Coen Rooijmans has been appointed as the new Managing Director of the Brink Group to replace Sven Arend who has left on the best of terms after four successful years in order to take up a new professional challenge.

AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group Management expressly thanks Sven Arend for his contribution towards the development of the company and wishes him the very best for the future.

Coen Rooijmans is from the Netherlands and studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University in Delft. He started working at Philips and later held various positions at the Bosch Group, eventually serving as a director at Bosch Transmission Systems (formerly known as Van Doorne’s Transmissie). Thereafter, Coen Rooijmans served as CEO of the M&G Group and later took on various interim positions.

Brink Group is one of the European market leaders in towing systems with over 75 years of experience. Brink Group, with its headquarters in Staphorst, the Netherlands, has approximately 750 employees in eight countries and manufacturing locations in the Netherlands, France, South Africa, and Thailand. Brink and AL-KO offer a highly engineered product portfolio, which is crucial to safety and performance. Brink’s product portfolio includes fixed, detachable, retractable, and next generation towbars. More information can be found at www.brinkgroup.eu.

The AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group owns 15 international brands: AL-KO, Aguti, Bankside Patterson, Bradley, Brink, CBE, cmtrailer parts, E&P Hydraulics, G&S Chassis, Hume, Nordelettronica, Preston Chassis, SAFIM, SAWIKO and Winterhoff. It is a fast-growing, globally active technology group and a business unit of DexKo. With high-quality chassis and suspension components for trailers, leisure and commercial vehicles, as well as construction and agricultural vehicles, the group of companies represents the best in functionality, maximum comfort as well as innovations to ensure greater driving safety. Founded in 1931 the group today has around 3,800 employees and more than 40 sites worldwide.

Bowlus, the manufacturer of luxury travel trailers first introduced in the 1930's, has introduced what it says is the world’s first all-electric RV, the Volterra™. This model has a strong focus on sustainability, featuring fully electric power with a 100-percent increase in battery capacity over previous models, and the first application of AeroSolar™ in the RV industry, giving it the ability to be off-grid indefinitely.

The Volterra weighs 3250 lbs (1475 kg) with a payload of 750 lbs (340kg), and starts at $310,000. It uses 17 kWh of lithium iron phosphate batteries – a more than 100-percent increase in battery capacity from the Terra Firma model. It is also equipped with 20A outlets for emergency EV charging, the increased battery capacity extends the EV emergency charging range to approximately 65 miles. 

AeroSolar charges the lithium batteries while driving or camping, with no need for set up or activation. An optional 120W solar panel is also available.

The Volterra is designed to be towed by electric vehicles. Bowlus claims it is the first travel trailer with an induction cooktop and the first RV that is high-speed satellite internet-ready. The Volterra also features a new backup camera, a 150-percent increase in freshwater storage capacity, and a luxurious limited-edition color palette.

The induction cooktop provides faster and more energy-efficient heating than gas counterparts and better cooking, with precise temperature control and less ambient heat than gas. It is a safer way to cook without emitting gas into the air. 

Bowlus has reimagined its original aluminium travel trailer as today's most advanced RV. It has a vision to create a sustainable movement in the RV industry. Designed and built to last for generations, every Bowlus is restorable in the future based on proprietary design and production methods. 

The Volterra underlined that Bowlus has a strong commitment to sustainability and consistently works towards minimising waste, water usage and it energy footprint.

Despite continuing material bottlenecks, as a result of the high demand for leisure vehicles, the Knaus Tabbert Group closed the first half of 2022 with slight increases in sales and revenue to EUR 447.4 million (previous year: EUR 441.6 million). It says that its order intake of 18,066 units in the first half of the year underlines a continued positive underlying sentiment in the market.

The Knaus Tabbert Group’s order backlog as of 30 June 2022 remained at a high level with 36,610 units and a value of almost EUR 1.4 billion (30 June 2021: 36,686 units with EUR 1.2 billion).

Due to the limited availability of motorised chassis, Knaus Tabbert continued to focus on the production of caravans within the vehicle categories in the reporting period in order to make optimal use of existing production capacities.

As a result, sales of leisure vehicles increased to a total of 13,792 units (previous year: 13,682 units).  Despite the significantly lower average price of caravans compared to motorhomes and camper vans, Group sales also improved to EUR 447.4 million (previous year: EUR 441.6 million).

