BAD WALDSEE and SPEYER, Germany – The family-owned company Ahorn Camp, under the leadership of Alexander and Franziska Reichmann, and the Erwin Hymer Group (EHG), a subsidiary of THOR Industries, have announced their cooperation and the signing of a long-term production agreement.
The core of the agreement is the production of Ahorn Camp motorhomes and camper vans at the EHG plant in San Casciano, one of the most advanced recreation vehicle manufacturing facilities in Europe, according to a release.
The production agreement will enable Ahorn Camp to combine its own flexibility and innovative strength with the industrial excellence and the high production standards of the Erwin Hymer Group. The goal is to set new standards with high-quality and reliable motorhomes tailored to customer needs. Alexander Reichmann, CEO of Ahorn Camp:“The new model range of Ahorn Camp is defined by state-of-the-art technology, well-thought-out design and the ultimate in functionality. With this agreement, our customers will benefit from first-class manufacturing processes and the high-quality production of the Erwin Hymer Group.”
The Ahorn Camp product range includes motorhomes and camper vans built exclusively on the new Master Chassis by Renault and sold through the Ahorn Camp dealer network and Renault sales partners. Alongside Ahorn Camp and Renault, the Erwin Hymer Group will also benefit from the partnership. Jan de Haas, CSO of the Erwin Hymer Group: “The agreement with Ahorn Camp will boost our collaboration with the joint partner Renault and open up unique development and growth opportunities for all participating companies in the European motorhome and camper van market.”
The agreement has been signed for a five-year term and can be renewed by both partners. The first Ahorn Camp vehicles are due to go into production in September 2025. The new Ahorn Camp vehicles will make their premiere at Caravan Salon, which will take place in Düsseldorf from 29 August to 7 September 2025.
About the Erwin Hymer Group
The Erwin Hymer Group is a 100 percent subsidiary of THOR Industries, the world’s leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles with just over 22,000 employees worldwide. The Erwin Hymer Group unites motorhome and caravan manufacturers as well as motorhome and caravan accessory specialists, hire and financing services under one roof. The motorhome and caravan brands Buccaneer, Bürstner, Carado, Crosscamp, Dethleffs, Elddis, Eriba, Etrusco, Hymer, Laika, LMC, Niesmann+Bischoff, Sunlight and Xplore, the rental companies Crossrent, McRent and rent easy, the chassis specialist Goldschmitt, the accessories specialist Movera and the touring portal freeontour all belong to the Erwin Hymer Group.
The Work Truck Association, better known as NTEA, is wrapping up its annual Work Truck Week 2025 today at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis where some 530 exhibitors showcased their commercial wares for four days to a rather impressive crowd of business attendees – a significant minority of which are well known in the national recreational vehicle business.
Exhibitors launched new trucks, components and a wide variety of related equipment during the week at press conferences in the main exhibit hall and a separate new exhibitor pavilion housing some 25 companies..
Among the exhibitors, as RVBusiness reported earlier this week, were Freightliner Custom Chassis, Crane Composites, Cummins Inc., CURT, Dexter, Dometic, Eberspaecher Climate Control Systems, Genesis Products, Ford Pro, Go Power, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, Meyer Distributing, Utilimaster (a Shyft Group brand) and the Blue Bird Body Co.
Also part of the agenda for 50-year-old NTEA, a 2,100-member trade group that bills its show as “North America’s largest work truck event,” was a Ride & Drive and a Green Truck Summit.
ELKHART, Ind, – LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII) through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lippert Components Inc., announced in a press release the acquisition of RVibrake, a leading name in flat-tow braking systems. The acquisition closed on March 6 and RVibrake is now an official part of the CURT portfolio of products.
RVibrake, introduced by Danko Manufacturing in 2011, has been a pioneer in the flat-tow market. It is the first and only flat-tow brake system that employs a patented auto-positioning system. Year after year, RVibrake has continued to develop patented technology in the flat-towing market, such as Brake-Lock Detection (to protect from incorrect installation) and the Breakaway Wireless Adapter, which simplifies breakaway installations. Each new feature works to make both the dealer and end-user experience a delight, the release stated.
Over the years, RVibrake has continued to innovate, launching advanced products like the RVibrake 3 and RVibrake Shadow. Lippert has acquired the intellectual property for both of these braking systems, as well as other equipment and braking system accessories, from RVibrake’s flat-towing line.
