IH-45

Topic: IH-45 (Read 1540 times) previous topic - next topic

IH-45

January 13, 2011, 04:16:02 pm

Just returned from the Tampa RV Supershow. The new Foretravel is awesome! Anyone have a spare 1.5 mil thay can spot me til payday?

Re: IH-45

Reply #1 – January 13, 2011, 09:53:16 pm

Although there were a lot of Rvs there, there wasn't a lot of accessory vendors there. It's mostly RV parks, insurance companies, junky jewelry, and cookware. Ran in to Pat and Yvonne Brewer of the Fla motorcade chapter there.

Re: IH-45

Reply #2 – January 13, 2011, 10:20:48 pm

Quote from: Steve & Ginny Hill – January 13, 2011, 09:53:16 pm

Although there were a lot of Rvs there, there wasn't a lot of accessory vendors there.

Any interesting buzz? Is the IH-45 getting a lot of interest? Are they talking up (or even about) ForeForums?

Michelle

Re: IH-45

Reply #3 – January 14, 2011, 08:01:21 am

I wonder if they will sell one or more there. I see that coaches are not sitting as long lately.

Re: IH-45

Reply #4 – January 14, 2011, 08:48:36 am

There was a lot of traffic in the Foretravel area, but there was a lot of traffic everywhere. People were doing a lot of looking, but I don't know about buying. Out in the entry level and mid-priced Class As, there were a lot of "sold" signs on coaches, but I don't put much stock in those. Half the time I think it's just a marketing ploy to make buyers think they're selling fast. At best, it just means someone has put a deposit on it, and are awaiting finance approval. During the small amount of time I was in the Foretravel area, I didn't see what looked like any hard negotiations going on. Mostly just oooos, and aaaaahs, and glad-handing the salesmen. There were only 3 Foretravels there. The IH-45, a Nimbus, and a Phenix, I believe. They were surrounded by Vantares, Marathons, and Libertys. Pretty fast company, but the Foretravels should enjoy a good price differential on those brands. In all honesty, IMHO, even Foretravel is getting too glitzy inside compared to the tasteful, understated richness of the older interiors, but Newell, Marathon, Vantare, and Liberty all look like brothels inside to me. Don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings, these are just my personal ramblings. If I were ever to be so fortunate as to be able to have a new Foretravel custom built, that would be the first requirement. A very subdued, traditional interior. Then again, different strokes for different folks.

Re: IH-45

Reply #5 – January 14, 2011, 09:27:16 am

Suzanne & I feel the same way about excessive glitz. We are fulltimers, and see the coach's insides 24/7/365. If we had to see exotic lighting, multi mirrors, gold plating. . .Las Vegas glitz every waking moment, we think we'd tire of it before long. Now if we used the coach every now and again, it might be different. Again, different strokes for different folks. . .and people haven always said we are different.

Re: IH-45

Reply #6 – January 14, 2011, 09:32:13 am

Quote from: Steve & Ginny Hill – January 14, 2011, 08:48:36 am

... the first requirement. A very subdued, traditional interior. ...

We are of the same opinion. We like the quality of our old Foretravel, and are comfortable with the interior. The glitzy interiors hold little appeal for us. We plan to do some upgrades and remodeling, but they will be to make the interior more livable and easier to clean. It will not be more opulent.

Re: IH-45

Reply #7 – January 14, 2011, 09:36:44 am

Quote from: Two Hams in a Can – January 14, 2011, 09:27:16 am

Suzanne & I feel the same way about excessive glitz. We are fulltimers, and see the coach's insides 24/7/365. If we had to see exotic lighting, multi mirrors, gold plating. . .Las Vegas glitz every waking moment, we think we'd tire of it before long. Now if we used the coach every now and again, it might be different. Again, different strokes for different folks. . .and people haven always said we are different.

Actually I doubt that you guys are so different. Most of the people I know feel the same way. Do they really sell coaches like that? Maybe to "Celebrities" but most normal folks want a more practical interior. I do think it wouldn't hurt making the Foretravel exterior a little more interesting.

