As per a report from Star Tribune, Winnebago has recently made waves in the RV industry with its announcement to expand the Grand Design brand.
Historically, Grand Design was known for its towable recreational vehicles. However, by next fall, enthusiasts and consumers can expect to see new motorhome options gracing the market. This strategic move was unveiled by Michael Happe, the CEO of the Eden Prairie-based company, during Winnebago’s fourth-quarter earnings call.
The decision to introduce motorized RVs under the Grand Design brand is seen as a significant step in diversifying the company’s offerings. Happe expressed his enthusiasm during the call with investors, stating that the new lineup “will be a differentiated and complementary offering to our current Winnebago and Newmar brand motorized businesses.” He further emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional motorhomes that would not only enrich their portfolio but also delight their valued customers.
However, this announcement comes at a time when Winnebago has been navigating through some challenging quarters. The leisure sales, which saw a surge during the pandemic, have been on a decline. The company’s net income for the quarter ending August 26 plummeted by 47%, with revenue witnessing a 35% dip. These figures underscore the hurdles the RV industry, at large, has been grappling with.
Yet, in the face of these challenges, Winnebago’s decision to expand the Grand Design brand is a testament to its resilience and forward-thinking approach. The company acquired Grand Design in 2016, and it rapidly ascended to become the fastest-growing brand in the towable RV segment. As the brand undergoes this evolution, another piece of uplifting news is the new five-year employment agreement ensuring that Grand Design’s founder, Don Clark, remains at the helm.
Details about the specific type of motorhome Grand Design plans to introduce remain under wraps. However, for context, the Winnebago brand is renowned for producing Class C camper vans and full-sized Class A motorhomes. In contrast, the Newmar brand is tailored towards the higher-end luxury full-sized Class A motorhomes. This expansion hints at Winnebago’s ambition to cater to a broader spectrum of RV enthusiasts.
Optimism is in the air as the company believes that the RV industry is poised for an upswing a year from now. Despite prevailing tough conditions, Winnebago has been proactive in rolling out new offerings across its diverse portfolio of recreational vehicles and marine products. Happe’s projections indicate that the current market conditions might persist through the winter. However, he is hopeful that by the second half of the fiscal year, dealers will be more receptive to stocking up their inventories, creating a conducive environment for Grand Design’s novel offerings.
In tandem with these developments, Winnebago has also been making strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the market. A notable mention is its recent acquisition of Lithionics, a lithium-ion battery company. This acquisition is pivotal as Lithionics’ batteries will be integrated within Winnebago’s products, powering the “house” segment of their RVs.
Furthermore, in a collaborative venture with Camping World, the world’s largest RV retailer, Winnebago celebrated the grand opening of a new store in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This store is unique as it exclusively features Grand Design RVs, marking the inception of a promising partnership.
Winnebago’s strategic expansion of the Grand Design brand, coupled with its recent acquisitions and partnerships, paints a picture of a company that is not only adapting to the current market dynamics but is also gearing up for the future. As the RV industry navigates through these turbulent times, Winnebago’s moves signal a beacon of optimism and a promise of exciting times ahead for RV enthusiasts.
Featured image from Grand Design RV.