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DriVer · 08-29-2006, 05:22 AM

Aug. 29, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

<span class="ev_code_RED">Forest River coach built on new Workhorse UFO™ rear gas chassis to debut at fall RV shows</span>

UNION CITY, IN. "” Forest River will be the first motor home manufacturer to introduce a motor home built on the new Workhorse UFO™ chassis at a major RV show this fall. Workhorse Custom Chassis and Forest River have announced that a gas-powered Forest River Georgetown motor home featuring the all-new, rear-engine platform from Workhorse will be on display at the Boat-N-RV dealer booth during the 38th Annual Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle & Camping Show Sept. 11 to 17 in Hershey, Pa. The motor home will also appear on the West Coast at the 53rd Annual California RV Show in Pomona, Calif., Oct. 13 to 22.

The new 26,000 lb. GVWR Workhorse platform is "a chassis that is out of this RV world. It's one that will enable companies like Forest River to provide exciting new choices for the RV consumer," said Bob Wert, Workhorse vice president of RV sales and marketing.

The initial Workhorse UFO™ platform, now in production, is gas powered, the first such rear-engine platform the industry has seen in over two decades. Workhorse UFO™ offers the same GM Vortec™ 8.1L engine that helped make Workhorse's front-engine W Series the most popular platform available.

One of the exciting attributes that "UFO" stands for is Universal Floorplan Option. Workhorse reconfigured the drivetrain and frame so that manufacturers can build upon a completely flat floor from front to back, without the intrusion of the engine and cooling system into the rear bedroom or cockpit space. Workhorse UFO™ is the first and only platform that provides this truly universal open-floor design capability.

A significant market

"It's revolutionary," said Art Colvin, general manager of Forest River. "For one thing, it's been years since anybody tried a rear gas engine. Some people remember the cooling problems with previous rear gas engines. But Workhorse has developed an advanced cooling system that does an excellent job of regulating the engine's temperature. They did extensive testing and a lot of preliminary design work, before they ever put this chassis together."

"We saw a market opportunity for rear gas motor homes three years ago, and we suggested it to them," Colvin continued. "They listened and came back with the Workhorse UFO™ chassis."

Forest River intends to offer the rear gas option on its standard Georgetown model and on select Georgetown SE and Georgetown XL models. Several new floorplans have been developed for coaches ranging from 35- to 38-feet.

Workhorse UFO™ based motor homes will attract people currently considering the purchase of a high-end gas or low-end diesel motor home, a segment of the motor home market that should have a very broad appeal. "It's obviously going to fill a niche between the diesel pusher and the front-engine gas motor home," said Colvin. "The gas version is going to give people a true alternative to diesel."

2007 Georgetown "RE"

Product advantages

Workhorse UFO™ advantages begin with its lightweight design. The 26,000 lb. GVWR 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.

At the same time, the lowered engine and the new, proprietary front and back suspensions give the Workhorse UFO™ exceptional ride and handling. "We've eliminated the choice RVers often have to make between a better riding versus a better handling coach," said Wert. "You have to drive it to believe it, there's no compromise with the Workhorse UFO™ chassis."

A 55-degree wheel cut makes the motor home more maneuverable in tight spots than any gas chassis, and is comparable to the best diesel chassis available today. The drivetrain uses an Allison Series 2000 six-speed automatic transmission that includes Transmission Grade Braking, ultra protective synthetic transmission fluid, standard push-button shifter and a 5-year, 200,000-mile transmission warranty.

The advantages of a rear engine include less cabin noise, less cabin heat, and, without the front-to-back drive shaft, less vibration and the opportunity to build in pass through basement storage. The front rather than side entry door is also a plus for floor plan variety, and the lack of a "doghouse" engine cover in the cab makes it easier to move in the cockpit. Furthermore, there is no engine protruding into the bedroom area either.

The first noticeable advantage of the gas powered Workhorse UFO™ is how much quieter it is in than comparable front gas motor homes, said Colvin. 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.

The new Georgetown floorplans on the Workhorse UFO™ chassis "are what is exciting to us," said Colvin. "It's no secret, floor plans drive RV customer buying decisions. With the Workhorse UFO™, the type of engine doesn't have to get in the way of that decision. Customers can get the floorplan they want with the engine they want."

"Forest River sparked our vision of the project early on," said Wert. "So we're very pleased to join with them in this first announcement." Expect more Workhorse UFO™ sightings soon. Workhorse is working with other major manufacturers that are developing coaches with the Workhorse UFO™ chassis.

Forest River

Forest River Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.), is a manufacturer of a wide range of recreational vehicle, marine, manufactured housing, cargo, and utility trailer products. For more information, visit Forest River.com

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.

