RVDA Adds GE Capital as Gold Expo Sponsor

Fairfax, Va.-based Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) announced today (June 3) the addition of GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) as a Gold Sponsor of the 2011 RV Dealers International Convention/Expo.

Sponsored by RVDA, RVDA of Canada and the RV Learning Center, the expo is scheduled for Oct. 3-7 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

“There is no way RVDA or the RV Learning Center could provide the variety and depth of continuing education sessions offered at the convention without the support GE Capital and other sponsoring companies,” said RVDA Convention/Expo Committee Chairman Peter Albano of American RV in Olive Branch, Miss. “We thank them for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to their dealer business partners.”

GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance is a leading provider of specialized financing and servicing programs in the U.S. and Canada that facilitate the manufacture, distribution and sale of RVs, watercraft, motorsports, technology products, electronics and appliances, industrial equipment, outdoor power equipment, office products, musical instruments, trailers, and other consumer durables.

“GE Capital supports the mission of the RVDA, particularly the dealer education component,” said Peter Lannon, managing director for CDF’s RV business. “We are dedicated to the RV industry in the USA and Canada, and we continue to invest in effective means to strengthen RV dealers. GE Capital is proud to increase our sponsorship for the 2011 Dealer Expo.”

Themed “ReVolution: Take Charge Today,” the convention will feature new, in-depth “super sessions” covering the top issues RV dealers and their employees are facing right now. The education program will include information on building sales through innovative marketing strategies to reach new customers and an overview of the short and long-term trends that will impact the RV industry.

To make the convention as affordable as possible, the registration fee for dealership employees is the same as last year. RVDA is also offering special registration plans including an “Easy-Pay” plan of four payments and the ability to “lock-in” early bird savings for additional employees with one paid convention registration.

Visit www.rvda.org and www.rvlearningcenter.com to register for the convention and for regular updates about the convention. You can also get updates by following the convention on Linkedin and Facebook. Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities and exhibitor information can contact RVDA at (703) 591-7130, ext 103 or send an e-mail to scharter@rvda.org.

‘RVIA Industry Profile 2010′ Reflects Optimism

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) has published its “RVIA Industry Profile 2010.”

“Nothing eases uncertainty quite like a strong dose of perspective,” the profile states. “For the RV industry, 2010 offered a great deal of perspective and a large helping of optimism as well.”

RV shipments totaled 242,300 in 2010, a 46.2% gain over the previous year, making it the largest year-over-year gain on record, RVIA noted. “Importantly, retail value of those shipments shot up 69.5% to more than $8.7 billion in 2010, also the largest reversal on record.

Other highlights include:

• Towable shipments totaled 217,100 units, up 42.4% over 2009.

• RV retail values totaled $5.4 billion, up 52.2%.

• The average retail value of a towable RV shipped in 2010 increased by 6.9% over the year before.

• Motorized shipments surged 90.9% in 2010, to 25,200 units. Class A shipments grew by the largest percentage and reached 13,100 units. Class C shipments totaled 10,500 units and Class B unit shipments totaled 1,600 units.

• Retail value of all motorhomes rose to $3.3 billion, more than double the retail value recorded in 2009. The average motorhome retail value grew by 8.7% in 2010.

• Texas was again the top state destination with 6.4% of all shipments going there in 2010. California was second, with 5.5%, followed by Michigan third at 4.8%.

• By region, the East North Central area received the most RVs in 2010 with 15.2% heading there. The South Atlantic region finished second with the West South Central region third. Shipments to Canada grew by 22.2% and nearly matched its all-time high of 22.3% in 2008.

• For the moment, approximately 83% of all U.S.-made RVs came from factories in Indiana. Oregon was second at 5.46%.

• Turn rates improved in 2010, supporting the need for higher inventories.

