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Mzkismet · 09-25-2019, 08:59 AM

You have overlooked a few: Prevost coaches, Newells and Foretravels are still independent as far as I know. Of course Prevost are Featherlite and Marathon outfitted on the Prevost chassis.

Mzkismet · 09-25-2019, 09:14 AM

Currently at a Newmar Fulltimer rally then to the Annual Newmar Int'l rally. What we are hearing is that Matt Miller et al approached Winnebago as the next generation at Newmar has little interest in continuing the business. There was concern that after Matts retirement, the company might get broken up in some fashion. {erhaps, if true,a proactive strategy. Will learn more in the next week.

Ann n Gene · 09-25-2019, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mzkismet

You have overlooked a few: Prevost coaches, Newells and Foretravels are still independent as far as I know. Of course Prevost are American Coach and Marathon outfitted on the Prevost chassis.

True with a correction. Provost is not a chassis and does not even have a frame. They are held together by the side walls. Floors, roof and bracing. So they are a completed busses that converters like Marathon make motorhomes. Prickly maybe be a real and huge reason you won’t see a full wall slide in them. All JMHO

spuds · 09-25-2019, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mzkismet

You have overlooked a few: Prevost coaches, Newells and Foretravels are still independent as far as I know.

Prevost is the shell, which is sold for a variety of applications (think MB Sprinter van, but much bigger). The actual RV is created by a converter (Marathon, Parliament, Featherlite, Outlaw, Emerald, Liberty, etc.)

Foretravel is owned by an investment group that has been trying to sell it for years.

tnedator · 09-25-2019, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMCRET

Kill this one and another will rise.

Thread or Class A RV manufacturer?

GaryKD · 09-26-2019, 04:39 AM

Hi Mzkismet,
Your post 466 is 100% incorrect.

Ernie. · 09-26-2019, 06:39 AM

Can we please just let this thread die a peaceful death?

CaptainGizmo · 09-26-2019, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernie.

Can we please just let this thread die a peaceful death?

Really! In my perfect world, there’s a “VOTE TO CLOSE THIS THREAD” Button, whereas giving the readers the power to kill it! [emoji6]

rlott2k · 09-26-2019, 08:59 AM

But we’re closing in on 500!

joes2901 · 09-26-2019, 11:31 AM

500+? That is because more than just a few are interested in still having higher quality affordable motorhomes built thru the 2020s decade.

Deucenut · 09-26-2019, 02:57 PM

I read the first 3-4 pages of this thread and then skipped to the end since I could see a common theme, so forgive me if someone else has said this. But this acquisition has only just occurred. How about we not jump to conclusions and just let things play out to see what is going to happen. Hopefully things will continue as they have.

Gamaliel Kid · 09-26-2019, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulTNaples

Read an interview with the CEO of Winnebago and Matt Miller. The Miller family approached Winnebago. Not the other way around. I don’t foresee any negative changes. My opinion, New Air, Mountain Air, gone. Kountry Star gone. Essex gone. Thinned out luxury line. Ventana and Dutch Star continues, as they are best sellers. Gas line is a toss up. Winnebago becomes the entry level DP line. Newmar the luxury step up. Think about this in the old GM, Ford format. Chevy to Buick to Oldsmobile to Cadillac. If your a Ford fan, Ford to Mercury to Lincoln. Newmar needed to thin the offerings. You can’t be all to everyone. Ya’all want the focus on quality..well you do that by limiting the offerings and making those products better than anyone else.

I agree somewhat with what you are saying. However, New Aire is selling really well- I think one name plate will go away and Mountain Aire will survive and start offering shorter length coaches that are the current New Aires.

I believe Newmar will go to all DP's in the future. I think Newmar's gas line will be absorbed by Winnebago. This would be some of the synergy they talk about. If a gas coach was kept - it would be logical to keep one level of gas - that would be the Canyon Star. Newmar has already started moving to all solid wood cabinetry in the diesel lines and Canyon Star has that as well. IMO, the gas line coaches are on the way out with Newmar and they will be absorbed by Winnie. Newmar's campus has expanded to capacity and if profit is the motive - then selling more expensive diesel coaches will be the approach. I think that Winnebago will work with Newmar to expand the Newmar line to some of their top dealers and they will limit the product those dealers can sell. Newmar doesn't have many dealers selling several of their coaches now - so that is something they are already familiar with doing. The big money maker coaches are MA, DS and VT for Newmar. The new KS is a much nicer coach that the old KS or VT LE as well. I also see the Super Star or whatever they call it not being around very long. But, that is just an opinion that is worth what you paid to read it - lols!

I just took delivery of a 2020 Ventana 4369 and the improvements in that coach are really nice. A lot of potential DS buyers will now be buying Ventana's - if they are do as they say and look for the best bang for the buck. Dutch Star will always be the coach that made Newmar - but the Ventana is going to become a very, very close second in my opinion.

JimPeoria · 09-26-2019, 04:46 PM

Well I have to say back in 2005 when we bought our Vectra we looked at a lot of Dutchstars also and then and every time we have looked since we really couldn't tell much difference in quality of workmanship. Winnibago fixed every problem we had with the exception of a norcold fridge which was a dud from day one nearly. Only thing we could never get fixed was a chassis battery drain problem which just couldn't be found I guess. Winnibago did replace the batteries one time and Interstate replaced them another but it was a constant battle if we didn't charge them up every couple weeks. And we were always plugged in except when on the road.
I hope for the best for both companies they both make solid coaches and possibly with a greater buying power maybe they will get a little cheaper in cost.

Grif · 09-26-2019, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

Let's stay on topic folks; the Newmar exec interview. Otherwise, the powers that be will shut this thread down and merge it with the original "Winnebago acquires Newmar" thread. We're on thin ice here.

TJ

I don’t see any way things will remain the same for long. Newmar is now a subsidiary of another company, responsible for maintaining certain profit objectives. When the industry slows, profitability goals will have to be maintained and I’m sure Winnebago corporate won’t have the flexibility to ride out the bumps without cutting costs (I.e. corners) and quality.