Sales of caravans increased by 25.4 percent to 9,442 units (previous year: 7,532 units) in the first six months of 2022, while sales of motorhomes and camper vans decreased by 29.3 percent to 4,350 units (previous year: 6,150 units) due to the chassis shortage. Of the resulting Group sales, EUR 384.2 million were attributable to the premium segment (previous year: EUR 382.0 million), and a further EUR 63.2 million (previous year: EUR 59.6 million) to the luxury segment.

Against the background of the developments in the first six months of the 2022 financial year, Knaus Tabbert adjusted the forecast for the full year 2022 communicated in the annual reporting on 30 March 2022 on 25 July 2022.

Despite the challenging first half of 2022, the Executive Board continues to see Knaus Tabbert Group in a good position to benefit from the high demand for recreational vehicles. This is expressed in a correspondingly positive revenue expectation for the 2022 financial year. The Executive Board therefore continues to expect a significant increase in revenue before price increase effects. Compared to the previous year, Group turnover is expected to increase from EUR 863 million to more than EUR 1 billion. Price increases of about 8% support this sales growth. Due to the additional chassis available from Mercedes, Ford, MAN and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the course of the second half of the year, the number of deliveries is expected to increase significantly in the second half of the year.

"We made the best of the challenging economic conditions in the first half of the year and at the same time prepared ourselves for the growth momentum ahead of us. In the second half of the year we expect a significant improvement in the delivery situation for motorised chassis, which will then lead to the expected increase in delivery rates. It is important that the underlying demand momentum continues. This is currently evidenced by our full order books. We are in an excellent position to meet the high demand of the market with high‐quality and innovative products also in the future. To this end, we have already presented our dealers 18 new models based on the new chassis,‟ Wolfgang Speck, CEO of Knaus Tabbert AG, explains the business development.

The inventory of finished goods and work in progress increased by EUR 11.2 million in the first six months of 2022 (previous year: EUR + 19.6 million) due to continuing delays in the supply chains for various materials. Including own work capitalised (EUR 2.0 million) and other operating income of EUR 1.8 million, total income for the reporting period amounted to EUR 462.4 million (previous year: EUR 464.6 million).

The cost of materials increased slightly from EUR 322.5 million in the previous year to EUR 327.4 million in the reporting period, mainly due to a higher number of temporary workers.

As a result of the strategic increase in the number of employees as part of the investment programme to expand capacity, personnel expenses rose in the first six months by 9.6 percent to EUR 70.7 million (previous year: EUR 64.5 million). In relation to total output, the personnel cost ratio is 15.3 per cent, which is 1.4 percentage points higher than the previous year’s level (13.9 per cent).  Knaus Tabbert consciously accepts this temporary effect on earnings in order to secure experienced qualified staff in the long term.

"An important investment for the future is the strategic increase in the workforce, with which we are safeguarding ourselves at an early stage against the evident shortage of skilled workers in numerous industries and regions. This will allow us to immediately address future improvements along the supply chains and translate them into higher deliveries,‟ Speck continued.

In preparation for the expected future growth in sales and production, the Knaus Tabbert Group continued its investment initiatives at the Jandelsbrunn, Schlüsselfeld and Nagyoroszi (Hungary) sites as planned in the first half of 2022. At EUR 33.7 million, capital expenditure increased accordingly compared to the previous year (EUR 12.8 million).

Management is carefully monitoring the development in Ukraine as well as other supply chain‐related developments and their potential impact on the Group’s earnings, financial and asset position and will take appropriate measures if necessary.

Australian manufacturer, New Age Caravans and Walkinshaw Group are celebrating a special milestone of the 20,000^th New Age Caravans chassis rolling off the production line since the company started in 2008.

New Age Caravans has increased production in recent months, with 100% of the workforce now returning following COVID-19 impacts, culminating with the 20,000^th chassis being constructed on site at the New Age Caravans manufacturing facility in Epping in the state of Victoria.

The chassis will become a Manta Ray 16ft pop-top, fittingly, one of the original ranges produced by the company, a staple to the New Age range which has evolved since 2010.

New Age Caravans Managing Director, Chris Polites, is delighted to see such a special milestone achieved.

“It’s a fantastic milestone seeing our 20,000^th chassis off the production line, and on top of that, the unit being a 16ft pop-top is a fantastic link to our history and journey here at New Age Caravans,” said Polites.

“It’s asignificant achievement that we are very proud of internally, but importantly, it’s a great celebration of local manufacturing here in Australia, which is really bouncing back after the challenges of the last few years.

“We look forward to the handover of the caravan later this year to the selling dealership in Melbourne, and hope the new owner enjoys their journey.”

