TMC Sees 40% Increase in Sales at Tampa Show

Thor Motor Coach (TMC) showcased a host of new motorhomes and features at the Jan. 10-15 Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, providing a strong kickoff for the 2012 show circuit as the Elkhart, Ind.-based builder reported a 40% increase in retail sales compared to last year’s show.

“The Florida Super Show always gives us some indication of how the spring show season will go and it looks like it’s going to be a great year. The consumer reaction to our 2012 line-up was very positive,” Dana Simon, vice president of sales and marketing, said in a press release.

TMC said that the all-new 2013 Palazzo rear diesel “stole the show,” drawing crowds throughout the event. The industry received its first look at the Palazzo when it was unveiled in November at the RV National Trade show in Louisville, Ky. The Palazzo’s compact low-profile design makes it easy to drive while providing the amenities a premium motorhome shopper expects – as well as several they might not, according to TMC.

“The Palazzo, like the A.C.E., is a game changer creating a new segment in the market – attracting many buyers who thought a full-featured rear diesel coach was out of reach. While talking with new potential Palazzo owners at the show, it was clear the market has been waiting for this coach,” stated Adam Gudger, national sales manager for the Thor Motor Coach’s diesel division.

The A.C.E. continues its success as a crossover Class A motorhome. Recent additions include the 29.2 and all-new 30.1 floorplans. The 30-foot, 10 inch 30.1 model adds a second slideout, larger shower and more bedroom storage, in addition to the already well-equipped offerings of the entire A.C.E. lineup.

Making its debut, the 45-foot, 450-hp tag axle 45LT Tuscany also was well received. The 45LT offers a full-wall slide, expandable sofa, half bath with washer dryer option, dual vanity master bath, fireplace, and Sony electronics at a price point far less than its competitors.

For more information on Thor Motor Coach motorhomes, call (800)860-5658, or visit http://ThorMotorCoach.com.

 

 

TMC Names Gudger to Spearhead Diesel Sales

Thor Motor Coach announced the promotion of veteran sales executive Adam Gudger to the position of national sales manager for the diesel division. According to a press release, Gudger brings with him 11 years of diesel motorhome sales experience.

A graduate of the University of Oregon, Gudger and his family recently relocated to Northern Indiana in 2011 to be based out of the Thor Motor Coach sales headquarters in Elkhart, Ind.

“I am elated to have the opportunity to work for the best company in the RV industry. Our intense focus developing the most innovative and value-driven products is really paying off. There is no doubt our dealer partners are going to reap the benefits of these efforts in 2012 and beyond, said Gudger.

“Adam’s energy, knowledge, relationships, and most importantly his passion makes him a natural fit to lead the Thor Motor Coach diesel sales team.” stated Dana Simon, vice president of sales and marketing for Thor Motor Coach.

The Thor Motor Coach diesel line-up includes the Serrano, Astoria, Tuscany, and the all-new Palazzo rear diesel motorhome.

Gudger can be reached at 574-584-3646 or AGudger@TMCRV.com. For more information on Thor Motor Coach motorhomes, call (800)860-5658, visit ThorMotorCoach.com, or write Thor Motor Coach, Inc., PO Box 1486., Elkhart, Indiana, 46515.

 

 

TMC Rolls Out Palazzo Diesel Coach in Louisville

Building on the success of the A.C.E. motorhome – voted last year’s “Best of Show” by RV Business – Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is displaying the new Palazzo Class A diesel pusher at the 49th Annual National RV Trade Show, Nov. 29-Dec. 1 in Louisville, Ky.

According to a press release, TMC has positioned the Palazzo to “follow in the footsteps of its gas market predecessor the A.C.E. and revolutionize the diesel entry-level motorhome arena.”

The Palazzo is built on 26,000-pound GVWR Freightliner rear diesel chassis providing more than 5,000 pounds of cargo carrying capacity. Although the exterior dimensions are less than most mainstream diesel products, the innovative exterior storage is clean, well-lit and easy to access while trumping the competition’s capacity by 30%, according to TMC. In addition, the patio area is completely covered by the awning and sliderooms do not take away from the living area or storage access.

