New Damon Coach and Workhorse Chassis Boost Fuel Efficiency 70 Percent

[DriVer]

2009 Damon Avanti

News Release

UNION CITY, Ind. (Aug. 28, 2008) "” The first significant answer to the market need for better fuel economy with Class A (bus style) motor homes will be launched at the annual Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey, Pa., Sept. 10 to 14 (public days) at the HERSHEYPARK® Entertainment Complex – GIANT CenterSM.

The show will introduce all-new Avanti (which means "forward"� in Italian) from Damon Motor Coach (Booth 513), the first motor home to be built on the W16D front-engine diesel platform from Workhorse Custom Chassis. The W16D is a 16,000 lb. GVWR diesel powered platform that is both lower and narrower than traditional class A motor home chassis, enabling lower, sleeker motor home body designs.

The initial Avanti model is 31 ½ feet long and designed to be a more fuel efficient and easier-to-drive Class A motor home. Combining a sleek, low-to-the-ground, aerodynamic design with the re-engineered Workhorse chassis, the Avanti is expected to achieve up to 70 percent better fuel economy than comparable Class A motor homes, based on internal test results.

In addition, Vice President of Avanti Sales Matt Thompson describes the Avanti's drivability as "awesome."� The Avanti's coach is nearly 12 inches closer to the ground than any other Class A motor home and is six inches narrower. The low center of gravity, combined with the excellent ride and handling of the Workhorse chassis, gives it "an automotive feel,"� said Thompson. "I think people will find it fun to drive. Certainly not like any other Class A."�

The RV-enhanced W16D chassis marks the latest in a series of chassis firsts from Workhorse that have multiplied motor home choices for consumers over the past decade. It will be on display at Workhorse Booth G by the GIANT Center along with the 2009 Chevy Workhorse Class C platform with best-in-class towing capacity.

The W16D also marks the first appearance of the MaxxForce™ 5 V6 diesel engine from Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) in a motor home. The MaxxForce 5 is mated to an Allison 1000 Series transmission and produces 200 horsepower and 440 ft.-lbs. of torque. Other key W16D features that enhance the drivability and manageability of the motor home include high-performance Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes, 50-degree wheel cut and electronic instrument cluster with full instrumentation and information center.


Workhorse W16D Motorhome Chassis

Leading edge technology makes the MaxxForce 5 a "clean diesel"� engine that improves both emission levels and fuel efficiency. That and the relatively light weight of the Workhorse chassis both contribute to the Avanti's fuel economy and payload capacity.

That capacity means the Avanti can put diesel class storage and amenities into a smaller motor home, enabling owners of larger motor homes to conveniently downsize. Thompson calls the storage space on the Avanti "phenomenal."� "Our 31 1/2-foot model has as much storage than a comparable 37-foot coach,"� he said. "We worked hard to utilize every square inch."�

A walk-around queen bed, split bath layout, large screen TV and curvaceous nautical interior styling are some of the diesel-class luxury and amenities packed in the coach, making it "a great choice for both a first-time buyer or an experienced RVer looking to drive something a little ˜greener' but with the storage and amenities they're used to,"� said Thompson. "They still have the interior space advantages of a Class A, but in the size of a Class C (motor home with a separate van cab compartment) and with better fuel economy than many Class Cs."�

Workhorse plans to develop more fuel-efficient chassis technology in the near future. "Our work with Damon on this project is typical of how we respond to manufacturer and market needs,"� said Tony Monda, vice president of marketing and product planning for Workhorse. "We see ourselves as the customer's advocate in the RV industry, and that means being proactive in developing new answers for new challenges."�

Those attending the show on Wednesday, Sept. 14, are encouraged to stop by either the Workhorse or Damon booths to pick up a wristband for admission to a special tailgate launch party for the Avanti from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Damon booth. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served as well as some exciting giveaways, while supplies last.

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 an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV). For additional information visit Workhorse.com.

Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV)
A global company with roots stemming back more than 175 years, produces International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce™ brand diesel engines, IC brand school and commercial buses, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine parts and service. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at Navistar.com/Newsroom.

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[DriVer]

2009 Damon Avanti

News Release

UNION CITY, Ind. (Aug. 28, 2008) "” The first significant answer to the market need for better fuel economy with Class A (bus style) motor homes will be launched at the annual Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey, Pa., Sept. 10 to 14 (public days) at the HERSHEYPARK® Entertainment Complex – GIANT CenterSM.

The show will introduce all-new Avanti (which means "forward"� in Italian) from Damon Motor Coach (Booth 513), the first motor home to be built on the W16D front-engine diesel platform from Workhorse Custom Chassis. The W16D is a 16,000 lb. GVWR diesel powered platform that is both lower and narrower than traditional class A motor home chassis, enabling lower, sleeker motor home body designs.

