Bates Blog

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MCD Innovations recently announced that they have arranged with Jim and Peggy Grich of American RVer to represent them at national RV rallies and shows. The Griches have produced the monthly Internet-based television show for the RV market at AmericanRVer.com for the past three years.

"We have been considering installing the MCD American Duo™ Day/Night Shade System for a couple of years," said Jim Grich. "Once we came to the factory in McKinney, TX to create an AmericanRVer show on the company, we were so impressed with the quality of the product and the company itself that we decided to go to work for them. We will continue to produce American RVer as we travel across the country. Representing MCD Innovations simply adds another exciting facet to our lifestyle," noted Grich.

NuWa Industries offers MCD American Duo Shades MCD Innovations is pleased to announce that NuWa Industries, manufacturers of Hitchhiker fifth wheels, is offering the MCD American Duo™ Shade System as an option in their flagship Champagne model in the 2010 line-up and other models as requested. The company is the oldest existing manufacturer of fifth wheels, dating back to 1969. NuWa color/design coordinator Lori Reinhardt stated that, "We are guided by the comments of our customers who suggest improvements and request new features in our products. Recently, some of our customers from the NuWa Owners Forum were discussing MCD Shades, so we decided to prototype the shade to gauge the response. The customers that have seen the shade understand the benefit to cost ratio and think it is a quality investment." The American Duo™ Solar Sun Screen with Clearview® technology blocks 90% of the sun's UV rays from entering the coach, acting similarly to a dual-pane window, reducing the amount of heat that transfers into the coach living area while providing day time privacy and outward visibility. The Night Shade System provides 100% light blockage and room darkening capability. "We look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with NuWa Industries and will assist them in integrating our quality products into their custom made designs. The RV consumer will gain the most from this collaboration." noted Dave Townsley, MCD Innovations CEO. MCD Innovations has been creating exterior and interior shade systems, wheel covers, vent/fan covers, mirror bras and covers since 2003 in their state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in McKinney, TX. For more information and to review the benefits and features of the MCD shade technology, contact MCD Innovations at 800-804-1757, visit www.mcdinnovations.com or email [ e-mail ].

Dave Townsley, CEO of MCD Innovations, stated that he was excited to work with the Griches and utilize their experience in video, graphics, web design, public relations, and marketing skills. "We can utilize their 20-plus years of television experience to not only broaden our exposure to the RV market, but also to continue with our standard of excellent customer service."

MCD Innovations produces the American Duo™ Day/Night Shade System, exterior and interior solar privacy screens, wheel covers, mirror covers and bras, as well as vent, skylight, and wiper covers for many styles of recreational vehicles including Class A, Fifth-wheel, and travel trailers. The company employs state of the art, computerized manufacturing equipment to ensure the highest quality and consistency of their RV products. Manufacturers including Winnebago, Fleetwood, Tiffin, Monaco, New Horizons and NuWa offer MCD shades as original equipment in their coaches and fifth wheels.

The American Duo™ Shade System is an advanced, economical, hi-tech total privacy shade solution that takes the place of curtains, powered or manual sun visors, and pleated shades. The American Duo™ Solar Sun Screen with Clearview® technology blocks 90% of the sun's UV rays from entering the coach, acting similarly to a dual-pane window, reducing the amount of heat that transfers into the coach living area while providing day time privacy and outward visibility. The Night Shade System provides 100% light blockage and room darkening capability.

For more information about MCD Innovations, visit their website at www.mcdinnovations.com.

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RVIA President Richard Coon will provide presentations focusing on the United States RV industry and RVIA in meetings with two European RV organizations this spring.

Coon’s first talk will come at the National Caravan Council’s ( NCC) Industry Forum, taking place on March 11, 2010 at the Forest Pines Golf and Country Club Hotel in Lincolnshire, England. NCC is the trade association for the United Kingdom caravan industry, encompassing touring caravans, motorhomes, caravan holiday home and park homes. The group’s Forum will examine what’s in store for the caravan industry over the next decade.

Coon will also attend the 32nd European Caravan Federation (ECF) General Meeting and the 16th Meeting of the European Leisure Vehicle Industry (MELVI), taking place together from May 6 - 8 in Stockholm, Sweden. He will address attendees during the MELVI meeting on May 7. The ECF is the umbrella group representing national organizations in the European caravan industry.

In his remarks to both groups, Coon plans to detail the RV market in the United States, discuss how RVIA supports its membership and the industry in general, and examine what steps the association took to help the industry weather the economic recession that hampered the RV market in 2009.

“Like most business, the RV industry is becoming an increasingly global entity,” said Coon. “These two meetings provide an excellent opportunity to meet with our European colleagues to share information and ideas about what we can all do to be more successful.”

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Go RVing’s 105-spot Winter Olympics buy, which targeted a huge family viewing audience, rolled out Saturday, February 13 on NBC’s live coverage of men’s ski jumping and continued through the Games’ conclusion on February 28. The Vancouver Winter Games were the second-most watched ever, with a total of 190 million Americans tuning in to coverage on the networks of NBC Universal, which include NBC, CNBC, USA, MSNBC and Universal Sports.

“The Olympics viewing audience is a great fit for Go RVing,” said RVIA Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Gary LaBella. “Across the country, American families watched the games together and saw Go RVing’s terrific new Ambassadors of Affordability TV ads while they cheered on their country.”

Go RVing’s winter sports ad exposure will continue through March, with an additional 454 spots airing during Universal Sports’ programming coverage of World Cup Alpine Skiing, the Track & Field World Championships, American Cup Gymnastics, US Freestyle Ski Cup and more. Universal Sports’ coverage is being widely heralded, with USA Today reporting, “The shows shine in the quality, variety, and bracing honesty of the talk they provide.”

Go RVing’s $8.25 million media plan, designed to reach prospects with a wide variety of interests and media habits, will give the “Go Affordably. Go RVing” campaign broad exposure at a pivotal time in the industry’s recovery.

New GoRVing.com Draws More Visitors, Longer Visits

In the two weeks following the launch of a brand-new, highly interactive GoRVing.com website tied in to the new “Ambassadors of Affordability” ads, more than 31,000 visitors logged on to check out the site. Page views more than doubled what they were before the launch. In addition to drawing a bigger group of users, the new GoRVing.com is also keeping visitors on the site longer, with the average time spent on the site at almost 4.5 minutes, nearly double what it was prior to the launch.

The website allows consumers to customize their online experience to their own needs, offering access to an Explore RVs tool, a Vacation Cost Comparison tool; and an Activities Selector tailored to their age and interests. A more accessible, visible Locator tool allows users to search for RV dealers, rental sources, campgrounds, manufacturers, suppliers and shows.

Directly from the GoRVing.com home page or at any time during their site visit, GoRVing.com visitors can sign up to watch the new consumer video offered in all Go RVing advertisements. Available for viewing on the website, the video includes a new segment featuring new fuel-efficient and eco-friendly RVs. Consumers who order the Go RVing video become leads, available for downloading by industry participants in the Go RVing tie-in program.

