FOREST
CITY, IOWA, April 24, 2013 – Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO), one of the
leading United States (U.S.) recreation vehicle manufacturers, is entering the
mid-size vehicle transportation market with the introduction of the Metro Link™
bus.
The company spent several years in the design and development
phase conducting extensive research involving public transportation operators
and industry experts. The result is a
revolutionary approach to transit bus applications with several features
specifically tailored to provide a much quieter, better functioning vehicle
with reduced maintenance and improved durability, many of which Winnebago
Industries intends to patent. That durability is backed with an industry
leading 7 year/150,000 mile structural warranty.
The Metro Link features a one-piece fiberglass roof, a fully
welded, tubular steel framework, high gloss fiberglass sidewalls and exclusive
frameless windows that offer exceptional performance and reduced long term
maintenance. On the inside, the Metro Link offers fiberglass interior walls and
a 78-inch center aisle height. Available
in a number of passenger configurations, the Metro Link is highly customizable
to meet the wide ranging needs of the transit and paratransit industry.
“Winnebago Industries is excited to enter the bus arena with the
introduction of the Metro Link,” said Winnebago Industries Chairman of the
Board, CEO and President Randy Potts.
“This project has been in development for quite some time and we are very
excited with the outcome. The Metro Link completed extensive testing at the
highly regarded Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center in Altoona, PA. and
surpassed expectations,” said Potts. “With
its improved functionality, low maintenance design and extremely quiet ride, it
promises to be a game changer in the transit bus market.”
Distribution
of the new Metro Link will be conducted by Metro Worldwide, a division of the
Pritchard Family Companies. In business for over a century, Pritchard has had a
working relationship with Winnebago Industries for over 25 years. Pritchard has
a national presence in the distribution of commercial trucks where they have
distinguished themselves as a leader in both volume and customer service.
“We
are excited to partner with a quality company such as Winnebago Industries.
They have designed a revolutionary product for the shuttle bus and transit industry,
and we are honored to sell and service their products across the United States
and around the world,” said Pritchard Family Companies CEO Joe Pritchard.
Winnebago
Industries, Inc., “The Most Recognized Name In Motor Homes®”, is a
leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, which are used primarily in
leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company and its
subsidiary build quality motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheel products,
and transit buses under the Winnebago, Itasca, Era, SunnyBrook and Metro brand
names. Winnebago Industries has received the Quality Circle Award from the
Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association every year since the award's inception
in 1996.
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