Thor Motor Coach - Damon RV News Archives (Up to 8-2010)


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August 10, 2010

Thor Diesel Club Invites Members to Rally

Thor Diesel Motorhome Owners Club

 
Owners of Four Winds International and Damon Motor Coach diesel products are being welcomed into the newly formed Thor Diesel Club, formerly known as the Mandalay Travel Club.
 

The club is extending an invitation to all owners of the following Class A diesel coaches: Damon Avanti, Astoria, Essence, Escaper, LX400, Tuscany and Ultrasport; Four Winds Serrano and Monteceito; and Mandalay Presidio, Mandalay and Valencia.

 

Thor Diesel Club will host its first rally Oct. 3-8 in Goshen, Ind. Jim Larocca, president of Thor Diesel Club, extended an open invitation to all the qualifying owners to stop out and become a charter member of the newly formed Thor Diesel Club.

 

“Damon and Four Winds will sponsor this event and have staff available at the rally. The Thor Diesel Club will continue their traditions of the past and you will find seminars, vendor support, giveaways, food, golf and tech service during the week for all attendees. Jim Larocca promises that this will be a great way to get more enjoyment with your coach and meet new friends while learning about your coach,” according to a news release.

 

For more information go to www.ThorDieselClub.org or http://ThorMotorCoach.com/thordieselclub.php

 

Damon Motor Coach and Four Winds International are subsidiaries of Thor Industries Inc. Jackson Center, Ohio, the world s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles. 

 


July 12, 2010

Thor Motorized (Damon RV & Four Winds RV) Captures Top Ford Chassis Slot

Ford Motorhome Chassis - Class A & Class C

 

Ford Motor Co. recently announced that Thor Industries Inc. is the top volume manufacturer of motorhomes built on Ford chassis.

 

The award came from Ford after calculating F-53 Super Duty chassis Class A motorhome and E-Series Class C cut-away chassis sales from January 2009 through December 2009, according to a news release.

 

“We are thrilled to win this award. Ford is a great supplier to us and to the overall motorhome market. Throughout the years, the relationship with Ford has continued to grow, and we have been very successful with Ford chassis’ and engines,” commented Bill Fenech, president of Damon Motor Coach and Four Winds International Corp.

 

Thor’s subsidiaries Four Winds International and Damon Motor Coach offer their gas class A RVs on the reliable Ford F-53 Super Duty chassis. Four Winds offers the Ford’s F-53 chassis on their popular Hurricane and Windsport Motorhomes. The Daybreak, Challenger, and Outlaw models from Damon Motor Coach also offer the Super Duty Class A motorhome chassis. Four Winds Class C products are built on the Econoline Class C cutaway chassis. This include their Four Winds, Chateau, Siesta and Citation brands.

 

Download Ford Class A Motorhome Chassis Literature>>

Download Ford Class C Motorhome Chassis Literature>>

More About Ford Motorhome Chassis>> 

 

Ford Class C Motorhome Chassis E-450 Ford Class A Motorhome Chassis F53
Ford Class C Motorhome Chassis - E-450 Ford Class A Motorhome Chassis - F53

 

Thor’s subsidiaries Four Winds International and Damon Motor Coach offer their gas class A RVs on the reliable Ford F-53 Super Duty chassis. Four Winds offers the Ford’s F-53 chassis on their popular Hurricane and Windsport Motorhomes. The Daybreak, Challenger, and Outlaw models from Damon Motor Coach also offer the Super Duty Class A motorhome chassis. Four Winds Class C products are built on the Econoline Class C cutaway chassis. This include their Four Winds, Chateau, Siesta and Citation brands.

 

 

July 12, 2010

Kevin Atkinson joins the Damon Sales Team

 

Damon RV - Class A Motorhomes

Matt Thompson, Vice President and General Manager of Damon Motor Coach, announced today that Kevin Atkinson has joined the Damon Sales Team. Atkinson is the new District Sales Manager for the Western Region representing all Damon gasoline and diesel product brands.

 

Thompson said, “I am very excited to have Kevin join the Damon family”. Atkinson is a 23 year veteran in the RV Industry and has increased sales and grown market share in territories throughout the nation and Western Canada for several top level luxury manufacturers. Matt went on to say, “With the last 20 of his past 23 years focused in the motorized segment of this business, Kevin is exactly what we need to take Damon to the next level on the West coast. Kevin’s product knowledge, excitement and enthusiasm exemplifies the type of people we want representing Damon Motor Coach.”

