Friday, March 20, 2009
NUWA TO REOPEN BUILDING HITCHHIKER 5TH WHEELS AGAIN
by Steve of RV Business
NuWa Industries Inc. intends to start building HitchHiker fifth-wheels again beginning in June after a six-month shutdown of its factory in Chanute, Kan., according to a letter on the company’s website.
NuWa representatives did not immediately return a call from RVBusiness for comment.
In the letter, CEO Mike Mitchell said the company will roll out 2010 product through the fall while cutting retail prices substantially as it will begin selling RVs factory-direct to better service consumers consumers without a NuWa dealer nearby.
“NuWa will be a smaller company, so we will not be as much at the mercy of a volatile economy,” Mitchell wrote. “NuWa will have fewer dealers by choice, and these will be selected for their commitment to HitchHiker trailers and the exceptional customers who seek our product.”
The company announced in late December that it was making “a graceful exit from the RV industry” and would stop production in January while keeping a service center open until at least 2010 to meet the parts, warranty and service needs of its customers and dealers.
At the time, dealers were told that NuWa was not going bankrupt and “intended to meet its financial obligations.”
In his recent website letter, Mitchell said the company was establishing factory-direct sales because “many market areas will not have dealer representation, and because some full-timers simply prefer a relationship with the factory.”
At the same time, Mitchell said, “this concept will also help us maintain more control of competitive product pricing.”
“We will eliminate the artificially high MSRP so often used by the industry to manipulate the unsuspecting customer, and too often gives a false premium for the trade,” he wrote. “This present process is confusing and often detested by many buyers.
“Discounted cash/wholesale trade selling prices typically will be 25% lower than comparable 2009 model prices, but will be non-negotiable. The low cash price concept will require that trades be taken at wholesale, as the new unit pricing will be much nearer wholesale.”
Mitchell said that 175 unsold 2008 and 2009 HitchHikers remain in factory and dealer inventories that are “well-priced” to allow dealers to make room for 2010 models.
He said that it’s likely that some floorplans will be trimmed and that some models won’t be available until the fall.
“Our employees and staff are excited about the prospect of again producing exceptional trailers for American’s RVers,” Mitchell wrote.
NuWa Industries Inc. intends to start building HitchHiker fifth-wheels again beginning in June after a six-month shutdown of its factory in Chanute, Kan., according to a letter on the company’s website.
NuWa representatives did not immediately return a call from RVBusiness for comment.
In the letter, CEO Mike Mitchell said the company will roll out 2010 product through the fall while cutting retail prices substantially as it will begin selling RVs factory-direct to better service consumers consumers without a NuWa dealer nearby.
“NuWa will be a smaller company, so we will not be as much at the mercy of a volatile economy,” Mitchell wrote. “NuWa will have fewer dealers by choice, and these will be selected for their commitment to HitchHiker trailers and the exceptional customers who seek our product.”
The company announced in late December that it was making “a graceful exit from the RV industry” and would stop production in January while keeping a service center open until at least 2010 to meet the parts, warranty and service needs of its customers and dealers.
At the time, dealers were told that NuWa was not going bankrupt and “intended to meet its financial obligations.”
In his recent website letter, Mitchell said the company was establishing factory-direct sales because “many market areas will not have dealer representation, and because some full-timers simply prefer a relationship with the factory.”
At the same time, Mitchell said, “this concept will also help us maintain more control of competitive product pricing.”
“We will eliminate the artificially high MSRP so often used by the industry to manipulate the unsuspecting customer, and too often gives a false premium for the trade,” he wrote. “This present process is confusing and often detested by many buyers.
“Discounted cash/wholesale trade selling prices typically will be 25% lower than comparable 2009 model prices, but will be non-negotiable. The low cash price concept will require that trades be taken at wholesale, as the new unit pricing will be much nearer wholesale.”
Mitchell said that 175 unsold 2008 and 2009 HitchHikers remain in factory and dealer inventories that are “well-priced” to allow dealers to make room for 2010 models.
He said that it’s likely that some floorplans will be trimmed and that some models won’t be available until the fall.
“Our employees and staff are excited about the prospect of again producing exceptional trailers for American’s RVers,” Mitchell wrote.
COUNTRY COACH IS GOING TO REOPEN
RV Business
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Luxury motor coach manufacturer Country Coach LLC said that its principle secured debt holders have come to terms and new reorganization financing will be made available.
With the support of Wells Fargo Bank as the company’s primary secured creditor, and Bryant Riley as the leader of Country Coach’s investor group, the company said it is positioned to resume operations. Country Coach shut down its Junction City, Ore., facility last December.
The company reported that it has many confirmed, in-process motor coach orders to fulfill, allowing a slow and steady production facility reopening over the next several weeks.
“Our loyal employees, customers and suppliers deserve our heart-felt appreciation for their steadfastness in our times of trouble,” said CEO and President Jay Howard. “Ultimately, our biggest debt of gratitude is owed to Wells Fargo Bank, who is providing the financing for the rebirth of Country Coach as they recognize the value of financially supporting American manufacturing in the Pacific Northwest.”
