Month: March 2025

NOVI, Mich. – The Shyft Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SHYF), parent company of Spartan RV Chassis, its Red Diamond aftermarket division and a North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail and service markets and parent company of Spartan Chassis, will celebrate its 50th anniversary and showcase its latest innovations at NTEA Work Truck Week 2025, according to a press release.

Since 1975, Shyft has built a legacy of engineering excellence, delivering purpose-built fleet solutions that prioritize performance, durability, and sustainability while evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers, the release stated.

“For 50 years, The Shyft Group has been driven by a commitment to innovation, quality and customer success,” said John Dunn, President and CEO of The Shyft Group. “As we celebrate our milestone anniversary at Work Truck Week, we are proud to showcase innovations that empower fleets, improve efficiency, and reinforce our commitment to quality and performance. Looking ahead, we remain focused on expanding our capabilities to better serve customers and drive continued growth.”

Building on this commitment, Shyft recently announced a merger agreement with Aebi Schmidt, which will bring together expertise in specialty vehicle manufacturing, upfitting, and infrastructure solutions. By leveraging highly complementary portfolios, the merger is expected to expand product offerings, improve efficiencies, and drive competitive growth – ultimately providing customers with more comprehensive and tailored solutions.With a nationwide footprint and five decades of expertise, Shyft continues to lead the way in work truck innovation, delivering solutions that maximize uptime, enhance safety, and improve operational efficiency.

At Booth #2921, attendees will experience the latest advancements in electrification, fleet technology, and upfit solutions, all designed with a customer-first approach to meet real-world demands.Shyft’s portfolio of trusted brands – including Royal Truck Body, DuraMag, Magnum, Utilimaster, Strobes R Us, Builtmore, Blue Arc and Independent Truck Upfitters (ITU – supports industries ranging from last-mile delivery and construction to service fleets and utility applications.Featured Vehicles & Solutions

Attendees can explore a lineup of cutting-edge fleet solutions, including:Utilimaster Trademaster – A redesigned lightweight aluminum service body with enhanced storage, increased durability, and integrated safety lighting, ideal for tradespeople and service fleets.

• Marketplace Dry Freight – A high-payload dry freight body built for fuel efficiency and durability in logistics and delivery.
• Aeromaster® Walk-In-Van – A rivetless, aerodynamic walk-in van featuring optimized cargo space and advanced driver safety features, tailored for high-frequency delivery.
• Light Weight Fleet Forward Concept Truck Body– Designed for durability and efficiency, this new lightweight solution will be displayed on the show floor. See Shyft Group team members for further details.
• Blue Arc Class 4 EV Truck – A fully electric, zero-emission work truck, now in production and on the road. It features a 200+ mile range, lightweight composite body for increased payload, and an ergonomic design for superior driver comfort and efficiency.
• Royal Crane Body with PALFINGER Crane – A heavy-duty contractor solution with advanced XP coatings for long-term durability and efficient lifting capabilities.
• DuraMag Aluminum Dump Body & S-Series Service Body – Corrosion-resistant solutions built for landscaping, construction, and service industries.
• Fleet Technology Advancements – Showcasing ITU Chassis Connect for real-time tracking, Rapid Cargo Cooling systems for optimized performance, and enhanced Strobes lighting for improved visibility and safety.Press Conference: March 5, 3:15 PM ET | Booth #2921
• Shyft leadership – including John Dunn, CEO, and Jacob Farmer, President, Fleet Vehicles & Services and Specialty Vehicles—will share insights into the company’s latest advancements, expanding industry partnerships, and vision for fleet mobility.Ride & Drive: Blue Arc Class 4 EV | Booth #2927

Attendees can experience Blue Arc’s Class 4 EV firsthand during Ride & Drive sessions on March 5-6 from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This all-electric, battery-powered commercial vehicle is designed for zero-emission fleets, featuring a lightweight aluminum and composite body with high payload capacity and advanced driver safety technology. With a nationwide manufacturing and service footprint, The Shyft Group continues to support fleet electrification efforts, helping customers seamlessly transition to sustainable, cost-effective solutions.

