Briefs: RVIA, Company News Bits

Longer Trailers Coming? Supersize it? The Recreational Vehicle Industry
Association (RVIA) has announced it will pursue federal legislation allowing fifth-wheel
trailers to exceed the current 400-square-foot limit (and conventional trailers to exceed
their present 320-square-foot limit). Mercedes to Offer Diesels in SUVS
Mercedes-Benz plans to offer BlueTec diesel versions of the GL-Class, M-Class and R-Class
SUV models in the United States in 2008. Clean-running BlueTec diesels are known for their
high torque, which is well-suited to trailer towing, and for excellent fuel economy.
Pricing and further details were not announced. Fleetwood to Close
Factories Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. recently announced it will close three of its
travel-trailer manufacturing plants. A total of 993 people will lose their jobs when
Fleetwood closes its plants in Williamsport, Maryland; Longview, Texas; and Rialto,
California, by May 1. Fleetwood also plans to open a travel-trailer plant in Mexicali, Baja
California, Mexico by May. Airstream Offers 75th Anniversary Book
Airstream’s 75th Anniversary book, by Russ Banham, is a 175-plus page hardbound book packed
with vintage photos, history, a company time line and more. A limited-edition Wanderlust
book, with a specially designed aluminum cover manufactured at the Airstream factory, is
also available. That version comes with a caravan DVD and an engraved limited-edition
number plate on the cover. For more information: www.airstream.com