 

Atkinson said, “I’m extremely passionate about the RV Lifestyle. I’ve seen tremendous growth and have personally contributed by helping to sell literally thousands of extremely happy campers their first, second, and third motor homes”. His philosophy is simply that “Sales sells the first one. Combined service and support sells the second”. Atkinson added “Damon’s excellent reputation and support of dealers and retail customers are key areas that I plan on taking advantage of. With Damon’s improved line of gas and diesel products, I believe I can make a significant impact in the West Coast market.”

 

Atkinson resides in Eugene, OR with his wife Ali, their sons Austin, Hunter, and Chase, and their yellow Labrador “Sadie” who loves to fly fish for steel-head. He enjoys camping, fishing, and tailgating at the University of Oregon with his family in his 34’ gas motorhome.

 

Damon Motor Coach designs and manufactures a full line of affordably-priced, quality built Class A motorhomes. Models including the Astoria and Tuscany diesel pushers, Avanti high-mileage diesel, and the gas-powered Daybreak, Challenger, and Outlaw models. Damon is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles. 

 

 

June 30, 2010

The Avanti RV allows us to travel with our wine safely...

 

Damon RV - Class A Motorhomes

Damon Motor Coach and Continuum Estate, a winery located on Pritchard Hill in Napa Valley, have joined forces to release their latest creations. Carlo and Dante Mondavi of Continuum Estate have taken to the open road to release their 2007 Continuum wine in the all new 2010 Avanti 2806 motor home which is built on the new Freightliner MC-L Front Engine Diesel chassis. They have turned the Avanti into their “wine tasting salon on wheels” and have christened it the Continuum Grand Cru-zer. Carlo said, “The upscale interior design of this all new Avanti provides the perfect ambience to relax, unwind and enjoy a glass of Continuum. Great wine is about all the elements coming together like this.” Carlo went on to say “It’s bringing a small piece of Napa Valley on the road”.

 

Matt Thompson, Damon Motor Coach Vice President and General Manager said, “Teaming up with Continuum Wines to launch our NEW Avanti powered by Cummins is a perfect match”. The beautiful styling and sleek design wraps around the ALL NEW Freightliner MC-L chassis powered by Cummins. The new power plant provides a much smoother and unbelievably quiet ride. At 28’, this new 2806 model provides as much counter space and interior storage as most 40’ diesel pushers. Matt said, “Others have tried to copy but none will ever match Avanti’s unique design and luxurious amenities. It is pure luxury on wheels.” Carlo and Dante can attest to Avanti’s quietness and improved ride. “I have never driven such a comfortable vehicle.” The aerodynamic design of the front cap includes a gigantic one piece windshield that according to Carlo its “like sitting in the living room and watching the world pass by on the big screen but static free; it’s so beautiful and wonderfully quiet.”

 

Fine Wine Tasting & Motorhome Travel in CaliforniaThere have been numerous events around the country since the Mondavi brothers started their journey in March, which has helped garner much interest and enthusiasm for the 2007 vintage as well as the new 2806 Avanti. Since the start of their Continuum Grand Cru-zing this year the boys have been in Houston at the famed Tony’s, Dallas at the Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, San Antonio at Il Sogno, Tulsa at Lucky’s Restaurant and Los Angeles where the Cru-zer held court at the Mutineer Magazine party in Hollywood. There are many more events on the horizon where Carlo and Dante will tell the Continuum story building excitement for the release of the 2008 vintage next spring. Next month will find them in Rancho Palas Verdes, Ca. for the Trump Golf Wine and Food Festival, while in August Portland, Seattle and the Northwest will welcome them before they hit the Las Vegas strip in mid-September.

 

Interested in knowing more? Visit these sites:
www.AvantiRV.com
www.ContinuumEstate.com
www.facebook.com/damonrv
www.youtube.com/damonmotorcoach

 

Damon Motor Coach designs and manufactures a full line of affordable-priced, yet quality built Class A motorhomes. Models include the Astoria and Tuscany diesel pushers, Avanti high-mileage diesel, and the gas-powered Daybreak, Challenger, and Outlaw models. Damon is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., Jackson Center, OH (NYSSA: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles. 

 

 

November 25, 2009 

Damon Motor Coach Signs #1 Dealer on West Coast

 

Damon RV - Class A Motorhomes

Giant RV, the largest RV dealership on the West Coast (second largest in the country), has become a full line Damon Motor Coach dealer. “We are excited about the Damon Lineup,” said Dick Torres, General Manager of Giant RV. “They are a good fit for many reasons.”

