DEC 22, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Workhorse UFO™ Chassis Brings A Wave Of New Choices To Motorhome Buyers

Test drives offered to public at Florida RV show; early Web sign-up encouraged.

Visitors to the Florida RV Supershow Jan. 17 to 21 will have an opportunity to test drive a Class A (bus-style) motor home built on the unique new motor home chassis that’s been drawing rave reviews in test drives across the country.

Workhorse Custom Chassis, a leading manufacturer of motor home chassis, will display its all-new rear-engine Workhorse UFO™ platform during the show at the Florida State Fairgrounds (Booth 145). Those wishing to take a test drive of a 36-foot Forest River Georgetown model built on the Workhorse UFO™ can reserve a time now by going to Test Drives In Tampa.

Visitors to the Workhorse booth can also sign up during the show. However, two public test drives at fall RV shows saw most times booked well in advance, as interest in the new chassis is high.

More than 400 RV dealer representatives have also driven the new chassis at dealer events and individual dealerships throughout the fall, with post-drive surveys exceptionally positive.

“Our other chassis drew positive comments when they were introduced, but nothing like this,” noted Bill Walmsley, Workhorse RV marketing manager. “Whether it’s the quietness of the rear gas engine, the sharp turning radius, the lack of roll, the brakes, the acceleration — across the board it’s drawn extremely positive comments from anyone who has driven it.”

“Because of the Workhorse UFO™, 2007 will see significant changes in motor home floor plans and in the way RVers think about front- and rear-engine Class A motor homes,” said Walmsley. “The Workhorse UFO™ chassis is generating a wave of new choices for RV consumers.”

Presently, the majority of front-engine Class A chassis are gasoline-powered, while rear-engine chassis are all diesel-powered. In both cases, the engines protrude above the floor line. This creates a hump between the passenger and driver seats to crawl over in a front-engine motor home, and protrusions that are usually covered by a high-off-the-floor bed and cabinets in a rear-engine motor home.

The Workhorse UFO™ provides motor home buyers a choice of a gas or diesel rear engine (UFO = Universal Fuel Option) with the same coach floorplan. In addition, the configuration of the Workhorse UFO™ also enables coach builders to use a completely flat floor with either enginr, thus eliminating the need to build around a protruding engine and creating a greater variety of floorplan options, such as a rear living area, previously unavailable on rear-engine chassis (UFO = Universal Floorplan Option).

The initial Workhorse UFO™ model has a gas engine, which many find attractive because it is less expensive than a diesel while providing the benefits of a rear-engine configuration. These benefits include less cabin noise, less cabin heat, and, without the front-to-back drive shaft, less vibration and more pass through storage underneath the floor.

However, what test drivers are raving about is the exceptional ride, handling and performance of the chassis. “We wanted to make a chassis that was easier to drive and which felt safer to drive,” said Walmsley. “The Workhorse UFO™ eliminates most of the roll people experience turning corners in a big motor home. It combines great acceleration, maneuverability and stopping power with a very stable and comfortable ride.”

Test Drives Bring Praise

Typical post-drive comments vouch for that assessment:

“I’m very impressed with the way it steers, the way it handles, the way it rides. It’s not just rear engine. I especially liked the rear coil springs. I’ll classify it as rocket. ... I was greatly impressed in a tight spot in the parking lot. I can’t believe I made that turn in the front row. I really think they’ve made a wonderful chassis.”
Ted Trostle, State College, Pa

“The first thing that impressed me was the handling of the coach. You can actually take your hand off the steering wheel and still go straight. The handling through the turns was unbelievable, no body lean whatsoever. The quietness of having the engine in the back was great. Overall, a Workhorse chassis with a rear-engine gas is just unbelievable.”
Ronald Seyfried. Jim Thorpe, Pa.,

“Interesting drive. I think my regular car takes the corner worse than this did due to the roll. I have to go back to one of the manufacturers and see if they are signing up for this.
This particular coach you don’t have the step up to the engine cover that you usually see. You don’t have to climb over something to get into the seat anymore.

The power and the pick up on the gas unit that we tried was excellent.”
Lee Hulbert. Johnstown. N.Y.

“I think this is a great idea. The driving and handling was great. The responsiveness of the chassis was amazing. I haven’t seen a better driving coach in a long time. I compared it to some of the biggest names in diesels and, to be honest with you, it outperformed a lot of the entry level diesels.”
Dealer representative Marc Ferry, Stoltzfus RV’s and Marine, West Chester, Pa.

Since its introduction in late summer, three coach manufacturers have announced plans to build models on the Workhorse UFO™, including two all-new offerings from Winnebago Industries — the Winnebago Destination and the Itasca Latitude. Forest River is also currently building its Georgetown model on the chassis and Monaco Coach Corporation will be soon building its Monaco LaPalma and Holiday Rambler Vactioner models on it. Other unannounced manufacturers are in various stages of integrating the chassis into their motor home lines.

