Industry rolls into Louisville on the wheels unprecedented success in 2004
By Bob Zagami

Luxura by Georgie Boy

Just In!

Richard A. Coon to Become RVIA President in 2006 Richard A. Coon, a 30-year industry veteran with a long history of involvement in association leadership positions, has been chosen by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) to become its new president. Coon, director of the RV Bbusiness Group for Cummins/Onan Power Generation, has been named president- elect and will succeed RVIA’s widely admired president of the past three decades, David J. Humphreys. Cummins Power Generation manufactures generator sets for the RV markets under its industry-leading Onan brand name. Coon will join Humphreys at RVIA’s Reston, Va., headquarters on June 1, 2005 in preparation to assume the role of president, the association’s highest staff position, when Humphreys retires on January 30, 2006.> Continued

The figures are in, and to nobody’s surprise, RVIA posted its highest attendance ever, paving the way for continued RV industry strength in 2005. Show attendance was up 7.5% for a record 14,450 attendees. 2004 dealer participation in the show was up almost 6% over the 2003 numbers, with 5,681 dealers representing 2,243 dealerships. The soldout space at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center totaled 773,200 square feet with the latest RV models, accessories, and supplier companies.

RVIA also reports that Dr. Richard Curtin, director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, is projecting wholesale RV shipments of 364,900 units, up nearly 14% from a year ago and on track to set a 26-year record. Curtin, quoted in RVIA’s Roadsigns publication is projecting “a small decline of 3.3% in RV shipments for 2005” due to interest rate increases and persistently high gas prices. The demand will continue to shift toward fifth-wheel, hybrid and conventional travel trailers.

However, given the success quoted by many of the exhibitors at the show, and the optimistic feelings and dealer’s willingness to support the industry with their checkbooks, we might see these predictions being revised after the anticipated brisk retail sales at the winter and spring consumer RV shows that could set the stage for another record-breaking year in 2005. This industry just doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon.Click to Continue