New Go RVing Ads Popular on YouTube

Three of the four new “Ambassadors of Affordability” television spots are currently available for viewing by the public on YouTube.com. The animated spots have over 1,200 views so far, with the number of people logging on to check out the ads climbing every day. Those viewers who comment on the ads are very positive, with one viewer posting, “I love this commercial!” and another writing, “this made me giggle when I saw it on TV.”

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The results of RVIA’s January 2010 survey of manufacturers reports that 15,800 new RVs were shipped from manufacturers to dealers in January, more than twice the total of January 2009 shipments. Both towable and motorhome categories grew, with all categories at the same or substantially above their January totals last year. Importantly, this increase marked the sixth consecutive month of improvement for RV shipments as dealer orders more closely reflected retail sales during the month.

Wholesale shipments of all towable RVs were reported at 14,300 units in January, up 15 percent from December 2009 and up 116 percent over the January 2009 number. Shipments of conventional travel trailers grew from 4,300 units in January 2009 to 9,500 units this January, a 120 percent increase. Fifth wheels climbed 150 percent over the previous year’s number to 3,500 units shipped, the largest percentage increase in the towables group. Folding camping trailers climbed 37 percent over last year; while shipments of truck campers doubled.

Motorhome shipments were reported at 1,500 units this January, up 114 percent over one year ago. Shipments of Type A motorhomes grew by 125 percent to 900 units. Type C motorhomes grew 150 percent over last year, with a total of 500 units shipped. Only Type B motorhomes did not grow over last year, with the same number of units (100) shipped this January as last.

“Evidence continues to mount that 2010 will be a year of recovery for the RV industry,” said RVIA President Richard Coon. “Although we still have a long way to go, consistently improving shipment numbers are a very positive sign for our industry. And, as the RV industry has historically been a leading indicator of recessions and recoveries, I hope that good news for the RV industry is also an encouraging sign for the nation’s economy as a whole."

For Details see Shipments

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Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO) announced its acquisition of SJC Industries, a privately-held manufacturer of ambulances based in Elkhart, Indiana, for approximately $20 million cash. Based upon SJC's prior performance, the acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings.

We believe that SJC is currently the second largest manufacturer of ambulances in the United States. Its brands include McCoy-Miller, Marque and Premiere, sold through a nationwide network of dealers. SJC has a strong, motivated management team and workforce led by Chuck Drake, President and Jim Evans, VP Finance, who will continue in their management roles following the closing. Under Thor's new ownership SJC will continue as an independent operation, in the same manner as Thor's recreation vehicle and bus companies. Mr. Drake will report to Richard Riegel, Thor's Senior Group President.

"The ambulance business is a natural fit with Thor's Bus and RV businesses. SJC is an innovator with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe their quality is the highest in the ambulance industry," said Peter B. Orthwein, Thor Chairman, CEO, & President. "The relationship with Thor will bring many operational synergies to SJC including procurement and lean production processes, among others," he continued.

Thor is the world's largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles and a major builder of commercial buses.

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As everyone has been busy preparing for the 2010 RV season, the RV Care Network is pleased to announce that they have added 6 locations to serve traveling RV Care customers across Canada. This brings the RV Care service network to a total of 49 locations from coast to coast.

Joining the RV Care Network are:

• Adventure Sports RV, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
• Chemo RV Sales and Service, Quesnel, British Columbia
• Chemo RV Sales and Service, Williams Lake, British Columbia
• Happy Trails RV, Grande Prairie, Alberta
• Happy Trails RV, Prince George, British Columbia
• Roulottes E. Turmel, Château Richer, Québec

When people travel in the RV they purchased from an RV Care dealer, any of the other 48 RV Care dealers will be happy to treat them like family when they stop by for help, to stock up on supplies, or just for some local information. A map and full list of the RV Care dealers across Canada is available on the RV Care web site at www.rvcare.ca

In addition to RV Care providing a tremendous added value for customers looking to purchase an RV, the RV Care dealers also have access to a growing list of exclusive partner supplier programs that help save money and provide additional benefits to the dealership and staff. New for 2010 are partner programs with Frontier Supply Chain Solutions for customs brokerage and parts shipping, as well as the “RV Care Roadside Assistance” branded program that’s powered by Coach-Net. These companies join Coast Distribution, Dometic, East Penn Canada, Great West Life, The SAL Group and TD Financial Services as valued partners of the RV Care Network.

RV Care will continue to grow by adding dedicated partner suppliers and top quality dealers who support the commitment to provide superior service and support that RV Care customers can rely on when they travel.

For more information please contact...
Earl Manning
Vice President
RV Care Network Ltd.
Ph: 604-882-2551
Fax: 866-801-7638
Email: earl@rvcare.ca
Website: www.rvcare.ca

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Gulf Stream Coach Inc., recently introduced the all new Visa Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailer, and dealers are reporting tremendous retail activity. Dealers report record web site traffic and customers crowding to see the Visa at retail shows.

"It is exciting to have dealers selling Visas prior to their first stock delivery and having customers seek out the Visa at shows." Says Jeff Terhune, Product Manager. "We continue to expand the product based on customer feedback. The first three floorplans have done extremely well, and we anticipate introducing three additional floorplans this month." Even the company's telephone operator notes being inundated with calls requesting information on the new Visa.

Visa utilizes state-of-the-art eco-friendly materials inside and outside, producing a 22' 11" travel trailer with a total dry weight around 2700 lbs. that is towable with minivans and crossover vehicles. The Visa currently features amenities like walk around queen beds and full baths in three spacious floorplans.

For more information, contact Gulf Stream Coach, 503 South Oakland Avenue, Nappanee, IN 46550, (800) 289-8787, www.gulfstreamrvtrailers.com

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Camping World, America's largest direct marketer and specialty retailer of RV and outdoor camping accessories, announced today that it has secured a new credit facility with SunTrust Bank.

Marcus Lemonis, Camping World Chairman & CEO, replied, "We are excited about the relationship we have developed with SunTrust Bank. The credit facility provides Camping World with the flexibility, stable capital structure and capacity to continue to execute our operating strategy and service our customers. The terms and conditions of the amended facility allow the company to meet our objectives and further solidify our position as the industry leader."

"SunTrust is pleased to have assisted Camping World with its financial needs by way of this transaction," said Amy Burnstine, Director of Asset Based Lending at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey.

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Starcraft RV, a division of Jayco, Inc., today announced that it will reopen its Topeka, Indiana manufacturing facilities beginning in May of this year. The Starcraft RV plant had been closed in January, 2009 as part of the Jayco corporate efforts to trim costs and reduce production capacity as a result of recessionary economic pressures.

