RVBusiness, September/October 2019

for me these guys coming in is in my view just a great evolution for Thor RVB To what extent do you expect to see integration of U S and European RV products as a result of the Hymer acquisition and increased globalization Martin Theres a lot of difference in the componentry that the Europeans install in RVs or caravans as they call them in Europe as well as in how they build them and in the products themselves especially in the B vans and even some of the small trailers that I think will resonate well here in the States Were actually bringing some European product over for the Open House just to get some feedback from U S dealers But I think were finding more and more opportunities where there are products that we use here that they dont use in Europe and vice versa its really just connecting the dots and getting people to understand what those are and how we can work together And its working with some vendors we havent worked with before as well as our current vendors and figuring out how we grow in the future with them So thats a new area for us But when you have a large company in Europe come into your fold its the perfect time to really look at all your opportunities RVB So does Thor plan on eventually introducing Hymer brand RVs here in the U S Martin It will really be up to our companies as to whether they want to market one of the historic Hymer brands They would have that opportunity but we would build it here in the United States RVB Do you by the same token think well see a gradual melding of North American and European RV consumer cultures Martin What were seeing is that the global RV market is quite large When you go to Europe the percentage of people who actually enjoy the lifestyle is higher than the U S Our market is bigger but per capita more people actually enjoy the lifestyle over there If you think about it they get more vacation And as far as travel goes its interesting how you can start out in Germany in the morning and be in Italy by the following day just like traveling from state to state here As Ive visited there in the last year Ive seen that small motorhomes and travel trailers are everywhere in Europe And theyre using them differently many of them dry camping in various communities where theyre welcomed by the townsfolk due to the business they bring to town Most RV travelers here in the U S are out in the campgrounds RVB So from the sounds of things the caravan industry is just as entrenched in Europe as the RV market is here in the States and Canada Martin Yes it goes back in time over there just like it does here I just got back from the United Kingdom where I met successful dealers who sell thousands of units and have been in the industry for more than 60 years So its truly a worldwide industry Thats part of the reason we decided to make the big move to Europe as part of a multi year long termgrowth plan that brings a lot of positive features back here And well learn more over time just how it affects our companies here in the U S including the consumers and the dealers As I sit here with Matt and Chris theyre excited to head over to Europe later this fall Were having a board meeting over there in October and an investor day in Germany on Oct 14 So well have investors board members and more employees actively engaged And this is how well learn over a period of time RVB Looks like a brave new world for Thor Zimmerman Yes there are incredible opportunities with a company that is evolving Its certainly grown over the years and there are opportunities to bring a more cohesive strategy together in certain areas 86 RVBusiness S E P T E M B E R O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9 of our business that weve never touched before There are certain synergies that we can also bring together with the acquisition And you have to have some people running point on those things Its amazing that Bob has been able to run the company as he has considering how hes been stretched like crazy lately by a company thats grown from roughly 4 billion annual sales to about 10 billion in a very short period of time Our objective is to stay close to our customers both dealers and end users and be able to continue to accelerate results for them Thats where Chris and I come into play We see that this will be a big opportunity to work on some of the key global things that maybe we personally havent been involved in here at Thor Innovation is one of them There are emerging technologies and also cases where subsidiaries duplicate efforts and resources We can get more efficient in that area You need to have a point person that can recognize those things and help align everybody RVB Any final comments regarding Thors plans and your expectations for the Elkhart RV Open House Zimmerman We have high expectations for Open House We actually have an expanded much larger display than years past at Thor Well have Jayco inside our display along with the Erwin Hymer Group so its the first time all of our companies have been together in one exhibit a much needed upgraded venue that our dealers deserve Martin And our companies are all pushing innovation like theyve never pushed innovation leading into a show so we expect big things from Open House It is truly the industry show at this point and weve got the largest display that weve ever had and some of the most innovative stuff that weve ever unveiled Hermon Everyones excited for what has become the show Our dealers are pumped about it because this is where they want to be and what they want to do in September They keep echoing that what shows they attend and what they dont attend and this one continues to be one that they want to be at With everybody upping their game whether its innovation or things that we do at their venues or things that we do at the RV MH Hall of Fame its creating the excitement RVB The area directly east of the RV MH Hall of Fame has with Thors assistance been transformed into a rally grounds with a pavilion paved lot and supporting infrastructure The location is home to Thor Industries and its subsidiaries during the Elkhart RV Open House Matt Zimmerman