Since its opening in 2010, the New Age Caravans factory in Epping Victoria has manufactured more than 70 different models, has over 300 staff locally employed, and currently produces more than 2000 caravans per year, including flagship models the Manta Ray, Road Owland Big Red.

New Age Caravans is the manufacturer of high-end caravans for the Australian market. New Age Caravans started life back in 2004 as New Age Frames and Designs, providing a number of high-profile caravan manufacturers with a higher standard of framing and CNC fabricated componentry. After rapid growth, New Age Caravans was born in 2008, shifting from supplying the industry to building our own. 

The Walkinshaw Group purchased New Age Caravans in 2016, adding another layer of facilities, technology and expertise that are unmatched in the caravan industry. 

Today, New Age Caravans and its state-of-the-art facility in Epping, Melbourne, employ over 300 staff, and produce more than 2000 caravans per year for the Australian market.

Airstream has collaborated with the member-owned outdoors brand, REI Co-op, to produce a sustainability-focused special edition of its Basecamp travel trailer.

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) was founded in 1938 and now has 20 million lifetime members, nearly 15,000 employees and 168 locations in 39 states selling outdoor gear and apparel. Annually, more than 70 percent of its profits are invested back into the outdoor community through dividends to its members, employee profit-sharing and investments in non-profits dedicated to the outdoors. Sustainability is at the centre of its activities. This includes its product sustainability standards for every brand it sells.

Airstreams says the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp is its most sustainable travel trailer to date. Constructed from environmentally friendly, lightweight materials, with innovative water conservation features and optional composting toilet and exclusive solar upgrade for a lighter eco-footprint.

"We’re honored to partner with REI on this special edition Basecamp travel trailer, and this partnership is another example of the efforts we’re taking to help reduce the carbon footprint of travel across the world in an Airstream," said Airstream president and CEO Bob Wheeler. "This one-of-a-kind Basecamp travel trailer has helped us step into new territories and explore more sustainable manufacturing practices and materials as we work to prioritize caring for the environment. Through partnering with REI, Airstream is proud to offer a model that includes recycled materials, as well as features to help customers camp longer by conserving precious resources such as water.”

“REI has seen an expansion of the types of products people are buying and the ways in which people are camping, particularly from a rising customer segment that is younger, more diverse, and more spontaneous,” adds Isabelle Portilla, divisional vice president, REI Co-op brands product strategy and design. “These customers like camping at their own pace, consider themselves to be self-sufficient, and appreciate the ability to personalize their experience. This special edition travel trailer collaboration is a great solution for vehicle-supported camping that enables a comfortable and personal experience, whether they enjoy booking Hipcamp reservations, or being self-sustained at a more remote location.”

Knaus Tabbert has announced the next generation of automated caravan production using the latest development of its Fibre Frame technology for a full-scale caravan, the new 2023 Knaus Azur.

The Fibre Frame technology production process creates a frame which is self-supporting, high-strength and ensures the best stability and durability. Knaus says it also offers significantly greater flexibility in floor plan and room design compared to the conventional method of building caravans. The bonding process also eliminates the need for screw connections.

The first model from the Knaus brand to use this technology is the 2023 Azur range and thus continues a model tradition that in the 1980s stood for the highest quality and most modern technology. The new 2023 Knaus Azur represents the third model in Knaus Tabbert's long-standing development programme of this technology - first seen in the Knaus Travelino and Deseo.

The Azur's frame consists of 22 fibre frame parts bonded together by a robot. In addition to the manufacturing technology, it is characterised by a UV-resistant and "self-healing" surface. Pressure marks and dents can disappear all by themselves through the effect of heat alone.

"The use of frame construction opens up numerous possibilities for us in the future. The technology contributes to greater stability and durability and thus also to greater value stability and sustainability of the vehicles. At the same time, the demands on precision are extremely high," says Werner Vaterl, COO of Knaus Tabbert AG. "Following our claim as innovation leader in the industry, we have mastered this challenge and can now transfer it to series production.“

At the end of the caravan's life, the frame design offers the advantage that the materials can be separated more easily and thus recycled. Knaus Tabbert is now bringing it into series production of caravans for the first time.

"Since 2012, we at Knaus Tabbert have been working intensively on alternative production methods. The Knaus Azur is already the third model, which we have brought to market readiness in frame construction. Compared to the predecessor models Knaus Travelino (2017) and Knaus Deseo (2019), the Knaus Azur is particularly impressive due to the further development of the manufacturing process, which is completely implemented in-house and does not require any solvents or screw connections on the outside," adds Christian Kornexl, Head of Plastics and Composites at Knaus Tabbert.

