Coachmen Reports Strong Sales at Louisville, KY RV Trade Show

ELKHART, Ind., Dec. 12 -- Coachmen Industries, Inc. enjoyed significant orders and new dealer applications at the recent recreational vehicle (RV) industry's national trade show in Louisville, Kentucky.

``We were very pleased with our dealers' response at Louisville. During the show, our orders increased by about 25 percent,'' said Claire C. Skinner, Chairman and CEO of Coachmen Industries, Inc. ``Our dealers expressed positive expectations for business conditions in the spring, and of equal importance, they were extremely positive about our new products. This bodes well for our sales and market share growth in 2002.''

Despite the continued general softness in the RV market, Coachmen has taken a very aggressive approach to new product development. At the national RV show, Coachmen introduced an impressive number of new products under the brand names of Coachmen®, Georgie Boy®, Shasta® and Viking®.

Coachmen RV Company featured over 20 new models, including the 2003 Rendezvous class A motorhome and the 2003 Freedom mini-motorhome. A careful blend of luxury and affordability, the gasoline-powered Rendezvous targets the upper entry-level class A motorhome market. As its name suggests, the Freedom mini-motorhome invites new RV owners to enjoy their independence and hit the road in a compact, affordable class C motorhome. Dealer orders reflect a very positive reaction to these new offerings, as well as to the wide range of new 2002 models just introduced in August, such as the new Cross Country diesel motorhome, Mirada motorhome, and the Somerset fifth wheel.

New and affordable lightweight towables from Shasta are ideal for SUV and minivan owners. The all-new Ultra Lite Sporting Edition is outfitted with interiors and graphics that will appeal to sports, auto racing and hunting enthusiasts.

Georgie Boy Manufacturing unveiled its new ``Select'' Cruise Air XL diesel-powered motorhome to rave reviews. Its walnut interior appointments and high-gloss exterior give the Cruise Air luxury-class value at a very economical price point. The new entry level Velocity was also introduced and the new GBM Landau continued to generate strong response.

Viking introduced a new Legend GP series of luxurious fold-down camping trailers, which feature an entirely new exterior material. High gloss, easy to clean and extremely durable, the Legend GP's structural body panel system is comprised of a rugged weather-able surface backed by a heavy-duty thermoplastic composite material. Dealers responded enthusiastically with orders for the new Legend GP, as well as the more affordable Viking and Clipper lines, in anticipation of a stronger selling season in early 2002.