Yahoo Message Number: 1644 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1644)
I learned from a pretty reliable source today that Don Folz, CC Pres., has been let go as well as Don Kelley, who was in charge of dealer organization ( and one of my very favorite people at CC because he always said it like it was ). Also, I was advised Jim Martin, VP-Marketing has been demoted to a regional rep. This is the second change at the top since Bob Lee retired, and I would guess reflects mgmt of Nat'l RV, the holding Co., is not satisfied with results.
It seems a shame as what I have seen of the 2003 products is pretty exciting especially when compared to the " brown year " of 2002. I am getting all sorts of compliments on my 2003 Allure, alot of it due to the beautiful paint job. The one thing I didn't expect is the tremendous improvement in driving pleasure over my 2000 Intrigue.
It will be interesting to follow developments in CC management.
Walt Rothermel
2003 Allure 30811
Yahoo Message Number: 1645 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1645)
Walt, you've got my attention. What did they change or did you go from single rear axle to a tag?
David & Karen,
2000 CC Intrigue 11062
40 ft. Gourmet on the Road
Yahoo Message Number: 1646 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1646)
David & Karen, it's hard to pinpoint why the drivability is so impressive.
Yes, I do have a tag, and the 12x22.2 tires have something to do with it. The short turning radius also contributes ( due to short wheelbase for a 40' ft. coach ). Also my comparison is to a 2000 Intrigue which had the low profile tires which had to be over-inflated for safety reasons ( see various bulletins and recalls by CC ) and which sat very low to the road. I should also note that I looked at and drove a 2002 Dynasty 40' with tag axle which is touted to have a superior ride due to the outboard airbags, and I firmly believe my new Allure rides and handles better.
I'm afraid this is not very conclusive, but hope it helps.
Walt Rothermel
2003 Allure30811
Yahoo Message Number: 1648 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1648)
Hi Walt, Thanks for the note it helps a lot. We have the 12X22.5 wheels on our coach so already enjoy that improvement.
I find the 40ft single rear axle coach (ours) to ride well on the highway but is sometimes a PITA when trying to maneuver in tight spaces and traveling in built up areas with narrow streets.
My driving skills are improving GGG, but I have come to the conclusion that our next CC will have to be 40 with a tag or 36 without. Not sure how we would adapt to a shorter coach space wise. Just like a regular house you get used to the larger ones and it is hard to down size.
Karen has become addicted to the J lounge option and I am not sure she would be satisfied with a shorter version in a 36 if such an option is available. I have to make sure she is a happy camper, an RV is just to small to house an unhappy wife.
We have booked space at the CC rally in Eugene this coming July and I expect to spend time looking at 2003 plans in the Allure and Intrigue level coaches. Maybe I will get a test drive with a tag unit.
Not much chance of trading yet unless the Dow reaches 15000. Do you think I will have to wait long? LOL.
David & Karen,
2000 CC Intrigue 11062
40 ft. Gourmet on the Road
Yahoo Message Number: 1649 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1649)
David, I am going to hold you to that sentence!
Damon ;-)
Yahoo Message Number: 1650 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1650)
David,
If the DOW reaches 15000, I'll think about buying a new coach for you!
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438
Member: CCI, FMCA
Yahoo Message Number: 1651 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1651)
Dick, As Damon said in his post "I'm going to hold you to that sentence" LOL
Hope you are having fun with your CC
David & Karen,
2000 CC Intrigue 11062
40 ft. Gourmet on the Road
Yahoo Message Number: 1652 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1652)
Damon, That's OK by me but I still expect a big discount. GGG
David & Karen,
2000 CC Intrigue 11062
40 ft. Gourmet on the Road
Yahoo Message Number: 1654 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1654)
I had also heard this RUMOR.
So, on Friday I called one of the marketing folks at CC and asked him directly about the rumors of Don's departure.
I was told the following
There will be or just has been (can't remember) a change announced in the sales positions at CC. They are......
1. Terry Muir will assume the responsibility for Nationwide sales for all of National's products, including CC.
2. Tim Jones will have the Nation wide responsibility for sales for all CC products.
3. Jim Martin with have sales responsibilities for sales in the NW area of the USA.
Note, both Terry and Tim are current National (parent co.) employees..
4. NO changes regarding Don Fults. Don remains in his current position.
5. No other sr. mgt. changes have occurred or a about to happen.
That's all I have been told.
I hope that Don does remain here. He seems to have a good handle on customer requirements and seems to be willing to make the necessary changes to make us happy. Hopefully he can continue to improve upon and build the products that we want at a "reasonable" profit for CC.
Den Zarnt -- 01 Affinity 5972
Yahoo Message Number: 1656 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1656)
I hope you're source is better than mine re Don. I also think he's a good man.
Walt
2003Allure30811
Yahoo Message Number: 1706 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1706)
Spiker,
What exterior paint plan do you have on your 03 Allure and what colors did you select??
Thanks, Mike
Yahoo Message Number: 1713 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/1713)
Mike, my exterior design is shown as #2 at the CC webpage. It's dark blue, gray, silver and has red accents. It's the prettiest CC I've seen, but 'm prejudiced. We didn't order this coach--it was a show coach at the Fort Benning pre-rally in March.
The interior is light Cherry with a patterned fabricand beige carpet and tile. The interior is shown as "Teracatta Tapestry " at the web page. The Scan style easy chair is chocolate. The only thing I would change if I had ordered the coach would have been walnut interior, but the cherry is growing on me.
Walt
2003Allure30811