Dealers On The Bandwagon
Dealers across the country have been clamoring to know more about the Workhorse UFO™ and Workhorse is expecting significant orders from those affiliated with the coach builders who have announced their intentions so far. The gas version of the new chassis has been steadily rolling off the Workhorse assembly line since early September. The diesel version will be introduced in late spring.

More than 210 dealers this fall requested sales training from Workhorse regarding the Workhorse UFO™ and Workhorse conducted an additional 400 to 450 test drives at these dealerships, said Andrew Brengman, Workhorse director of dealer sales.

“They’ve been eating it up,” said Brengman of the dealer reaction to the Workhorse UFO™. “Everyone’s looking for a new edge to generate sales, and they really like this concept. Also, everyone’s impressed with how well the chassis performs.”

Beats Air Brakes
Part of that performance, alluded to in test drive comments, is the extra-responsive brakes. They are Quadraulic™ four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes that outperformed the competition’s air brakes in recent tests. Head-to-head comparisons of the rear-gas 26,000 lb. GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) Workhorse UFO™ to a 28,000 lb. GVWR diesel pusher chassis also loaded to 26,000 lbs. showed the Workhorse UFO™ achieving a complete stop from 60 mph a full 49 feet sooner than the diesel pusher with air brakes.

Product Advantages
At 26,000 lb. GVWR, the gas powered Workhorse UFO™ is 2,000 pounds lighter than existing 28,000 lb. GVWR diesel chassis, giving the Workhorse UFO™ the same carrying capacity as the latter at a significantly lower price tag. What’s more, gas engines provide savings in maintenance costs versus diesels. With less mass to move, the 8.1L GM Vortec™ gas powerplant can also outperform equivalent diesel engines. The diesel Workhorse UFO™ will also have more carrying capacity than existing 26,000 lb. GVWR diesel platforms.

Another of the significant advantages mentioned by everyone who has test driven the gas-powered Workhorse UFO™ is how much quieter it is in than comparable front gas motor homes. “Because of the rear-engine configuration, the quietness when driving this chassis is a dream come true,” said Pat Carroll, Monaco vice president of product development.

Compared to existing diesels, the gas Workhorse UFO™ is much more affordable. This will be especially true in 2007 when all diesel platforms will experience upward cost pressure as they incorporate changes to meet new, more stringent emissions standards.

A Game Changer
”The Workhorse UFO™ is a game-changing breakthrough. It creates an entirely new category of motor home,” said Walmsley. “We consider ourselves the customer’s advocate for more and better motor home choices. Those choices have just multiplied with this single chassis. The Workhorse UFO™ is a new category of motor home chassis that gives many new and veteran RVers what they’re looking for.”

ng>Workhorse Custom Chassis

Workhorse Custom Chassis is ISO 9001 certified and a leader in the manufacture of chassis for motor homes, walk-in trucks and buses. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Truck and Engine Corporation. International produces IC brand school buses, school bus chassis, mid-range diesel engines, International brand medium and heavy trucks, and severe service vehicles. International also provides parts and service sold under the International® brand. Both Workhorse and International are subsidiaries of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV). For additional information call 877-294-6773 or visit Workhorse.com.

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Enhanced Service Pays Off for Customers of Cat® RV Center Network Number of Locations Grows 60 Percent in First Year

When you're traveling North America by motorhome, it's comforting to know that if you need service on the road, there's a place close by that can take care of your vehicle. Owners of motorhomes with Caterpillar® engines can rest easier than most: in the past year, the Cat® RV Center network has grown from 56 initial locations in North America to more than 100, with more joining the network every month.

"RV owners have different needs from truck drivers or other motorists—the growth of our Cat RV Center network indicates how important it is to make sure the services that meet these needs are readily available," said Tony Kapustka, Bus and Specialty Vehicle Group, Caterpillar On-Highway Engines. "We offer everything from comfortable waiting rooms with cable television to specially trained technicians and service bays dedicated to RV service at locations throughout the U.S. and Canada."br> A perfect example is Carolina Cat RV Center in Statesville, N.C. This location features a wide center bay reserved for RVs, mobile lifts designed for motorhomes, diagnostics and other specialized equipment for better servicing.

"We are currently adding four more bays to the Statesville location, while following the same basic floor plan at our other service centers," said Jeff Greenway, product support manager for Carolina Cat. "That floor plan includes a private lounge, satellite TV, refreshments and comfortable furnishings. We also treat each motorhome with kid gloves, particularly when we have to enter the interior of the vehicle to service it. We never forget that these are people's homes, and it's something we take very seriously."

Becoming certified as a Cat RV Center location involves a significant commitment in terms of training and resources from a Cat dealer, and all are audited annually to ensure quality of service, according to Kapustka. The certification process includes training for service personnel, as well as mandatory facility enhancements, such as the new lifts and building renovations at the Carolina Cat RV Center. Cat RV Centers certified through Level One are required to provide 24-hour, seven-day emergency service assistance, a clean bay and protection for the interior of the vehicle (including using drop cloths, booties and performing a condition assessment), a clean, comfortable waiting room with Internet access and cable television, and generator repair. Level Two includes all of the previous features, with the addition of chassis service and mobile lifts with a service pit. Level Three, the highest level attainable, includes all of these features plus technicians certified by the RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association), a house repairs system, complimentary potable water and electrical hookups, an LP station and a dump station. A 24-hour RV hotline (1-877-777-3126) and Web site (http://rv.cat.com) are available to help travelers find the nearest Cat RV Center when they're on the road.