The company said it will initially move production of Starcraft Autumn Ridge travel trailers from its Middlebury, Indiana complex and the move will create 50 jobs at the Topeka facility later this year. Over time, company officials said they anticipate that production of most, if not all, of Starcraft RV product lines will be relocated back to the Topeka plants.

In making the announcement, Jim Jacobs, general manager of Starcraft RV, said, “When we consolidated operations into the Middlebury campus last year, we stated that our goal was to reinstate the Topeka operations as soon as market conditions would allow us to do so. Now that our business has begun to recover from the recent recession cycle, we believe the timing is right to accelerate these activities.”

The Starcraft facilities in Topeka are located at 536 W. Michigan St. Jayco, Inc. headquartered in Middlebury, IN, is the world’s largest privately held manufacturer of recreation vehicles. Starcraft RV is one of three operating divisions of Jayco, along with Jayco RV and Entegra Coach motorhomes.

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After a customer demanded an Aqua-Hot Hydronic Heating System, New Horizons RV decided to research the product. Impressed with the results, the company now offers the innovative, propane-powered Aqua-Hot 375-LP as optional equipment on all its models. The first system was installed in a new 2010 Majestic and owner Roger Rauch from the Magnolia, Texas-area couldn't imagine his New Horizons RV without it.

"The Aqua-Hot is quiet and very efficient in creating hot water and heat," said Rauch. "I love the simple design concept and the fact that it runs on propane. Plus, the company offers great customer service."

Self-contained, the advanced Aqua-Hot 375-LP provides quiet, uniform cabin heat by circulating hot water through subtle heat exchangers, as well as continuous, on-demand hot water, eliminating the need for a storage tank. The dependable unit employs the latest technology to generate up to 90 gallons of 120°F water an hour.

"Our customers love the Aqua-Hot systems," said New Horizons RV VP Drew Brokenicky. "I've heard nothing but positive reviews. It's so quiet that they don't even think it's on. When Roger came to pick up his RV, it was 15°F out and the system kept up perfectly."

Measuring just 16.75" H x 18" W x 29.5" L and weighing only 155 lbs., the economical unit uses a maximum of 0.35 gallons of propane per hour. It features an electric element for light-duty heating and hot water when connected to shore power, enabling owners to save propane when they have access to campground electricity.

"The installation went very smoothly," said Brokenicky. "Aqua-Hot is great to work with and they provided excellent support. We haven't had a single issue."

A family-owned and managed company, New Horizons RV has been manufacturing the world's most luxurious custom 5th wheels and travel trailers for over 20 years. Engineered and built with strong attention to detail, its RVs are known for their four-season comfort. From below zero to +100°F, they are designed to withstand the rigors of full-time living for decades. In fact, New Horizons RV has earned the only Five Star Rating for full-time towable RVs from the RV Consumer Group. More information can be found at www.newhorizonsrv.com.

Aqua-Hot Heating Systems has been making the road a more comfortable place since 1989. The company's state-of-the-art hydronic heating systems produce unlimited hot water and quiet, evenly-distributed interior heat. They run on diesel or propane and are available in sizes for Class A diesel motorhomes through smaller RV, towable and park models.

A family-owned and managed company, New Horizons RV has been manufacturing the world's most luxurious custom 5th wheels and travel trailers for over 20 years. Engineered and built with strong attention to detail, its RVs are known for their four-season comfort. From below zero to +100°F, they are designed to withstand the rigors of full-time living for decades. In fact, New Horizons RV has earned the only Five Star Rating for full-time towable RVs from the RV Consumer Group. More information can be found at www.newhorizonsrv.com.

Aqua-Hot Heating Systems has been making the road a more comfortable place since 1989. The company's state-of-the-art hydronic heating systems produce unlimited hot water and quiet, evenly-distributed interior heat. They run on diesel or propane and are available in sizes for Class A diesel motorhomes through smaller RV, towable and park models.

Contact Aqua-Hot Heating Systems, 15549 E Hwy 52, Fort Lupton, CO 80621. Toll free: 800-685-4298 or 303-659-8221; Fax: 303-857-9000. [ e-mail ]; www.aqua-hot.com.

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Mary Burrows (second from right) accepted the Corp! award on Thetford's behalf.

Green has become a popular word to use when describing new products, but Thetford Corporation is one of the few companies to have proof of its commitment to the environment. The company recently won a Corp! Going Green Award. Thetford was recognized as a Green Industry Innovator for its development of green cleaning formulas for RVers.

Corp!'s Going Green Awards include three categories; Green Initiative Champions, Green Industry Innovators and Green Organizations. Eight of Thetford's RV care products are Design for the Environment (DfE)-recognized. The DfE program was started by the EPA to champion risk reduction through pollution prevention.

Thetford also introduced EcoSmart, a full line of EcoLogo-certified holding tank deodorants. EcoLogo is North America's oldest, most recognized environmental standard and certification agency.

"Our product formulations were thoroughly tested in-house and with RVers," said Mary Burrows, Thetford's manager of chemical development. "Our products are held to a higher standard than household products by the EPA because they're used outside. We were able to create formulations according to the EPA's requirements without sacrificing performance. We're very proud that Corp! recognized that achievement."

Founded in 1998, Corp! magazine informs, intrigues and entertains business owners and top-level executives by providing features, news and profiles with a Michigan emphasis. It's Michigan's largest business magazine.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Thetford Corp. is the world's leading supplier of sanitation and refrigeration products for the recreational vehicle, marine and heavy-duty truck industries. Thetford is a privately-held company with eight manufacturing facilities in four countries.

Thetford subsidiaries include Norcold, America's leading manufacturer of gas-absorption refrigerators and freezers for the RV, marine and truck markets; Tecma, a producer of fine-china toilets and powerful waste-transfer systems based in Italy; and Spinflo, a unit in England that manufactures high-quality cooking and heating appliances as well as accessories.

Contact Thetford, 7101 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Toll-free 800-543-1219 or 734-769-6000; Fax: 734-769-2023. [ e-mail ]; www.thetford.com.

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Generac® Power Systems, Inc., has been recognized as the clear leader in standby power generation as a result of the 2010 Brand Use Study, sponsored by Hanley Wood on behalf of BUILDER magazine.

“With respect to stationary generators, Generac has seized the top spot in BUILDER’s 2010 Brand Use Study for ‘brand used over the past two years’ and ‘brand used most.’ Further, Generac’s ‘brand used most’ results were unsurpassed at all price points measured by the study,” says Warren Nesbitt, executive director, Residential New Construction, Hanley Wood Business Media.

The study surveyed more than 10,000 builders, builder-developers and general contractors to construct a profile of brands used by the building industry. In the stationary generators category, Generac was voted one of the most recognizable and the most often used brand and also a top brand in product quality.