Shane McNallie, SVP of Lippert Automotive Sales, commented on the acquisition: “We are excited about this opportunity to expand the CURT offering of flat towing products. RVibrake has wonderful brand recognition in flat-tow braking, and their technology is far ahead of anything else in the market. This acquisition adds to our full flat towing portfolio, complementing our upcoming 10K Seeker tow bar launch.”
The acquisition aligns with CURT’s strategy to provide innovative solutions to its customers and enhance its flat-towing and broader safety product offerings. With RVibrake’s forward-thinking technology, CURT is poised to lead the market in flat-tow braking systems. Additionally, new products are already being planned for launch later this year.
For more information or to purchase RVibrake products, please contact a CURT representative.
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Between record attendance, an abundance of networking and engaging presentations from a variety of people, the 2025 RV Industry Association (RVIA) Leadership Conference was by all accounts a resounding success.
Held this week at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Ariz., the four-day conference could hardly have gone any better, said RVIA President & CEO Craig Kirby.
Bernd Loher
“We started strong even with the RVIA board meeting where we convened with RVDA’s board as well to work on strategic issues, which was a big success and was just another example of how well the industry is working together,” Kirby told RVBusiness. “There’s so much coming at us right now and, like I say, ‘Just imagine if we weren’t already working well together, then where we would be?’ The fact that we are all on the same page and responding to the challenges that are being thrown at us together in a timely manner is a huge advantage for us and other industries aren’t so fortunate.”
The final day of the conference included speaker presentations and workshops including a panel discussion on “Navigating Change and Advancing Policy Priorities.” Panelists include Jessica (Wahl) Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Mark Weller, shareholder at Polsinelli Law Firm, and Cliff Costa, vice president at California Advocates Inc. The session will be moderated by Jason Rano, RVIA’s vice president of Government Affairs.
Other items on the agenda included a keynote presentations by author David Epstein and brand-builder Dustin Kaehr, the Emerging Leaders Coalition graduation/induction ceremonies, and seminars by RVIA Senior Director of Public Relations and Communications Monica Geraci and VP of Marketing Jeremy Greene on “Decoding the American RV Owner;” an update on the European market by Bernd Loher, president of the Caravaning Industry Association (CIVD) of Germany; and an update on the Australian market by Stuart Lamont, chief executive officer of Caravan Industry Association of Australia.
For his part, Green said the conference was a “fantastic way to bring the industry together.”
“A big part of this is collaboration and networking, and bringing together all facets of the industry from campground partners to our dealers as well as manufacturers and suppliers,” he said.
“We had a fantastic CEO panel where we got to hear from some of the top leaders in the industry and hear how their leadership style has been defined over time, as well as how they’re addressing the current challenges in the market,” Green continued. “So, it’s just been a fantastic way to get the industry together, especially at the front of this year when together we’re facing some challenges in the market and just trying to return to better times – together.”
The incoming members of the Emerging Leaders Coalition were introduced.
Kirby also sang the praises of RVIA’s Emerging Leaders Coalition (ELC), a group of several dozen industry personnel who are taking the first steps to becoming more involved with the association and the industry. The ELC is also tasked with much of the planning of the conference as well.
“The Emerging Leaders Coalition has done a phenomenal job,” Kirby said. “They basically decided on the agenda and the speakers for this event, and ran with it. And it’s a record attendance, so that tells you how effective they’ve been in reaching our members about topics that they want to hear about. I think everybody will leave here more knowledgeable about leadership, about different aspects of the industry, having created a broader network, and just being more effective in their business as a result of attending this conference.”
“And if I can just add to that,” Green inserted, “the one thing that I’ve heard over and over this week is how relationship-driven this industry is. And for these young people to come in and develop some of those critical relationships … These are going to be the folks that are going to be driving the industry forward for the next 20, 30 years.”
During his keynote presentation, David Epstein discussed how people exposed to a variety of activities, education and careers had a higher potential for success than those who specialized in one field of discipline.
Attendees also had good things to say about the conference.
Brent Diver of Ranger Distribution Inc., Elkhart, Ind., said it was “great to attend a gathering of the future leaders of the industry.”
