Winnebago Reports Sales Down, Market Share Up

Winnebago Industries reported today (Oct. 15) a net loss of $78.8 million for the fiscal year ended Aug. 29 as it continues to deal with the impact of lower motorhome sales.

The Forest City, Iowa-based RV manufacturer reported fourth quarter revenues of $59.5 million, down from $85.3 million for four quarter 2008. In a positive development, the company reported that’s its operating loss for the fourth quarter shrunk to $9.8 million, down from $18.9 million for fourth quarter 2008.

In another positive development, the company cited market data from Statistical Surveys showing that its market share in the combined Class A and C markets has increased, to 19.1 percent for the first eight months of calendar 1009, compared to 18.5 percent for the same period last year.

“We are pleased with our market share gains and believe we have further opportunities to gain share going forward with our innovative new products,” said company CEO and President Bob Olson. While acknowledging that difficult market conditions remain, Olson also noted that dealer inventory is close to reaching bottom and that Winnebago sees signs that the dealer replenishment process is beginning.

 

Premier Auction Group Opens Las Vegas Location

The Premier Auction Group recently launched Premier’s Las Vegas Auction, located in North Las Vegas. The auction house began operations in October.

Premiers’ six lane, 25,000-square-foot facility offers auto, RV, marine and powersports auctions. The auction site is conveniently located off of Interstate 15 and is serviced by McCarran International Airport. It offers service to the entire Southwest region.

“This is our first venture out West and will be the largest Premier auction in the chain,” said John Sullivan, vice president of PAG Investment Services, parent company of the Premier Auction Group.“We are very excited to open in Las Vegas. The location and attraction of Vegas presents an unlimited marketing strategy and great opportunity for us.”

The Premier Auction Group consists of Bay Auto Auction, Great Lakes RV/Marine/Powersports Auction, Premier’s Las Vegas Auction, Montpelier Auto Auction of Ohio, Wisconsin Auto Auction, Western Wisconsin Auto Auction and East Tennessee Auto Auction. For more information, contact John Sullivan at jsullivan@premier-auctions.com or visit www.premier-auctions.com.

 

Banks to Dealers: "We're Still Here"

Bankers with some of the biggest national financial institutions say they’re still interested in doing business in the RV market, but those same bankers are also quick to point out that they’ve had to change the way they do business because of the turbulent economy. Read more ...

 

California Bank Launches Good Sam Banking Center

Waterfield Bank of Irvine, Calif., has launched the Good Sam Club Banking Center to offer on-the-road banking solutions for RV owners and families.

As service provider for the Good Sam Club Banking Center, Waterfield will provide Sam Club Banking Center customers with 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week customer service support. They also will have access to the center’s convenient funds transfer service, which provides the flexibility of transferring money seamlessly between multiple personal and business accounts — including non-Banking Center accounts, according to the bank.

“Over the years, the Good Sam Club has worked very hard to make sure RV enthusiasts have the best protection on every trip, and now members will have protection of their financial assets through this new banking center created specifically for them,” said J. Randall Waterfield, co-CEO of Waterfield Group. 

Waterfield said it has established custom-branded banking centers for a variety of affinity organizations including AARP, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Association of Fire Fighters, National Rifle Association and more. Waterfield said it currently has an estimated aggregate distribution of more than 90 million members. For more information, visit http://goodsambankingcenter.com.

The Good Sam Club is the world’s largest RV owner’s organization with nearly 1 million member families. Founded in 1966, the Club offers member discounts at parks, campgrounds, and RV events, as well as a wide variety of services.

 

RVDA of Canada Names Officers for 2009-2010

Kim Stone of Stone’s RV & Home Centre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada, has been elected as the new chairman of the board of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada.

Stone, owner of Stone’s RV & Home Centre along with his wife Anne, has been in the RV industry since 1975. His business has grown to include two dealerships as well as two manufactured housing stores.

“It is a sincere honor and pleasure to be elected as the new chair of the RVDA of Canada,” said Stone. “I am very excited about the direction and growth the association has had over the past few years and I will strive to ensure its continued success. I look forward to working with all of our industry partners.”