“Since the company’s founding in 1959, Generac has been committed to designing and providing high quality standby generators for the building industry. This recent acknowledgement by BUILDER confirms our efforts,” says Clement Feng, senior vice president - marketing, Generac Power Systems, Inc, Waukesha, Wis. Feng explains that by installing a standby power generator, builders can provide homeowners with the assurance that their homes and families are automatically protected – whether they are home or away – anytime a power outage occurs. “In focusing solely on the power generation industry, our innovation continues to raise the bar in affordable, high-quality backup power solutions. We are gratified that home builders recognize Generac as their favorite brand of backup power systems,” adds Feng.

Generac Guardian automatic standby generators, along with the newly introduced Generac CorePower System, is backed with over 50 years of experience in the power generation industry. The power quality is also the best in its class, allowing for safe operation of sensitive electronic equipment. Additionally, Generac units offer the highest output of any generator of its kind at the most competitive price on the market – ranging from seven kilowatts (kW) to 60 kW.

Most Generac residential standby generators now feature a state-of-the-art Nexus Control System, compatible with several new transfer switches and allow the generator to electronically manage up to six high-power loads. This intelligent load management upgrade is a smart solution to in-home energy management as it drastically reduces the size of the generator required for mid- to larger-sized homes making residential standby generators more affordable than ever before.

Generac introduced the first gaseous-fueled automatic home standby system in 1989 and has been the leading brand ever since. For more information on Generac residential and commercial products, visit www.Generac.com or call 888-GENERAC.

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Thor Industries Inc. may have to reach into its pocket because of recent fire at a plant in Michigan.

According to a filing Tuesday with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission, the Jackson Center-based recreational vehicle and commercial bus manufacturer was hit by a fire Sunday that destroyed a significant portion of the work in process, raw material and equipment at its Imlay City, Mich. facility. The site is one of Thor’s (NYSE: THO) principal manufacturing locations for its Champion and General Coach America bus lines.

While some the loss will be covered by Thor’s property and business interruption insurance, under its deductible the company is responsible for up to the first $5 million of the loss, the filing said. The amount of loss is unknown at this time.

Within the next two weeks, the company expects to resume limited production activities for its Champion and General Coach America buses in the southern manufacturing facility located on the same site.

There were no injuries reported from the fire and the cause is still under investigation.

The news doesn’t appear to have affected Thor’s stock price. In early afternoon trading, it was listed at $34.21 a share, up 46 cents on the day. Thor closed at $33.75 a share Tuesday, up 18 cents for the day.

Thor was founded in 1980. It has since grown to include a dozen divisions and has about 5,500 employees. While Thor and Airstream, one of its RV divisions, are based in Ohio, most of the other divisions operate in Northern Indiana and Michigan.

Dayton Business Journal

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Wholesale RV shipments are expected to total 215,900 units in 2010, according to Dr. Richard Curtin’s latest projection in the Spring 2010 issue of RV Roadsigns, RVIA’s quarterly forecast of RV deliveries to RV retailers.

The gain to 215,900 units would be a 30 percent rise over the 2009 year end total of 165,700 units. It is also a gain of 6 percent over Dr. Curtin’s most recent forecast delivered in Winter, 2009. Curtin attributes the rising shipment totals seen in late 2009 and early 2010 to the restocking of dealer inventories as well as an improving trend in RV sales to consumers.

“There will be some economic conditions, such as lagging job and income growth and lingering credit constraints, that could slow the pace of progress,” said Curtin. “But, the industry is firmly on the road to recovery with the expected gains in RV shipments next year to be shared by travel trailers as well as motorhomes.”

RV Roadsigns is published quarterly and available to RVIA members at this password-protected link. Those who aren’t RVIA members can subscribe to the newsletter in the RVIA Store at www.rvia.org.

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RVIA will hold its next Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, April 1, at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The group was originally scheduled to meet on February 11 at the same property; however, that meeting was postponed due to the record-breaking snowstorms that blanketed the Washington, D.C. area that week.

In addition to the Board of Directors meeting, the RVIA Executive Committee will meet the day before on Wednesday, March 31. RVIA will also host an orientation meeting for new RVIA Board members at the association’s offices in Reston, VA on Tuesday, March 30.

RVIA also announced the association’s Capitol Hill Advocacy, originally scheduled for February 10, will not be rescheduled as Congress will be in recess during the re-scheduled Board of Directors meeting.

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Both chambers of Congress introduced resolutions this month that would officially recognize June, 2010 as RV Centennial Celebration Month.

The Senate resolution (S. Res. 410), introduced February 4 by Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) with Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) as an original cosponsor, states “That the Senate supports and recognizes the goals and ideals of ‘RV Centennial Celebration Month’ to commemorate 100 years of enjoyment of recreation vehicles in the United States; and encourages the people of the United States to celebrate this anniversary by taking part in recreation vehicle vacations.”

In the House, Congressman Joe Donnelly (D-IN) introduced H. Res. 1073 with Congressman Mark Souder (R-IN) as an original cosponsor. The text of the House resolution is almost identical to the Senate resolution text. Each resolution includes the clause “this homegrown industry, including recreation vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, and campgrounds, employs hundreds of thousands of people in the Nation in good-paying jobs across all 50 states.” The full text of each resolution is viewable by clicking on the bill numbers above.

RVIA’s Government Affairs Department worked with House and Senate staffers to have the resolutions introduced and are now working to secure additional cosponsors to the resolutions, with the goal of having both chambers of Congress endorse the RV Centennial Celebration Month Resolution before June.

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You’ve worked hard to get here. Now it’s your turn to kick back and enjoy life - with a 2011 Diplomat. This magnificent coach has all the luxuries you deserve. Plush Ultraleather™ captain’s chairs. A spectacular new 37-inch flatscreen LCD television (38PDQ, 42SKQ). Polished Corian® surfaces. Ceramic tile flooring with beautiful new accents. Even a bigger, better AC system for bonus summer cooling. Oh, and did we mention the optional highdefinition cinema package? Now you’re ready to start living.

New Features for 2011

• New floorplans, including full-wall slide and bath-and-a-half layouts
• Solid hardwood cabinetry
• Cummins® ISL 425-horsepower engine with 1,250 lbs./ft. torque
• Free-standing dinette with computer workstation (optional)
• Residential refregerator on all floorplans (optional)
• Stackable washer/dryer on all floorplans (optional)
• Solar screens with blackout shade (optional)
• Exterior entertainment center with 40-inch LCD TV, including DVD player in storage bay ceiling (optional)

Standards & Options

• Steel Cage Cockpit Construction
• Smooth Gel Coat Fiberglass Exterior Walls
• Laminated Sidewall Construction
• Peaked One-Piece Fiberglass Roof with Fiberglass Insulation
• Pullout Generator Tray with One-Piece Door
• Electric Flush-Floor Stepwell Cover
• Full Pass-Through Storage Bay Slide-Out Tray (Complete Pass-Through)
• Chrome Dual-Head Power-Controlled Heated Exterior Mirrors with Turn Indicator Lights
• Side-Hinged Baggage Doors
• One-Piece Polyethylene Pass-Through Storage Compartment
• Slide-Out Battery Tray (N/A 38PDQ)
• Full-Length Mud Flap
• 3M Film Front Mask
• Deluxe Full-Body Paint
• Roof Ladder
• Undercoating