Re: IH-45

Reply #8 – January 14, 2011, 10:42:57 am

Quote

Suzanne & I feel the same way about excessive glitz. We are fulltimers, and see the coach's insides 24/7/365. If we had to see exotic lighting, multi mirrors, gold plating. . .Las Vegas glitz every waking moment, we think we'd tire of it before long. Now if we used the coach every now and again, it might be different. Again, different strokes for different folks. . .and people haven always said we are different.

Everyone I know thinks the million dollar coaches interior look tacky too. So I guess extremely rich people have different taste than all my friends. I think that you would want your coach to reflect your home and I just do not know anyone that lives in a house that has mirrors on the ceiling. Some of the coaches look like the house that the Unsinkable Molly Brown (Debbie Reynolds) lived in with all that Gold!!!

Brad

Re: IH-45

Reply #9 – January 14, 2011, 11:47:19 am

Quote from: Steve & Ginny Hill – January 13, 2011, 04:16:02 pm

Anyone have a spare 1.5 mil thay can spot me til payday?

Hmm.... I think you'll only need 1.2M. Plus TT&L, of course

Foretravel Texas

Michelle

Re: IH-45

Reply #10 – January 14, 2011, 01:48:56 pm

Do any of the windows on the IH-45 open? I would rather have fresh air when it is a resonable temperature outside than have the a/c running all the time.

Re: IH-45

Reply #11 – January 14, 2011, 04:02:09 pm

Michelle: the other .3 mil was for diesel.

Re: IH-45

Reply #12 – January 14, 2011, 08:53:35 pm

Just for grins. If we had the money for an IH-45 I'd want in to be no longer than 42 feet and would drive the folks in Nac who do the interiors absolutely nuts. I'd want the interior to look more like a walnut paneled study with an understated, but modern kitchen and bath.

But like I said, if we had the money.

It would be great to hear that Foretravel received several orders at the show.

Re: IH-45

Reply #13 – January 14, 2011, 09:56:57 pm

Quote from: Steve & Ginny Hill – January 14, 2011, 04:02:09 pm

Michelle: the other .3 mil was for diesel.

Or SCR/urea additive for the new Cummins diesel engine?

Re: IH-45

Reply #14 – January 15, 2011, 11:39:04 pm

Everyone has impressions -- Right?
OK. Here are my impressions of the Tampa Supershow this year.
IMHO, the show has been a very good one. Better than I would have predicted for the state of the economy and the petroleum industry. I don't know. It may be because the show offers relatively inexpensive entertainment. And like Gerry, I don't know how much money was really being spent.

If anything, the attendance seems to be up,. The total number of vendors is down by maybe 20%. The Wal-Mart's of camping (Camping World and KOA) had larger displays but have tightened their belts (visibly reduced sponsorship and promotional materials/incentives).

Lots of interesting new ideas, trinkets (e,g. Li-Ion and LED technologies) and changes across the breadth of the show,

The mid to high end coach dealers are reduced in number and have cut back a lot (smaller spaces, fewer units on display).

The IH-45 Foretravel stands out as being unique in terms of fresh, new design in the high end offerings. But, like other high end factory displays, fewer units (only 3 units vs. the 5 or 6, of past years). I personally liked the Phenix much, much better than the Nimbus (Bunk house style) and the IH. Lyle Reed is here to accompany the IH to a Pelican Lake showing (Prevost Conversion style of marketing in a VERY uppity resort). I'm told that, out of this show, Foretravel has already closed on a high end (to be built) unit and has strong possibilities on two or three more, as of 5:00 PM today. Had long talks with Pat and Yvonne Brewer and several other FT owners. Promoted Foreforums with them as well as Lance Hays. I wish that the FT marketing team would spend more time in the show units answering show attendees questions. Greg Amys always seems to do that but didn't see him here this year. I answered at least a dozen questions while I was cruising the three units (e.g. why isn't there a dining table?, where is the exhaust brake control?, what is that joystick for?, what is an MCD shade?, wonder if FT is still viable or are they like CC?. Had to point out the FT guys out on the display floor.

The surviving Super-C's continue to escalate in terms of value for the dollar (technical sophistication, quality, elegance, fit and finish, innovation, payload, etc..

Many of the low to mid range dealers have either disappeared or have new names, new product lines or both.

The lower end RV units (vans, campers, trailers) have multiplied like an unmonitored rabbit hutch.

