Friday, May 19, 2006
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
ITASCA / SUNOVA 2006
WINNEBAGO / SIGHTSEER 2006
Manufacturer : WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V163000 Mfg's Report Date : MAY 11, 2006
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 68
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE FLAME ON THE COOKING RANGE MAY BE FORCED DOWNWARD OVER THE BURNER OR FLAME OUTAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE COOKING RANGE AND FURNACE ARE OPERATED AT THE SAME TIME. THIS CONDITION IS DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A MISSING CABINET PANEL THAT ISOLATES THE FURNACE RETURN AIR.
Consequence:
IF THE FURNACE IS OPERATED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE STOVE AND THE CABINET PANEL IS MISSING, THE STOVE FLAME MAY GO OUT AND THE PROPANE GAS WILL CONTINUE TO FLOW, WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IGNITE RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR VEHICLE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CABINET ASSEMBLY FOR A CABINET PANEL AND INSTALL ONE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 641-585-6939.
Notes:
WINNEBAGO RECALL NO. 101. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
ITASCA / SUNOVA 2006
WINNEBAGO / SIGHTSEER 2006
Manufacturer : WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V163000 Mfg's Report Date : MAY 11, 2006
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 68
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE FLAME ON THE COOKING RANGE MAY BE FORCED DOWNWARD OVER THE BURNER OR FLAME OUTAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE COOKING RANGE AND FURNACE ARE OPERATED AT THE SAME TIME. THIS CONDITION IS DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A MISSING CABINET PANEL THAT ISOLATES THE FURNACE RETURN AIR.
Consequence:
IF THE FURNACE IS OPERATED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE STOVE AND THE CABINET PANEL IS MISSING, THE STOVE FLAME MAY GO OUT AND THE PROPANE GAS WILL CONTINUE TO FLOW, WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IGNITE RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR VEHICLE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CABINET ASSEMBLY FOR A CABINET PANEL AND INSTALL ONE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 641-585-6939.
Notes:
WINNEBAGO RECALL NO. 101. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
THE RV INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA
RV Business
Friday, May 19, 2006
Australia’s graying and increasingly nomadic Baby Boomers are helping bail out Australia's struggling automotive industry by fueling sales of recreational vehicles, according to the The Australian.
As Aussie car makers pull back on production and parts makers migrate offshore in the face of cheaper Asian imports, RV and van camper maker Jayco is growing, investing $35 million in a major expansion of its manufacturing operation at Dandenong, southeast of Melbourne. The Australian firm is a sister company to longtime U.S. RV builder Jayco Inc., Middlebury, Ind.
The Australian market for RVs has jumped by a staggering 50% in the past 10 years to be now worth about $600 million annually.
The threat of terrorism overseas is only further boosting demand as retirees dump plans for an ocean cruise or European holiday in favor of exploring their own backyard.
And dirt tracks are no longer a barrier for the intrepid grandparents with most fold-down camper trailers compatible with off-road four-wheel-drives.
"Every time a bomb goes off we tend to see it reflected in our sales," Jayco Managing Director Gerry Ryan told The Australian.
Ryan founded Jayco 30 years ago in a cow shed near Dandenong, initially making fold-down camping trailers. The business is now a $200 million-a-year operation employing 600 people.
Eighteen months ago, Jayco diversified into making van campers and mobile homes, importing Fiat Ducatos and Ford Transit vans from Europe for conversion at its Victorian facilities.
With the market growing, Jayco is aiming to expand its total production of RVs from 8,000 a year to 10,000. Accordingly, it is building additional manufacturing space near its existing operations. It is part of a development that will also include Jayco's new headquarters as well as parklands and wetlands.
Industrial space is also being developed for other manufacturers, including Jayco's parts suppliers.
The Jayco expansion will create 150 new permanent jobs, including 25 apprenticeships and traineeships.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Australia’s graying and increasingly nomadic Baby Boomers are helping bail out Australia's struggling automotive industry by fueling sales of recreational vehicles, according to the The Australian.
As Aussie car makers pull back on production and parts makers migrate offshore in the face of cheaper Asian imports, RV and van camper maker Jayco is growing, investing $35 million in a major expansion of its manufacturing operation at Dandenong, southeast of Melbourne. The Australian firm is a sister company to longtime U.S. RV builder Jayco Inc., Middlebury, Ind.
The Australian market for RVs has jumped by a staggering 50% in the past 10 years to be now worth about $600 million annually.
The threat of terrorism overseas is only further boosting demand as retirees dump plans for an ocean cruise or European holiday in favor of exploring their own backyard.
And dirt tracks are no longer a barrier for the intrepid grandparents with most fold-down camper trailers compatible with off-road four-wheel-drives.
"Every time a bomb goes off we tend to see it reflected in our sales," Jayco Managing Director Gerry Ryan told The Australian.