Other officers for the 2009-2010 year are: Vice Chairman: Alden Kowarsky, Alco VR, Laval, QC; Treasurer: Garth Bromley, Transcona Trailer Sales, Winnipeg, MB; and Past Chairman: Michel Côté, MAC Caravane, Laval, QC

RVDA of Canada’s current Board of Directors are: Barry Devereux, Luxury Motorhomes, Carleton Place, ON; Darren Gelowitz, Village RV, Regina, SK; George Goodrick, Adventure Sports Ltd., Dartmouth, NS; Darva MacBeth, Woody’s RV World, Red Deer, AB; Bruce Marsh, Cape Breton Trailer Sales, Bras D’or, NS; and Ian Moore, Big Boy’s Toys, Nanoose Bay, BC.

 

Go RVing Plans Increased Budget in 2010

The Go RVing Coalition anticipates a 2010 media budget of between $6.5 million and $7.4 million in 2010, up from $3.5 million in 2009, Go RVing co-Chairman Tom Stinnett told RV dealers during the recent RV Dealer Association meeting in Las Vegas.

While the increase in funding is notable, it is still down substantially from the $15.5 million Go RVing media budget in 2007. The decrease in the media budget is tied to a dramatic decline in RV shipments in 2008 and 2009; the Go RVing campaign is funded by a fee assessed on new RVs.

The increased media budget for 2010 – combined with new Go RVing creative materials next year – should help re-energize the campaign and motivate consumers, Stinnett told dealers. He noted that the coalition is using new, cost-effective production techniques to produce new television commercials using existing Go RVing images and footage.

In addition to the new television commercials, the coalition also is enhancing the Go RVing Website and consumer information video with new footage shot in Elkhart, Ind., this summer. Stinnett said the new video segments will focus on smaller, fuel-efficient, lightweight and eco-friendly products that appeal to younger, cost-conscious buyers.

The new Go RVing commercials and video will be unveiled at the Outlook 2010 breakfast on Tuesday, Dec. 1 – as the kickoff of the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

 

NTP Distribution Adds Sales Consultant for Midwest

NTP Distribution announces that Aaron Camden has joined NTP as the new outside sales consultant for the Midwest, focusing on Missouri and parts of Illinois and Iowa. Camden comes to NTP with more than 12 years of sales and distribution experience.

“We are excited to have someone of Aaron’s talents, energy, and values represent NTP in the Midwest. These strengths, combined with his background in sales and management will enable Aaron to be a solid partner for our customers to work with and help grow their business,” said Mark Jenson, vice president of sales and marketing at NTP.

According to NTP, Camden’s diversified background working for American Racing prior to joining NTP has had him spanning all facets of their business. He most recently was a branch manager at the company.

 

RV Learning Center to Host Customer Service Workshop in Louisville

Coach, consultant, author, and business executiveMichael Duke will help dealers get ready for the recovery and coach their teams to legendary service during a special workshop Monday, Nov. 30 in Louisville, Ky. The workshop, sponsored by the RVDA Education Foundation’s RV Learning Center, will be at The Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly the Executive West Hotel), a day before the opening of the National RV Trade Show.

Duke is a business executive, author, educator, entrepreneur, minister, sales professional, and coach. RVDA says his core belief is that at the center of all success is the realization that people are our greatest asset, and that Duke’s maxim is simple, yet powerful: value, challenge, and empower people, and businesses will prosper.

The workshop runs from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $95 for RVDA members and $125 for non-members in advance. On-site registration will be $120 for RVDA members and $165 for non-members.

To register, visit www.rvlearningcenter.com for an online registration form, send an e-mail to info@rvda.org, or call (703) 591-7130.

 

Fleetwood Rolls Out 2010 Quest Class C Motorhome

Fleetwood RV is launching its limited edition 2010 Quest, a value-priced small Class C diesel motorhome built on the fuel-efficient Dodge Sprinter chassis. This limited production run of 150 units will be available at select Fleetwood RV dealers nationwide.

The 2010 Quest is available in two 24-feet, single slide-out models: a rear bath floor plan with opposing sofa beds (24E); and a rear gaucho dinette with sofa sleeper and optional Queen air mattress sofa bed floor plan (24L). Low profile cap and overhead 26-inch LCD TVs are standard on both models. Customers can also select the optional cab-over bed with 19-inch LCD TV and DVD player.

“The 2010 Quest combines the fuel-efficiency of our Icon and Pulse motorhomes with the value pricing of our traditional Class C motor homes,” said John Draheim, president of Fleetwood RV. “The market’s response to Quest has been better than expected. Our entire production run sold out in two weeks, and dealers are retailing them as fast as we can deliver them.”

MSRP for the 2010 Quest starts at $84,000.

