Forum Discussion
401nailhead
Aug 04, 2015Explorer
I feel like I am in a time-warp with the Dodge - Toyota discussion going the way it is (relatively true info, no argument there, but a little dated overall). Lot's of new info to consider in last 10 years. Toyota has a good reputation, yes I have driven and known first hand, although I do not buy foreign or U.S. manufactured foreign, for reasons I won't go into here. We're not hijacking the thread though here, this is pertinent to Winnebago, its survival, and growth. Toyota obviously has a reputation of quality, and at times, its height of reputation was deserved in comparison to other makes. However, Winnebago would do well to follow the recent model of Dodge (or more accurately, Chrysler/Jeep overall). First, let's get this out of the way - 125K miles for a modern Dart is no problem whatsoever. Bank on it. Take for example our 240k Spirit when traded, 140k voyager when sold, 135k current caravan going strong, 110k Sebring going strong, 102k Caliber going strong, etc. We're talking modern conditions (where quality ratings, sales, industry leading warranties, and popularity i.e. Challenger/Charger/300 are competitive). Chrysler sales discounts are among the best, as are their warranties (I am running two Dodges with lifetime powertrain warranties (free with purchase) and lifetime bumper to bumper warranties (purchased reasonably). Current Dodge warranties are among the best in the industry, reflecting their confidence in build, yet still are among the best in pricing discounts.
Sorry if that was too long, now back to Winnebago. Winnebago is also an old, well known make, looking to reclaim/refurbish their name for value and quality, innovation and features. We agree in most of what is being discussed. Winnebago can work to be ABOVE expectations with quality and innovation for the price. Keep their good prices and deeper discounts, and value of features, including unique features. Although I have not researched their warranties, their build reputation will need polishing to go along with a strong warranty or other product backing, and they will benefit from a positive response. Travato is extremely innovative in layout design and features for the price. I know less about ERA, except I have looked one over, and it is initially impressive. There are many, many similarities in Winnebago history and current potential, and the rebirth of Chrysler (Dodge). Chrysler is on a 63 month sales growth streak, if anyone hasn't been keeping up, as proof of their success. And for consumers who wonder, that is based on quality, price discounts, and warranty strength (in my opinion). We agree, Winnebago can make its move in Class B and elsewhere. To do that, they must respond and grow in quality. It won't need to be first rate handcrafting, but high quality workmanship for the cost. The features are there: consider Travato with one of the best showers, rear load and storage of cargo, dinette and sleeping more than 2. Front wheel drive and wider van, built on a popular delivery van platform (reportedly #1 in Europe - Ducato), low price point, big discounts on top of that. The pieces are in place. They will likely never be seen as the #1 quality or prestige leader of the Class B pack, but you are right, they should not aim at "quality for what you paid for", but rather, "phenomenal quality for the price". And we agree, that can be accomplished by good management and good team pride in the builders. Ideally, they will grow a little further in Class B floorplans, to meet the demand of diffent interests. Not bashing Toyota at all, but the Dodge/Chrysler story of the last 10 years is more pertinent to Winnebago at this time in history, and not a bad track to be on, at all. Cheers!
Sorry if that was too long, now back to Winnebago. Winnebago is also an old, well known make, looking to reclaim/refurbish their name for value and quality, innovation and features. We agree in most of what is being discussed. Winnebago can work to be ABOVE expectations with quality and innovation for the price. Keep their good prices and deeper discounts, and value of features, including unique features. Although I have not researched their warranties, their build reputation will need polishing to go along with a strong warranty or other product backing, and they will benefit from a positive response. Travato is extremely innovative in layout design and features for the price. I know less about ERA, except I have looked one over, and it is initially impressive. There are many, many similarities in Winnebago history and current potential, and the rebirth of Chrysler (Dodge). Chrysler is on a 63 month sales growth streak, if anyone hasn't been keeping up, as proof of their success. And for consumers who wonder, that is based on quality, price discounts, and warranty strength (in my opinion). We agree, Winnebago can make its move in Class B and elsewhere. To do that, they must respond and grow in quality. It won't need to be first rate handcrafting, but high quality workmanship for the cost. The features are there: consider Travato with one of the best showers, rear load and storage of cargo, dinette and sleeping more than 2. Front wheel drive and wider van, built on a popular delivery van platform (reportedly #1 in Europe - Ducato), low price point, big discounts on top of that. The pieces are in place. They will likely never be seen as the #1 quality or prestige leader of the Class B pack, but you are right, they should not aim at "quality for what you paid for", but rather, "phenomenal quality for the price". And we agree, that can be accomplished by good management and good team pride in the builders. Ideally, they will grow a little further in Class B floorplans, to meet the demand of diffent interests. Not bashing Toyota at all, but the Dodge/Chrysler story of the last 10 years is more pertinent to Winnebago at this time in history, and not a bad track to be on, at all. Cheers!
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