 

Damon, a division of Thor Industries, added T.M.S. (Thor Motorized Services) this past year and the new commitment to back-end support has attracted attention. “Damon has always been known for a high level of quality, exceptional fit-and-finish, and a full line of Class A motorhomes. Plus their management team and programs like T.M.S. helped make it an easy decision,” Torres added.

 

Giant RV has three locations in Southern California according to Matt Thompson, Damon’s Vice President & General Manager. “They are an aggressive organization—they’ve weathered the eco- nomic downturn and are in a good position to grow,” Thompson said. “We worked hard to sign them and we’ll work even harder to make sure our products turn.”

 

Damon Motor Coach designs and manufactures a full line of value-priced, yet quality built Class A motorhomes. Models include the Astoria and Tuscany diesel pushers, Avanti high-mileage diesel, and the gas-powered Daybreak, Challenger and Outlaw models. Damon is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles.

  

 

November 23, 2009

Damon Motor Coach Announces Two Industry-Leading Floor Plans

 

Damon RV - Class A Motorhomes

Innovative floor plan designs have long been an industry benchmark by which Damon Motor Coach is measured. Known for a full array of Class A motorhomes—from value priced to luxury—Damon has added two more floor plans to its high-end Tuscany model line. A 36’ Quad Slide Class A and a 42’ Bath and A Half Class A with unique features will be on display at the 2009 RVIA Show in Louisville.

 

Highlights of the Tuscany 3680 Quad Slide include:

  • Four slideouts
  • 360 horsepower
  • U-shaped dinette
  • New, stylish front cap
  • New hardwoods
  • Full-tile back splashes
  • Most spacious 36’ floor plan in the industry

 

Highlights of the Tuscany 42RQ Bath-and-a-Half include:

  • New tag axle model
  • Bath-and-a-half floor plan
  • Wall-to-wall tile throughout
  • Comfort-Fit® furniture by Villa®
  • New interior features including decorative hardware, backsplash and lighting
  • Residential refrigerator
  • New 85” interior height

 

The Tuscany model is the flagship of Damon’s Class A diesel pusher line-up. Five unique floor plans range from the 36’ length to the new 42’.

Find out more on http://TuscanyRV.com

 

Damon Motor Coach designs and manufactures a full line of value-priced, quality-built Class A mo- torhomes. Models include the Astoria and Tuscany diesel pushers, Avanti high-mileage diesel, and the gas-powered Daybreak, Challenger and Outlaw models. Damon is part of Thor Motor- ized, a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles. 

 

 

May 22, 2009

Positive Signs Ahead for Damon Motor Coach

 

Damon RV - Class A Motorhomes

Damon Motor Coach, a Thor Industries subsidiary, has felt the economic crunch over the past year, but is bouncing back. “We actually increased market share during the past 12 months,” said Matt Thompson, V.P. of Sales. “In recent weeks there is some very positive news for us and hope- fully the industry,” he added.

 

Damon has announced it is back to five full days of production and now has a backlog of orders. “This is a rarity in the hard-hit RV Industry, especially Elkhart County,” said Bill Fenech, President of Damon. “Although encouraging, it’s too early to call this a recovery,” Fenech says. The company is cautiously op- timistic about the recent improvement in business. He went on to say that he and his staff will be watch- ing production closely, and matching that with demand.

 

He also announced that Damon has hired back a group of previously laid off workers and intends to hire more. “Exact numbers will be dependent on sustaining current sales trends, however, Damon dealers are becoming more optimistic about future business,” Fenech concluded.

 

Jim Colton of Colton RV, one of Damon’s newest dealers, says Damon product is moving fast. “We re- ceived our first Daybreak model recently and it sold in two days,” Colton said. Lazy Days RV Sales, one of the nations largest RV dealers, has also noticed increased Damon sales. “Things are looking up! Damon’s all-new Avanti high-mileage Class A diesel has been a star performer. We had seven retail cus- tomers purchase these units in the past two weeks… this is outstanding,” says Ken Jacobson, Sales Man- ager for Lazy Days.

 

An Elkhart-based RV dealer is also encouraged by the recent trend. Hank Schrock, Owner of Total Value RV says Damon product is helping his business. “We’ve sold five Damon Class A motorhomes in the past few weeks… this is a great sign,” said Schrock. In March, Damon shipped nearly 10 percent of the entire Class A market, according to RVIA wholesale shipment reports. On the retail side, Damon’s Astoria model gained 25% market share and the Challenger model came in at just over a 19% gain.