All of these dedicated services result in an enhanced experience for customers. Just ask Bob and Paula Moore, members of the FMCA chapter of the Cat RV Engine Owner's Club and customers of Empire Cat in Kingman, Ariz.

"In March, our 1997 Safari motorhome had to be towed to the Empire Cat RV Center while we were on our way to a pre-paid RV rally. We arrived at Empire Cat around 6 p.m., expecting to have to wait until morning for service. Instead, the service manager and technician were waiting for us, and they had us back on the road by 8 p.m.," Bob Moore said. "This is above and beyond the call of duty to a customer-we are so grateful to know that there is a shop of this caliber in our area, servicing our rig and with such care to the customer."

For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2005 sales and revenues of $36.339 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The company is a technology leader in construction, transportation, mining, forestry, energy, logistics, financing and electric power generation. Caterpillar is the leading manufacturer and supplier of truck and bus engines in the combined medium and heavy duty categories in North America, holding the leading position in engine shipments to vehicle manufacturers since 1999. More information is available at http://www.cattruckengines.com.

Photos and Story By: Mike Pelchat

The Louisville RVIA Convention presented several differences in position regarding the implementation of the new Workhorse UFO. Just exactly which viewpoint will win in my opinion is obvious and I fail to see the logic where the UFO will not prevail as a clear winner at the end of day.

The biggest announcement was that Winnebago Industries introduced and is offering for sale by spring of 2007, 2 additional rear engined class A motorhome products. At the unveiling, Mr. Bruce Hertzke, Chairman and CEO of Winnebago Industries presented the RV Industry with its latest strategic move to capture more market share in rear engine powered motorhomes.


Product launch announcement on Tuesday morning at the Winnebago Industries display

The 2008 Winnebago Destination and the 2008 Itasca Latitude both feature as standard equipment the 26K GVW Workhorse UFO chassis. The 28K GVW Freightliner XC is also offered as an optional package on both of the new class A offerings. What is remarkable is how quickly some manufacturers are willing to advance their product lines while others seem to be mired in the past. In this time of slow sales and uncertainty, it isn’t altogether unexpected that OEMs would have to move in a totally new direction and the visionaries in those companies saw that a change is needed.

Market research has clearly shown that the needs of the American buying public are clear and they are looking for real change in what they buy to meet their needs. OEM companies like Forest River, Monaco Coach & Holiday Rambler and now Winnebago Industries have placed themselves in the leading edge of motorhome technology and development. The product planning teams in these companies can see a clear future for their particular companies and they see benefit for both their operating interests and the fulfillment of their client’s expectations.


Bruce Hertzke speaks directly with customers

Greeting and shaking hands with customers inside the new Itasca Latitude, Mr. Hertzke took the time to speak with his clients and to show them the future in motorhome technology.

While working the convention floor I made my way over to the Fleetwood Industries display area to see what was new over there. In the iRV2 RV Industry News I put up a press release from Fleetwood about their new X2 product line including both press and live pictures. Visiting aboard the new X2 was unlike other motorhomes that I have gone through but this motorhome is task built for the toy hauler generation. While reviewing the coach I happened to hear a comment from a Fleetwood customer who asked a company representative “Is this available of the Workhorse UFO?” The immediate reply from Mr. Luc Van Herle was that, “It’s a very small niche” and that Fleetwood wasn’t building on the UFO.


2007 Fleetwood X2 “The Future” on a 07 Workhorse W24 with new cool pack and instrument panel

Meanwhile over at the Monaco and Holiday Rambler display, apparent were brochures and banners hailing the new floorplans that they would soon be offering to their buyers built on the Workhorse UFO. Monaco wasn’t able to bring their new 37 foot floorplan to the show but they are anxiously looking forward to an early 07 product viewing.

The Forest River display featuring the Georgetown SE UFO was crowded and Mr. Tom Lincoln the Workhorse Northeast Regional Sales Manager was present to answer questions about the Workhorse UFO. What was remarkable at this display was the price of the Georgetown SE UFO product. Leaving no doubt in a customer’s mind where the best price point in the RV Industry is, Forest River customers can buy into UFO technology very reasonably.


2007 Forest River Georgetown SE

On the Four Winds team, Jon Krider said that they had measured the chassis and they are considering the use of the UFO as soon as the conditions were right for them.

Obviously we can see where the two big dogs are at odds with one another about what’s going to work for the RV buying public given that both manufacturers build using Workhorse chassis products. I will say that at the end of the day that Mr. Van Herle’s comments will no doubt fall in line with the biggest 20th century blooper where the major headline of the day read, “Dewey WINS!”

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