The initial Avanti model is 31 ½ feet long and designed to be a more fuel efficient and easier-to-drive Class A motor home. Combining a sleek, low-to-the-ground, aerodynamic design with the re-engineered Workhorse chassis, the Avanti is expected to achieve up to 70 percent better fuel economy than comparable Class A motor homes, based on internal test results.

In addition, Vice President of Avanti Sales Matt Thompson describes the Avanti's drivability as "awesome."� The Avanti's coach is nearly 12 inches closer to the ground than any other Class A motor home and is six inches narrower. The low center of gravity, combined with the excellent ride and handling of the Workhorse chassis, gives it "an automotive feel,"� said Thompson. "I think people will find it fun to drive. Certainly not like any other Class A."�

The RV-enhanced W16D chassis marks the latest in a series of chassis firsts from Workhorse that have multiplied motor home choices for consumers over the past decade. It will be on display at Workhorse Booth G by the GIANT Center along with the 2009 Chevy Workhorse Class C platform with best-in-class towing capacity.

The W16D also marks the first appearance of the MaxxForce™ 5 V6 diesel engine from Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) in a motor home. The MaxxForce 5 is mated to an Allison 1000 Series transmission and produces 200 horsepower and 440 ft.-lbs. of torque. Other key W16D features that enhance the drivability and manageability of the motor home include high-performance Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes, 50-degree wheel cut and electronic instrument cluster with full instrumentation and information center.


Workhorse W16D Motorhome Chassis

Leading edge technology makes the MaxxForce 5 a "clean diesel"� engine that improves both emission levels and fuel efficiency. That and the relatively light weight of the Workhorse chassis both contribute to the Avanti's fuel economy and payload capacity.

That capacity means the Avanti can put diesel class storage and amenities into a smaller motor home, enabling owners of larger motor homes to conveniently downsize. Thompson calls the storage space on the Avanti "phenomenal."� "Our 31 1/2-foot model has as much storage than a comparable 37-foot coach,"� he said. "We worked hard to utilize every square inch."�

A walk-around queen bed, split bath layout, large screen TV and curvaceous nautical interior styling are some of the diesel-class luxury and amenities packed in the coach, making it "a great choice for both a first-time buyer or an experienced RVer looking to drive something a little ˜greener' but with the storage and amenities they're used to,"� said Thompson. "They still have the interior space advantages of a Class A, but in the size of a Class C (motor home with a separate van cab compartment) and with better fuel economy than many Class Cs."�

Workhorse plans to develop more fuel-efficient chassis technology in the near future. "Our work with Damon on this project is typical of how we respond to manufacturer and market needs,"� said Tony Monda, vice president of marketing and product planning for Workhorse. "We see ourselves as the customer's advocate in the RV industry, and that means being proactive in developing new answers for new challenges."�

Those attending the show on Wednesday, Sept. 14, are encouraged to stop by either the Workhorse or Damon booths to pick up a wristband for admission to a special tailgate launch party for the Avanti from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Damon booth. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served as well as some exciting giveaways, while supplies last.

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 an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV). For additional information visit Workhorse.com.

Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV)
A global company with roots stemming back more than 175 years, produces International® brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce™ brand diesel engines, IC brand school and commercial buses, and Workhorse® brand chassis for motor homes and step vans. It also is a private-label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. The company also provides truck and diesel engine parts and service. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at Navistar.com/Newsroom.

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[offshore]

Looks like a fine crafted Itilan shoe, would like to see the inside.

[4gone]

It has a subtle similarity to the late 90's Holiday Rambler Vacationers... I like it.

[DriVer]

I just saw the Damon Avanti today for the first time sitting somewhat ungloriously in a parking lot here at the PRVCA in Hershey, PA. Yes I was indeed impressed with my first glance. It has very clean looking lines. It should be a consumer favorite I would imagine in the market segment in which it is expected to compete.

[Jestme13]

The pics sure do look interesting. My concern is long term livability in a coach that size. Can't wait to see the interior. Pics please Mr Mike.

[DriVer]

Damon plans on having a roll-out for their new product this coming Tuesday in Hershey, PA at the PRVCA Show.

I will be taking some pictures. Let me tell you about this teaser.

A small class A motorhome lacks basically storage room. Damon designed the Avanti in such a manner that it has a huge pass through storage compartment right in front of the rear cap. The compartment is about 3 feet wide and 4 feet tall and extends from one side to the other. It is accessed via large compartment well insulated doors. The compartment has 2 12volt ceiling lights and it even has a 110volt outlet.

Inside in the rear of the coach the queen sized bed's headboard is up against the back wall and elevated on a pedestal. It's easy in and out of bed from both sides but it's a small climb.

The bed is elevated in order to give the owner that huge pass through storage compartment. So in this case form is following function.

In the bedroom there is a flip down flat panel display mounted to the ceiling. Although I haven't seen it turned on it must be the TV.

