Outdoor recreation participation highest in 5 years

(April 24, 2012) -- More than 141 million Americans, or 49.4 percent of the U.S. population, participated in outdoor activities last year,  reflecting an increase of three million people compared to 2010 and continuing a five-year trend. In addition, Americans made a total of 11.6 billion outdoor outings in 2011, which is 1.5 billion more than the previous year. Annually, participants averaged 82 outdoor outings from hiking to biking, skiing to paddling.

Retail sales fall 0.2 percent in Canada

(April 24, 2012) -- "The drop in sales volumes in February following a downwardly revised dip in January was disappointing and suggests downside risk to our forecast that consumer spending grew at a 2.5 percent rate in the first quarter of 2012," said Janzen. "Yesterday’s reported 2.2 percent jump in the volume of wholesale trade in February provided some offset to both today’s retail sales report and a weaker than expected manufacturing report in the month."

AFC awards free floor financing for a year

(April 24, 2012) -- "AFC took a chance on me and my new business, and set us up with a small credit line. Through the ups and downs, AFC has been there for me and for my business, helping us to grow and be more successful. Starting out, it was just me. Now we have ten wholesalers working for Eurosport Auto and a large AFC credit line," said Barzegar.

Consumer confidence remains unchanged

(April 24, 2012) -- “Consumer confidence was virtually unchanged in April, following a modest decline in March. As was the case last month, the slight dip was prompted by a moderation in consumers’ short-term outlook, while their assessment of current conditions continued to improve," said Franco. "Overall, consumers are more upbeat about the state of the economy, but they remain cautiously optimistic.”

NTP opens new distribution center in Kansas City

(April 23, 2012) -- NTP Distribution, Inc. today announced the opening of a new shipping warehouse within Keystone Automotive's Kansas City distribution center on April 30. Similar to NTP's recent opening and moves in Exeter, Penn.; Corona, Calif.; and Austell, Ga.; RV products will occupy a section of this 250,000-square-foot facility. The company also announced today it will be closing its distribution center in Elkhart, Ind.

Automotive Finance offers RV inventory finance

(April 23, 2012) -- Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC) announced today it has expanded its inventory finance product offerings to include more options for its recreation vehicle dealers. A key feature of AFC’s RV inventory financing includes no restrictions on the type of RV unit a dealer can purchase -- no make, model or year constraints. AFC will advance 100 percent of an RV dealer’s auction purchases at more than 1,000 AFC approved auctions.

MCD announces plans for Elkhart office

(April 23, 2012) --  “With the phenomenal growth MCD is experiencing in the RV roller shade market, it is time to locate a facility closer to where most of the RVs are manufactured," said Townsley. "This will allow the company to respond quickly to the needs of the OEMs and assist with the introduction and development of even more innovative product lines.”

Boessler becomes EverGreen president, COO

(April 23, 2012) -- EverGreen Recreational Vehicles today announced the appointment of Mark Boessler as president, chief operating officer and shareholder of the company. He will report directly to Michael Schoeffler, CEO. Doug Lantz will assume full responsibility of all sales and marketing as vice president of sales.