“The opportunity to hear the thoughts of industry leaders regarding the events that have occurred this week was timely and insightful,” he said. “It’s a great reminder, for those companies that aren’t sure if membership is for them, that the Government Affairs team is hard at work in D.C. representing our interests.”
Diver was referring to Thursday’s Panel Discussion that largely centered on advocacy efforts by RVIA and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). The discussion covered a lot of ground, including the trade war over tariffs as well as the negative impact of various regulations put into effect by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Look for coverage of that panel discussion next week at RVBusiness.com.
Bill Koster, regional sales director for Protective Asset Protection, said he thought the conference was “great.”
“I like the breakup of the conference where you have panels, guest speakers and team building activities, so it’s not a classroom style, or listening to lectures for three days,” he said. “It’s been very informative, and I really underestimated the amount of time we could spend interacting and relationship building with people in the industry. And when I say underestimated, I mean underestimated in a great way. Between dinners and team activities and everything else, I’ve met a lot of people in this industry who I’ve never been able to meet before.”
Brad Bacon, of PleasureLand RV in Minnesota, also thought the conference was great.
RVIA Senior Director of Public Relations and Communications Monica Geraci
“Any time you can get the suppliers, manufacturers, the dealers, aftermarket all together, it’s a great thing. And I think the panel discussions have been right on point, with a lot of relevant things that are going on in the industry right now,” Bacon said.
Jim Hess of ASA Electronics, Elkhart, Ind., agreed that the networking opportunities was a highlight of the event.
“There’s a lot of camaraderie throughout the industry, a lot of synergies that we can share that you’re not going to get in your day-to-day business back in Elkhart,” he said. “I appreciate this ability to get away, to get the gears turning, think more macro than micro. When we’re in the office, it’s hard to think macro sometimes, and being around these folks, it’s more of a macro look at things, a notepad full of notes that I can bring home with me and get started on a plan.”
John Sinski with S&P Global Mobility, formerly RL Polk & Company, and a longtime partner with Statistical Surveys, said the Leadership Conference is “ideal because it’s so small and intimate.”
“It’s small enough that you can actually talk to and meet everybody here in the couple of days that you’re here, and it’s such a mix of potential clients, current clients at all levels within organizations – not just OEMs but suppliers and other vendors that either I’m working with directly or my strategic partner, Stat Surveys, is working with.
“And as I talk to them,” he continued, “it helps me better understand how they’re using either our data or Stat Surveys’ data, and what their challenges are today and what the disruptors are going on right now. It helps us identify what new products we need to come to the market with. And they always choose great events, great venues, and great social events. The horseback riding today was awesome.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV and RV-related recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.
Keystone RV Company is recalling 100 2024-2025 Outback 330RL travel trailers. The side window was incorrectly labeled as an emergency exit, which can delay passengers from exiting in the event of an emergency. Dealers will remove the emergency exit sticker from the side window, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 4. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 25-462.
Forest River Inc. is recalling 1,767 2017-2025 Coachmen Catalina and 2020-2025 Aurora travel trailers. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the Federal placard may exceed the safety chain rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 110, “Tire Selection and Rims” and 120, “Wheels and Rims – Other Than Passenger Cars.” Forest River will mail owners a corrected Federal Placard with application instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 2. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 5745-825-4995. Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-1895.
Forest River Inc. is recalling 7 2025 Coachmen Catalina ACAT35FME travel trailers. The towing coupler may be underrated for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer. Dealers will replace the coupler, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 2. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 574-825-4995. Forest River’s number for this recall is 205-1897.
Shyft Group is recalling 85 2022-2025 Spartan RV Chassis K2 vehicles equipped with Cummins L9 diesel engines. The remote fuel filter hose may separate from the fitting, causing a fuel leak and an engine stall. Shyft will work with the equipment manufacturer, Cummins, to replace the fuel hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 11. Owners may contact RV Chassis customer service at 855-589-9836.
Grand Design RV LLC is recalling 58 2025 Serenova travel trailers. The axle bearing nut may have been improperly tightened, causing the bearings to overheat. Dealers will inspect and replace the bearings as needed, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 28. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design’s number for this recall is 910049.
COLUMBUS, Ind. – Accelera by Cummins, the zero-emissions business segment of Cummins Inc. [NYSE: CMI], and GAIL (India) Limited, a Maharatna CPSE, under MoPNG and India’s leading natural gas company, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on green hydrogen and zero-emissions technologies in India, according to a release.