I didn't spend a lot of time in the Avanti but I will do my best to report on this unit over the upcoming week. In the Workhorse display the W16D chassis is there for ready for inspection.

The W16D features and Allison 1000 series 6 speed automatic transmission. Coupled with the MaxxForce5 two stage turbo diesel this vehicle will certainly deliver on the promise of economy.

[LVJ58]

It sure is sleek, kinda reminds me a bit of the new model Rexhall on the UFO chassis.

[Ding-a-ling]

We saw it today at the Hershey RV show. It is a nice-looking unit for that segment of the buyers market looking for a smaller Class A coach. Has very sleek styling and seems like it would be easy to drive down the road. The Workhorse chassis underneath (that we checked out at the Workhorse tent) gives the unit a solid 14 mpg according to the Damon representatives.

At the Damon display, we even had a free lunch of hot dogs, chips and drinks - courtesy of Damon and Workhorse.

Thanks Flash, ... uh, I mean Thanks DriVer.

[Jestme13]

I wonder how that 14 mpg will be verified? I really, don't trust sales people, or, reps when it comes to numbers, they always seem to be on the optimistic side.

[DriVer]

Workhorse W16D Chassis

The forward mounted MAXXForce5 Navistar diesel engine supplies power to the shown Allison 1000 Series 6 speed double overdrive transmission. This engine and transmission combination with the already low weight W16 frame rail gives Damon 70% better fuel mileage than comparable Class A motorhomes.

That said there are only a few comparable sized motorhomes to the Avanti however there isn't anything out there that is anything like the Avanti.


Hundreds View Avanti at PRVCA

Invited to attend the Avanti roll-out hundreds of people viewed the Avanti during its Roll-Out debut at the Hershey, PA, PRVCA Exposition.


Damon Avanti Rear Cap Features

The new Damon Avanti finishes up in style with its clean looking rear cap. Featuring brilliant LED lighting - this is a nice contemporary touch and clean appearance while presenting easily visible tail brake and signal lamps. Notice the words "Fuel Efficient" on the cap which is the primary purpose for the Avanti.

I believe that Damon executives did their homework and translated hard data into an RV platform which meets the needs of their customers. The new W16D's drivetrain makes all of this possible. An additional feature which promises to make this vehicle a winner is the 50 degree wheel cut. On this short chassis a 50 degree wheel cut will make this vehicle as maneuverable as a large SUV.

The ride that is delivered my the Workhorse chassis has been described as comfortable and stable. The Brembo racing heritage brakes safely stop the vehicle within a very short distance.

The 40 gallon fuel tank on the W16D coupled with its phenomenal MPG statistics will yield a better range than much larger class A motorhomes with 75 gallon fuel tanks.


Ultra Large Storage

Yes you can bring it with you! The large aft storage compartment shown is a full sized pass through compartment that is lit on both sides by overhead lighting. The compartment has a 110volt outlet (shown) provided on the front wall of the compartment for creative use by the owner. Whether you need to power a charger of a TV the capability is built in.

At 16,000 GVW or rating this unit meets the expectations of a great number of folks that are downsizing to smaller more maneuverable vehicles. Immediately addressing the high price of fuel this RV will remove the MPG penalty concept that many buyers are concerned with.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jestme13:
I wonder how that 14 mpg will be verified? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Steve, I spoke with the project manager from Damon and they loaded the chassis up to its GVW and took it out on the highway in a real world test and exceeded the number that you quoted. The Damon folks are really excited about this vehicle because its the only thing like it on the road.

The dealers that were present on Industry Day were also very excited about the new product. Customer feedback regarding the MSRP was generally favorable in that most commented that for what the vehicle is, it is priced right.

One of the things that makes this vehicle priced where it is is the lack of extraordinary emission control devices. Most all the emission requirements are handled internally in the engine rather than by bolt on equipment that reduces emissions. The vehicle burns ULSD and is completely mission compliant.

Given its light weight the 200 HP and 440 lb/ft engine provides a good deal of motive power and the vehicle accelerates very well into traffic on the Interstate.

[two2go]

I give the Damon one thumb up for trying different. Smaller diesel Class A's have been done before, but crude by comparison to this. Looking at the floorplan, I see lots of issues with form over function (storage compartment notwithstanding). Short queen bed with rounded ends doesn't work for us tall guys or standard bedding. The dining nook takes up too much room for too small a table. What's with round single bowl kitchen sinks? Do any designers actually live in their creations? The engine sits pretty high, resulting in a big doghouse, though no worse than a Class C, I suppose. Maybe Damon or someone else will offer more useful floorplans in the future. This size could really benefit from a full-wall slide and maybe an opposing bedroom slide. Better, a purpose-built smaller Class A chassis instead of modifying a milk truck chassis?
It does look good, probably runs quite well, and ought to capture a fair share of buyers. I won't be one (yet).

[Jestme13]

Thats really amazing Mike, a move in the right direction.