• Standard Run Package: 3-Camera System, Keyless Entry, Central Vacuum, Power Cord Reel, RV Sani-Con System, Power Water Hose Reel, Exterior Tank Monitor Gauges, Auto Gen Start

• Roadmaster Raised Rail RR8R-Series Chassis(38PDQ)
• Cushion Air Glide Suspension with Eight Outboard-Mounted Air Bags and Eight Shock Absorbers (38PDQ)
• Roadmaster Raised Rail RR10R-Series Chassis (42SKQ, 42PAQ)
• Cushion Air Glide Suspension with Ten Air Bags (Eight Outboard-Mounted) and Ten Shock Absorbers (42SKQ, 42PAQ)
• Tag Axle with Anti-Lock Brake System (42SKQ, 42PAQ)
• Cummins® 425 HP ISL Engine with Allison® 3000 MH 6-Speed World Transmission and Electronic Shifter
• Torque: 1,200 lbs./ft., Max. Net at 1,300 RPM
• Engine Displacement: 538”/8.9L
• Aluminum Rear-Mounted Radiator with CAC Cooler
• Dual Fuel Fill
• 160 Amp Alternator
• Rear Axle Ratio: 4.30:1
• Prewire for Supplemental Braking System
• Polished Aluminum Wheels
• Anti-Lock Braking System with Full Air Brakes
• Automatic Traction Control
• Variable Geometry Turbo Exhaust Brake
• Automatic Hydraulic Leveling System
• 10,000 Lb. Hitch Receiver with Dual Connector 4-Pin or 7-Pin

• In-Dash Driver’s Message Center
• In-Dash AM/FM/CD Stereo Radio with Sirius-Ready Compatibility, Aux-in-Conn, SD Card Slot and Weather Band
• Power Windshield and Manual Driver/Passenger Solar Screens with Blackout Shades
• Adjustable Brake and Accelerator Pedals
• CB Prep
• Color Rear Vision Camera System
• Lighted VIP Smartwheel® Multiplexed Steering Wheel with Controls for Windshield Wipers, ICC and Cruise Control
• Intermittent Windshield Wipers
• Roof-Mounted Air Horn
• Ultraleather™ Six-Way Power Pilot and Co-Pilot Seat with Power Footrest
• Color-Coordinated Carpeted Floor Mats
• Options

• 3-Camera Rear Vision Camera System
• GPS System
• Sirius Radio Satellite Tuner with Antenna
• 10-Disc CD Changer

• Large Four-Door Refrigerator with Ice Maker
• High-Output 3-Sealed-Burner Cooktop without Oven
• 32" Flatscreen LCD TV in Front Cockpit Overhead (42PAQ)
• 37” Flatscreen LCD TV in Living Area Hutch (N/A: 42PAQ)
• 26” LCD Color TV with Remote Control in Bedroom
• Home Theater System
• Digital Satellite System - Prep
• Interior Cable TV Hook-Up and Telephone Jacks
• Exterior Gas Line Hook-Up for LP Accessories
• Washer/Dryer Prep
• Curbside Exterior Patio Hookups for Cable, 11oV Outlet, with Hatch Door to Exterior

• High-Output 3-Sealed-Burner Range with Oven
• Dometic Sidewise 14 Cu. Ft. 2-Way Refrigerator with Ice Dispenser in the Door (N/A: 38PDQ)
• Residential Stainless Steel Refrigerator (N/A 38PDQ)
• Stainless Steel Package: Includes Stainless Steel Refrigerator and Microwave (Not Available with Residential Refrigerator Option)
• Stainless Steel Microwave (42SKQ Only)
• Central Vacuum
• Combination Washer/Dryer
• Bedroom DVD Player
• In-Motion Satellite (Does Not Include Receivers)
• Multi-Satellite HD Dish (Does Not Include Receivers) (Stationary Operation Only)
• High-Definition Cinema Package: Sound Bar with DVD, Wireless Sub Woofer and Blue Ray Player (N/A 42PAQ)
• Fireplace (42SKQ)
• Exterior Entertainment Center (32” LCD TV with AM/FM/CD Radio with Two Speakers) (N/A: 42SKQ)

• Hardwood Cabinetry
• Refrigerator Raised Panel Hardwood Inserts
• Polished Radius Solid Surface Kitchen Countertop with Solid Surface Sink with Two Sink Covers
• Pullout Countertop Extension with Drawer and Corian® Top (42PAQ)
• Kitchen Galley Backsplash: Ceramic Tile with Decorative Glass Accents
• All Other Countertops Polished Corian®
• Solid Surface Bathroom Countertop with Integrated Sink
• Ceramic Tile Flooring with Accent Tile
• Tile Entry Floor
• Designer Carpeting in Living Area and Bedroom
• Hardwood Slide-Out Fascia with Decorative Center Block
• Decorative Window Boxes Throughout Coach
• Day/Night Pleated Blackout Shades in Living Area and Bedroom
• EZ Lift Mini Blinds in Kitchen and Private Bath
• Soil Repellent Protection on Fabric

• Decors: Lunar Eclipse and Electric Avenue
• Hardwood Cabinetry: Newport Cherry
• Full Tile in Living Room

• Freestanding Dinette with Full-Length Wall Cabinet, Two Freestanding Chairs and Two Folding Chairs
• Roadside: Fabric Jackknife Sofa
• Curbside: Fabric Jackknife Sofa (42SKQ)
• Curbside: Fabric Loveseat (38PDQ, 42PAQ)
• Queen Bed (60” x 80”) with Solid Surface Nightstands

• King Bed (72” x 80”) with No Nightstand (42PAQ Only)
• King Bed (72” x 80”) with Two Nightstand (42SKQ Only)
• Queen Bed Select Comfort Air Mattress
• King Bed Select Comfort Air Mattress (N/A 38PDQ)
• Roadside: Fabric Hide-A-Bed with Air Mattress
• Roadside: Ultraleather™ Jackknife Sofa
• Roadside: Ultraleather™ Hide-A-Bed with Air Mattress
• Roadside: Ultraleather™ Booth Dinette Ensemble (42SKQ Only)
• Roadside: (2) Leather Euro-Recliners with Table (42SKQ Only)
• Roadside: Wraparound Computer Desk with Ultraleather™ Euro-Recliner (42SKQ Only)
• Curbside: Ultraleather™ Hide-A-Bed with Air Mattress (42SKQ Only)
• Curbside: Ultraleather™ Loveseat (N/A 42SKQ)
• Curbside: Ultraleather™ Jackknife Sofa (42SKQ Only)