The post Shyft Group Marks 50th Anniversary at Work Truck Exhibit first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

In this episode of OEM Showcase: On Location, Matt Gipson and Mark Petras of Dutchmen RV join Rick Kessler of RVBusiness for an overview and walkthrough tour of the all-new Dutchmen Denali fifth-wheel.

The post OEM Showcase: Dutchmen Brings Back Denali Fifth-Wheel first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON — Ongoing tariff threats from Washington and potentially sweeping government job cuts have darkened consumers’ mood and may be weighing on an otherwise mostly healthy economy, according to an Associated Press report.

Data released Friday showed that consumers slashed their spending by the most since February 2021, even as their incomes rose. On a positive note, inflation cooled, but President Donald Trump’s threats to impose large import taxes on Canada, Mexico, and China — the United States’ top trading partners — will likely push prices higher, economists say. Some companies are already planning to raise prices in response.

Americans cut their spending by 0.2% in January from the previous month, the Commerce Department said Friday (Feb. 28), likely in part because of unseasonably cold weather. Yet the retreat may be hinting at more caution by consumers amid rising economic uncertainty.

“The roller coaster of news headlines emanating from Washington D.C. is likely going to push businesses to the sidelines for a time and even appears to be impacting consumers,” said Stephen Stanley, chief U.S. economist at Santander, in an email.

The reduction in consumer spending — coupled with a surge of imports in January, also reported Friday, as companies likely sought to front-run tariffs — led the Federal Reserve’s Atlanta branch to project that the economy would shrink 1.5% at an annual rate in the January-March quarter, a sharp slowdown from the 2.3% growth in the final three months of last year.

Most analysts still expect the economy to expand in the first quarter, but at a much slower pace. Stanley lowered his estimate for first-quarter growth to just 1.25%, from about 2.25%.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post Tariff Threats, Uncertainty Weigh on Consumers Spending first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

JACKSON CENTER, Ohio – Airstream, the iconic manufacturer of world-class recreational vehicles, launched its first all-electric functioning travel trailer, the Basecamp 20Xe. The Xe model expands upon the compact, adventure-built Basecamp 20 Travel Trailer floor plan with powerful electric capabilities to take exploration farther and longer.

Basecamp Xe’s design gives owners the flexibility to undertake a wide variety of adventures – from traditional campgrounds to off-grid exploration – supported by its robust electrical system. While the trailer can operate fully on electric, the model is also equipped with a backup propane tank for use as an alternate fuel source, as well as to support outdoor grilling. For owners who want the freedom and flexibility to travel where they please, Basecamp Xe delivers with its focus on energy independence and versatility.

A History of Travel Freedom

More than 70 years ago, Airstream introduced what is believed to be the first self-contained recreational vehicle, and in the decades since, the brand has continually improved on that concept. Recent conceptual projects like the eStream Concept Travel Trailer, as well as production models like the Trade Wind Travel Trailer, have pushed the boundary even farther. Now, with Basecamp Xe, Airstream takes another major step forward in travel independence.

“The Basecamp Xe is testament to the fact that travelers today want the freedom to take whatever kind of trip they have in mind,” said Bob Wheeler, president and CEO of the THOR Industries subsidiary based in Jackson Center, Ohio. “Electrical independence is a key part of that equation. Sometimes, Airstreaming means an epic, multi-week trip to explore the outdoors, and sometimes it’s a weekend trip to visit friends and camp in the driveway. With this truly electric-first travel trailer, we’re pushing the benchmark ahead and enabling Airstream owners with the flexibility to maximize their travel adventures.”

