Winnebago leads US RV-covery
After struggling post-GFC American RV giant is back in the black after strong salesAlmost two years after winning – and later losing – a court battle over the right to use the Winnebago name in Australia, US motorhome manufacturer Winnebago Industries has reported a 53 per cent increase in profits for the first quarter of 2014.
The New York exchange listed company also boasted a revenue increase of 29 per cent to $228.8 million, while motorhome deliveries improved 45 per cent to 2055 during the first three months of 2014.
It was the third successive period of growth for the 56-year old builder of super-sized motorhomes, despite recent storms in the US causing transportation and other disruptions for the RV sector.
“We achieved strong results for the quarter, notwithstanding challenges associated with the severe winter weather,” said Winnebago CEO Randy Potts.
Like Avida RV (previously Winnebago Australia), the Iowa-based manufacturer is looking to expand its range and recently moved into the manufacture of caravans with its ‘Winnebago One’ line-up of travel trailers and fifth wheelers.
Meanwhile, despite winning the appeal in mid-2013, Avida RV has not returned to making Winnebago-branded motorhomes as it did from the early-1980s, although it still refers to itself as ‘Maker of the Australian Winnebago’ on its website.
However, the NSW-based manufacturer has indicated plans to re-introduce a coach-based A-class motorhome under the Winnebago banner around late-2014.
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