Winnebago to Work with Choo Choo Customs
7 April 1998
Winnebago Industries Announces Licensing Agreement With Choo Choo CustomsFOREST CITY, Iowa, April 7 -- Winnebago Industries, Inc. , one of the world's largest motor home manufacturers, today announced a new licensing agreement that will continue expansion of the company's well-known Winnebago brand name beyond traditional motor homes in the recreation vehicle (RV) category. Choo Choo Customs Group, Inc., one of the nation's leading quality producers of conversion vehicles, has entered into this new licensing agreement with Winnebago Industries and will introduce their new line of Winnebago conversion vehicles in April to auto dealers. Under the terms of the licensing agreement, Choo Choo Customs Group will design, manufacture and market a line of conversion vehicles that include Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and GMC vans as well as Chevrolet Tahoes and Suburbans. The product line will be distributed by Choo Choo Customs Group through auto dealers throughout the U.S. All conversion manufacturing will be done in Choo Choo Customs Group's manufacturing facilities in Chattanooga, Tenn. Conversion vehicles are designed for transportation of people and, in addition, may be so modified to provide accessories that make travel more comfortable and convenient than a conventional car or truck. Common accessories in this type of vehicle include plush seating (captain's chairs), couches that convert to a sleeping area, televisions, sound systems, and stylish exterior designs. We're very excited about this new relationship that has been forged with Choo Choo Customs," said Winnebago Industries' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Hertzke. "Their company values the same high product quality that Winnebago Industries has developed a reputation for with our motor homes -- that's a critical component to this new venture. It is also a continuation of Winnebago Industries' recent efforts to expand within the recreation vehicle industry through the licensed promotion of the company's well-known Winnebago name." Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of motor homes that are self-contained recreation vehicles used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. Other products manufactured by the company consist principally of a variety of component products for other manufacturers. Winnebago Industries builds quality products with state-of-the- art computer-aided design and manufacturing systems on automotive-styled assembly lines, conforming to what the company believes to be the most rigorous testing in the RV industry. The company's common stock is listed on the New York, Chicago and Pacific Stock Exchanges and traded under the symbol WGO. Options for the company's common stock are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Visit Winnebago Industries' Web site at http://www.winnebagoind.com. SOURCE Winnebago Industries, Inc.