Friday, September 08, 2006
BLUEBIRD BEING BOUGHT BY PRIVATE INVESTMENT GROUP
RV Business
Friday, September 8, 2006
Fort Valley, Ga.-based Blue Bird Corp. has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, L. P., a leading investment firm.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, according to a joint release from Cerberus and Blue Bird, which for years has marketed the high-end Blue Bird Wanderlodge motorhome on a low volume scale.
"The acquisition is a significant step forward, ensuring Blue Bird will remain one of the world’s leading school and commercial bus manufacturers," said Blue Bird President and CEO Jeffrey Bust. "The acquisition also provides financial stability for our distributors, suppliers and employees."
The proposed transaction is expected to close in September. Kroll Zolfo Cooper LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor in connection with the transaction for Blue Bird, which markets a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations and oversees an extensive network of distributors and service-parts facilities throughout North America.
Established in 1992, Cerberus Capital Management, LP is one of the world’s leading private investment firms, the release states. Additional information is available at www.cerberuscapital.com and www.blue-bird.com.
Friday, September 8, 2006
Fort Valley, Ga.-based Blue Bird Corp. has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, L. P., a leading investment firm.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, according to a joint release from Cerberus and Blue Bird, which for years has marketed the high-end Blue Bird Wanderlodge motorhome on a low volume scale.
"The acquisition is a significant step forward, ensuring Blue Bird will remain one of the world’s leading school and commercial bus manufacturers," said Blue Bird President and CEO Jeffrey Bust. "The acquisition also provides financial stability for our distributors, suppliers and employees."
The proposed transaction is expected to close in September. Kroll Zolfo Cooper LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor in connection with the transaction for Blue Bird, which markets a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations and oversees an extensive network of distributors and service-parts facilities throughout North America.
Established in 1992, Cerberus Capital Management, LP is one of the world’s leading private investment firms, the release states. Additional information is available at www.cerberuscapital.com and www.blue-bird.com.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
REPLACE THAT OLD CO DETECTOR
RV NEWS
Volo, IL – Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer that can be present when we travel, camp or vacation in RVs. No matter where you encounter CO, within minutes, high concentrations of this odorless, colorless and invisible gas can become lethal. Having a CO alarm that is listed for use on RVs in good working order is an essential part of safety. MTI Industries, maker of the Safe-T-Alert™ brand of CO alarms recommends you replace all old CO Detectors and any CO Alarms over 5 years old.
"Carbon Monoxide Alarms have now been in use in the RV market for over 15 years and any detector/alarm put into service over 5 years ago has seen the end of its useful life. It needs to be immediately replaced by an alarm using the latest technology,” stated Jeff Wisniewski, Vice President for MTI. “It is easy to check. Any unit that is labeled a Detector not an Alarm is over 5 years old and should be replaced. On units labeled Carbon Monoxide Alarm look for the date code on the unit to see when it was produced or when it should be replaced. All Safe-T-Alert models SA-4, SA-5, SA-50 and 50-541/542 are over 10 years old and should be discarded and replaced immediately,” continued Wisniewski.
MTI recommends you consider this RV Safe T.R.I.P. Tip:
Test and inspect all CO alarms installed on RVs weekly and each time the RV is taken out of storage. Replace alarms that do not work.
Replace all CO alarms that are more than five years old. The date code is usually on the back of the alarm.
Install CO alarms approved for use on RVs when replacing old units. Add alarms on older RVs.
Prevent accidents by being aware of the potential sources of CO in and around your RV. Never ignore or disable a sounding alarm.
Volo, IL – Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer that can be present when we travel, camp or vacation in RVs. No matter where you encounter CO, within minutes, high concentrations of this odorless, colorless and invisible gas can become lethal. Having a CO alarm that is listed for use on RVs in good working order is an essential part of safety. MTI Industries, maker of the Safe-T-Alert™ brand of CO alarms recommends you replace all old CO Detectors and any CO Alarms over 5 years old.
"Carbon Monoxide Alarms have now been in use in the RV market for over 15 years and any detector/alarm put into service over 5 years ago has seen the end of its useful life. It needs to be immediately replaced by an alarm using the latest technology,” stated Jeff Wisniewski, Vice President for MTI. “It is easy to check. Any unit that is labeled a Detector not an Alarm is over 5 years old and should be replaced. On units labeled Carbon Monoxide Alarm look for the date code on the unit to see when it was produced or when it should be replaced. All Safe-T-Alert models SA-4, SA-5, SA-50 and 50-541/542 are over 10 years old and should be discarded and replaced immediately,” continued Wisniewski.
MTI recommends you consider this RV Safe T.R.I.P. Tip:
Test and inspect all CO alarms installed on RVs weekly and each time the RV is taken out of storage. Replace alarms that do not work.
Replace all CO alarms that are more than five years old. The date code is usually on the back of the alarm.
Install CO alarms approved for use on RVs when replacing old units. Add alarms on older RVs.
Prevent accidents by being aware of the potential sources of CO in and around your RV. Never ignore or disable a sounding alarm.