Country Coach noted that efforts by Ron Lee of Lee Joint Ventures, and company founder Bob Lee, along with his wife, Terry, also were key in working out a deal.
Next week, Country Coach plans to present details of its forward-going plan to the court. Also next week, the company will release a comprehensive update to their interactive website, located at Country Coach.
“The continuation of Country Coach as a brand and a viable Oregon manufacturer serves all parties involved,” said Howard. “Motor coaches owned by dealers and retail customers will better retain their value, suppliers who have struggled along with our company can move towards recovery with us and new customers will enjoy an improved ownership experience.”
Howard acknowledged the sacrifices made by Country Coach’s stakeholders, as well as the “devastating financial damage” suffered by the members of the RV industry at large during this unprecedented industry downturn.
“We have never seen times like these,” he said. “With wholesales shipments in our market off more than 75%, it is little wonder that Country Coach and our suppliers and employees have suffered along with many of our manufacturing peers. My heartfelt apologies go out to all who have been impacted by our company’s inability to resist these powerful industry forces. We look forward to better times ahead.”
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Luxury motor coach manufacturer Country Coach LLC said that its principle secured debt holders have come to terms and new reorganization financing will be made available.
With the support of Wells Fargo Bank as the company’s primary secured creditor, and Bryant Riley as the leader of Country Coach’s investor group, the company said it is positioned to resume operations. Country Coach shut down its Junction City, Ore., facility last December.
The company reported that it has many confirmed, in-process motor coach orders to fulfill, allowing a slow and steady production facility reopening over the next several weeks.
“Our loyal employees, customers and suppliers deserve our heart-felt appreciation for their steadfastness in our times of trouble,” said CEO and President Jay Howard. “Ultimately, our biggest debt of gratitude is owed to Wells Fargo Bank, who is providing the financing for the rebirth of Country Coach as they recognize the value of financially supporting American manufacturing in the Pacific Northwest.”
Country Coach noted that efforts by Ron Lee of Lee Joint Ventures, and company founder Bob Lee, along with his wife, Terry, also were key in working out a deal.
Next week, Country Coach plans to present details of its forward-going plan to the court. Also next week, the company will release a comprehensive update to their interactive website, located at Country Coach.
“The continuation of Country Coach as a brand and a viable Oregon manufacturer serves all parties involved,” said Howard. “Motor coaches owned by dealers and retail customers will better retain their value, suppliers who have struggled along with our company can move towards recovery with us and new customers will enjoy an improved ownership experience.”
Howard acknowledged the sacrifices made by Country Coach’s stakeholders, as well as the “devastating financial damage” suffered by the members of the RV industry at large during this unprecedented industry downturn.
“We have never seen times like these,” he said. “With wholesales shipments in our market off more than 75%, it is little wonder that Country Coach and our suppliers and employees have suffered along with many of our manufacturing peers. My heartfelt apologies go out to all who have been impacted by our company’s inability to resist these powerful industry forces. We look forward to better times ahead.”
RECALL: 2004-2007 S&S RECREATIONAL VEHICLES: DOMETIC REFRIGERATORS
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
S&S / 11 DB 2004-2005
S&S / 11 DBS 2004-2006
S&S / 11 SC 2004-2006
S&S / 8.5 FBSC 2006-2007
S&S / 9.5 FBSC 2006-2007
S&S / 9.5 SC 2004-2006
S&S / 9.5 SCS 2004-2006
S&S / 992 2005-2006
Manufacturer: S&S CANOPIES & CAMPERS MFG., INC. Mfr's Report Date: JAN 15, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V090000 NHTSA Action Number: EQ08010
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 307
Summary:
S&S IS RECALLING 307 MY 2004-2006 9.5 SC, 9.5 SCS, 11SC, 11 DBS, MY 2004-2005 11DB, MY 2005-2006 992, MY 2006-2007 9.5 FBSC AND 8.5 FBSC RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
S&S WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR S&S AT 204-325-4361.
Notes:
OWNERS 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 .
S&S / 11 DB 2004-2005
S&S / 11 DBS 2004-2006
S&S / 11 SC 2004-2006
S&S / 8.5 FBSC 2006-2007
S&S / 9.5 FBSC 2006-2007
S&S / 9.5 SC 2004-2006
S&S / 9.5 SCS 2004-2006
S&S / 992 2005-2006
Manufacturer: S&S CANOPIES & CAMPERS MFG., INC. Mfr's Report Date: JAN 15, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V090000 NHTSA Action Number: EQ08010
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 307
Summary:
S&S IS RECALLING 307 MY 2004-2006 9.5 SC, 9.5 SCS, 11SC, 11 DBS, MY 2004-2005 11DB, MY 2005-2006 992, MY 2006-2007 9.5 FBSC AND 8.5 FBSC RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
S&S WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR S&S AT 204-325-4361.
