by security@revgroup.com | Oct 6, 2022 | FLEETWOOD RV, AMERICAN COACH, Goldshield Fiberglass, HOLIDAY RAMBLER, LANCE CAMPER, MIDWEST AUTOMOTIVE DESIGNS, RENEGADE RV, REV RECREATIONAL VEHICLES SEGMENT, REV SPECIALTY VEHICLES SEGMENT
In spite of unseasonable cool and sometimes wet weather, the return of the Dealer Open House in Elkhart, IN, last week brought with it strong dealer demand and enthusiasm for new and updated 2023 Class A, Class B, Super C and towable units from REV Group’s American Coach®, Fleetwood RV®, Holiday Rambler®, Renegade RV™, Midwest Automotive Designs™, and Lance® brands.
REV Recreation Group brands combined to showcase more than 60 models at Open House, building on dealer and customer enthusiasm generated at the recent America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, PA.
“It was great for our entire team to be back in Elkhart and to welcome our amazing dealers to the REV Recreation Group display,” said Mike Lanciotti, President of REV Recreation Segment. “REV Recreation Group is built on a fantastic line-up of iconic brands, and to showcase those brands as a family to our dealer partners is important. We saw incredible dealer response and excitement across all our brands and products, and especially for the new models including the Lance Enduro™ and the Fleetwood Frontier® GTX. A successful week at Open House provides us outstanding momentum heading into 2023.”
New products on display at the Open House included the brand-new Fleetwood RV Frontier GTX Class A Diesel luxury motorhome that features an industry-first dedicated office via its 37RT floorplan. The 37RT’s optional The Corner Office™ has been designed to deliver the space, technology, convenience, and privacy needed by those working or learning from the road, all while strategically located at the rear of the coach so it’s away from daily life activities. The space is cleverly arranged and includes an L-shaped desk with a built-in monitor and multiple nearby outlets, while a large window tops the desk to bring in natural light and deliver a view of the outdoors.
The Frontier® GTX 39TA floor plan offers its own set of well-thought-out features, starting with both slide-outs being located on the driver’s side, meaning the passenger side of the coach is completely free for outside patio entertaining under the RV’s large awning and its luggage bays are easily accessible.
In addition, the 39TA offers the much-sought-after 1-½ bath configuration. The full bath is located mid-ship – providing family members and guests easy access – with a half-bath situated in the rear of the coach off the master bedroom. The master suite also features a “north/south” queen bed positioned in the center of the room, allowing ample space to walk around on both sides.
Additional lass A Gas products on display at the Dealer Open House included the Fleetwood RV Flex® and Flair® 33B6, as well as the brand-new Holiday Rambler Eclipse®, which features a striking, distinctive exterior design and three distinct floorplans.
“It’s hard to describe how much we missed being able to showcase our full line of Class A motorhomes to our dealers and suppliers,” said Don Gephart, Marketing Manager for Fleetwood RV. “The new Frontier GTX is a product our dealers and customers have been asking for since the launch of the Frontier – and we are confident we delivered an innovative product that RVers are going to love. The 37RT floorplan in particular with its optional office will fit all types – whether they’re homeschoolers, day traders or remote workers. It’s a product unlike anything else on the market, and it was great to showcase it to dealers in Elkhart.”
Renegade RV showcased its 2023 Valencia® Super C Diesel, available in four floorplans and offering a number of high-end interior features, including solid-surface countertops, glass tile backsplash, full-length wardrobe and optional theater seating.
Lance Camper made a splash with the debut of its Enduro™ overland concept unit. Designed for off-grid camping and the active outdoors person, the Enduro features a beautiful, modern and functional interior with a wet bath and u-shaped dinette with kids bunks, as well as a state-of-the-art exterior kitchen and available bike and firewood racks. The Enduro also features solar battery technology and onboard freshwater supply and filtering to enable owners to enjoy true soft-road adventuring.
“Dealer reception of the all-new Lance Enduro adventure trailer could not have been better!” states Bob Rogers, Director of Marketing for Lance Camper. “We also asked for and received some great suggestions for fine-tuning the option packages and confirmation that we have got it right, with nearly 100% of our dealers in attendance simply asking when they can get it.”
Midwest Automotive Design and American Coach showcased an updated version of its lithium Freedom package, which offers a significantly increased amount of power of up to 1080 amp hours. This new system includes a Nations-brand engine driver secondary alternator that can completely charge the system in approximately three hours and allow for up to 14 hours of dry camping between charges depending on conditions.