 

Damon has invested in a new production facility during the downturn. The new production plant has been modernized and streamlined to help make the entire process, from design to finish, more flexible and efficient. The company, because of the full production week, is back to its regular schedule for cus- tomer factory tours.

 

Damon Motor Coach designs and manufactures a full line of affordably-priced, yet quality built Class A motorhomes. Brands include the Astoria, Tuscany and Essence diesel pushers; the Avanti front diesel puller; and the gas-powered DayBreak, Challenger and Outlaw models. Damon is a subsidiary of Thor Indus- tries, Inc., Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles. 

 

 

February 27, 2009

Damon RV receives "Above and Beyond" Award

 

Damon RV President, Bill Fenech, is handed a United States Flag by National Guard Reservist and award nominator David Bernard.

Damon Motor Coach, a Thor Industries subsidiary, has been awarded the Above and Beyond Award by the United State’s Department of Defense. The Above and Beyond Award is presented to those employers who demonstrate exceptional support for national defense by adopting policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve. Damon was chosen from 1000-1500 employers to receive this award.

 

Staff Sergeant David Bernard nominated his employer, Damon Motor Coach. David started at Damon in April 2006 as a service technician and was promoted to Customer Service Rep in October of 2007. His unit was mobilized to duty in Iraq in July 2008. “Damon has been very supportive of my National Guard and Reserve service, even when I was called on short notice,” Bernard said. “Damon Motor Coach outwardly recognizes me as a special asset because I am in the National Guard and Reserve. They keep in touch with my family when I am on active duty and deserve this award,” he added.

 

Damon Motor Coach designs and manufactures a full line of affordably-priced, yet quality built Class A motorhomes. Brands include the Astoria, Tuscany and Essence diesel pushers; the Avanti front diesel puller; and the gas-powered DayBreak, Challenger and Outlaw models. Damon is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles.

 

 

 

February 18, 2009

Damon Motorhome Brands Gain Market Share

 

Damon Motor Coach, a Thor Industries subsidiary, has gained market share even during tough economic times. Damon’s Class A motorhomes made up 7% of the market in December 2008. “Each one of our innovative brands, from gas to diesel, ended the year up,” said Bill Fenech, president. “This is proof that Damon offers a lot of quality and value for the price &emdash; products that are more popular with dealers and the customer,” he added. This trend could make Damon Motor Coach one of the top Class A manufacturers in the industry in 2009.

 

For December 2008, Damon’s gas models included the Daybreak brand, up 7.7% and the Challenger brand, up 15.4%. Diesel models including the Astoria brand was up 8.4% while its Tuscany brand ended the year up 13.6%. All other Damon brands were up as well.

 

Damon RV Market share increases as of December, 2008

 

“Our goal with each product is to make sure we offer the right floorplan, the right eye-appeal, and the best fit at each price point,” said Dave Miller, vice president of sales. Damon introduced many industry firsts over the last few years including a Bunkhouse Class A, front kitchen diesel, 6-slide diesel, Outlaw rear-loading Class A Toyhauler, and the all-new Avanti Class A diesel. The Avanti is up to 70% more fuel efficientthan otherClass A diesels thanks to a new Workhorse™ chassis and european-inspired aerodynamic design.

 

Damon Motor Coach designs and manufactures a full line of affordably-priced, yet quality built Class A motorhomes. Brands include the Astoria, Tuscany and Essence diesel pushers; the Avanti front diesel puller; and the gas-powered DayBreak, Challenger and Outlaw models. Damon is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles. 

 


August 15, 2008

Avanti Offers the Best Motorhome Fuel Economy: 14.5+ MPG Class A Diesel to Debut at RV Show

Damon RV - Class A Motorhomes

 

Is this what the RV industry’s motorized segment has been hoping for? Damon Motor Coach thinks so! They’re introducing their much-anticipated AVANTI fuel-efficient, clean diesel at upcoming shows starting at the Hershey RV Show September 10-14.

 

According to Bill Fenech, president of Damon Motor Coach, “Preliminary independent testing has indicated that the AVANTI will deliver nearly 15 MPG! This is revolutionary for a Class A motorhome.”

 

The chassis and coach designs are firsts as well. “The body, including unique front and rear cap and underbelly skins, was designed in conjunction with aerodynamic experts outside of the RV in- dustry,” Fenech said. AVANTI is 31’6” in length, 94” wide and 10’11” in height… nearly 12” lower than a conventional Class A. It rides on a purpose-built, 16,000 lb. GVWR Workhorse chassis (named W16D) with a 200 HP Maxx Force diesel and Allison 6-speed transmission. “We built the AVANTI to be the most drivable motorhome in its class,” Fenech added. “We wanted to create an automotive feel behind the wheel.”