DriVer · 08-29-2006, 05:22 AM

Aug. 29, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

<span class="ev_code_RED">Forest River coach built on new Workhorse UFO™ rear gas chassis to debut at fall RV shows</span>

UNION CITY, IN. "” Forest River will be the first motor home manufacturer to introduce a motor home built on the new Workhorse UFO™ chassis at a major RV show this fall. Workhorse Custom Chassis and Forest River have announced that a gas-powered Forest River Georgetown motor home featuring the all-new, rear-engine platform from Workhorse will be on display at the Boat-N-RV dealer booth during the 38th Annual Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle & Camping Show Sept. 11 to 17 in Hershey, Pa. The motor home will also appear on the West Coast at the 53rd Annual California RV Show in Pomona, Calif., Oct. 13 to 22.

The new 26,000 lb. GVWR Workhorse platform is "a chassis that is out of this RV world. It's one that will enable companies like Forest River to provide exciting new choices for the RV consumer," said Bob Wert, Workhorse vice president of RV sales and marketing.

The initial Workhorse UFO™ platform, now in production, is gas powered, the first such rear-engine platform the industry has seen in over two decades. Workhorse UFO™ offers the same GM Vortec™ 8.1L engine that helped make Workhorse's front-engine W Series the most popular platform available.

One of the exciting attributes that "UFO" stands for is Universal Floorplan Option. Workhorse reconfigured the drivetrain and frame so that manufacturers can build upon a completely flat floor from front to back, without the intrusion of the engine and cooling system into the rear bedroom or cockpit space. Workhorse UFO™ is the first and only platform that provides this truly universal open-floor design capability.

A significant market

"It's revolutionary," said Art Colvin, general manager of Forest River. "For one thing, it's been years since anybody tried a rear gas engine. Some people remember the cooling problems with previous rear gas engines. But Workhorse has developed an advanced cooling system that does an excellent job of regulating the engine's temperature. They did extensive testing and a lot of preliminary design work, before they ever put this chassis together."

"We saw a market opportunity for rear gas motor homes three years ago, and we suggested it to them," Colvin continued. "They listened and came back with the Workhorse UFO™ chassis."

Forest River intends to offer the rear gas option on its standard Georgetown model and on select Georgetown SE and Georgetown XL models. Several new floorplans have been developed for coaches ranging from 35- to 38-feet.

Workhorse UFO™ based motor homes will attract people currently considering the purchase of a high-end gas or low-end diesel motor home, a segment of the motor home market that should have a very broad appeal. "It's obviously going to fill a niche between the diesel pusher and the front-engine gas motor home," said Colvin. "The gas version is going to give people a true alternative to diesel."

2007 Georgetown "RE"

Product advantages

Workhorse UFO™ advantages begin with its lightweight design. The 26,000 lb. GVWR 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.

At the same time, the lowered engine and the new, proprietary front and back suspensions give the Workhorse UFO™ exceptional ride and handling. "We've eliminated the choice RVers often have to make between a better riding versus a better handling coach," said Wert. "You have to drive it to believe it, there's no compromise with the Workhorse UFO™ chassis."

A 55-degree wheel cut makes the motor home more maneuverable in tight spots than any gas chassis, and is comparable to the best diesel chassis available today. The drivetrain uses an Allison Series 2000 six-speed automatic transmission that includes Transmission Grade Braking, ultra protective synthetic transmission fluid, standard push-button shifter and a 5-year, 200,000-mile transmission warranty.

The advantages of a rear engine include less cabin noise, less cabin heat, and, without the front-to-back drive shaft, less vibration and the opportunity to build in pass through basement storage. The front rather than side entry door is also a plus for floor plan variety, and the lack of a "doghouse" engine cover in the cab makes it easier to move in the cockpit. Furthermore, there is no engine protruding into the bedroom area either.

The first noticeable advantage of the gas powered Workhorse UFO™ is how much quieter it is in than comparable front gas motor homes, said Colvin. 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.

The new Georgetown floorplans on the Workhorse UFO™ chassis "are what is exciting to us," said Colvin. "It's no secret, floor plans drive RV customer buying decisions. With the Workhorse UFO™, the type of engine doesn't have to get in the way of that decision. Customers can get the floorplan they want with the engine they want."

"Forest River sparked our vision of the project early on," said Wert. "So we're very pleased to join with them in this first announcement." Expect more Workhorse UFO™ sightings soon. Workhorse is working with other major manufacturers that are developing coaches with the Workhorse UFO™ chassis.

Forest River

Forest River Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.), is a manufacturer of a wide range of recreational vehicle, marine, manufactured housing, cargo, and utility trailer products. For more information, visit Forest River.com

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.

Jestme13 · 08-29-2006, 04:56 PM

It's a real shame that Forrest River will debut such a stunning new concept with the worst dealer on the EAST COAST. I know I bought from Boat N RV and all I can say about them is stay away. And, believe it or not, I have never heard any good words from people we have met that also dealt with them, a word to the wise, buyer beware.

I'm also going to send an e mail to Forrest River to let them know the mistake the are making.

edgray · 08-30-2006, 07:29 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I'm also going to send an e mail to Forrest River to let them know the mistake the are making. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
STEVE: good for you! It will take this kind of PROACTIVE feedback from consumer/victims for these OEMs to begin the process of cleaning up their dealer networks! Just don't expect too much to happen very quickly because,unfortunately, the dealer is the OEMs customer, not you or me. BUT, without feedback from us, the OEM is clueless. ED

DriVer · 08-30-2006, 04:29 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jestme13:
I'm also going to send an e mail to Forrest River to let them know the mistake the are making. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Let them know, it does actually register with the manufacturer.