The profile concludes, “There are plenty of potholes in the road to profitability and it’s certainly not well marked. Maximizing what works from what doesn’t is the key to long-term success in any market but especially for discretionary purchases like recreation vehicles. By that measure alone, the RV industry has been doing something right for a long time. The year 2010 simply re-enforced that premise.”

VIDEO #1: RVIA’s Fore on “RV Capital Talk”

New on RVBUSINESS.com today is “RV Capital Talk,” featuring an interview with Gregg Fore, president of Dicor Corp. and chairman of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). “RV Capital Talk” is part of a new weekly feature on RVBUSINESS.com and on the Internet.

While Fore previews RVIA’s Committee Week activities scheduled for next week in Washington, D.C., the show itself is co-hosted by RVNN.TV Creative Director Dave Dufour and RVBusiness Publisher Sherman Goldenberg and is produced out of the northside-Elkhart, Ind., studios of RV News Net (RVNN.TV) (http://RVNN.TV), an Internet-based television network launched in January.

RVNN.TV currently generates 12 recreational vehicle-oriented TV shows for Internet distribution. In addition to traditional website and podcast distribution, RVNN’s shows are delivered via “over-the-top” (OTT) Internet TV systems, including Roku, Boxee and Apple TV, as well as mobile devices, such as iPad.

RVNN.TV is advertiser-supported, offering viewers a broad range of trade and consumer RV-related content, largely in a breezy, informal style, according to Andy McCaskey, managing director of the network. “RVNN is casual TV, not highly produced, but the trade-off is a closer relationship with our audience, more immediacy and a higher level of involvement that translates into a more productive marketing channel for advertisers,” said McCaskey.

“It’s a first in the RV industry — a multi-layered marketing channel that is actually ‘two –way TV’ using familiar tools such as text messaging and Skype,” he added, “and it’s fully integrated with social media such as Twitter and Facebook. With RVNN.TV, marketers can reach audiences more proactively in ways people want to be reached. RVNN.TV is an exciting cost-effective communications channel to reach the RV enthusiast.”

RVIA’s Curtin Forecasts 2011 Shipment Gains

For a year that started out with some ominous economic signals — and still faces some substantial challenges — the summer forecast for RV shipments issued this week by Richard Curtin of the University of Michigan’s Consumer Survey Research Center on behalf of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association presents a relatively comforting view of the year at hand.

Looking at the first quarter’s wholesale shipment results — totaling 65,100 units, an 8.7% year-to-year gain — Curtin concludes that the industry has shown “remarkable strength” during the past year and will continue to do so by posting a 7.4% gain in 2011 shipments.

“Following 2010, which recorded the largest annual percentage gain since the mid-1960’s, total RV shipments are expected to post a solid annual gain of 7.4% in 2011, rising to 260,200 units,” wrote Curtin in RVIA’s quarterly RV Roadsigns forecast. “Seasonally adjusted RV shipments are expected to remain unchanged through most of 2011, showing some renewed strength at year-end and into the start of 2012.

“The positive RV outlook is based on favorable economic factors that outweigh the negative,” added Curtin. “There is no doubt that consumers suffer under the weight of rising food and fuel prices, minuscule wage increases, high unemployment and the threat of higher taxes at all levels of government. The primary impact of increased fuel prices, along with higher food prices, is to diminish consumers’ discretionary incomes. On the positive side, RV demand will benefit from improving credit conditions, employment gains, stabilization of the housing market and a strong preference to continue in the RV lifestyle.”

All in all, Curtin posits, RV manufacturers should continue to thrive throughout 2011 and into 2012 based on “their ability to deliver the right selection of RVs at the right location at the right time, providing the same treasured experiences to families who now have more restricted budgets.”

RVIA Canadian Seal Changes Effective June 1

Beginning today (June 1), new requirements will take effect for Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) manufacturers regarding standards and seal usage for RV units built for the Canadian market, according to the RVIA.

