JACKSON CENTER, OHIO - Airstream, world-recognized for quality, design and innovation, is shaping the future of the travel trailer and motor coach industry through the company it keeps. Joining forces with Dodge, Westfalia, Nissan Design America and Kelty, Airstream is creating new product hybrids and expanding its reach into new markets. Two new products in particular, recently displayed at the RVIA National Expo in Louisville, KY, demonstrate the advantages of the new business relationships.
Built on a Dodge Sprinter chassis, outfitted by Westfalia and upfitted and distributed exclusively in North America by Airstream, the Sprinter Westfalia sets the new standard in the camper-van segment. This new Airstream debuts as a smart alternative that offers the outdoor enthusiast greater comfort, convenience, safety, functionality, and quality. The Sprinter Westfalia is the only Class B motor coach built on the Sprinter chassis that offers family camping and accommodations to be truly "at home in the great outdoors."
Blending the convenience of RV travel with the versatility of car camping, Airstream has partnered with Nissan Design America and Kelty to create the Base Camp , a microlight tent-trailer hybrid. Created for a new generation of campers, this unique product innovation provides a first-in-market tent feature developed by Kelty, attached to a striking new trailer design as only Airstream and Nissan Design America could develop. "The Shape of Things To Come," the Base Camp will be built as an authentic Airstream, but will be marketed at a lower price, offering a new range of consumers the ability to participate in the Airstream way of life and to See More, Do More, Live More.
"By partnering with leaders in other business sectors, were able to push the envelope of innovation to places the industry hasnt been before," explained Tim Champ, Airstream director of marketing. "This enables us to reach tomorrows enthusiast, an emerging market, with the answer to their specific needs, even before they ask."
In addition to the products created in collaboration with partners in the automotive and camping industries, Airstream has projects in the works with Quicksilver and other leading brands. Just as it is leading product innovation, Airstream is also innovating new services. The company is launching its comprehensive "AirPort" online dealer portal, which provides electronic warranty and parts ordering capability for dealers, among many other services. These tools will allow dealers to save time and money through better efficiencies while increasing customer satisfaction and speed to market.
Airstream will also premiere new models of its Interstate and Safari lines, and other new features and services to dealers at the RVIA trade show on December 2-4, 2003. The Interstate, also built on the Sprinter chassis, will be marketed as a luxury touring coach for couples. The new 30 Safari trailer is an all-new floor plan, providing accommodations for up to nine travelers, all contained in a highly innovative, feature-packed Airstream shell.