The frame construction allows a very flexible interior concept and the integration of new, innovative equipment. The new Azur combines functionality, cosiness and innovative technologies. In addition to a awning rail integrated into the surface, contour lighting in the sidewall, the caravan also has its own lighting concept for the interior.

Bailey of Bristol has become the first UK manufacturer to be awarded Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) status for coachbuilt motorhomes.

In order to obtain QVM status, a manufacturer must meet Ford’s strict engineering, manufacturing and quality control standards. The company must also prove that their vehicles have followed Ford’s Body and Equipment Mounting (BEMM) guidelines which describes the standard to which the conversion should be carried out.

The scheme encompasses the full range of Ford vehicle conversions and currently includes accredited manufacturers from the Blue Light (Police & Fire), Construction, Delivery and People Transportation sectors.

The QVM accreditation audit undertaken by Ford ensures that Bailey not only meets the required production standards but also offers a comprehensive customer support programme, which includes product performance data analysis, as well as a warranty package comparable with that already provided on the Ford base vehicle. Audits will continue to take place on a regular basis to ensure the necessary standards continue to be maintained.

Introduced in September 2020 the Bailey Adamo range is Bailey’s first Ford-based coachbuilt motorhome. All models are under 7.5 metres in length and have an MPTLM of 3,500kgs or under making them suitable to drive by anyone holding a full UK driving licence, without the need for a B + E entitlement.

These particular motorhomes are built on a Ford Transit ‘Metallic Silver’ cab and chassis platform and are powered by the latest 2.0 litre 160 bhp Euro 6 engine complete with automatic gearbox. The cabs are fully specified to include a host of features to enhance on-the-road comfort such as air conditioning, cruise control and fully adjustable Captain’s seats with dual arm rests, while the factory-fit Vision Track mirror mounted reversing camera allows drivers to manoeuvre the motorhome with complete confidence

Bailey also undertakes a crash-testing programme to ensure its vehicles can withstand the force of a head-on impact. As a result, Bailey motorhomes have the extra support of chassis outriggers to strengthen floors, more robust fittings to secure heavy appliances such as ovens and fridges, plus steel-framed seat base supports for all designated travel seats.

Commenting on gaining this accreditation Managing Director Nick Howard said, “Our partnership with Ford has proved very successful to date and the awarding of QVM status really cements that relationship”.

“Confirmation that we are building our Adamo models to Ford’s required vehicle conversion standards reaffirms our pedigree as a coachbuilt motorhome manufacturer and provides additional piece of mind to prospective customers” he added.

The REV Group, Inc. has announced that Sagar Murthy has joined its executive leadership team as SVP, Chief Information Officer (CIO). Murthy will assume the role of current CIO Peter Panagis who is retiring.

Reporting to Rod Rushing, President and CEO of REV Group, Murthy will oversee Digital Transformation, Information Technology Strategy, Application/Infrastructure Operations and Business Value Creation across 20 manufacturing facilities which employ over 7,000 employees throughout the U.S.

Most recently, Murthy was at Jason Group Inc. as Senior Vice President and GM APAC & ME and Group Chief Information Officer. Prior to that, he held positions as Vice President & GM for Jason Group India, responsible for the business operations in India and adjacent markets.

Murthy has spent the majority of his career with Actuant Corporation in a series of progressive leadership roles, concluding as Group Chief Information Officer, where he built and led a culturally diverse team of technology professionals supporting Actuant’s diversified industrial manufacturing operations across the globe.

“Sagar brings a proven track record as a hands-on, transformational leader adept at building, scaling and deploying industry leading digital technologies that deliver growth and improve operational excellence,” said Rod Rushing, President and CEO, REV Group. “He will work closely with Peter as we execute this planned transition. I would like to thank Peter for his contributions to REV Group over the past five years and wish him well in his retirement.”

Murthy earned a Master of Business Administration in International Business from Marquette University and serves on the board for First Stage, Wisconsin’s leader in arts-in-education programming, supporting over 20,000 children each year.

REV Group companies are designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, for a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles).

The REV Group’s diverse portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. 

THOR Industries Inc. has announced that it has promoted David Mihalick to Vice President of Vehicle Safety and Compliance.

Mihalick has worked in the RV industry for 22 years, and has been at THOR Industries for over 16 years. He joined THOR as Corporate Standards Compliance Manager, and has been in the position of Senior Director Vehicle Safety & Regulatory Compliance since January 2016. He has an MBA from University of Michigan, and a BSME, Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University. He is also a member of the RV Industry Association's Technical Subcommittees and Chair of its Vehicular Components Subcommittee.