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February 2015
 

 


Examples of Winnebago's brightly coloured Minnie caravans

Examples of Winnebago's brightly coloured Minnie caravans

Updated logo  Colourful debut for new company

Official launch for Australia's new Winnebago RV company

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AUSTRALIA'S new Winnebago RV company has been officially launched in Victoria.

A formal ceremony was held on February 10 at the Melbourne Showgrounds, with Winnebago USA Towables president Johnny Hernandez in attendance.

Winnebago RV chief executive Luke Trouchet said the entire Winnebago Australia range of caravans, motorhomes and campervan then went on display the following day when the 6-day Victorian Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow opened at the showgrounds.

"It's a great way to start 2015 and with our recent announcement of the first of our national dealership network, Winnebago RV has well and truly arrived," he said.

"The brand represents freedom and fun, and we're sure the inaugural 2015 range will generate great interest from Australian travellers."

Mr Trouchet said the Apollo Group had "jumped at the chance" to bring the Winnebago product to Australia.

"This is only the start – we have been overwhelmed with interest from dealers and we expect to establish a national dealership network both in Australia and New Zealand during 2015," he said

Mr Hernandez said his company was proud to partner with Apollo Group in Australia and New Zealand.

"Winnebago is to RVs what Hoover is to vacuum cleaners or Kleenex is to tissues ... it is synonymous with the RV lifestyle and we are extremely confident about the range that will be sold here in Australia and in New Zealand," he said.

The 2015 Winnebago RV range had been designed combining the best of their manufacturing from North America with Australian market knowledge and expertise, he added.

Winnebago RV's fleet is a combination of US-built and Australian-designed caravans and fully Australian-built motorhomes.

All models are built for Australian conditions and prices will range from $40,000 for compact caravans through to $170,000 for top-of-the-range motorhomes.

Winnebago RV is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Australian-owned Apollo Motorhome Holidays, which announced a licencing deal with Winnebago Industries last July.

US Winnebago Industries chief executive Randy Potts said the new range of Winnebago RV Australian-built motorhomes captured the essence of the brand.

"Australian motorhome travel requirements are unique and diverse, and we are very pleased with the quality and design of the motorhomes carrying the Winnebago brand," he said.

Custom designed specifically for Australian conditions and aesthetic tastes, the Winnebago Minnie caravan has in recent years become an ‘American classic’ and is reportedly already creating great anticipation among dealerships in Australia.

Each of the four Minnie models captures the very best of modern caravan design, from the compact 2.1m 3-berth Minnie 1806AUS to the ground-breaking 8m, 6-berth Minnie 2406AUS complete with electric slide-out panel.

Traditional US interiors have been redesigned in collaboration with both US and Australian design teams to suit Australian traveller preferences.

While a platinum grey exterior finish is the standard, the bright Minnie exterior options ‒ currently orange, green, red, and yellow ‒ are expected to meet with traveller approval.

"We think modern Australian caravan lovers, especially families, will really connect with the Minnie and we look forward to seeing it on the road around the country," Mr Trouchet said.

* Winnebago RV is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Australian-owned Apollo Motorhome Holidays.  Iowa-based Winnebago Industries now allows Apollo exclusive use of certain Winnebago trademarks on motorhomes, campervans and caravans across Australia and New Zealand.

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