The state, federal and local campground marketing vendor numbers have intensified but the "introductory packages" have dropped off dramatically in value, CONUS-Wide. Many of the elaborate campground/resort marketing displays of the past have been drastically reduced in scale and sophistication while there are several newbie's that are disproportionately large and elaborate (they didn't get the economy memo , I guess).

The vendor space rents have obviously fallen as there are quite a few "How is that even remotely related to the RV Industry?" newbie vendors.

The evening entertainment shows have been mixed (first night - OUT-of-SIGHT talent and acapella execution, second night - mediocre [although, in all fairness, the entertainer had a wicked cold], the third night - "tried and true talent" and already seen three or four times in past years).

Just my impressions, FWIW.
It was cold Thurs. and Friday AM but has recovered nicely (58 degrees now at 11:30 PM).
Off to Orlando tomorrow PM.
Best wishes,
Neal

Re: IH-45

Reply #15 – January 16, 2011, 12:37:09 am

Neal,
Nice summary. Thanks for taking the time to post it.
Paul

Re: IH-45

Reply #16 – January 16, 2011, 08:15:22 am

Neal,
That was an A+ report on the Tampa Supershow. Did you get good grades on term papers, too?

Re: IH-45

Reply #17 – January 16, 2011, 08:46:31 am

Ditto Neal, Thanks for taking the time-Very interesting.

Mark

Re: IH-45

Reply #18 – January 16, 2011, 08:52:33 am

I have gone to the RV show this weekend in Chantilly VA many times. I went last year and it had been reduced from two huge buildings to one and that one building was not even full. You are right aboutthe vans and trailers. I never saw so any popups and conversion vans in one show. There were kitchen cooking devices and all sorts of things tat were not related to RVing there too so i did not go this year. Oh well, I am sure it it stays low then they may not even run it soon but I was not going to spend 20 bucks for a coupel tickets to walk through a couple class As and a bunch of popups.

Thanks for the write up. I think that the marketing departments across the board get tired after a number of days and they think they can spot a buyer. I know when I started looking to buy, I was disappointed in the level of service most places. I will say that if they did sell a couple units then maybe FT was spending the time where they had to and not with the tire kickers.

Re: IH-45

Reply #19 – January 16, 2011, 11:05:27 am

Quote from: Neal Pillsbury – January 15, 2011, 11:39:04 pm

Everyone has impressions -- Right?
OK. Here are my impressions of the Tampa Supershow this year.

Wow - informative and thoughtful write-up. Thanks for sharing that here!

Quote

I wish that the FT marketing team would spend more time in the show units answering show attendees questions. Greg Amys always seems to do that but didn't see him here this year. I answered at least a dozen questions while I was cruising the three units (e.g. why isn't there a dining table?, where is the exhaust brake control?, what is that joystick for?, what is an MCD shade?, wonder if FT is still viable or are they like CC?. Had to point out the FT guys out on the display floor.

I think this is great constructive feedback. While in the past, many sales have been repeat FT buyers, in going after "new blood", sales and marketing need to be even more approachable and interactive. I know I'm often tired of hearing it, but this is an area that Bob Tiffin excels in and it's one reason Tiffin has such a rabid fan base. Bob was at a local dealer for the unveiling of the 2010 models last year. He could be found in the first coach on the lot, which was not their flagship Zephyr but the for-the-masses Phaeton. Show the passion for the product and you can't help but attract business. Answered questions all day long.

Did you happen to snap any photos of the show and especially the FT "booth" you could post?

Michelle

Re: IH-45

Reply #20 – January 17, 2011, 11:52:01 pm

Quote from: George Stoltz – January 16, 2011, 08:15:22 am

Neal,
That was an A+ report on the Tampa Supershow. Did you get good grades on term papers, too?

George
While in school, I did well on term papers if they had to do with the exact sciences. I didn't "cotton to" anything involving shades of gray - like the Arts and Literature and Social Sciences that are so subject to personal interpretation.
After school and the USN, because I was a good engineer and technician, they removed me from what I enjoyed and made me into a supervisor. And then a manager. Gradually I came to understand that people make the world go round! And if I couldn't inspire people, I wasn't going to get ahead much further. For an exact sciences person, that was very distressing at first, but eventually became fascinating and even more engaging than the exact sciences. Later, as an executive in a large nuclear utility (5 plants), I had a number of independent oversight, motivational behavior analysis and organizational core value/work ethic modification responsibilities.
Long story short:
You can be absolutely correct in your knowledge and/or analysis, but if you can't weave and convey your thoughts in an engaging, convincing manner, you will have little or no lasting effect on your intended audience.