In March, the RVIA Board of Directors adopted the NFPA 1192 Standard on Recreational Vehicles for all Canadian units, effective June 1, 2011.  This requires all units shipped to, or produced for, the Canadian market to be built to NFPA 1192 and to have the appropriate RVIA seal attached.

This includes RVIA manufacturer members located in Canada producing units for the Canadian market. In the Canadian provinces that require RVs to be built to the Z240 Standard, manufacturers must meet the Z240 Standard and apply the appropriate Z240 seal, as well as now meet the NFPA 1192 standard and apply the appropriate RVIA seal as an RVIA membership requirement.

As a result of these changes, the Canadian RV Association will no longer be offering a CRVA seal to RVIA manufacturer members.

RVIA inspectors will audit member manufacturer compliance to the NFPA 1192 Standard for Canadian units on the association’s usual eight-week schedule. However, RVIA will not be auditing compliance to the Z240 Standard. Manufacturers must continue to work with Canadian certifying companies such as QAI and CSA for Z240 compliance requirements and inspections.

These new Canadian requirements will allow RVIA to collect Go RVing funds on units shipped to, or produced for, the Canadian market and to create a fund to lobby the Z240 Standard Canadian provinces to accept the NFPA 1192 Standard with the goal of having a single RV standard for North America.

For more information on RVIA and Canadian seal requirements by province, contact RVIA’s Monika Geraci at mgeraci@rvia.org or (703) 620-6003 (ext. 318).

RVIA Sets Busy 2011 Committee Week Agenda

Members of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) will meet to plan the association’s agenda for the next fiscal year and beyond at Committee Week 2011, taking place June 6 – 9 at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C.

According to a release by RVIA, over the course of the four-day event the association’s standing committees, Executive Committee and Board of Directors will convene to review existing programs and plan new strategies and initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Go RVing Coalition and newly created Canadian Coalition Committee are also scheduled to meet in conjunction with Committee Week on Monday, June 6.

“We are looking forward to a very productive week of meetings,” said RVIA President Richard Coon. “Our association is very fortunate to have such talented committee members who readily volunteer their time to help us chart our future course. The work done at Committee Week is vitally important, especially this year as we look to continue the RV industry’s recovery.”

In addition to the full slate of committee meetings (see schedule below), other popular events taking place during Committee Week include:

• Joint Committee Luncheon — Committee members will gather on Monday, June 6, to hear Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the Survey of Consumer at the University of Michigan, discuss current economic conditions, give his forecast for RV shipments in 2011 and 2012 and detail preliminary findings from his latest RV consumer demographic research.

• Past Chairman’s Reception and Capitol Tour — Following Monday’s meetings, Committee Week participants will gather in the Congressional Atrium for a special reception recognizing Past RVIA Chairman Jim Sheldon and tour of the United States Capitol.

• Annual Membership Meeting — A two-hour luncheon program will be held on Tuesday, June 7, to offer reports on the state of the association from key RVIA officials, including RVIA Chairman Gregg Fore and RVIA President Richard Coon. RVIA will also honor industry leaders with association awards for their contributions to the industry.

• Capitol Hill Advocacy Day — RVIA members will descend on Capitol Hill for Advocacy Day on Wednesday, June 8, to promote important industry issues to elected officials and their staff.

Committee Week 2011 Schedule:

Monday, June 6

Committee Week registration will take place in the Ballroom Lobby – Lower Level from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Canadian Coalition Committee: 8 a.m. – 12 noon

• Market Information Committee: 8 a.m. – 12 noon

• RVST Council: 8 a.m. – 12 noon

• Joint Committee Luncheon: 12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

• Annual Meeting Committee: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

• Go RVing Coalition: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

• Industry Education Committee: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

• Lawyers’ Committee: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

• Past Chairman’s Reception & Capitol Tour: 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 7

Committee Week registration will take place in the Ballroom Lobby – Lower Level from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Public Relations Committee: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Standards Steering Committee: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• National Show Committee: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Public & Legislative Affairs Committee: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Annual Membership Meeting & Luncheon: 12 noon – 2:00 p.m.