Workhorse does much the same thing, they give you the opportunity to voice your opinion good or bad regarding every service center in the system. If you're happy, let em' know - if you had a poor service experience they do want to know all about it. The link is provided in the service center locator.

Jestme13 · 08-30-2006, 04:41 PM

Thanks, I just got so mad when I saw what was going on with the new chassis. The only reason I bought from them was I took the word of the Safari reps at the 04 Hershey show that they were good, Safari no longer will deal with them either, after they were caught not being honest with the factory service reps. They actualy had the nerve to show up at our Safari eastern rally this summer with 2 left over 2005 Gazelle 40'rs. As usual they were playing games about price, and just not being square in their dealing with the folks there, so I played back with them, asking them, in front of any audiance I could play for, questions like, how could they sell a product they didn't know how to service, or even be able to warrant it when they were no longer a dealer for that brand. Believe me when the weekend was over they had enough of me, and they still had their 2 Gazzels

I've sent the E-mail off to Forrest River explaining my feelings about Boat n RV, the biggest used car sales team of the RV industry.

max49 · 08-30-2006, 05:53 PM

Im not trying to be controversial and I like the idea of a quiet rear engine but I don't understand how the floor plan can change that much just because there is no dog house. I think I read that someone liked the idea of the living room in the rear. I don;t see why a rear engine makes this more available than a front engine.
I also don't understand why it's so hard to find a coach with a slide, with the dining table on the curb, awning and "campsite side" of the coach. I guess the UFO won't have anything to do with this.

DriVer · 08-31-2006, 10:07 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by max49:
... I don't understand how the floor plan can change that much just because there is no dog house. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Take a look ....

Universal Floorplan Option

The UFO will offer manufacturers the ability to build any concievable floorplan they can think of (within reason). The floor is flat from front to rear and as such offers no above the floor obstruction. What is unique about the UFO is that the floor of the driving position is exactly the same height as the floor in the rear of the coach.

edgray · 08-31-2006, 11:18 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Thanks, I just got so mad when I saw what was going on with the new chassis. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Steve: you seem to be confusing FR with the dealer who apparently holds the franchise for that particular territory. You can still fall in love with the products

, but you obviously won't be buying from the dealer at the PA show. That's OK, others will be glad to take your $$.

ED

max49 · 08-31-2006, 03:22 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DriVer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by max49:
... I don't understand how the floor plan can change that much just because there is no dog house. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Take a look ....

Universal Floorplan Option

The UFO will offer manufacturers the ability to build any concievable floorplan they can think of (within reason). The floor is flat from front to rear and as such offers no above the floor obstruction. What is unique about the UFO is that the floor of the driving position is exactly the same height as the floor in the rear of the coach. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thanks Driver, but I must still be missing something. Other than the 7" high dog house, the floor in my Damon is flat from one end to the other. I'm scared to ask this but will the UFO have a parking pawl and a parking brake like yours, which is the W-22, right?

DriVer · 08-31-2006, 04:04 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by max49:
I'm scared to ask this but will the UFO have a parking pawl and a parking brake like yours, which is the W-22, right? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>No you're not!

The current UFO is a 26,000 lb. GVWR chassis and as such it has an Allison 2000 6-Speed Series Transmission. These transmissions are all without parking pawls.

The UFO is fitted with an HPB which is a Hydraulic Parking Brake.

The UFO does not have a 7" high doghouse and is completely flat from stem to stern.

Thank you for the question.

Jestme13 · 09-04-2006, 04:55 PM

Ed I felt that FR needed to know what kind of a dealer they were dealing with! I saw the FR FRED this past weekend. Salesman told me I could have a FRED for the same price as a Workhorse W gas. Imagine that. You must understand though, it was the used car salesman from you know where. Oh, this salesman told me he drove the UFO and loved it, its in Hershey already. The Hershey show will be very interesting. I think the UFO's time will be in the 08 model yr. Isn't it kinda late to develop 07's as the model year is well under way ?

Driver I did get a camp site for the 14-17 in Hershey.

DriVer · 09-04-2006, 06:05 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jestme13:
Isn't it kinda late to develop 07's as the model year is well under way ? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I think you'll see a lot more OEMs on board for 2008 but there will be 2007 UFOs that can be purchased.

See you in Hershey. How many people are going to go for the ride & drive?

edgray · 09-04-2006, 06:14 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">How many people are going to go for the ride & drive? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

DriVer, I hope that Forest River / Workhorse will allow people to sign up for their test drive of the new UFO chassis when they arrive at the show.

I looked into doing it online and found the registration required to book the test drive online to be slightly "complicated". Enough so that I suspect many people will just wait till they get there.

I would suggest anyone who wants to experience the new UFO for themselves should get there early and hope there is still a time slot available. I'm sure there will be LOTS of interest in this new product. ED