 

California RV Show Kicks Off This Weekend

The 57th Annual California RV Show will kick off this week at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., offering consumers access to the newest and best in RVs and RV products. Set for Oct. 16-25, the California RV Show is the largest consumer show on the West Coast.

This year’s show theme is “It’s All About Fun.” With many American families looking to save money on vacations, show promoters have been working to highlight the fact that RVing is still less expensive than flying or driving, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants, and provides quality family time.

Seminars at the show will help attendees select the right RV and provide tips for full timing and extended RV travel. One of the most popular seminars from previous shows will be continued this year, “Yes, You Can Drive an RV.” Green RVer and RVIA media spokesman Brian Brawdy will also be featured in a special green camping display at the center of the show.

“Despite the tough economic conditions, I think we are going to have a wonderful show,” said Marsha McInnis, RVIA’s Western Region show director. “Enthusiasm is high among exhibitors and consumers alike.”

 

Go RVing Announces “Go the Extra Mile” Fundraising Campaign

Go RVing is launching its “Go the Extra Mile” voluntary fundraising drive for 2010–2012 with new incentives and more convenient payment options for participants.

In an appeal sent to industry members Oct. 1, RVIA Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Gary LaBella said, “In 2010, the economy is expected to slowly recover.Go RVing is now producing new television spots, new consumer video and new Website features to help the industry seize on pent-up demand as consumers begin to spend again. Contributing to ‘Go the Extra Mile’s’ 2010–2012 pledge drive will provide additional Go RVing income as RV shipments recover, and visibly demonstrate support to the entire industry."

“Go the Extra Mile” donors qualify for various levels of industry-wide recognition and other benefits depending on the amount of their contribution, according to RVIA. Benefits range from listings in handouts and signage at major industry events including RVIA’sNational RV Trade Show and Outlook market expansion showcase, writeups in RVIA releases and publications, and reduced costs for Go RVing leads.

The minimum pledge to qualify for recognition benefits is $2,000 over the three-year drive, spread into quarterly payments. Companies who pledge to contribute at the highest level – $100,000 or more over the three-year period – are designated Go the Extra Mile “Champions” and are recognized with special publicity events.

For more details, or to receive a pledge form via e-mail, contact RVIA Advertising Manager Margie Spence at 800-336-0154, ext. 357, or via email at Mspence@RVIA.org.

 

RVDA Bestows Awards Upon Dealers

During the annual meeting of the RV Dealers Association, held in conjunction with the RV Dealer Association International Convention/Expo in Las Vegas, RVDA members took time on Thursday, Oct. 8, to recognize select dealer members for their significant contributions to RVDA. Among them:

• Marty Shea of Madison RV Center in Madison, Ala., received the James B. Summers (JBS) Award in recognition of his service as past chairman of the RVDA Board of Directors, and also for his service as co-chairman of the Go RVing Committee on Excellence, which worked to rectify customer satisfaction issues within the RV industry. 
• Mick Ferkey of Greeneway Inc. in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., received the 2009 Chairman’s Service Award. Ferkey was recognized for having served on the RVDA Board of Directors and was a long-time Wisconsin RVDA delegate and for serving as chairman for the past two years of the RVDA Marketing Task Force that works to make RVDA and RV Learning Center programs more affordable for dealers and their employees. He was specifically recognized for donating $5,000 in scholarships for dealers to attend this year’s convention.
• Rick Horsey of Parkview RV Center in Smyrna, Del., also received the 2009 Chairman’s Service Award. Horsey was recognized for having served as chairman of the RVDA Board of Directors, and having been chairman of the RVDA Education Foundation since 1999.

Notably, RVDA didn’t bestow its Top Quality Dealer of the Year Award this year, a break in tradition from past years.

Separately, RVDA officials announced at this year’s annual meeting their intention moving forward to present a new membership recruitment award, the Sue Caldwell Memorial Award, in honor the late MBA Insurance executive, who was repeatedly recognized over the years by RVDA for her successful membership recruitment efforts. According to RVDA, to qualify for the award, a member must recruit at least five retail members.

 

RVDA Installs New Leaders During Annual Meeting

Debbie Brunoforte of Little Dealer, Little Prices in Mesa, Ariz., officially took the reins as chairman of the RV Dealers Association during the group’s annual meeting, held Oct. 8 in conjunction with the 2009 RV Dealers International Convention & Expo in Las Vegas. She succeeds Larry Troutt of Toppers Camping Center in Houston, who now takes on the role of past chairman.