• Financial Services Committee: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

• Supplier Committee: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesday, June 8

• Pre-Advocacy Day Briefing: 8 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

• Advocacy Day Meetings – Capitol Hill: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Long-Range Planning/Executive Committee: 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 9

• Board of Directors’ Meeting: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

RVIA’s Offering Facts to Fuel Price Questions

With gas prices continuing to climb through the spring, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) has collected positive data and RV travel savings information for industry members to use in responding to media questions that may be asked in the coming months.

With the onset of the summer RV travel season, these facts are also suitable for consumer marketing communications, according to an RVIA news release.

The information will continue to be updated as RVIA conducts future research and gathers more data.

Please visit RVIA.org for the most up-to-date version or contact Kevin Broom in RVIA’s Public Relations department at (703) 620-6003 (ext. 304) or kbroom@rvia.org.

• RV travel is a great value. The PKF Vacation Cost comparison study shows that a family of four can save 26-to-71% on vacation costs depending on the type of trip and type of RV used. More than 80% of RV owners say their RV vacations cost less than other forms of vacation.
• The latest Campfire Canvass survey of RV owners reveals that 53% intend to use their RVs more this spring/summer despite higher fuel prices. Another 38% say they’ll use their RVs the same amount.
• Many RV owning families plan to take shorter but more frequent trips in their RVs. Sixty-three percent plan to spend five or more weekends in their RVs this spring/summer; 19% will reserve a seasonal site at a campground this summer and visit it on weekends.
• When fuel prices rise, RVers adjust by traveling to destinations closer to home, driving fewer miles, and staying longer in one place, according to surveys of RV owners conducted by RVIA and CVENT, a leading provider of online surveys and research technology.
• More than 80% of RVers say their RV vacations cost less than other forms of vacation, even when fuel prices rise.
• To save on fuel, RVers typically spend more time enjoying the campground experience and less time on the road. More than 16,000 campgrounds nationwide give RVers the flexibility to save fuel and cut costs by staying closer to home. Whether they travel five miles or 500, they can still enjoy a great outdoor experience.
• Fuel prices would need to more than double from their current level to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel, according to PKF Consulting. PKF’s spring 2008 vacation cost comparison study shows that RV trips remain the most affordable way for a family to travel because of the significant savings on air, hotel and restaurant costs, which continue to rise.
• Fluctuating fuel prices affect the cost of all modes of travel and transportation. Airfares and hotel rates rise rapidly when fuel costs increase.
• Many RV owners surveyed take additional measures to reduce fuel consumption through simple steps like driving 55 instead of 65 mph, packing lighter to reduce weight in the RV, and turning off home utilities to save energy when traveling. RVers travel at a leisurely pace with no tight schedules for flights, hotels or restaurants.

RVIA: Spring RV Media Coverage is Blooming

RVs are continuing to grab media attention with the weather warming and the summer travel season approaching.

Coverage reflects messages promoted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) that RVing is a cost-effective way for families to get away from the stresses of every day life, enjoy the great outdoors, and form lasting memories together, according to a report in the current issue of RVIA Today Express.

AAA World, which reaches more than 2 million subscribers, featured a writer taking his first family RV trip in April. The avid tent camper told readers his RV experience changed him. “So if in my youthful arrogance I’d thought RVs not worthy of inclusion in an honest outdoor experience, I was now truly (and remarkably easily) among the converted.” Click here to watch a video on RVs from AAA World’s website.

The May issue of Parents magazine shared with readers the experiences of a mom who took her children on the road for a year. “The history and beauty of America came alive for us.” According to the article, the camping life was a fun way to enjoy “less frenzied” family time. “Instead of running constantly to after-school activities, we read, attended ranger presentations, and ate more than our fair share of s’mores.”