Ryan founded Jayco 30 years ago in a cow shed near Dandenong, initially making fold-down camping trailers. The business is now a $200 million-a-year operation employing 600 people.
Eighteen months ago, Jayco diversified into making van campers and mobile homes, importing Fiat Ducatos and Ford Transit vans from Europe for conversion at its Victorian facilities.
With the market growing, Jayco is aiming to expand its total production of RVs from 8,000 a year to 10,000. Accordingly, it is building additional manufacturing space near its existing operations. It is part of a development that will also include Jayco's new headquarters as well as parklands and wetlands.
Industrial space is also being developed for other manufacturers, including Jayco's parts suppliers.
The Jayco expansion will create 150 new permanent jobs, including 25 apprenticeships and traineeships.
HAS ANYONE TRIED OPENING A ROOF VENT AND WINDOW?
RV Business
Thursday, May 18, 2006
That “brand new” smell in travel trailers given to hurricane victims by the federal government could signal the potential for health problems, the Sierra Club said.
According to The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., the Sierra Club reported in a telephone news conference Wednesday (May 17) that indoor air quality testing of 32 trailers in Louisiana and Mississippi showed 30 trailers had aerial formaldehyde levels above recommended levels for human health.
Various products used in the production of travel trailers contain formaldehyde, including glue, curtains, molded plastic and countertops.
According to a 1997 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report on formaldehyde, it can cause allergic reactions, coughing and wheezing at 0.1 parts per million (ppm).
Lower levels of formaldehyde do not cause problems for most people, the report says.
Mary DeVany, an industrial hygienist working with the Sierra Club, said 30 of the 32 trailers tested so far had levels above the 0.1 ppm threshold for formaldehyde. “If you can smell it, you’re being overexposed,” she said.
If people are experiencing symptoms or the “glue-like” smell associated with formaldehyde, DeVany said, there are a few things they can do to improve air quality.
DeVany suggested getting fresh air through the trailer by opening windows and using fans to increase circulation. Formaldehyde will dissipate over time, she said, but the gasses need somewhere to go.
The newspaper reported that Jim Fortenberry of Mississippi and his wife are living in a trailer supplied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) while they rebuild their home.
Air testing in the Fortenberrys’ trailer showed 0.34 ppm of formaldehyde compared with the recommended limit of 0.1 ppm.
Since getting the trailer in November, Fortenberry said, he’s had respiratory and sinus problems and his wife has had several nose bleeds.
“I do know that the more I stay in the trailer, the worse I feel,” he said during the news conference.
Chris Smith of the Sierra Club said some people also complain of nausea. “The Sierra Club believes they have a right to know what’s happening to them,” he said.
According to another report in the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post, FEMA issued a written statement, suggesting that trailer occupants ventilate their temporary homes if necessary.
"FEMA and industry experts are monitoring the small number of cases where odors of formaldehyde have been reported, and we are confident that there is no ongoing risk," said FEMA spokesman Aaron Walker.
"The odor may result from several sources, including materials used in the construction of certain trailers and vapors from items like new linens and burning cigarettes. By fully opening windows and using air conditioning or exhaust fans, residents can ensure proper air ventilation."
Thursday, May 18, 2006
That “brand new” smell in travel trailers given to hurricane victims by the federal government could signal the potential for health problems, the Sierra Club said.
According to The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., the Sierra Club reported in a telephone news conference Wednesday (May 17) that indoor air quality testing of 32 trailers in Louisiana and Mississippi showed 30 trailers had aerial formaldehyde levels above recommended levels for human health.
Various products used in the production of travel trailers contain formaldehyde, including glue, curtains, molded plastic and countertops.
According to a 1997 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report on formaldehyde, it can cause allergic reactions, coughing and wheezing at 0.1 parts per million (ppm).
Lower levels of formaldehyde do not cause problems for most people, the report says.
Mary DeVany, an industrial hygienist working with the Sierra Club, said 30 of the 32 trailers tested so far had levels above the 0.1 ppm threshold for formaldehyde. “If you can smell it, you’re being overexposed,” she said.
If people are experiencing symptoms or the “glue-like” smell associated with formaldehyde, DeVany said, there are a few things they can do to improve air quality.
DeVany suggested getting fresh air through the trailer by opening windows and using fans to increase circulation. Formaldehyde will dissipate over time, she said, but the gasses need somewhere to go.
The newspaper reported that Jim Fortenberry of Mississippi and his wife are living in a trailer supplied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) while they rebuild their home.
Air testing in the Fortenberrys’ trailer showed 0.34 ppm of formaldehyde compared with the recommended limit of 0.1 ppm.
Since getting the trailer in November, Fortenberry said, he’s had respiratory and sinus problems and his wife has had several nose bleeds.
“I do know that the more I stay in the trailer, the worse I feel,” he said during the news conference.
Chris Smith of the Sierra Club said some people also complain of nausea. “The Sierra Club believes they have a right to know what’s happening to them,” he said.
