Winnebago coming to Australia?

Aussies could soon be able to buy a US-built Winnebago motorhome or caravan, with Queensland-based Apollo Motorhome Holidays looking to become the Australian distributor for the iconic American brand.

Although Apollo remains tight-lipped about a potential deal, a spokesperson confirmed that talks are being held with Iowa-based Winnebago Industries about possible future imports of the US-built RVs Down Under.

"At this point Apollo are only able to confirm they are in discussion with Winnebago Industries USA. They are not responding to any further media enquiries," she said.

Queensland-based Apollo already has a close relationship with the 56-year-old US manufacturer, with the announcement in February that Winnebago would become the North American supplier of rental motorhomes for Apollo, which boasts a fleet of 4000 vehicles and 23 branches across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.

Apollo already sells a range of Oz-designed, US-built caravans in Australia, under its Talvor retail brand, and recently took over as the Australian distributor of European-built Adria caravans.

Known for its super-sized motorhomes, Winnebago Industries is one of the most successful RV manufacturers in the US, with more than 400,000 units built since 1958.

It currently markets in the US and Canada an impressive range of coach, pick-up and van-based motorhomes as well as extra-large fifth-wheelers and various-sized caravans, under five different brand names.

However, the introduction of the American Winnebago brand onto the Australian market could create confusion for buyers, with Avida RV’s recent decision to re-introduce the Winnebago name on premium models after the NSW manufacturer won a long-running court battle with Winnebago Industries for the right to use the Winnebago name in Australia.