The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, Calif., says gas prices won’t stop campers this summer. Despite the high prices at the pump, consumers are still visiting dealerships and buying. “I’ve never seen gas prices alone really affect the consumer,” Jeff Dailey, general manager of Pacific Coachworks, told the newspaper. “They still want to camp.”

CNN.com explored the reasons why RVs are so popular and asked “Is an RV Right for You?” CNN reported that the RV industry is recovering because, “Whatever their age, owners say it’s all about freedom. RVers go where and when they want, bypass airport security, avoid luggage fees and restrictions, tow the family car, and have room for kids and pets.”

More coverage is expected in coming weeks with stories slated for Ser Padres (a Spanish-language magazine for parents), Living Magazine, Where to Retire, Florida Travel & Life and AAA’s VIA magazine.

RVIA Hosts Seminar on New NFPA Standards

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) Standards Department hosted a well-attended seminar to educate industry members on the 2011 editions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1192 Standard for Recreational Vehicles, the ANSI 12V Standard for Low Voltage Systems in Conversion and Recreational Vehicles and the National Electric Code (NEC).

The session, held April 12 in South Bend, Ind., was designed to provide the industry an opportunity to learn about the new code changes and related enforcement positions. Seventy-five industry representatives were on hand for the event, according to the RVIA Today Express online edition.

The new standards have an effective date of May 1, 2011, for in-field use with a mandatory enforcement date of Sept. 1, 2011.

A new publication, RVIA’s “Handbook for National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1192 Standard for Recreational Vehicles,” to help explain the new requirements is now available to members.

RVIA will use the handbook during the transition period between the May and September dates to provide in-field training regarding new or revised requirements. The cost of the handbook is $199 for RVIA-member companies and $249 for non-members. Orders can be placed in the Publications store on www.rvia.org.

The 2011 edition of the NFPA 1192 standard is also available to RVIA members for $34.20 and to non-members for $38. The “ANSI/RVIA 12V Standard for Low Voltage Systems” is offered to RVIA members for $19 and to non-members for $24. Both of these publications can be ordered in the Publications store as well

The 2011 edition of the NEC is available from NFPA by calling (800) 344-3555 or online at www.nfpa.org/catalog.

For additional information, contact Gatie Gore at (703) 620-6003 (ext. 348) or ggore@rvia.org.

RVIA Names Lead Committee Week Speakers

In addition to the important planning done during meetings of the various Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) standing committees, this year’s Committee Week will also feature two informative luncheon events that will give attendees critical information about the RV market and association activities.

Those events are discussed in the current issue of RVIA Today Express. The story follows.

Joint Committee Luncheon

On Monday, June 6, Richard Curtin, director of the Consumer Research Center at the University Michigan, will be the featured speaker at the Joint Committee Luncheon taking place from 12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Curtin will present findings from his latest RV Consumer Demographic Profile research to be released this summer, provide his outlook for RV wholesale shipments in the coming year and take questions from the audience about the RV market and the overall economic climate. Curtin has directed RVIA’s demographic research since 1980 and authors RV Roadsigns, the association’s quarterly forecasting newsletter.

“Dr. Curtin has a unique understanding of how economic trends impact the RV consumer and the RV market, and we are fortunate that he will with be with us at Committee Week. His remarks will provide an insightful preview of what’s in store for the industry,” said RVIA President Richard Coon.

RVIA Membership Meeting and Luncheon

RVIA’s Annual Membership Meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 7, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. The session will include reports on the state of the association and updates on RVIA activities from RVIA Chairman of the Board Gregg Fore, RVIA President Richard Coon and RVIA Treasurer Derald Bontrager.

In addition, Chairman Fore will also honor industry leaders by presenting a host of association awards, including the prestigious Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award.

RVIA’s Committee Week 2011 is taking place June 6 -10 at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. During the four-day event, RVIA’s standing committee, executive committee and board of directors will meet to plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

For more information about Committee Week, contact RVIA’s Doreen Cashion at dcashion@rvia.org.

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