On the interior, TMC said it eliminated the typical diesel cockpit wind noise while providing extra cabinet and wardrobe storage by adding a series of nooks and crannies. From a design standpoint, the Palazzo is laid out so RVers don’t have to cross the full living area to get to the bath.

“Outside-of-the-box thinking, plus an understanding of what will make a dealer successful with today’s diesels, are the reasons we created the Palazzo,” said Dana Simon, vice president of sales for Thor Motor Coach. “The Palazzo is designed to blur the transition from a gas buyer to a diesel. No longer will price or cost of entry distinguish what customers think they can or cannot afford in a diesel.”

The Palazzo is debuting at Thor Motor Coach’s display in the South Wing, Hall 1 of the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).

 

 

TMC Appoints Davidson as VP Customer Service

Thor Motor Coach has named Ron Davidson the new vice president of Quality Control and Customer Service, according to a press release.

“Ron has been a valuable member of the Thor Motor Coach team. His attention to detail and his dedication to improving the daily quality of our products made him the obvious choice.” said Jeff Kime, president of Thor Motor Coach, a division of Thor Industries Inc.

Davidson has served on the Thor Motor Coach staff for seven years in various quality related positions along with 20 years experience in the motorhome industry.

“I look forward to the challenge of this new opportunity, and feel the combination of customer service and quality are the core of our success,” said Davidson. “Building on the strengths of the “Shield of Protection” including programs like Concierge Connection, Access 24-7, Rapid Response Parts and Gold Star inspection, we will lead Thor Motor Coach into the future.”

For more information on Thor Motor Coach, call (800)860-5658 or visit http://ThorMotorCoach.com.

 

 

TMC Unveiling 11 New Floorplans for Louisville

Thor Motor Coach announced plans to introduce 11 new floorplans during the 49th Annual National RV Trade Show, taking place Nov. 29–Dec. 1 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) in Louisville, Ky.

According to a press release, “these new floorplans have an abundance of upgrades demonstrating the significant push of product development being undertaken at Thor Motor Coach.” Highlights include:

• The Class B-Plus-Style Class C Citation 27SB, a fuel-efficient B-plus-style Class C motorhome with more exterior storage and features that include: Glazed cherry or maple cabinetry; “Mega-Storage” oversized exterior storage compartment; Onan RV MicroQuiet 4000-kilowatt generator; patio plus entertainment package; 32-inch HD LCD TV; 30-inch residential microwave; optional solid-surface kitchen countertops; over-sized 36-inch wide shower; and standard U-shaped dinette.

• The Challenger 37DT, a roomy class A gas motorhome with features usually found in diesel pushers that include: Increased 82-inch ceiling height in every room; 32-inch Sony LCD TV and home theater; expandable sectional sofa; premium Comfort-Fit by Villa furniture throughout; optional electric fireplace; side-hinged baggage doors providing easy access to large pass-though basement storage; large U-shaped dinette; roomy bathroom with double sink vanity; and plumbing for combo washer and dryer.

• The Tuscany 45LT, a 45-foot, 450-hp tag axle diesel pusher with luxury features that include: Smooth-riding Freightliner chassis with 450-hp ISL Cummins Turbo Diesel offering 1,250-pound-foot of torque; residential 12-inch by 24-inch polished porcelain tile; expandable sectional sofa; premium Comfort-Fit by Villa furniture throughout; all-new redesigned Euro-styled dash; dual vanity master rear bath; optional stackable washer and dryer; 40-inch HD Sony LCD TV and home theater; and hand crafted, solid-wood entertainment cabinet with built-in fireplace.

“The future is really bright, and we are working diligently to bring products to market that our dealers and customers demand,” said Dana Simon, vice president of sales. “We are committed to spending the time and resources to provide the most innovative motorhomes here at Thor Motor Coach.”