The collaboration will leverage Accelera’s expertise in hydrogen generation technology and GAIL’s established natural gas infrastructure to explore opportunities in hydrogen production, blending, transportation and storage. The partnership will also evaluate and develop projects for hydrogen applications across multiple sectors, including transport, power and steel.
“Accelera’s collaboration with a partner like GAIL demonstrates the potential of green hydrogen and the capability of large-scale electrolysis for diverse applications,” said Alex Savelli, Global Commercial Leader – Electrolyzers for Accelera. “By combining our advanced electrolyzer technology with GAIL’s extensive energy infrastructure and leading market presence, we are well positioned to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen across India.”
This strategic partnership follows the successful commissioning of GAIL’s green hydrogen plant in Vijaipur, Madhya Pradesh, in December 2024, where Accelera supplied a 10-megawatt (MW) proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system. Accelera’s two PEM HyLYZER-1000 electrolyzer units produce 4.3 tons of green hydrogen per day, which is being blended with natural gas to power GAIL’s on-site operations.
“Building upon the successful implementation of our Vijaipur project, this partnership with Accelera strengthens our commitment to India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission,” said Mr. Rajeev Kumar Singhal, Director of Business Development, GAIL. “Together, we will work towards developing a robust hydrogen value chain that supports India’s ambitious goal of producing 5 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030.”
The collaboration will also focus on sharing knowledge on hydrogen blending with natural gas, developing industry standards and exploring new applications for green hydrogen technology.
Electrolyzers leverage renewable energy sources to produce green hydrogen, which is vital for accelerating the clean energy transition. Accelera is a leader in large-scale hydrogen production using PEM electrolysis and has deployed more than 600 electrolyzer units worldwide, powering some of the most advanced PEM electrolyzer systems operating globally. This includes a 20MW facility in Quebec, Canada, and a 25MW system in Florida, U.S.
About Accelera by Cummins
Accelera by Cummins provides a diverse portfolio of zero-emissions solutions for the world’s most economically vital industries, empowering them to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. Accelera, a business segment of Cummins Inc., is both a components supplier and integrator, focused on batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, e-axles, traction motors and inverters, integrated powertrain solutions, and electrolyzers. Accelera currently has operations in North America, across Europe and in China.
Cummins, a global power solutions leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), Cummins has approximately 69,900 people committed to powering a more prosperous world. It operates a robust distribution and support network in more than 190 countries and territories. Cummins earned $3.9 billion on sales of $34.1 billion in 2024.
To learn more about Accelera by Cummins, visit accelerazero.com.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) would like to recognize the sponsors of the upcoming 2025 Leadership Conference for their invaluable support:
Cummins
GE Appliances, a Haier Company
Lightspeed
Polsinelli
Progressive Insurance
RV SnapPad
The RV Industry Association’s third Leadership Conference is next week. The conference will provide an abundance of opportunities to network, learn leadership development skills, and listen to the talented lineup of motivational speakers to top management as well as the next generation of leaders in the RV industry.
The itinerary will include…
RV Industry Leadership Panel: This dynamic session, scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, promises to deliver invaluable insights from some of the most influential figures in the RV industry.
Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence During a Media Crisis with Molly McPherson: This covers discuss the importance of brand reputation and how best to manage it during PR challenges.
Navigating Change and Advancing Policy Priorities:This policy-focused panel will include an in-depth analysis of how to keep the industry’s priorities front and center and push them over the finish line.
Leadership Keynote: Comedian, television writer, and radio/podcast host Chris Duffy will be the keynote speaker on Wednesday, March 5th.
Leadership Keynote: Author David Epstein will serve as the keynote speaker on Thursday, March 6th.
LONGMONT, Colo. and MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho – Rossmönster, the leader in purpose-built adventure vehicles, and IWS Sales, a premier provider of high-quality motorcoaches and performance vehicles, are excited to announce a strategic partnership. This collaboration will see IWS Sales become an official distributor of Rossmönster’s renowned adventure trucks.
Rossmönster has built a reputation for delivering unparalleled craftsmanship, innovative design, and exceptional customer service since it began making custom van interiors nearly a decade ago. Their adventure vehicles, including the popular Baja Adventure Truck series, are designed to elevate the outdoor experience with cutting-edge features and rugged reliability.