Another Midwest Automotive Design highlight was an updated version of its American Coach Patriot® business class limo, which keeps productivity in high gear on the road thanks to accessories and amenities like sumptuous leather reclining chairs, exquisite wood tables, access to Wi-Fi, iPad controls, premium sound system and TV monitor.
For more information on 2023 models, visit the American Coach, Fleetwood RV, Holiday Rambler, Renegade RV, Midwest Automotive Designs, and Lance Camper websites.
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About REV Recreation Group
REV Recreation Group includes subsidiaries of REV Group, Inc. that manufacture a diverse range of recreational vehicles as well as molded fiberglass and lamination. In addition to a genuine parts online warehouse, the segment operates two state-of-the-art service and repair centers. From Lancaster, California to Bristol, Indiana, REV Recreation Group companies span the United States and produce Class B custom sprinter vans, high-end Class C/Super C motorhomes, luxury Class A motor coaches, travel trailers and truck campers. With one of the industry’s best and longest-standing distribution networks, the segment boasts some of the industry’s most recognized and iconic brand names such as American Coach® and Fleetwood RV®.
About REV Group, Inc.
REV Group companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles). REV Group’s diverse portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG. Investors-REVG
by security@revgroup.com | May 3, 2022 | REV GROUP, REV RECREATIONAL VEHICLES SEGMENT, REV SPECIALTY VEHICLES SEGMENT
REV Group, Inc. (NYSE: REVG) announces Alan Farash as the new Vice President and General Manager of recreation vehicle manufacturing subsidiary REV Recreation Group, Inc. This role oversees the Class A Gas and Diesel recreational vehicle brands American Coach®, Fleetwood RV® and Holiday Rambler®, the two REV Service & Repair Centers and the genuine parts online warehouse. Farash will report to Mike Lanciotti, President, REV Recreation Group.
Most recently, Farash was the Group President and COO for Reading Truck Group where his responsibilities included leading the company’s 22 sites, two manufacturing locations and 20 distribution, parts & service locations. In addition to co-founding a technology start up, Farash has held senior executive roles in the specialty vehicle industry and began his career in manufacturing with Ford Motor Company, Powertrain Operations. Farash also held a leadership role at Workhorse Custom Chassis where he manufactured and sold Class A chassis for the RV industry.
“Alan is a proven team leader with extensive experience in commercial vehicle technology and manufacturing,” said Mike Lanciotti, President, REV Recreation Group. “Furthermore, he is skilled in implementing operational excellence initiatives, which will help to increase our production and delivery of our in-demand RVs to our dealers and loyal customers.”
Farash received a BSME in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University and a MSA in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.
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About REV Recreation Group, Inc.
REV Recreation Group, Inc. is a REV Group® subsidiary and a leading manufacturer of Class A Gas and Diesel recreational vehicle brands. This company has one of the best and longest standing distribution networks in the industry and boasts some of the industry’s most recognized and iconic brand names such as American Coach®, Fleetwood RV®, and Holiday Rambler®. Headquartered in Decatur, IN, which is also its principal manufacturing location, it operates two state-of-the-art service and repair centers and a genuine parts online warehouse.
About REV Group, Inc.
REV Group® companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles). REV Group’s diverse portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG. Investors-REVG
by security@revgroup.com | Apr 21, 2022 | REV RECREATIONAL VEHICLES SEGMENT, FLEETWOOD RV, REV SPECIALTY VEHICLES SEGMENT
In 2021, after a two-decade hiatus, John and Mitzi Platillero of Knoxville, Tennessee, bought their second RV. They purchased a 36F Bounder® from Fleetwood RV® for two significant reasons. It’s the model they originally owned when their children were young, and they have wonderful family memories of traveling down South and through the Midwest. In addition, it’s a model that’s easily accessible for their adult son David who is partially paralyzed from the waist down. David has just enough leg strength to walk short distances and alternates between forearm crutches and sometimes walking without assistive devices, depending on the situation and environment.
This spring and fall, the Bounder, driven by John and co-piloted by Mitzi, will take David on a tour of high schools throughout Tennessee so he can talk about the dangers of distracted driving and spread his message of forgiveness and moving forward.
In 2016, David was attending Blackbird Academy in Nashville to pursue music engineering when he was hit by a distracted driver while on his bicycle. He was left paralyzed but through intense physical therapy and determination was able to regain partial use of his legs. In 2019, David released his first album “Lionheart”. In addition, he has appeared on American Idol as a competitor and on the ELLEN Show to share his story.
For David, the Bounder is easy to access since it has an open floor plan, and all the necessities are conveniently located. The dinette table is flush against the wall so there’s no need to maneuver around it. The kitchen is located up front and there’s a bathroom and sleeping area in the middle of the model. David and Kristi, who sing together, have already used the Bounder. The couple sang at a wedding in Miami, so John and Mitzi rendezvoused with them. They all stayed in the RV and shared a long weekend together.