 

 

Thor’s Fuel-Efficient Serrano Driving up Sales

The Thor Motor Coach Serrano has moved into the “Top 10” best selling diesel motorhomes as of August 2011, according to Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI), Grand Rapids, Mich.,

In a press release, spokesmen for the Thor Industries Inc. subsidiary indicate that the diesel-powered Serrano has increased by 20% in overall retail sales, which equates to a market share increase of 18.3%.

“Our fuel-efficient Serrano continues to be a hit with motorhome enthusiasts and has had great appeal with consumers looking to buy gas or diesel models,” said Adam Gudger, Thor Motor Coach’s Serrano product manager. “We have recently introduced two great new floorplans which include a 34-foot bath-and-a-half model and a 33-foot model with a full-wall slide and an option for a stackable washer and dryer.”

The 2012 Serrano product offering includes five floorplans ranging from 31- to 34-feet. Built on the reliable Workhorse W-series chassis, the Serrano is powered by a Navistar MaxxForce diesel engine rated at 230-hp with 620 ft.-lb. of torque. With a gross vehicle weight rating starting at 20,500 pounds, Thor Motor Coach said the Serrano has a great power to weight ratio – lower weight overall weight, plus big torque output, equals a smooth running motorhome designed to conserve fuel.

“Consumers are looking for a fuel-efficient diesel with the power to handle mountainous terrain and the Serrano provides these diesel benefits for the price of a typical high-end gas unit,” said Gudger. “Users are getting significant fuel economy increases compared to gas motorhomes while the 36% increase in torque keeps the engine running quieter and more efficiently than comparable gas powered models”.

New interior amenities include an MCD solar and blackout roller shade with ClearView technology, helping keep solar light and heat out of the coach during the day while providing complete darkness for sleeping at night. Sliderooms feature custom hardwood fascia, adding a finished look to the Serrano’s living area, while optional heat pumps for the air conditioners take the chill out of the interior on cool mornings and brisk evenings. Three new exterior paint packages along with two interior decors packages are also available.

For more information visit http://Serrano-RV.com.

 

Thor Motor Coach Continues as Market Leader

Thor Motor Coach continues as the No. 1 retailing brand of motorhomes in North America with 22.93% share through June 2011, according to Statistical Surveys Inc.

In a press release, Thor Motor Coach said the results also show the Thor Industries Inc. division as the fastest growing motorhome brand among the top eight major manufacturers with a 27.9% increase over last year. Class C sales captured the No. 1 market position with an impressive market share growth of 31.50% compared to the previous year.

“Packing in features that include camper favorites like Mega-Storage Compartments, single step entrances and molded fiberglass front caps have helped us solidify our dedication to the Class C market. Over the past six months we have introduced several new floorplans that integrate features making the coach even more livable,” said Mike Savage, Thor Motor Coach’s Class C product manager.

The company said that over the last few months retail customers have responded well to the addition of several impressive new features on the Hurricane and Challenger lines, the redesign of the Tuscany, and several new floor plans on the Windsport, Serrano and A.C.E. lines.

“Our continued focus on what retail customers’ desire helps us to bring innovative floorplans with intelligent features to the market. Our after-the-sale support programs like Concierge Connection and Rapid Response Parts along with the stability of a strong and financially sound company are added reasons consumers continue to display their confidence in our products,” stated Dana Simon, vice president of sales.

 

Thor Motor Coach to Broaden A.C.E. Lineup

Thor Motor Coach announced today (June 23) that it will be introducing its next floorplan in the A.C.E. motorhome series in the coming weeks.

According to a press release, the evolutionary features of the open concept EVO29.2 floorplan, featuring an enclosed bathroom, will “push the A.C.E’s success even further.”

The news comes on the heels of the A.C.E. EV029.1 floorplan earning the No. 3 ranking for retail sales in April among gas Class A coaches in the latest report from Statistical Surveys Inc.

The A.C.E. debuted at last year’s Louisville Show, garnering the “Best of Show” award from RVBusiness magazine. Elkhart, Ind.-based Thor Motor Coach said that the floorplan was built “with a focus on how a customer would use their coach,” combining the best features of a Class A and Class C motorhome with an entry-level price point.