Notes:
OWNERS 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: 2004-2007 TRIPLE E RV RECREATIONAL VEHICLES: DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
TRIPLE E RV / COMMANDER 2004-2007
TRIPLE E RV / EMBASSY 2004-2007
TRIPLE E RV / EMPRESS 2004-2007
TRIPLE E RV / REGENCY 2004-2007
TRIPLE E RV / REGENCY GT 2005-2007
TRIPLE E RV / SIGNATURE 2004-2005 2007
TRIPLE E RV / TOPAZ 2004-2007
Manufacturer: TRIPLE E RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Mfr's Report Date: FEB 24, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V089000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 64
Summary:
TRIPLE E IS RECALLING MY 2004-2007 EMPRESS COMMANDER, EMBASSY, REGENCY AND TOPAZ, MY 2004-2005, 2007 SIGNATURE, AND MY 2005-2007 REGENCY GT RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
TRIPLE E WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR TRIPLE E AT 204-325-4361.
Notes:
OWNERS 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 .
TRIPLE E RV / COMMANDER 2004-2007
TRIPLE E RV / EMBASSY 2004-2007
TRIPLE E RV / EMPRESS 2004-2007
TRIPLE E RV / REGENCY 2004-2007
TRIPLE E RV / REGENCY GT 2005-2007
TRIPLE E RV / SIGNATURE 2004-2005 2007
TRIPLE E RV / TOPAZ 2004-2007
Manufacturer: TRIPLE E RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Mfr's Report Date: FEB 24, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V089000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 64
Summary:
TRIPLE E IS RECALLING MY 2004-2007 EMPRESS COMMANDER, EMBASSY, REGENCY AND TOPAZ, MY 2004-2005, 2007 SIGNATURE, AND MY 2005-2007 REGENCY GT RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION. THE REFRIGERATOR MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.
Consequence:
RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
TRIPLE E WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 08E032). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST THE OWNER IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR TRIPLE E AT 204-325-4361.
Notes:
OWNERS 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 .
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
RECALL: 2009 FLEETWOOD JAMBOREE/TIOGA: WEIGHT LABEL
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
FLEETWOOD / JAMBOREE 2009
FLEETWOOD / TIOGA 2009
Manufacturer: FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC. Mfr's Report Date: MAR 11, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V085000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 124
Summary:
FLEETWOOD IS RECALLING 124 MY 2009 TIOGA AND JAMBOREE 31M CLASS C MOTOR HOMES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, ¿CERTIFICATION.¿ THE MANUFACTURER FEDERAL CERTIFICATION TAG AND THE CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY TAG FIGURES RELATED TO THE FRESH WATER TANK CAPACITY OF 50 GALLONS IS INCORRECT. THE CORRECT WATER TANK CAPACITY IS 35 GALLONS.
Consequence:
A MISPRINT LABEL COULD LEAD TO FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS. OVERLOADING COULD DAMAGE THE VEHICLE, ADVERSELY AFFECTING VEHICLE PERFORMANCE INCLUDING HANDLING AND BRAKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL MAIL NEW SERIAL NUMBER SPECIFIC MANUFACTURER FEDERAL CERTIFICATION TAG AND CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY TAG ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. IF CUSTOMERS DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE INSTALLING THE TAGS YOU MAY TAKE YOUR MOTOR HOME TO ANY FLEETWOOD DEALER AND THEY WILL PERFORM THIS SERVICE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 800-509-3418.
Notes:
FLEETWOOD RECALL NO. 90305. OWNERS 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 .
FLEETWOOD / JAMBOREE 2009
FLEETWOOD / TIOGA 2009
Manufacturer: FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC. Mfr's Report Date: MAR 11, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V085000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 124
Summary:
FLEETWOOD IS RECALLING 124 MY 2009 TIOGA AND JAMBOREE 31M CLASS C MOTOR HOMES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, ¿CERTIFICATION.¿ THE MANUFACTURER FEDERAL CERTIFICATION TAG AND THE CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY TAG FIGURES RELATED TO THE FRESH WATER TANK CAPACITY OF 50 GALLONS IS INCORRECT. THE CORRECT WATER TANK CAPACITY IS 35 GALLONS.
Consequence:
A MISPRINT LABEL COULD LEAD TO FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS. OVERLOADING COULD DAMAGE THE VEHICLE, ADVERSELY AFFECTING VEHICLE PERFORMANCE INCLUDING HANDLING AND BRAKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL MAIL NEW SERIAL NUMBER SPECIFIC MANUFACTURER FEDERAL CERTIFICATION TAG AND CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY TAG ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. IF CUSTOMERS DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE INSTALLING THE TAGS YOU MAY TAKE YOUR MOTOR HOME TO ANY FLEETWOOD DEALER AND THEY WILL PERFORM THIS SERVICE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 800-509-3418.
Notes:
FLEETWOOD RECALL NO. 90305. OWNERS 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 .