• 50 Amp 12V Distribution Panel and Power Cord
• Power Control System
• Onan® 8.0 kW Quiet Diesel Generator on Manual Slide-Out (38PDQ Only)
• Onan® 10.0 kW Quiet Diesel Generator on Manual Slide-Out Tray (42SKQ, 42PAQ)
• Four 6V Deep Cycle Batteries
• Two 12V Heavy-Duty Chassis Batteries
• Battery Disconnect Switch at Front Door
• Battery Boost Switch in Cockpit
• 2,000 Watt Inverter
• Recessed Docking Lights
• Porch Light and Exterior Step Light on Same Switch
• Lighted Interior Steps
• Lights in Outside Storage Compartments with Switch on Passenger Console and Utility Bay
• 110 Outlet in Outside Storage Compartment
• Underhood Utility Light
• Convenience Center in Hallway
• Prewire for Solar Panel

• Auto Generator Start
• Solar Panel
• Power Cord Reel

• Demand Water System and Water Pump
• 10-Gallon LP Gas/Electric Water Heater with Electronic Ignition DSI
• Single Lever Kitchen Faucet with Pullout Sprayer
• Bath Lavatory Faucet
• Central Water Filtration System
• Water Heater Bypass Valve
• Water Pump Switch in Kitchen Galley, Private Bath Wall and Service Bay Area
• China Toilet
• Silent Plus China Electronic Toilet (42PAQ)
• Shower inside Wet Bay with Hot/Cold Water
• Holding Tank Rinsing System
• Gravity and Pressurized Water Fill
• One-Piece Round Shower (42SKQ Only)
• One-Piece Rectangular Shower (38PDQ Only)
• One-Piece Neo-Angle Shower with Obscured Glass Door (42PAQ Only)
• Satin Nickel Shower Faucet with Slide Bar

• RV Sani-Con Tank Drainage System (Eliminated Sewer Storage)
• Water Hose Reel
• Exterior Tank Monitor Gauge in Wet Bay
• Neo-Angled Bathtub (N/A: 38PDQ)

• Dual 15M BTU Roof Air Conditioner with Ducted Air, Heat Pumps and Digital Thermostat Control (38PDQ Only)
• Dual 15M BTU and single 13.5M BTU Roof Air Conditioners with Ducted Air, Heat Pumps and Digital Thermostat Control (42SKQ, 42PAQ)
• Dual Zone Electronic Ignition Furnaces (1) 31M and (1) 20M BTU
• Electronic Dash AC/Heat Climate Control System
• Kitchen Powered 12V Attic Fan with Wall Control of Automatic Dome and Fan Power
• 12V Attic Fan in Private Bath with Wall Control of Automatic Dome and Fan Power
• 12V Heater in Wet Bay

• Ceiling Fan in Bedroom

• Radius Flush-Mounted Dual Pane Safety Glass Dark Tinted Windows
• Front Entry Door with Removable Screen and Anti-Skid Steps
• Automatic Front Door Awning
• Topper Slide-Out Awnings Living Area and Bedroom
• Automatic Patio Awning
• Tinted Skylight in Bathroom with Protecta Glaze
• Window Awnings on All Slide-Out House Windows except Slide-Out Windows under Patio Awning

• Keyless Entry (Key Fob Only)

• Fire Extinguisher
• Deadbolt Lock on Entrance Door
• 120V GFI Protected Circuit (Kitchen, Bath, Exterior)
• LP Gas Detector
• Smoke Detector
• Carbon Monoxide Detector
• Driver and Passenger Three-Point Seatbelts (Wall Mounted)
• Third Brake Safety Light
• Egress Window(s)

For more information contact:

Monaco RV, LLC
91320 Industrial Way
Coburg, OR 97408
800 634 0855
monacocoach.com

The Board of Directors of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation has announced the Class of inductees to be received into the RV/MH Hall of Fame as the Class of 2010.

Those to be honored a reception in August at the Hall of Fame in Elkhart are:

Raymond F. Bassett, Parkwood Homes & Honey RV, Elkhart, IN, MH/RV Manufacturer
He served on the boards of MHMA, Fleetwood, Champion, Redman and others. A highly regarded industry inventor and visionary; he patented a "Knock-down" mobile home for overseas shipment, developed full length screenroom additions for Florida models, and developed a transport system for early "Park Models".

Jim Boyts, Skyline Corp, Elkhart, IN housing manufacturer
He was instrumental in leading a strategic planning conference creating a separate RV Council within the Indiana MHA giving the RV industry equal footing in the state association. He served for many years as his company's representative to MHI.

Rex Floyd, Floyd's RV of Norman, Norman OK, RV Dealer
A recognized leader in Oklahoma RV matters, he served 12 years on the RVDA national board including 3 as an officer during the industry downturn of the early 80s. He was a key leader in the early days of organizing a national market expansion program which became today's Go RVing effort.

Jim Fogdall, Ace Fogdall RV, Cedar Falls IA, RV Dealer
A 44 year RVDA member, he was the Trailer Life Dealer of the Year in 1988, won the RVDA Chairman's Award in 2003, and the Jim Summers Award in 2004. He served on the boards of RVDA (Chairman), Service Technician Schools (Chairman), RV Assistance Corp., and RVDA Education Foundation (Chairman).

Jerry Haggadone, Champion Homes, York Nebraska, MH Manufacturer
He was a long term member of North Central MHI board and the state associations for South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and Oklahoma. He was a Nebraska State Motor vehicle Licensing Board member. He has been a key leader in getting legislation to bring Modular Homes into acceptance throughout the North Central region. He served for over 22 years as a Kansas City MH Show board member and helped to establish the Omaha MH Show. He is a retired RV/MH Heritage Foundation board member

Morris Hylton, Jr. Hylton Homes, Ivel, KY, MH Retail
He is a 30 year member of Kentucky MHI serving 6 terms as its President. For many years he was a member of the Louisville Show Committee. KMHI representative to the National MH Federation, President of East Kentucky Homebuilders Assoc. He is a long time promoter of 100% customer satisfaction as a guide for his business. He worked diligently to adopt the issue of blanket permits for transporters delivering in KY

Jess Maxcy, California MHI, Rancho Cucamunga, CA, Association Executive
He has 44 years of service in promotion and development of the manufactured housing industry. He has been involved in all aspects of housing manufacturing with 3 different manufacturers. He has lead the California association as board member and president since 1986. he was the 1992 recipient of the prestigious Jack Wells Award.

Don Lougheed, RV Group Inc., Austin, TX, RV Dealer
He was one of the founders of the RVDA and a 40 year board member serving in many positions including President. He produced the RV industry's first flat rate manual for service techs. With stores in NY and TX he had one of the first large multi-state RV dealerships.

Carl Pfalzgraf, Atwood Mobile Products, Elkhart, IN, RV Supplier
He has served 18 years on RVIA Board. As Education Committee Chairman he led the group that devised the RVIA industry education program. He served as Board Chairman and was t he 1998 recipient of the Distinguished Service to the Industry Award. He led his company's marketing for the first electronic ignition water heater, first ball screw lifting devices, first light weight furnace with noise reduction and many others.

