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.
For more information on the new Metro Link, please contact: Scott Loges at 1-855-923-2855, email at scott.loges@pritchards.com or visit www.wgotransit.com
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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