Energy Independence and Off-Grid Capabilities

The Basecamp 20Xe features a fully inverted 30A electrical system with a 3,000W inverter, 600W of rooftop solar panels, and a 10.3kWh lithium Battle Born battery bank. This provides ample power to explore remote locations while running the optional air conditioner and microwave. The fully inverted system ensures that every outlet is functional, allowing seamless use of laptops, phones, and other essential devices. The unit also comes equipped with an upgraded solar prewire port near the A-frame where up to an additional 300W of solar panels may be plugged in to boost solar harvesting capabilities while going off-grid. The Basecamp 20Xe’s LP tank shroud houses a 20-pound propane tank that can be used as an alternative fuel source for interior heating and hot water functions. The combined water heater and furnace system can operate on multiple fuel settings, including all-electric, all propane, or a mix of both. A recirculating feature in the wet bath reduces water waste by redirecting cold water from the hot

water heater into the fresh tank until it reaches the desired temperature. And for additional water conservation, an optional composting toilet is available as an upgrade. For cooking flexibility, a removable single-burner induction cooktop can be used both indoors and outdoors via a 110V outlet.

Rugged and Adventure-Ready Design

Engineered for tough terrain, the trailer comes standard with the Airstream X package, which includes a 3-inch lift, rugged tires, and black protective-coated stone guards for extra protection against brush and branches when venturing afield. The LP shroud design includes additional storage for gear and camping

accessories, enhancing durability and functionality. In addition to serving as an alternative fuel source, the trailer’s small propane tank supports outdoor grilling via an exterior low-pressure LP port.

Functional and Comfortable Interior

Fit for families, couples and solo adventurers, the Basecamp 20Xe’s 20-foot floor plan is designed for versatility, offering a dedicated sleeping space in the back and a convertible dinette up front for additional sleeping options. The shower includes L-Track mounting points for hanging wet gear, while an optional composting toilet provides more off-grid capability. The optional microwave adds convenience and can be used off-grid thanks to the powerful electrical system. The three-speaker JBL Audio Sound System enhances the entertainment experience, and smart storage solutions maximize usability without compromising comfort.

For more information on Airstream and the Basecamp 20Xe Travel Trailer, please visit airstream.com.

The post Airstream Launches All-Electric Basecamp 20Xe Trailer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) celebrated the end of its successful six-month donation drive in partnership with ‘I Support the Girls,’ a charity dedicated to collecting and distributing essential items for women in need. 

The charity’s mission is: “Through an international network of affiliates, I Support the Girls collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear and menstrual hygiene products, allowing women and folks experiencing homelessness, impoverishment or distress to stand tall with dignity.”

“This is a six-month drive, that spans across borders, providing products not only in the US but also in Canada,” said Denyse Pontius of Century Chemical, chair of RVWA’s Community Service Task Force.

Officials noted over 48,000 products were collected, and all are going to over 300 different social service organizations around Indiana.

(Photos by Jennifer Rose of RVBusiness.)

The post RVWA Celebrates Successful ‘I Support the Girls’ Drive first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – The Spring 2025 edition of RV RoadSigns, the quarterly forecast prepared by ITR Economics for the RV Industry Association (RVIA), projects a modest increase for 2025 with wholesale shipments ranging from 333,400 units to 366,800 units with a median of 350,100 units, according to a release from the RVIA.

“After seeing wholesale shipments finish 2024 up 7% at 333,700 units, we are cautiously optimistic that the industry will see further growth over the course of the year,’ said RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby. “Interest rates continue to be a challenge, but there are green shoots for the market including continued consumer interest in RVing, creating a positive overall retail environment.”

Reaching the 350,100 wholesale unit projection would be a five percent increase over the 333,700 unit year-end total. Towable units are expected to total 313,300 units on 4.8% growth with Motorhome shipments gaining 5.5% to 36,800 units.

RV Industry Association members can view the Spring 2025 issue of RV RoadSigns here.

Members are invited to attend a webinar with ITR Economics for an in-depth explanation of the new forecast at 1 p.m., Monday, March 14. Members can register for the webinar here.

The post RV Shipments Forecast Updated to Reach 350K in 2025 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.