Gary W. Powell, Manufactured Home Communities, Chicago, IL Community Developer
As a 30 year developer of quality MH communities he has developed 150 communities in 26 states. His communities have won 8 National Community of the Year awards since 1997. A strong proponent of community maintenance programs and service to his residents, during the 1991 Gulf War, he waived lot rental fees for deployed military members living in his communities.

Jeff Wick, Wick Building Systems, Mazomanie WI, Housing manufacturer
A long term MHI Board member, he served as MHI Chairman in 1993 and 94, and led the effort to get MHI funding for the RV/MH Hall of Fame. He led the effort to establish wind zones for HUD wind code standards. A strong proponent of customer focused manufacturing, he has been a strong advocate to replace production and sales with customer interests as a focus of housing manufacturing.

Clarence T. Yoder, Carriage Inc, Millersburg, IN; RV Manufacturer
During the 30 plus years he led his company, he was the primary research and development officer always seeking innovations in comfort and function. He pioneered seamless fiberglass end caps on RVs in 1969. Pioneered motorized slide outs on fifth-wheels, developed the flat floor fifth wheel concept with no step up into the bed room, he holds the patents on "hurricane straps" for slide outs and for the "No A Frame" design in travel trailers. He was a 30 year RVIA member and show participant.

The RV/MH Hall of Fame, established in 1972, has honored over 300 industry leaders with enshrinement into the industry hall of fame. It maintains a museum and library of industry history and archives at it headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana

Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV - News) announced that stockholders at its annual meeting today elected three incumbent directors to the board of directors, ratified the selection of KPMG as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm and approved amendments to the company’s performance incentive plan.

The director incumbents elected for a three-year term are:

• Eugenio Clariond, a director since 2002, and retired chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Group IMSA, S.A., a producer of steel processed products.
• Diane H. Gulyas, a director since 2009, and president of E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company’s performance polymers group.
• William H. Osborne, a director since 2009, and the president and chief executive officer of Federal Signal Corporation, a manufacturer and marketers of fire, safety and municipal infrastructure equipment.

One of the amendments to the company’s performance incentive plan increased the number of shares available for issuance to 5,750,000 shares from 3,250,000 shares. The other amendment added an additional performance measure, earnings before interest and taxes, to the performance incentive plan. No other proposals were presented for action and 87.92 percent of all of the outstanding shares of Navistar were voted at today’s meeting.

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Interstate All Battery Center has record year in 2009; announces advances, partnerships to fuel growth Interstate All Battery Center (IABC), the franchise concept for 58-year-old Interstate Batteries, celebrated 22 percent year-over-year growth in 2009 and technological enhancements that will expand market share with a targeted focus on business-to-business sales during the company's largest-ever international franchise convention last month.

The theme of this year's convention was IMPACT because IABC continues to lead the industry in 2010 with forward thinking. IABC has invested in leading marketing tools, such as a geo-targeted email marketing system, an easy-to-navigate electronic product catalog, online access to business management tools and location-specific landing pages to help grow consumer sales and increase customer service.

IABC's business-to-business sales rose by 18 percent in 2009. To advance that trend, IABC experts constructed a system-wide approach to analyze and improve B2B sales. Franchise consultants will facilitate franchisees' development of specific strategies to increase market share in the business-to-business category with tools that effectively analyze data and accelerate growth. Test stores that used the strategies have already seen sales increases of 12 percent.

The company's commitment to customer service contributed to impressive growth for IABC, which added more than 175 locations in 2009, and IABC continues to leverage that while expanding brand reach in 2010 with services like alternative energy, free auto-battery recycling and emergency roadside assistance.

"Interstate All Battery Center is committed to providing our strategic partners with the very best resources. Innovative thinking and our commitment to technological infrastructure gives IABC a competitive edge to increase market share," said Mickey Elam, Interstate Battery Franchising and Development President. "We're investing in our partners so they have what they need to acquire and retain one more satisfied customer every day. That's why IABC continues to expand and has now secured a presence in every U.S. county."

Other highlights from the convention include:

• IABC announced the first-ever No. 18 Interstate All Battery Car, led by the three-time Super bowl champion Joe Gibbs and his racing team. Kyle Busch will drive the car in the July 3 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Daytona International Speedway, exposing more than 5 million viewers to the IABC concept.
• A look at first-rate products during the vendor fair, which included highly recognized names like Schumacher Electric, Spectrum Brands (formerly Rayovac Corp.), IBM, Duracell and more
• Recapping of multiple awards, including being named to the following lists: Top 50 franchises for franchisee satisfaction by Franchise Business Review; Top 500 franchises by Entrepreneur; list of top franchises by AllBusiness.com; the Winner's Circle by FranchiseUpdate
• IABC recognition of top performers with the following awards:
• IABC Franchisee of the Year - IABC of Scottsdale, Ariz., owned by Billy Kann
• 2009 Rookie of the Year - IABC of San Diego, Calif., owned by Ron Cummings

"IABC is equipped with more than 16,000 power solutions, an aggressive growth strategy, practical technological solutions and an analytical approach to increasing market share," said Interstate Battery Franchising and Development Director Justin Darland. "At IABC, the trusted Interstate Batteries brand, forward thinking and outrageously dependable products and service allow our strategic partners to continue to power forward, meet our customers' every battery need and acquire and retain one more satisfied customer at a time."

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Tucson, AZ – Beaudry RV Company’s 2010 Annual Western Show and Sale saw a record turnout. In line with the majority of RV shows to date throughout the nation in 2010, Beaudry RV Company saw an increase in sales as well as a change in the overall mindset of consumers.

“Last year, people browsed but there weren’t many spenders,” said Thom Sylvester, CEO of Beaudry RV Company. “This year, consumers came ready to spend again.” as was made clear with the 35 units we sold within the first three days of the show.

Across the nation numbers have been soaring at RV shows from Florida where over 50,000 consumers attended to Grand Rapids, Michigan with doubled attendance from last year. Consumers aren’t merely browsing like last year, this year, they are opening their pocket books and spending up to double the amount of last year.

The recent results at Beaudry RV Company are a great indicator for the economy. All signs point to the economy continuing to grow. “We couldn’t be happier about the turnout,” said Sylvester, “It’s great to see customers back in the market and ready to travel.”

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Doran Manufacturing, LLC recently marked the company's 55th year in business with an internal celebration with their team members to properly acknowledge past accomplishments and to confirm the focus and direction for the future.