“It is very gratifying to see the retail success of the A.C.E. motorhome,” said Bill Fenech, president and CEO of Thor Motor Coach. “We took the blinders off in designing the A.C.E., and it’s a home run. Our dealers love the product and many are commenting that it’s the best turning motorhome on their lot. Being No. 3 is encouraging, however, we are more focused on building great products with great support. The numbers will follow.”

“We want to be everything to everybody, by offering an extraordinary value for your family,” said Dana Simon, vice president of gas sales for Thor Motor Coach.

Thor Motor Coach Posts Gains in April Sales

Elkhart, Ind.-based Thor Motor Coach (TMC) announced today (May 16) a substantial increase in year-to-date sales compared to the same period a year ago.

“Our goal is simple, to be the best, and the numbers will follow,” Bill Fenech, president and CEO, said in a press release “It has been quite some time since we’ve seen shipments this high. In my opinion, these numbers bring added validation to our team’s complete dedication to building the best motorhomes in the business. Although our dealers’ confidence continues to grow, we maintain cautious optimism by keeping our production levels in-line with retail demand.”

The company reported a 23% increase in April sales and a 36% increase in revenues for the fiscal year, highlighting “the demand for Thor Motor Coach products.” Retail demand continues to rise for Thor Motor Coach diesel products with the largest surge coming from the Tuscany and Serrano brands. The Tuscany year-to-date market share is up 36%, and the Serrano has seen a 64% hike compared to last year.

The newly introduced A.C.E. has made quite the splash in the market with both the retail dealerships and new RVer’s. Rental production is helping to catapult the increased demand. TMC continues to be one of the largest suppliers of rental coaches by partnering with the top RV rental companies in the world.

“Our market shares continue to swell on many products,” said Dana Simon, vice president of gas sales. “We attribute these successes to our market-driven ‘hot products,’ innovative designs, a continued focus on consumer needs and several customer focused programs including the Gold Star Inspection, Concierge Connection and Rapid Response Parts.”

Thor Motor Coach is a full-line manufacturer of several of the top brands on the market that include: A.C.E., Astoria, Avanti, Challenger, Chateau, Chateau Citation, Chateau Citation Sprinter, Daybreak, Four Winds, Four Winds Siesta, Four Winds Siesta Sprinter, Hurricane, Outlaw, Serrano, Tuscany and Windsport.

TMC’s Daybreak Class A Offers Exterior Kitchen

“We’ve seen an explosion of outside kitchens on towable products, but nothing from motorhome manufacturers. This new upscale exterior kitchen design fits our motorhome demographic and is sure to be a home run,” Mike Peterson, product manager for the Daybreak, stated in a news release.

The Daybreak 34SS floorplan launched with an optional fully functional exterior kitchen on the camp-side of the coach. It features a 15,000 BTU easy clean stainless steel LP grill, 19-inch widescreen HD TV and a 4.6-cubic-foot mini fridge. Another industry first for a motorhome is the integrated single-bowl sink. This sink drains just like the interior sinks, into the grey water holding tank. This is a very desirable upgrade compared to many trailers that simply drain onto the ground.

Bob Wilson, sales manager at Leo’s Vacation Center, was the first person to see the new kitchen when it arrived to the Timonium show. “I was blown away with the new kitchen design. Many of the trailers we carry have a kitchen outside, but to have it in a motorhome really blew me away. Our customers are the big winners on this one.”

“We understand that RVs are not ‘one size fits all,’ so when massive exterior storage is desired over the outside kitchen, the Daybreak 34SS comes standard with an oversized camp-side exterior compartment with the VersaTrac modular storage system,” Peterson said. “The customizable storage system has optional attachments such as hooks, bins, loop, etcetera that makes RV storage a snap.”

You can find out more about Thor Motor Coach on http://ThorMotorCoach.com or the Daybreak Motorhome on http://DaybreakRV.com.

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