Family Background
The Platilleros are an RV and music-loving family. In fact, it was a love of music that drove the purchase of their first motorhome.
Back in the ‘90s, John and Mitzi bought a Fleetwood RV Bounder so they could easily take their two young children to music festivals. And, while John originally started his professional life as an electrical engineer, after a few years he began promoting concerts in their hometown of Knoxville. That meant family vacations were spent traveling in their Bounder, attending concerts, and festivals to scout for new bands.
In 1997, John decided to enter the music business full time, so the couple sold their Bounder to raise cash to help fund the fledgling endeavor.
“I was sad to see it go. Our RV had opened our world to exploration,” said John. “It contained so many memories of our young family that were really special.”
Fast forward to 2022 and John, who is 60, just sold EventBooking, the global business he and Mitzi founded in 1997.
“In late 2020, I started to think about getting an RV again but was nervous to share my idea with Mitzi,” said John. “I had my rationale all laid out: deepen our relationship; entertain other couples; take weekend trips with our grandkids; and travel with our son David and his wife Kristi. With a potential business exit on the horizon, it was the perfect time.”
Mitzi was quickly onboard, and the couple began their search. While they looked at various models, they kept gravitating back to a Bounder because it had been part of their early years.
The Platilleros zeroed in on the Bounder 36F since it was accessible for David, had bunk beds for their grandkids, and provided two full bathrooms for traveling with other couples. When not in use, the bunk bed space converts into a closet and seating area.
Since RVs are in demand, they put their names in with a few different dealers and were surprised to get a call from one right in their own backyard. Camping World in Knoxville contacted them to say they had received a 36F in that morning. The couple immediately headed to the dealership to put down a deposit.
RV Itinerary
John and Mitzi first hit the road in January 2021 in their new Bounder for a trip to Florida where they met up with David and his wife Kristi.
“We have great conversations when we’re on the road. We’re rediscovering each other and making new, adventurous memories together,” said John. “And, we’re learning to play Pickle Ball because when you visit Florida you can’t avoid it.”
In addition to David’s tour of high schools, the couple’s travel goal is to visit all 48 states and take their grandchildren on weekend explorations.
“With our old Bounder, we visited the East Coast, Southeast and local campgrounds,” said Mitzi. “We’re now planning a big trip out West where we’ll be gone for two to three months and hit a lot of national parks like Arches, Zion, Yosemite, and Yellowstone. We’d also like to spend time in the Dakotas and Northwest since we haven’t been to those areas before.”
RV Lessons Learned
While the Platilleros owned an RV previously, there’s still a learning curve.
For example, one morning it was cold, so John turned on the defrost, which he had never used before. It was set to recirculate, and consequently the windshield quickly fogged up. The couple now joke about checking that instrument setting before they start driving in the morning.
“This new Bounder came with REV Assist, which is something we really like,” said Mitzi. “For one year, we can call and get help anytime we need it. We’ve used it for things on the Bounder we didn’t even know how to do and that’s been very helpful for us.”
Bounder 36F & 35GL from Fleetwood RV
Fleetwood RV is a brand within REV Recreation Group, Inc. a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc. The Bounder is a Class A Gas RV and has the distinction of being one of the best-selling motorhomes ever.
Fleetwood RV recently introduced its 2022 Bounder 35GL. The 35GL is a Class A Gas luxury motorhome with an innovative, industry-leading floorplan that delivers ultimate comfort and convenience for travel-loving couples and families. With its mid-coach entry, the 35GL is spacious, inviting, and features four distinct areas, making it feel like a traditional home.
For more information on the Bounder from Fleetwood RV, visit fleetwoodrv.com. For a YouTube tour of the Bounder 36F, click here and for a guided video tour of the new 35GL click here. For more information on David Francisco Platillero and his music, visit davidfranciscomusic.com.
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About REV Recreation Group, Inc.
REV Recreation Group, Inc. is a REV Group® subsidiary and a leading manufacturer of Class A Gas and Diesel recreational vehicle brands. This company has one of the best and longest standing distribution networks in the industry and boasts some of the industry’s most recognized and iconic brand names such as American Coach®, Fleetwood RV®, and Holiday Rambler®. Headquartered in Decatur, IN, which is also its principal manufacturing location, it operates two state-of-the-art service and repair centers and a genuine parts online warehouse.
About REV Group, Inc.
REV Group® companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles). REV Group’s diverse portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG. Investors-REVG