According to another report in the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post, FEMA issued a written statement, suggesting that trailer occupants ventilate their temporary homes if necessary.
"FEMA and industry experts are monitoring the small number of cases where odors of formaldehyde have been reported, and we are confident that there is no ongoing risk," said FEMA spokesman Aaron Walker.
"The odor may result from several sources, including materials used in the construction of certain trailers and vapors from items like new linens and burning cigarettes. By fully opening windows and using air conditioning or exhaust fans, residents can ensure proper air ventilation."
Thursday, May 18, 2006
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
ROADTREK / 190 2003-2006
ROADTREK / 210 2003-2006
Manufacturer : HOME & PARK MOTORHOMES
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V160000 Mfg's Report Date : MAY 03, 2006
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 736
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON CHEVROLET CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH A DECORATIVE DASH TRIM KIT, THE ADHESIVE BACKED SYNTHETIC TRIM IS ATTACHED TO THE DASH, ENGINE COVER, DOOR PANEL AND THE CHEVROLET "BOW TIE" DECAL IS ATTACHED TO THE STEERING WHEEL (DIRECTLY OVER THE EXISTING BOW TIE IMPRESSION). THIS DECAL COULD AFFECT THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG SAFETY RESTRAINT BUILT INTO THE STEERING WHEEL.
Consequence:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH IN WHICH THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED, THE RESULTING FUNCTIONALITY OF THE AIR BAG IS UNCERTAIN, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy:
OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL DECAL. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HOME AND PARK AT 1-800-663-0066.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
ROADTREK / 190 2003-2006
ROADTREK / 210 2003-2006
Manufacturer : HOME & PARK MOTORHOMES
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V160000 Mfg's Report Date : MAY 03, 2006
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 736
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON CHEVROLET CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH A DECORATIVE DASH TRIM KIT, THE ADHESIVE BACKED SYNTHETIC TRIM IS ATTACHED TO THE DASH, ENGINE COVER, DOOR PANEL AND THE CHEVROLET "BOW TIE" DECAL IS ATTACHED TO THE STEERING WHEEL (DIRECTLY OVER THE EXISTING BOW TIE IMPRESSION). THIS DECAL COULD AFFECT THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG SAFETY RESTRAINT BUILT INTO THE STEERING WHEEL.
Consequence:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH IN WHICH THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED, THE RESULTING FUNCTIONALITY OF THE AIR BAG IS UNCERTAIN, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy:
OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL DECAL. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HOME AND PARK AT 1-800-663-0066.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
COAST STILL SAYS NO TO BELL
RV Business
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Coast Distribution System Inc.’s board of directors unanimously rejected the latest buyout proposal from competitor Bell Industries Inc. for $8.10 a share.
It was the third unsolicited bid by El Segundo, Calif.-based Bell. Both companies are involved in aftermarket product distribution for the recreational and marine industries, Bell through its recreational products group in Eagan, Minn.
“Our board of directors, with the assistance of its financial advisor, Seven Hills Partners LLC, has reviewed Bell's buyout proposal and, in conjunction with that review, also considered, once again, the strategic alternatives available to Coast,” said Thomas R. McGuire, chairman and CEO for Morgan Hill, Calif.-based Coast, in a press release.
McGuire said the prospects for Coast as an independent company were “superior to Bell’s proposal,” adding, “Coast's board will vigorously oppose any efforts by Bell to take advantage of our stockholders.”
Previously, Bell stated that if Coast's response was not favorable it "will not hesitate" to nominate two directors for election to Coast's board at the company's annual meeting.
Bell first approached Coast last December with a bid of $7.15 a share and later raised it to $7.70 a share. Coast subsequently engaged financial firm Seven Hills and its board unanimously rejected that offer in February.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Coast Distribution System Inc.’s board of directors unanimously rejected the latest buyout proposal from competitor Bell Industries Inc. for $8.10 a share.
It was the third unsolicited bid by El Segundo, Calif.-based Bell. Both companies are involved in aftermarket product distribution for the recreational and marine industries, Bell through its recreational products group in Eagan, Minn.
“Our board of directors, with the assistance of its financial advisor, Seven Hills Partners LLC, has reviewed Bell's buyout proposal and, in conjunction with that review, also considered, once again, the strategic alternatives available to Coast,” said Thomas R. McGuire, chairman and CEO for Morgan Hill, Calif.-based Coast, in a press release.
McGuire said the prospects for Coast as an independent company were “superior to Bell’s proposal,” adding, “Coast's board will vigorously oppose any efforts by Bell to take advantage of our stockholders.”
Previously, Bell stated that if Coast's response was not favorable it "will not hesitate" to nominate two directors for election to Coast's board at the company's annual meeting.
Bell first approached Coast last December with a bid of $7.15 a share and later raised it to $7.70 a share. Coast subsequently engaged financial firm Seven Hills and its board unanimously rejected that offer in February.
