News & Notes: December 2023
Thor Motor Coach Unveils New Diesel Models
Thor Motor Coach showcased more than 70 motorhomes at America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this past September. Among the new floor plans on display were a pair of Type A motorhomes company literature terms “affordable.”
TMC’s 2024 lineup includes the new Palazzo GT 33.5 and 33.6 budget-friendly Type A diesel pushers. Features include a Winegard wireless internet hotspot, an exterior 40-inch LED TV, an electric induction cooktop, a ceiling-ducted Whisper Air central cooling system, and USB charging ports in the bed base.
Measuring just shy of 35 feet long, the Riviera 34SD Type A diesel motorhome is the most cost-efficient option in the Riviera lineup. It features a patented Tilt-A-View king-size bed, which adjusts to the angle desired, along with expansive closet space and a stacked washer-dryer.
For more information, visit www.thormotorcoach.com.
Grand Design To Expand Into Motorized Market
Grand Design RV, a Middlebury, Indiana-based subsidiary of Winnebago Industries, will begin manufacturing motorized RVs, scheduled for release sometime in 2024. Winnebago CEO Mike Happe made the announcement during an October conference call with investment analysts.
Happe noted that the new models will be a “differentiated and complementary offering to our current Winnebago and Newmar brand motorized businesses. Leveraging Grand Design’s inherent strength and unwavering appeal, along with its dedicated and loyal consumer base, we are poised to make a bold entry into this segment.” The company anticipates show-casing prototype models to select dealers in early 2024, he added.
In addition, Happe announced that Grand Design cofounder, president, and CEO Don Clark has agreed to a five-year employment extension.
Shyft Group Appoints New President
John Dunn was appointed president and CEO of Shyft Group this past October.
In late October 2023, Shyft Group, parent company of Spartan RV Chassis, announced the appointment of John Dunn as president and CEO. He replaces Daryl Adams, who will remain with the company in an advisory capacity for six months.
Dunn joined Shyft in January 2023 as president of the company’s Fleet Vehicles and Services. Prior to Shyft, he served as president and CEO of Americas for Plastic Omnium, a worldwide mobility solutions provider, and he held several positions at automotive supplier Brose, including president of Brose North America.
Campers Inn RV Supports Care Camps
The donation from Campers Inn RV has made it possible for more than 12,000 children with cancer, along with parents and siblings, to enjoy a medically supervised experience at Care Camps.
Campers Inn RV, a family-operated dealership group, recently shared news that the company has donated more than $700,000 to support the Care Camps mission. Care Camps is a program that helps children with cancer spend time enjoying the outdoors at medically supervised camps with other children going through the same experience.
In less than two years, nearly three-quarters of a million dollars has been raised by all 38 Campers Inn RV locations through employee payroll deductions, the corporate matching program, and special events.
The initial launch of the Care Camps initiative was through a golf tournament tied in with the RV/MH Hall of Fame induction dinner. At this tournament, which was sponsored and hosted by Campers Inn, over $10,000 was raised.
In 2022, Campers Inn RV held its inaugural Glitter and Gold Gala, which exceeded expectations and managed to raise over $500,000. The night was filled with excitement and generosity as attendees participated in a thrilling live auction, a silent auction, and an enticing raffle, company representatives said.
“The generosity of Campers Inn and the Hirsch family, coupled with their sincere passion to make a difference in the lives of others, propels our mission to new heights,” said Wade Elliott, chair of the Care Camps board of directors. “Campers Inn’s commitment to Care Camps begins with their leadership, extends to their employee base, and ripples across the United States and Canada, impacting thousands of children living with cancer and their families.”
To date, Campers Inn RV’s contributions have made it possible for more than 12,000 children with cancer, 8,500 siblings, and 6,000 parents to attend Care Camps. The donations also funded 190 grants for camps to aid with operations, to perform upgrades on structures, and to buy equipment.
Fantasy RV Continues “The RVers” Partnership
Fantasy RV Tours announced its continued partnership with the popular television series “The RVers” on Discovery Channel and PBS. Fantasy RV Tours offers FMCA member-only rallies and caravans among the many RV tours it provides around the world.
Over the past five seasons of the show, Fantasy RV Tours has taken viewers on journeys to Alaska, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Zealand, Baja Mexico, and other compelling destinations. The company has committed to the next five seasons as well, planning to share more travel experiences with a nationwide television audience.
As one of the most-watched RV-themed shows, “The RVers” has become a favorite among adventure enthusiasts and travel aficionados.
“We are excited and honored to be a part of ‘The RVers’ for five more seasons. This partnership allows us to inspire, inform, and entertain viewers as we embark on new adventures and uncover hidden gems in the world of RV travel,” said Nel Filliger, founder and CEO of Fantasy RV Tours.
Viewers can stay tuned for more RV explorations on the Discovery Channel, PBS, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and other popular streaming services. Previous Fantasy RV Tours segments can be viewed on Fantasy’s YouTube channel. To learn more about “The RVers” show, visit thervers.tv. To learn more about FMCA member-only tours, visit FMCA.com/rv-tours.
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Source: https://familyrvingmag.com/2023/12/01/news-notes-december-2023/