Brunoforte previously served in the role of first vice chairman. More details regarding the new chairman and her goals for the association can be found by clicking on the following link to the September issue of RV PRO, Q&A with Incoming RVDA Chairman Debbie Brunoforte.

Other officers installed during the annual meeting include: Tim O’Brien of Circle K RVS in Lapeer, Mich., first vice chairman; Andy Heck of Alpin Haus in Amsterdam, N.Y., second vice chairman; Mick Ferkey of Greeneway Inc. in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., treasurer; and Jeff Hirsch of Campers Inn of Kingston in Kingston, N.H., secretary. Members of the Board of Directors for 2009-2010 are: Bob Been of Affinity RV Service & Sales in Prescott, Ariz.; Tadd Jenkins of Bish’s RV Super Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho; Steve Plemmons of Bill Plemmons RV World in Rural Hall, N.C.; and Bill White of United RV Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

 

Economic Futurist Tells Dealers Economy is on Road to Recovery

Economic futurist Jeff Thredgold of Thredgold Economic Associates told RV dealers from the U.S. and Canada that economic indicators are moving in the right direction and that “there will be growth throughout 2010 and 2011.”

Thregold was the keynote speaker at the opening general session of the 2009 RV Dealers International Convention/Expo on Oct. 6 in Las Vegas.

During the general session Thredgold shared insights in the global economy, while focusing on the U.S. and Canada. He noted that while this latest recession lasted 22 months – the longest on record since the Great Depression – at this point the recession is officially over and “the pain is largely behind us.”

Thredgold added: “We’re moving in the right direction, we’re just not there yet.”

Key points made by Thredgold include:

• Even though this is the most painful time in 75 years, sales prospects are better now than ever.
• Consumers remain aggressive and are more prone to negotiate.
• There is guaranteed growth in leisure and entertainment, which will help RV industry.

 

Analyst Firm Reports Sees Hopeful Signs in October Survey Results

Analyst firm R.W. Baird reported hopeful signs for RV industry based upon interviews it did with 100 RV dealers in October.

In a research note, analyst Craig Kennison reported: “Soft demand and limited access to wholesale credit have forced dealers to slash inventory – but dealers may finally have found the bottom. Inventory turns have improved and dealers plan to order more units, driving manufacturer backlogs higher. Our medium-term outlook remains bright, as demand improves, survivors gain share, and dealers replenish inventory …”

Kennison said that, moving forward, his firm expects the RV replenishment rate to approach 1:1 – driving backlogs higher. He said dealers told the firm they plan to order 16 percent more motorhomes and 43 percent more towables – marking the end of a “severe and prolonged destocking trend.”

Kennison also noted that motorhome inventory fell to 109 days from 191 days in July, as most dealers characterize inventory levels as “about right.” Towable remained relatively unchanged at 90 days versus 87 in July, he said, with some dealers reporting that inventory is too low.

Retail traffic during the most recent quarter fell again, but Kennison said some dealers saw pockets of sunshine. Separately, Kennison noted that credit conditions remain difficult – especially in wholesale financing – but have not worsened materially.

Kennison said dealers told his firm they expect the 2010 retail market to expand 0-5 percent in motorhomes and 5-10 towables in towables, which is broadly consistent with Baird’s expectations for a turnaround.

 

Seeking Opinions on the State of the Industry – in Six Words

In preparation for the upcoming National RV Trade Show, RV Industry Association officials are asking RV professionals to project the future of the RV industry in six words. The idea was taken from last year’s best-selling book titled Six Word Memoirs that compiled the submissions of both famous and everyday people, who were asked to describe their life in just six words.

“As we prepare for Outlook 2010: Let the Sun Shine, we thought it would be a great idea to use this same concept within the RV industry and ask you to project the future of the RV industry in six words,” said Gary LaBella, RVIA’s vice president and chief marketing officer.

LaBella offered the following as an example: “Sun will shine. We’ll be fine,” playing off the theme of the Outlook program.

Those RV professionals interested in participating are asked to e-mail their six-word statement for the RV industry in 2010 and beyond to LaBella at garylabella@rvia.org. LaBellas said RVIA officials will review each submission and select some of the best ones to be read on stage as part of the annual Outlook 2010 program. Those wishing to participate are asked to provide their six-word statement by Thursday, Oct. 15.

As a reminder, Outlook 2010: Let the Sun Shine, takes place at 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, in the South Wing Ballroom at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.