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December 26 - Pomona Hosts RV ShowRunning today through January 5, the Fairplex in Pomona, California, will play host to one of the largest RV shows on the west coast. Sponsored by Giant RV, one of the nation's largest and fastest- growing dealerships for recreational vehicles, the show makes its fourth appearance in Southern California. Besides nearly 100 used travel trailers and motor homes, visitors will see nearly 40 brands and 19 displays. Used and new vehicles, including 2004 models, will total more than 300. Last year, the show drew about 5,000 people, but organizers expect an attendance increase of 30 percent to 50 percent over 2001-2002. This corresponds with a strong increase in recent RV sales. Since September 11, 2001, several RV manufacturers have reported increases of up to 30 percent, despite the current economic downturn. The 10-day event features the full lines of Fleetwood RV and Perris-based National R.V. Holdings Inc., two industry leaders. Sticker prices range from $10,000 for travel trailers or fifth-wheels to $500,000 for a full-length luxury bus. The average fifth-wheel costs $35,000, while motor homes average $80,000.December 18 - Winnebago Reports 1Q EarningsWinnebago Industries, Inc., the leading United States motorhome manufacturer, reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 which ended November 30, 2002. Revenues were a record $234.1 million for the 13-week first quarter, an increase of 31.7 percent over revenues of $177.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 (14 weeks). Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 was $16.3 million, an increase of 52.0 percent compared to net income of $10.7 million for the first quarter last year. "We are pleased with the continued growth in the Company's first quarter earnings," said Winnebago Industries' Chairman, CEO and President Bruce D. Hertzke. "The positive results were due to the excellent acceptance of the company's new 2003 motor homes, the continued low interest rate environment and our strong dealer partners." The Company's focus on product development and high quality standards continues to earn Winnebago Industries the number one position in retail motor home sales, as well as continued market share growth. According to Statistical Surveys, Inc., the RV retail registration reporting firm, Winnebago Industries is the leading motor home manufacturer with 20.7 percent of the combined Class A and C retail market nationally calendar year to date through October 2002. "We are encouraged by the excellent acceptance of our products in the marketplace, and the continued low interest rate environment," said Hertzke. "The long-term outlook for motor home sales continues to appear very favorable."December 16 - Fleetwood Reports Sales IncreaseFleetwood RV, the nation's leading recreational vehicle manufacturer, announced that sales at the RVIA National Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky were up over 27% from last year with over $110 million in orders written at the show. The three-day event is the largest industry show of the year and is open to RV dealers across the country and internationally. Fleetwood's folding trailer division had three new floorplans on display, all of which were well-received by the dealers. Fleetwood's towable division made significant product enhancements to its core brands, Prowler, Wilderness and Terry. Fleetwood's motor home division debuted several exciting new floorplans in Louisville, including a new Class C rental unit that exceeded expectations with over 100 orders at the show. Fleetwood's reputation for quality, features and value were evident in all products. Fleetwood RV continues to lead the Class A market with 20.7% year-to-date market share according to Statistical Surveys, Inc. (January 2002 - September 2002).November 27 - Pethealth Inc. Announces Agreement With AGIAPethealth Inc. announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with AGIA, the marketer and administrator of Life and Health insurance products for Affinity Group, Inc (AGI) and its member clubs. Through affiliated companies and membership clubs, AGI serves the safety, security, comfort and convenience needs of the North American RV market. This agreement will see Pethealth's line of accident and illness pet insurance programs marketed to the more than 2 million members of AGI clubs, including the Good Sam Club, Camping World, Coast to Coast, Golf Card International and the Motorhome America Club. AGI and its member clubs represent a significant opportunity for PetCare Pet Insurance Programs, as 59% of members own a pet. Last year more than 10 million people traveled across North America in an RV. According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), in the next ten years the number of RV owning households will rise to 10.4 million. "The AGI membership demographic is an exciting new sector for Pethealth to promote its PetCare insurance programs to," said Mark Warren, President & CEO of Pethealth. "As more and more AGI club members are requesting a pet insurance program, we are excited to enter into a partnership with Pethealth to offer high quality, user friendly pet insurance coverage - in addition to the financial, insurance and emergency roadside products and services already offered," said Kevin Hobbs, Vice President of Marketing of AGI.News & Notes is a compilation of the latest news from the RV industry. Stories will be updated continuously, so check back often to see what's happening in the world of recreational vehicles. Graphics courtesy of #1 Free Clip Art. |
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