IWS Sales, headquartered in Mountain Home, ID, has over 20 years of experience in the motorcoach and performance vehicle industry. Known for its integrity-driven approach and commitment to customer satisfaction, IWS has established itself as a trusted name in vehicle sales and service.
This partnership combines Rossmönster’s expertise in crafting high-quality adventure vehicles with IWS Sales’ extensive reach and dedication to customer success. Through this collaboration, customers will have access to Rossmönster’s premium vehicles at IWS Sales’ state-of-the-art facilities and marks a new chapter for both companies as they work together to redefine outdoor exploration with vehicles that combine luxury, durability, and performance.
“At Rossmönster, we’ve always been driven by a passion for creating vehicles that inspire adventure and exploration,” said Luke Farny, CEO of Rossmönster. “Partnering with IWS Sales is a natural fit for us because of their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We’re excited to bring our vehicles to their loyal customer base and expand the reach of Rossmönster’s vision.”
IWS SalesGeneral Manager, Ben Ceccarelli, echoed this enthusiasm: “For over 25 years, IWS Sales has been dedicated to offering only the best products to our customers. Rossmönster’s adventure vehicles are a perfect addition to our lineup in the way they embody the same values of craftsmanship, reliability, and innovation that we stand for. We’re thrilled to offer these incredible vehicles to our customers who are looking for their next great adventure.”
Rossmönster’s adventure trucks will be available for viewing and purchase at IWS Sales locations starting Feb. 20, 2025. For more information on this partnership or to explore available models, visit rossmonster.com or iwssales.com.
This collaboration marks a new chapter for both companies as they work together to redefine outdoor exploration with vehicles that combine luxury, durability, and performance.
About Rossmönster Rossmönster redefines the adventure lifestyle, crafting premium trucks that fuel your passion for exploration and discovery. With groundbreaking designs and unmatched craftsmanship, Rossmönster creates vehicles that are more than just a mode of travel — they’re a gateway to the extraordinary. Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences, Rossmönster is shaping the future of adventure vehicles for those who dare to roam further and live boldly.
About IWS Sales
Headquartered in Mountain Home, Idaho, IWS Sales has built a strong reputation for delivering performance motorcoaches, trailers, and towing equipment that exceed industry standards for quality and driving experience. Whether catering to professional racers, first responders, or adventurers seeking the ultimate luxury experience, IWS Sales stands at the forefront of customer experience and industry knowledge.
From Xantrex: This video provides a quick overview of the Xantrex FREEDOM SW Inverter and its related products, including the SW Inverter, the system control panel, the automatic generator start, the wireless control, the combox, and more
KENT, Wash. – Torklift Central is excited to kick off 2nd annual “March of Diapers” campaign, starting today continuing thought the month of March. In collaboration with Akin – South King County Family Resource Center (Formerly Children’s Home Society), this community-driven event promises to provide essential support to local families in need.
2023 Diaper Drive Drop Off
A Community United for a Cause
Following the success of the last diaper drive, Torklift Central is gearing up for an even more impactful event this coming March. The “March of Diapers” campaign will once again focus on collecting new, unused diapers to assist families throughout our community. The drive is anticipated to run from March 1 through March 31.
“We’re ready to get our 2nd Diaper Drive underway,” said Jasmyne Faborito, Marketing Director, at Torklift Central. “We’re excited to make a difference in these families lives and hope to drive a positive impact and inspire our community.”
How Can You Help?
Diaper Donations: Drop off unused diapers to Torklift Central in Kent, Washington. The most used diaper sizes that are needed are sizes 4, 5, and 6.
Financial Contributions: Please visit us at Torklift Central to make monetary donations.
Social Media Engagement: Follow us and use the hashtag #MarchOfDiapers to join the conversation and receive real-time updates.
About Torklift Central
Torklift Central is dedicated to supporting local families and businesses in Kent, Washington. Through initiatives like the “March of Diapers” campaign, the organization fosters community spirit and works to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
About Akin – South King County Family Resource Center (Formerly Children’s Home Society)
Children’s Home Society is a trusted organization committed to enhancing the well-being of children and families. Through their dedicated programs and community partnerships, they ensure that every child has access to the essential resources needed for a healthy future.
