Increasing the difference between brands

[edgray]

I had heard that one of Winnebago's long term strategies was to create more differentation between the Winnebago and Itasca brands. Many of us have been told by various salesmen something like "there is no difference, other than fabric colors" or somesuch salespeak.

In remarks made to their dealers at the 2009 model year introduction meetings being held in Las Vegas :

"Winnebago Industries broadened the product differentiation between the Winnebago and Itasca brands for 2009," noted Bob Olson, Winnebago Industries chairman, CEO and president.


For the latest info on all the models for 2009, please see the website. ED

 

[edgray]

I had heard that one of Winnebago's long term strategies was to create more differentation between the Winnebago and Itasca brands. Many of us have been told by various salesmen something like "there is no difference, other than fabric colors" or somesuch salespeak.

In remarks made to their dealers at the 2009 model year introduction meetings being held in Las Vegas :

"Winnebago Industries broadened the product differentiation between the Winnebago and Itasca brands for 2009," noted Bob Olson, Winnebago Industries chairman, CEO and president.


For the latest info on all the models for 2009, please see the website. ED

 

[rvten]

I have not seen any difference in the two brands. Other than $$.

 

[FrontRangeRVer]

Maybe more different colors......

 

[edgray]

well hang in there guys, 'cause changes are a comin. Hopefully you will like what you see! ED

 

[bobpie]

The difference is like Ford and Mercury. Same thing but different.

 

[Whaler-WO]

OK Ed,at least give us a time table on when we will be let in on this info,I sure will be upset if my new 32H COULD of been had with a rear gas drive!

 

[John Canfield]

There have been differences in the past. There is a list floating around somewhere generated coincident with the introduction of the 2004 Vectra/Horizon detailing a page or two of brand differences.

For example, the Horizon's (for at least a few years including and post 2004) cabinet hinges were hidden. There are several things standard on the Horizon that were optional on the Vectra.

As far as I remember, the differences were relatively trivial and basically consisted of some bling-bling and fewer options (more features standard) than the Vectra. (I am only familiar with Horizon vs. Vectra differences)

Winnie designers and product planners will no doubt continue to tinker with brand differences to position them to capture a specific market segment.

I for one wish them great success

 

[Tom N]

(These differences were provided by Winnebago.)

2004 Vectra/Horizon Differences

FRONT

HORIZON - Bright brushed stainless steel trim on lower fiberglass
VECTRA - N/A

BACK

HORIZON - Std. polished stainless steel mud guard w/Itasca decal
VECTRA - Optional brushed metal w/Winnebago

PASENGER'S SIDE

HORIZON - Lighted acrylic entrance handle w/logo
VECTRA - Lighted acrylic

HORIZON - logo screen door kick plate
VECTRA - N/A

BEDROOM/BATH

HORIZON - Standard SleepSlumber Bed by Select Comfort
VECTRA - Optional

HORIZON - Cedar lining in wardrobe
VECTRA - Decorative paneling

HORIZON - Standard 12v digital alarm clock
VECTRA - N/A

HORIZON - Hardwood chair rail in bedroom
VECTRA - N/A

HORIZON - Chrome/satin nickel hardware and light fixtures
VECTRA - Brass

HORIZON - Rain-like textured glass shower door
VECTRA - Textured glass

HORIZON - Flexible shower head
VECTRA - Fixed

HORIZON - Standard hand-held showerhead and show seat
VECTRA - Optional package

HORIZON - Dual-control Moen faucet
VECTRA - Phoenix single control

HORIZON - Soap dispenser
VECTRA - N/A

HORIZON - Rain sensor w/powered roof vent
VECTRA - Rain sensor N/A

HORIZON - Roof vent shades
VECTRA - N/A

HORIZON - 12" x 12" ceramic tile with 8" tile (45 degree)
VECTRA - 12" x 12" ceramic tile (parallel)

HORIZON - Sealand Concerto w/residential flush and sprayer (N/A 34TD)
VECTRA - Sealand 510 w/foot flush and sprayer

KITCHEN

HORIZON - Stainless steel refridgerator door
VECTRA - Wood-raised panel door insert

HORIZON - Moen stainless steel sink
VECTRA - Solid surface sink

HORIZON - Stainless steel range top/oven door trim
VECTRA - Black

HORIZON - Stainless steel trim on microwave/convection oven
VECTRA - Black

HORIZON - Rain sensor w/powered roof vent
VECTRA - Rain sensor N/A

HORIZON - Oval dining table
VECTRA - Rectangular

HORIZON - Wood sconce frames
VECTRA - Wood frame N/A

LOUNGE

HORIZON - Arched panel overhead cabinet doors
VECTRA - N/A

HORIZON - "Fluted" edge
VECTRA - "Ogee" edge

HORIZON - Available Washed Maple cabinetry
VECTRA - N/A

HORIZON - Hidden hinged throughout
VECTRA - N/A

HORIZON - Round satin nickel clock
VECTRA - Brass clock

HORIZON - Dual-reclining Rest Easy w/heat
VECTRA - Heat N/A

HORIZON - Satin nickel cabinet pulls
VECTRA - Brass cabinet pulls

HORIZON - Available UltraLeather furniture
VECTRA - Leather

CAB

HORIZON - CD storage in front overhead
VECTRA - N/A

HORIZON - Standard UltraLeather seating in cab w/logo
VECTRA - Optional leather (N/A w/logo)

HORIZON - Standard 6-way power assist driver/passenger
VECTRA - Optional on driver only or driver/passenger

 

[tomsm]

I've noticed a few actual differences in the smallest Winnies. There doesn't appear to be a Winnebago equivalent to the Itasca Navion iQ. The '09 Navion introduction mentions a 24A floorplan. They don't show that floorplan yet, but the View writeup doesn't mention a 24A. However, the View "sneak peek" shows a 24P floorplan, which is not shown on the Navion side. Maybe they are starting with the littlest Winnies and working their way up...

 

[edgray]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">OK Ed,at least give us a time table on when we will be let in on this info </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Please let me explain: I don't have ANY inside info, other than what I can read online. I simply reported what I read because it appeared to be an "official" statement from the top that they ARE creating brand differences, which I have been told did not really exist in the past models. I'm certainly not a Winnie/Itasca expert....didn't you see my signature?

I may be a bago wannabee, but that decision is more or less theirs to make, depending on what they do for 2009 with the UFO. ED