Thus, going on to Michelle's observations:

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – January 16, 2011, 11:05:27 am

................I think this is great constructive feedback. While in the past, many sales have been repeat FT buyers, in going after "new blood", sales and marketing need to be even more approachable and interactive. I know I'm often tired of hearing it, but this is an area that Bob Tiffin excels in and it's one reason Tiffin has such a rabid fan base. Bob was at a local dealer for the unveiling of the 2010 models last year. He could be found in the first coach on the lot, which was not their flagship Zephyr but the for-the-masses Phaeton. Show the passion for the product and you can't help but attract business. Answered questions all day long.......................

Did you happen to snap any photos of the show and especially the FT "booth" you could post?

Michelle

Michelle,
You are so correct. The Bob Tiffin's of the world have an infectious enthusiasm that is so engaging and warm and convincing that customers (and potential customers) just gravitate to them. In turn, the customers gravitate to their product. The Bob Tiffin's have such an extroverted passion for their product (and for their customer's thoughts and experiences) that they truly inspire sales. And with minor customer reinforcement actions (through corporate), that enthusiasm endures over the long term, through thick and thin.
Brenda and I enjoy the large shows (FMCA International and Tampa, etc.) and have gotten to know quite a few of the Principles in the Motorhome Industry. It strikes me that some of the Principles consistently stand out from their competition in that they never seem to falter in their easy, comfortable chatter and in their unflagging enthusiasm for their product and for their customers, "Tire Kickers" or not . Going into their displays, you just know that they are going to be enthusiastic to see you, that they will often know you by name, that they will always seem to be genuinely interested in you and in showing you anything and everything about their product, even though you may never own that product. But even though you may never own the product, you are an opportunity to generate enthusiasm for the product, and who knows where that may lead?
One can tell that this is no accident and that the corporate core values and work ethic are either "driving" what you are seeing and experiencing , or it is just a Principle in that company, setting his/her example through what is "second nature" (a la Bob Tiffin) behavior.
This is no easy feat to accomplish because it is all too easy to be perceived as not genuine, or high pressure, or pushy, or invasive, etc. In many ways, it is similar to "Command Presence". Not easily acheived if one doesn't naturally possess it.
But, having just come from the Tampa show, I can definitely say that the vendors able to generate customer enthusiasm, had long lines and crowds around their product while other vendors were predictably less crowded. And the pockets of customer enthusiasm, unfortunately, were not always located around the BEST products (IMHO).

WRT pictures; Sorry. I didn't take any. I set out to a couple of times but got sidetracked. That's easy to do (for me).

Thanks,
Neal

Re: IH-45

Reply #21 – January 18, 2011, 11:49:20 am

Quote from: Steve & Ginny Hill – January 13, 2011, 04:16:02 pm

Just returned from the Tampa RV Supershow. The new Foretravel is awesome! Anyone have a spare 1.5 mil thay can spot me til payday?

The Tampa show was great, but like some of the other folks I was disappointed in the Foretravel display this year. It really disappoints me that they are heading down the path of glitz and shine driving the cost of their coaches past any point that most working people can afford even 10 year old used. I sure would like to see a 34' - 36' "entry level" come back to their lineup.

Bruce Beane

Re: IH-45

Reply #22 – January 18, 2011, 01:09:09 pm

Thanks, Neal-
Your reply was a good read.

Re: IH-45

Reply #23 – January 18, 2011, 07:39:06 pm

Quote from: George Stoltz – January 18, 2011, 01:09:09 pm

Thanks, Neal-
Your reply was a good read.

While I agree that I would like to see an entry level coach, I think FT is doing it right. This lifestyle will be very expensive soon. I know people are starting to feel it now with 3.30 diesel and it is starting to hurt to fill up. I remember 5 buck diesel in 2008 and the kicking and screaming that went on. So, FT is looking out and seeing that the cost to run one of these things is going up and they need to sell to a market that can afford it. The cost of used ones will fall tremendously if the price of fuel goes up more too.

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