer partners for their support and faith in Monaco RV.”

Toolson continued “We are so fortunate to be a part of Navistar, our 175-year old parent company, with the tremendous resources in design, testing and production it brings to our company. We are very excited about the new innovative products we will continue to bring out over the next several months.”

In addition to the display of nearly our entire lineup of RVs, the Navistar MaxxForce engine display explained the benefits of the new Advanced EGR system. This advanced system is the only no-hassle solution for complying with 2010 emissions regulations and does not require the additional equipment, fluids or add-ons necessary for the other option.

Monaco RV increased its distinction as the only manufacturer of fully integrated motorhomes with the launch of the all-new Holiday Rambler Trip before an enthusiastic audience of over 350 people. With the Monaco Vesta, the Holiday Rambler Trip is the second motorhome jointly developed by Monaco RV and Navistar. These products join Monaco RV’s family of motorhomes, unique in the RV market, where the engine, chassis and house are all specially developed by a single manufacturer.

Due to the success of these and many other new product offerings (such as the half-ton R-Vision Onyx and Silver Creek travel trailer, the Holiday Rambler Presidential fifth-wheel and the slide-in-slide Aluma-Lite Class A), production rates continue to increase in both Oregon and Indiana to meet demands, Toolson said.

RVB Best of Show: TMC’s A.C.E. Motorhome

There were plenty of innovative new RVs on display at RVIA’s 48th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., and that’s no surprise because tough economic times tend to bring out the best in many companies as they turn up the R&D focus to better compete for market share in a tight market.

Among the most eye-catching were Evergreen Recreational Vehicles LLC’s starkly different Element travel trailer, Fleetwood RV Inc.’s innovative rear-slide Tioga and Jamboree Class C, Monaco RV LLC’s futuristic Holiday Rambler Trip Class A, Earthbound RV’s chic new travel trailer, Airstream Inc.’s classy Eddie Bauer Edition Airstream, Open Range RV Inc.’s patio-equipped fifth-wheel, Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc.’s new high-end Voltage toyhauler and Winnebago Industries Inc.’s redesigned Winnebago Tour/Itasca Ellipse Class A.

But the RVBusiness staff’s unanimous choice for “Best of Show” was Thor Motor Coach’s A.C.E. Class A motorhome.

“In our view, the A.C.E. – an acronym for “Class A & C Evolution” – is a prime example of a post-recessionary motorhome that addresses the changing tastes – and wallets – of American consumers yet retains in the process a degree of style, dignity and even a touch of class,” stated RVBusiness Publisher Sherman Goldenberg.

Bottom line, the A.C.E., designed on a 16,000-pound GVWR, gas-fueled Ford chassis to combine the best attributes of Class A and C motorhomes, is a sharp-looking, kid-friendly, entry-level coach with full body paint, electric jacks, rear-view camera, kitchen slides, optimal storage, pet-friendly accoutrements and an electric drop-down cockpit bed that retails for under $80,000.

“You’ll see show specials for $69,995,” said Thor Motor Coach President and CEO Bill Fenech, “which will be a great deal for the customer, and the dealer should be very happy with his margin on that. We want our dealers to make money, but we want our customers to be able to get into the coach. They are going to get into it for not much more than a Class C price point.”

Imagine that?

“The ACE is a real neat project,” added Fenech. “It started out as an entry-level motorhome. We wanted to get into that price segment even more than we were. We wanted to be aggressive. So, instead of just coming out with a price piece that is just another me-too motorhome, we looked at the market a little differently. We looked at the Class A and Class C markets, and there are some advantages to both products for the buyer. We looked at the two, hence the name A.C.E. – A & C Evolution.”

Floorplan, eye appeal and price are the key ingredients that appeal to the retail buyers, said Fenech, and the A.C.E. was designed with those three priorities in mind.

Consistent with a market that in some cases has consumers looking for smaller vehicles, the A.C.E. is a relatively short 29 feet, 7 inches, in length – shorter than some Class C motorhomes – yet it offers 84-inch headroom.

The cockpit tends to appeal to more of a Class C buyer, with a moderate exterior eyebrow in a front cap that houses an overhead front bunk and smaller windshield with an integrated visor that, according to Fenech, limits distracting direct sunlight and heat. “Women are saying that this doesn’t feel as overwhelming as a big bus,” says Fenech.

In addition, drivers can check out the coach’s passenger side with a uniquely placed floor line window while a large conversation mirror above the driver’s seat affords a good view of the living space.

Storage capacities, on the other hand, lean more toward the traditional Class A, with exterior “mega-storage” including a relatively huge rear curb-side compartment.

Major passenger-side basement storage compartments are located under the patio awning, while noisy heat-generating appliances are located on the driver’s side of the coach away from the activities. Campsite hookups are situated on the driver’s side rear of the coach.

Incorporated in the entry step is a storage drawer and toolbox for keeping tools, gloves and other RV gear without having to track through the coach, and there’s a broom and coat closet at the entry door in addition to a “Motorhome Mud Room” at the main entrance door for dirty shoes and gear.

In the final analysis, however, the fact that the A.C.E. is inordinately pet-friendly – with an “integrated tiedown” for dogs outside plus an inside “Kibble Station” for feeding pets – was the icing on the cake in opting to name Thor’s A.C.E. “Best of Show.”

“We tried to do a price leader coach before,” added Fenech, “but we could never get it right. Everything we put in this coach, we did for a reason. Every single dollar we spent or dollar we took out, we did it for a reason.”

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