Monday, September 04, 2006
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
KEYSTONE / COUGAR 2007
Manufacturer : KEYSTONE RV COMPANY
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V318000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 09, 2006
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG FURNACE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 150
Summary:
ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS, THE FURNACE AIR INTAKE WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED. THE AIR INTAKE MAY DRAW AIR FROM INSIDE THE UNIT (INSTEAD OF FRESH OUTSIDE AIR) WHICH CAN CAUSE IMPROPER GAS/AIR MIXTURE AND INEFFICIENT COMBUSTION. ALSO, IF THE TRANSITION TUBE HITS THE FURNACE AIR INTAKE TUBE END TO END, INSTEAD OF OVERLAPPING, THE PRESSURE CAN PUSH THE FURNACE INTAKE TUBE INTO THE BLOWER HOUSING/WHEEL.
Consequence:
SOOT CAN ACCUMULATE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE UNIT AT THE FURNACE EXHAUST VENT AND THE BLOWER HOUSING/WHEEL COULD BIND CAUSING RUBBING AND POSSIBLE FAILURE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND VERIFY THE TRANSITION PIPE IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND REPAIR IF NECESSARY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE RV AT 1-574-537-3925.
Notes:
KEYSTONE RV RECALL NO. 07-074. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
KEYSTONE / COUGAR 2007
Manufacturer : KEYSTONE RV COMPANY
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V318000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 09, 2006
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG FURNACE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 150
Summary:
ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS, THE FURNACE AIR INTAKE WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED. THE AIR INTAKE MAY DRAW AIR FROM INSIDE THE UNIT (INSTEAD OF FRESH OUTSIDE AIR) WHICH CAN CAUSE IMPROPER GAS/AIR MIXTURE AND INEFFICIENT COMBUSTION. ALSO, IF THE TRANSITION TUBE HITS THE FURNACE AIR INTAKE TUBE END TO END, INSTEAD OF OVERLAPPING, THE PRESSURE CAN PUSH THE FURNACE INTAKE TUBE INTO THE BLOWER HOUSING/WHEEL.
Consequence:
SOOT CAN ACCUMULATE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE UNIT AT THE FURNACE EXHAUST VENT AND THE BLOWER HOUSING/WHEEL COULD BIND CAUSING RUBBING AND POSSIBLE FAILURE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND VERIFY THE TRANSITION PIPE IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND REPAIR IF NECESSARY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KEYSTONE RV AT 1-574-537-3925.
Notes:
KEYSTONE RV RECALL NO. 07-074. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
JAYCO / DESIGNER 2007
JAYCO / EAGLE 2007
Manufacturer : JAYCO, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V331000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 21, 2006
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 260
Summary:
ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS, A JUMPER WIRE BETWEEN THE TWO NEUTRAL BARS IS NOT OF ADEQUATE GAUGE.
Consequence:
THIS CONDITION, IF NOT ADDRESSED, COULD RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 12/14 GAUGE JUMPER WIRE WITH A 6 GAUGE JUMPER WIRE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
JAYCO / DESIGNER 2007
JAYCO / EAGLE 2007
Manufacturer : JAYCO, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V331000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 21, 2006
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 260
Summary:
ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS, A JUMPER WIRE BETWEEN THE TWO NEUTRAL BARS IS NOT OF ADEQUATE GAUGE.
Consequence:
THIS CONDITION, IF NOT ADDRESSED, COULD RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 12/14 GAUGE JUMPER WIRE WITH A 6 GAUGE JUMPER WIRE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
RECALL
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
COUNTRY COACH / AFFINITY 2005-2007
COUNTRY COACH / MAGNA 2005-2007
Manufacturer : COUNTRY COACH INC
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V329000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 29, 2006
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 260
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, EXISTING FASTENERS USED TO SECURE THE SATELLITE DOME TO THE MOTOR HOME ROOF DO NOT PENETRATE THE ROOF SUFFICIENTLY TO PREVENT THE DOME FROM COMING OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN TRANSIT.
Consequence:
THE SATELLITE DOME COULD SEPARATE FROM THE ROOF WHILE DRIVING INCREASING THE SAFETY HAZARD TO TRAFFIC.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING FASTENER WITH A JACK NUT AND LONGER BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COUNTRY COACH AT 1-800-452-8015.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
COUNTRY COACH / AFFINITY 2005-2007
COUNTRY COACH / MAGNA 2005-2007
Manufacturer : COUNTRY COACH INC
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V329000 Mfg's Report Date : AUG 29, 2006
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 260
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, EXISTING FASTENERS USED TO SECURE THE SATELLITE DOME TO THE MOTOR HOME ROOF DO NOT PENETRATE THE ROOF SUFFICIENTLY TO PREVENT THE DOME FROM COMING OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN TRANSIT.
Consequence:
THE SATELLITE DOME COULD SEPARATE FROM THE ROOF WHILE DRIVING INCREASING THE SAFETY HAZARD TO TRAFFIC.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING FASTENER WITH A JACK NUT AND LONGER BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT COUNTRY COACH AT 1-800-452-8015.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
