Should Newmar Bring Back A Redesigned New Aire?

[Lug_Nut]

The New Aire lacked takers among other issues, but may very well make sense today. Tomorrow's RV buyer may very well look for smaller more efficient vehicles than we see in todays North Amercian market place. Likewise the horse power race may be soon changing, with people favoring small, like the Cummins ISB. Check out this weeks topic and give me your take, might the New Aire size like motor coaches be the next demand? LINK HERE

Peter

[Lug_Nut]

The New Aire lacked takers among other issues, but may very well make sense today. Tomorrow's RV buyer may very well look for smaller more efficient vehicles than we see in todays North Amercian market place. Likewise the horse power race may be soon changing, with people favoring small, like the Cummins ISB. Check out this weeks topic and give me your take, might the New Aire size like motor coaches be the next demand? LINK HERE

Peter

[Route 66]

30 or so years ago when the last fuel crisis occurred, there was also a great movement to smaller and/or more fuel efficient vehicles.

I do think a "New" New Aire at a much lower price point would be a good idea.

I wonder what Newmar is planning along these lines?

I don't recall if smaller, cheaper motorhome sales have dropped like the larger ones have.

[soricobob]

Sorry, but I don't think it has to be cheaper. If it is built well, fuel efficient, roomy enough, handles well, and starts off with a 3 year warrantee, it will sell. It would be interesting to allow purchasers to u[pgrade the interiors, much the way we do now, so that the entry price point is low enough, but can be customized to Essex level.

[bcbounders]

How about bringing it out as a diesel-electric hybrid vehicle? Replace the big diesel engine with a large Li-Ion battery pack and an electric motor. Use the diesel generator, when needed, to recharge the battery bank. Sort of like a diesel-electric locomotive, but with a battery bank so the generator isn't running all the time.

And plaster the roof with solar cells.

Seems to me that RV's are an ideal platform for conversion to diesel-electric hybrids. Maybe the NewNewAire could be a test-bed.

Just trying to think "out of the box." Would love to see Newmar do something truly disruptive to the RV status quo!

[rebelsbeach]

While it's certainly fun to read all these posts, the reality is that Newmar has laid off 50 percent of it's workforce, reduced the hours of those folks still working and even gone as far as to reduce the salaries of the upper management.

All this was done as a result of a LACK of buying customers and as a last resort.

EVERY manufacturer still around has reduced their "spending" to some degree, even the heralded "Bob Tiffin" has reduced his spending and laid off workers.

It is silly..... no..... it's hilarious to think that an RV manufacturer would even be thinking of stepping up to the plate and introducing ANYTHING in this economy, other than a plan to stay alive for another month.

Ya'll have fun with this topic if you must, but this will be my last post in this topic, at least until such time where the market returns to where it was.

Enjoy....

[Lug_Nut]

Bob, That's just it, the market may very likely never return to what it was. The majority of RV purchasers do not buy a high line coach, but rather very basic units. Many of these people will not be buying coaches until the fuel prices come down. That may in fact never happen. Manufacturers will have to think and make more fuel efficient products or they will not stay in business or their time is limited. And that, is not a laughing matter.

Peter

[Route 66]

Any completely redesigned MH that would use new technology would take a lot of money for R&D. Something I think most manufacturers are not willing to commit to at this time.

Downsizing rigs is by far the cheapest way to go, and is what I expect to see. Large Class A's will still be around as there are a lot of folks with quite a bit of disposable income, but most likely in fewer numbers.

p.s. Doc, I need a prescription.

[cb5300]

You need to keep something in mind...A person who can afford to buy a true high end coach isn't being effected by these fuel prices. He may not like it, but it's not stopping him from traveling.

[soricobob]

Not only do I agree with cb5300, but those who belittle comments by others, or who look down their noses because they do not agree, should examine their own attitudes before casting aspersions on others.

[rebelsbeach]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by soricobob:
Not only do I agree with cb5300, but those who belittle comments by others, or who look down their noses because they do not agree, should examine their own attitudes before casting aspersions on others. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm not sure if your comments are aimed at me or not, but I can assure you I was not making an attempt to belittle anyone or cast aspersions on others.
My comments are based from owning everything from an entry level fifth wheel, right up to the nicest (at the time) coach which Newmar offered.
I've spent some twenty six years in a family business where my name was on the door so I can assure you I didn't make a living by supposedly belittling people or casting aspersions on anyone.

The fact is that, over the two years I owned my Newmar constructed coaches I was in Nappanee seeking repairs on seven different occasions. As the owner of this website I've had the opportunity to have an audience with most every level of individual at Newmar, from Matt Miller right on down to the wonderful woman who cleans the restroom. Her son is an employee in the service department as well.

Newmar employees and most Newmar owners are very near and dear to my heart..... I've made many lasting friendships in the Newmar family and in the Kountry Klub.

My comments which you are referencing above are more as a co-owner of this website, more so than as anything to do with Newmar.

Sometimes I get the feeling that discussions go on and on, when there's really no right or wrong answer and sometimes that frustrates even me....

We're all entitled to our own opinions, they're like rear ends...... we all have 'em and sometimes they stink.

Have a good day....

[soricobob]

Since my first RV was in 1966, and I don't throw my past(or current)titles around, anymore than what I own (or owned), who I know (or knew), or what I think is right (or wrong), I choose both my battles and friends, and use this forum to share (not to beat others up).
Thanks, I will have a good day.

[Lug_Nut]

Soricobob, I think things have been misinterpreted here. I've known Bob G. for sometime. We have occasion to friendly bash each other with absolutely no disrespect. I appreciate your valor, but assure you, we are really friends, deep down. Bob has had a few coaches in the past and never has beat his chest about any of them. He's an okay guy with a heart of gold....... okay...silver......okay a really good quality aluminum........oh no....not pig iron. Again just kidding....
Anyway, let's all be friends. And thanks for your truly passionate care for fellow members of irv2.com

Okay, guys, drinks are on the house. (Bob, the house mean you,...Right?)

Peter

[rebelsbeach]

I don't where anyone got the idea that I was trying to throw anything around, but I apologize for that misunderstanding....
I was only expressing my opinion, just like everyone else....

My opinion is that Newmar, and many of the other manufacturers are more interested in "circling the wagons" right now more than designing and implementing any new product designs.

If I've offended someone I'm sincerely sorry.