Winnebago Industries Launches All-electric/Zero-emission Commercial Vehicle Platform
FOREST CITY, IOWA — Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO), a leading United States (U.S.) recreation vehicle manufacturer, has announced the launch of an all-electric/zero-emission commercial vehicle platform through the Company’s Specialty Vehicles Division. In conjunction, the Company has announced a strategic partnership with Motiv Power Systems, Inc., a U.S. market leader in chassis for medium-duty electric vehicles, for the development and supply of electric-powered chassis. As part of the strategic partnership, Winnebago intends to make a financial investment in Motiv, the terms of which were not disclosed.
“Winnebago Industries is a company that is focused on creating customer value through innovation and technology,” said Ashis Bhattacharya, Vice President, Strategic Planning and Development, and leader of the Specialty Vehicles Division. “We have a rich history of product and feature innovation, and we are continuously evaluating new and emerging technologies to further that legacy. We believe that all-electric vehicle applications continue to evolve to serve numerous end-user needs and this is our first step as a participant in this space.”
Winnebago Industries has been a leading supplier of specialty and custom-built vehicles for more than 30 years. Offerings include commercial shells, Ability Equipped motorhomes, and specialty vehicles. Every Winnebago Industries commercial vehicle features an interlocking SuperStructure design creating a barrier-free interior and allowing for maximum customization. Available options include slide rooms, alternate entrance door locations, wheelchair lifts and cargo doors. Other integrated systems can include: air-conditioning, generators, solar panels, inverters, power back-up systems, leveling systems, toilets, showers, and plumbing.
Winnebago Industries’ all-electric/zero-emission commercial vehicle is based on a Class A RV platform utilizing Motiv’s Ford F53 based EPIC all-electric chassis and will be available in 33-foot and 38-foot lengths with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) up to 26,000 pounds. The vehicle is suited for urban and semi-urban short range commercial applications like mobile medical clinics, bloodmobiles, mobile classrooms and mobile outreach vehicles. Significant road testing has been conducted on the vehicle that houses six to eight batteries and delivers an expected range of 85 to 125 miles on a full charge.
“Motiv’s EPIC all-electric chassis, paired with Winnebago Industries’ highly regarded commercial shell, is the perfect fit for end-users who seek reliable performance and functionality,” said Jim Castelaz, Motiv CEO & Founder. “We are excited to collaborate with Winnebago Industries as we work together to grow the electric commercial vehicle market.”
About Winnebago Industries
Winnebago Industries is a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles under the Winnebago and Grand Design brands, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company builds quality motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheel products. Winnebago has multiple facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Oregon and Minnesota. The Company's common stock is listed on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges and traded under the symbol WGO. Options for the Company's common stock are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. For access to Winnebago's investor relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list for Company news releases, visit http://investor.wgo.net.
About Motiv Power Systems
Founded in 2009, and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Motiv Power Systems is committed to freeing fleets from their dependence on fossil fuels. Motiv’s EPIC (Electric Powered Intelligent Chassis) family is CARB certified, GSA approved, and available for a number of different body configurations including walk-in vans, box trucks, work trucks, shuttle buses, school buses, trolleys, and other specialty vehicles. An EPIC chassis offers uncompromised performance and functionality without the pollution, noise, heat, and vibration of gasoline or diesel power. Motiv is a Ford eQVM-approved provider of all-electric chassis for commercial trucks and buses and benefits from engineering insights and support from Ford to ensure safety and reliability. With more than 350,000 miles logged in Fortune 50 fleet deployments throughout North America, the EPIC family eliminates 100% of vehicle emissions, dramatically reduces operating and maintenance costs, and creates a healthier environment for riders and communities, while also reducing driver fatigue.