 

Dealers and some media got a sneak peak at the AVANTI at Damon’s annual dealer meeting held recently at their headquarters in Elkhart, IN. “They loved it and can’t wait to get it. They told us that this is exactly what the industry has been waiting for,” said Matt Thompson, vice president of sales for AVANTI. Beyond its remarkable fuel mileage, the AVANTI has an eye appeal like no other. “The inside and out have been beautifully influenced by European and luxury yacht-type styling,” Thompson said.

 

The AVANTI will be on display at Hershey in early September, RVDA in Las Vegas at the RIO September 23-25, and Pomona RV Show October 10-19.

Damon Motor Coach designs and manufactures a full line of affordably-priced, quality built Class A motorhomes. Damon is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles. 

 

 

May 30, 2008

Damon Motor Coach #1 Selling Class A Motorhome Manufacturer in Canada

 

Damon RV - Class A Motorhomes

The best selling Class A motorhome in Canada in 2007, according to Statistical Surveys Inc., was Damon Motor Coach’s DayBreak gas model. Third best seller overall in the Class A market was Damon’s Tuscany series diesel. Tuscany was #1 in diesel sales in Canada for 2007.

 

According to Canadian dealers Damon’s product mix, bolstered by high end features at moderate pricing, has accounted for this formidable success. “Innovative floorplans, improvements in product quality and more aggressive support at the dealer level are some of the areas we’ve been working hard at, and it’s paying off at both wholesale and retail,” said Kevin Finn, vice-president of sales and product development for Damon’s gas line.

 

DayBreak is an entry-level gas product while Tuscany is Damon’s mid-line diesel offering. Each has been gaining significant marketshare over the past few years.

Damon Motor Coach designs and manufactures a full line of affordably-priced, yet quality built Class A motorhomes. Models include the Astoria, Tuscany and Essence diesel pushers and the gas-powered DayBreak, Challenger and Outlaw models. Damon is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles.

 

 

February 27, 2008

Damon Motor Coach Announces Two Industry-Exclusive Floorplans

 

Damon RV - Class A Motorhomes

Long known for its innovative floorplans and affordable gas Class A models, Damon Motor Coach is now offering two brand new motorhome floorplans to the market. Their entry-level DayBreak 3575 features a unique front kitchen for a gasoline Class A chassis, and their value-packed Challenger series delivers another industry first: a front parlor entertainment area on its 371 floorplan. Both are designed for RVers looking for something unique, yet practical in layout and comfort.

 

Highlights of the DayBreak 3575 Front Kitchen include:

  • Entry door to the unit is at the kitchen
  • 26” LCD TV on the feature wall
  • True King-sized bed in bedroom
  • Double slide outs
  • Two sofas across from each other for easier cross conversation
  • Full basement storage
  • Driver and passenger seats swivel for ease in entertainment

 

Highlights of the Challenger 371 (37KT) Front Parlor include

  • Truly separated motorhome floorplan
  • 32” LCD TV in living room with fireplace, and two additional 20” LCD TV’s
  • French doors divide the parlor from the rest of the motorhome
  • Sofa pulls out completely with an air mattress adding two bedrooms
  • Large 18’ slide room
  • Two patio awnings for more exterior living space
  • One piece windshield for a panoramic view

 

More About Challenger Class A Motorhomes>>

Find About Daybreak Class A Motorhomes>>

 

Damon Motor Coach designs and manufactures a full line of affordably-priced, yet quality built Class A motorhomes. Models include the Essence, Astoria and Tuscany diesel pushers and the gas-powered DayBreak, Challenger and Outlaw models. Damon is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles. 

 

 

February 13, 2008

Rapid Response Initiative

 

Motorhome Parts: Quick Ship Program

Rapid Response is a new initiative providing overnight shipment of parts most commonly needed by on-the-road retail customers. In addition, we recognize the need for a program that provides a way to “close the sale” on new RV’s. Damon is committed to shipping these parts within 24 hours of receipt.

 

The goal of the program is to get retail customers back on the road as soon as possible. We realize that prompt delivery of needed parts speaks volumes about the service culture of our company. We are focused on customer service and our partnership with our dealers.

 

More About Rapid Response Program>>

 

Damon Motor Coach designs and manufactures a full line of affordably-priced, yet quality built Class A motorhomes. Models include the Essence, Astoria and Tuscany diesel pushers and the gas-powered DayBreak, Challenger and Outlaw models. Damon is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles.

 



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