"With so many companies struggling to survive and thrive, we chose to conduct an extensive review of our business. We discovered that Doran has a proud and deeply rooted legacy of establishing long-term relationships with our customers that is founded on treating their problems as if they were our own" said Jim Samocki, General Manager. "As with every company, we have been faced with a number of challenges to our business, but our team members have been integral to keeping the company on course. They continually working to fulfill the higher purpose for the products in the key markets we serve, including:

• Terminals and Terminal Boards: We create and provide customized solutions to simplify complex assembly issues
• School Bus: We protect children
• Truck Fleets: Our truck fleet customers lower their costs, improve their overall safety and become more competitive while we are contributing to saving the planet, one tire at a time
• RV: We provide a safer and more peaceful RV experience
• Motorcycle: We are preventing accidents and saving lives

Ultimately, these beliefs support the key operating principle of our owners, which is to continue to make Doran an unusually good place to work and have a career. We are looking forward to providing new solutions to our customers' problems and expediting the next growth phase for our business," concluded Samocki.

Cincinnati-based Doran Manufacturing continues to produce and assemble terminals and terminal boards for small electric motors in the original factory that was established in 1954. In addition, the company has been designing, assembling and supplying transportation safety products for school buses, RVs and commercial trucks for more than thirty-five years. Product categories include tire pressure monitoring systems for RVs, Truck fleets and Motorcycles; Monitors for LED/Incandescent lights and Sleeping Child Check monitors for school buses.

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The adventure of camping has always been an irresistible draw to RV owners. Now, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) is giving enthusiasts a chance to explore their own recreational vehicles at two-day Camp Freightliner sessions, Feb. - Nov. 2010.

Camp Freightliner is an opportunity for RV owners to spend two intensive, fun-filled days learning some of the ins and outs of what makes their vehicles tick. Campers will hear from Freightliner experts who will lead workshops covering RV ownership from A to Z, including:

• Understanding and maintaining air brake and electrical systems
• Overall tips and guidelines for maximum performance
• Suggested maintenance intervals
• The importance of weight distribution
• Proper vehicle storage

In addition, pilots and co-pilots have the opportunity to learn firsthand the intricacies of a Freightliner chassis by examining a bare chassis to highlight and review its features and components.

FCCC officials have designed the Camp sessions for any new, existing or hopeful Class A motorhome owner who wants to learn more about diesel-powered RVs and how to care for them.

Nearly 30 individual Camp Freightliner sessions are offered Feb. – Nov. 2010. See http://bit.ly/7MDzKj for specific information. For a limited time, interested pilots and co-pilots can participate in the February Camp Freightliner classes (Feb. 15-16 or Feb. 18-19) for a discounted rate of just $100 for both attendees, a 33 percent savings. Regular pricing for Camp sessions are $150 for pilot and co-pilot registration.

Camp Freightliner accommodations include full hook-ups and discounted camping rates are also available at the local Spartanburg KOA campground. Camp Freightliner will host a cookout dinner for participants the first evening of each session.

"We recently opened Camp Freightliner to anyone who might be interested in moving from a towable or fifth wheel to a Class A motorhome, or for people who just want to learn more about owning a motorhome, so we could educate them about chassis maintenance and give them an understanding what goes into owning and operating a Class A RV," said Dave Hoover, customer support manager at FCCC.

For complete information on this session and future sessions, please visit: Camp Freightliner.

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Winnebago Industries Chairman, CEO and President Bob Olson (right) and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin (left) accept the award as 2009 top-selling motor home manufacturer from Statistical Surveys General Manager Tom Walworth. (Photo: Winnebago Industries)

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO), has been recognized for the ninth consecutive year as the nation’s top-selling motor home manufacturer according to Statistical Surveys, Inc., a retail reporting service in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“We believe RV consumers are drawn to quality, well-established brands, particularly during the challenging economic conditions we faced in 2009”

Winnebago Industries’ dealers retailed more Class A and Class C motor homes combined than any other manufacturer’s dealer group in calendar 2009, achieving 19.2 percent market share versus 18.3 percent market share for calendar 2008.

“Achieving the top-selling position again is a tribute to the teamwork of our dealer partners and our employees,” said Winnebago Industries Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin. “Once again our dealers have shown that when our company gives them the right product and the right support, they can accomplish anything. We were extremely pleased with our market share performance in calendar 2009, particularly in the Class A diesel motor home market segment, due in part to the success of our new 2010 lineup. Winnebago Industries had the largest Class A diesel market share gain in the industry with 11.3 percent of this market segment in 2009 versus 8.1 percent in calendar 2008; an amazing gain of nearly 40 percent for the year.”

Winnebago Industries also led the Class A Gas market segment and the Class C market segment, both with 22.9 percent market share in calendar 2009. Winnebago Industries’ ERA was also the top-selling Class B motor home model in calendar 2009 with 17.9 percent market share.

“We believe RV consumers are drawn to quality, well-established brands, particularly during the challenging economic conditions we faced in 2009,” said Martin. “At a time when too many dealers and consumers are left out in the cold without the support of their manufacturer, we will continue to work diligently to distinguish our products from the competition through stringent quality, innovative product design and unmatched service after the sale. Through these efforts, Winnebago Industries has also been recognized as a Quality Circle Award recipient by the Recreation Vehicle Dealers’ Association for each of the last 14 years.”

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Navistar, Inc. (NYSE: NAV) has signed a concept development agreement with Clean Air Power Ltd. (AIM: CAP) to develop Navistar’s MaxxForce® 13 big bore engine to run on natural gas and clean diesel fuel for the North American market.

“This agreement supports Navistar’s strategy of product leadership, offering our customers differentiated products merging the unique skills of Clean Air Power in natural gas combustion and the knowledge Navistar has in diesel combustion,” Jack Allen, president of Navistar’s North American Truck Group. “The volatility of global diesel fuel prices and the significant natural gas reserves available in the United States make natural gas an attractive option for customers focused on managing their fuel costs.”

The program will utilize Clean Air Power’s Dual-Fuel™ combustion technology to deliver a MaxxForce 13 Advanced EGR engine that is fully compliant with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2010 on-highway diesel emissions, without the use of liquid-urea SCR (selective catalytic reduction). Upon successful concept development, the two companies will move forward to product development and validation.

“As we assess changing market conditions, the ability to offer customers choice is important not only in our U.S. markets, but in our global markets as well,” said Eric Tech, president, Navistar Engine Group. “As we develop this product for our International® brand truck customers, we will also be able to leverage the technology in other markets and products as appropriate.”

MaxxForce 13 natural gas engines utilizing Clean Air Power’s Dual-Fuel combustion technology will initially target the regional haul tractor market with a goal of a achieving a 400-mile range.

“By working with Clean Air Power we will be developing a dual fuel engine that will provide customers with a true big bore natural gas powered engine,” added Jack Allen. “The MaxxForce 13 natural gas engine will meet Class 8 customer weight and performance requirements, which are not being met by competitive products today.”

Navistar maintains a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship combined with providing customer friendly technologies, like Navistar’s MaxxForce Advanced EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) technology.

“We are very pleased to work with Navistar to advance the Dual-Fuel product development of Navistar’s MaxxForce 13 to deliver clean fuel technology consistent with Navistar’s customer-focused strategy,” said John Pettitt, CEO, Clean Air Power.