Winnebago Debuts 2007 Models
Winnebago Industries has unveiled its lineup of Winnebago and Itasca motorhomes for 2007 with a total of 86 floor plans, about 30 percent of them new or redesigned.

The expanded Class C group of models includes the Winnebago Access and Itasca Impulse, which are new value-priced models; the Winnebago Outlook and Itasca Spirit, which have a new exterior design; the Winnebago Aspect and Itasca Cambria, which offer a new full-body paint option, and the diesel-powered Winnebago View and Itasca Navion, which have added a floor plan that offers a rear bunk layout.

The company’s Class A motorhomes also have new features, including complete new designs for the Winnebago Voyage and the Itasca Sunrise.

Thor Reports Sales Surge
Thor Industries has repurchased 304,220 shares for $32.7 million and its Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of an additional 2 million shares, with the company continuing to report strong sales growth.

Thor said it climbed to number two in motorhome sales in April with strong gains in Class A motorhome sales. It said its share of the motorhome market rose from 11.8 percent to nearly 14 percent. Sales of travel trailers and fifth wheels have also increased this year. Thor brands include Airstream, Damon, Dutchmen, Four Winds, Keystone, Komfort and Mandalay.

Trailers to Be Rented on Site
ReserveAmerica, a recreation reservation service, and Fleetwood Folding Trailers RV have announced a plan to make trailers available for rental at participating campgrounds. Fleetwood’s Sun Valley RV model, which sleeps six and is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, outboard grill, dining table and optional amenities like air conditioning, is the first trailer available in the new program.

Customers will be able to rent the trailer already set up and ready to use at campsites, eliminating the need to pick it up or drop it off at a rental lot.

Washington Offers Special Plate
A special license plate featuring photo images of Washington state parks will go on sale to the public Aug. 21 to help support the state park system.

The new plate has a blended image that captures landscapes at Wallace Falls, Lake Wenatchee and the Palouse. The plate will sell for $40, plus regular license fees. Each year when the tab renewal is due, an additional $30 must be paid to keep the plate. The state parks system will receive $28 from every plate sold or renewed. The plates will be sold through the Department of Licensing.

National RV Cuts Production
Responding to an industrywide 18 percent decline in shipments of Class A motorhomes, National R.V., based in Perris, California, announced plans to reduce its motorhome output to 35 a week, from the previous 40 to 45 a week.

National R. V. Holdings, the parent company of National R.V., said the slowdown is not affecting its other motorhome subsidiary, Country Coach, which builds high-end diesel pushers in Junction City, Oregon. In fact, Country Coach is stepping up production from 16 to 20 units per week as it prepares to roll out two new products.

Washington Parks Add New Cabins
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has added new cabins at Kitsap Memorial State Park, Pearrygin Lake State Park, and Camano Island State Park and new yurts at Grayland Beach State Park. The new cabins and yurts are part of an improvement program leading up to the celebration of the 100th birthday of the park system in 2013.

Camping reservations can be made by calling 888 CAMPOUT from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. any day of the week.

Equity Group Buys Stag-Parkway
Greenbriar Equity Group of Rye, New York, has purchased a majority stake in Stag-Parkway, which distributes parts and accessories to 2,000 RV dealers and independent service locations nationwide. Greenbriar acquired its interest from the company’s chief executive officer, Stanley Sunshine, who retains a substantial interest in the business and will continue as chief executive.

Stag-Parkway, which is based in Atlanta, Georgia, stocks 15,000 parts and accessories at its network of distribution centers. The company recently expanded by acquiring Development Training, Inc., which provides aftermarket service parts to RV dealers.

Accountants Win Adventure Race
A team of accountants defeated teams of athletes, firefighters, personal trainers and others to win the Nevada Passage adventure competition, a six-day event that was filmed for a one-hour television show to be broadcast at various times from this month through February.

Linda Lindsay, 41, a bookkeeper from Petaluma, California, and Nate Simonson, 28, a credit analyst from Reno, Nevada, represented accountants in the 10-team competition that included mountain biking, running, jet skiing, and auto racing. The competition is staged annually to promote rural Nevada as an adventure destination. Information about the competition, including the broadcast schedule, can be obtained at www.nevadapassage.com.