Fleetwood's 'Driving Forward Together' National Dealer Meeting Provides Attendees With Positive Outlook for Future

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fleetwood Enterprises' RV Group, a leading producer of recreational vehicles, held its 2008 "Driving Forward Together" National Dealer Meeting at the Paris Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev., from Tuesday, September 2 through Thursday, September 4, 2008. The event was attended by over 600 Fleetwood RV dealers, suppliers and associates.

"This year, we had several key goals for our National Dealer Meeting," said Paul Eskritt, President of Fleetwood's RV Group. "We wanted to set the record straight on the Company's financials, showcase the increasingly important relationship we have with our dealer and supplier body, and highlight our new brands and models.

"In addition, we wanted to illustrate the powerful impact each of us has on one another -- especially in this competitive market -- and lay out Fleetwood's plan to ensure that all of us have a profitable today, tomorrow and beyond," Eskritt continued. "After speaking with many of our dealers during and after the show, I believe we have improved our focus on listening to our dealers' needs, which has resulted in better product value in both our travel trailer and motor home businesses."

"I am very impressed by the overall positive attitude and team spirit exhibited by everyone at Fleetwood," said Ernie Friesen, owner of All Seasons RV and Redding RV in Northern California, and a Fleetwood dealer for more than 20 years. "Throughout the meeting, I heard a consistent and optimistic message about the future of Fleetwood and the RV industry as a whole. Combined with the great-looking products that were on display -- Fleetwood has, once again, made me a believer."

"This was the best dealer meeting I have ever been to," said Paul Minton, owner of River City RV in Arkansas, and a Fleetwood dealer for more than 10 years. "I believe Fleetwood is on course to help us all be more successful as the market improves."

The National Dealer Meeting kicked off on Tuesday evening with a poolside welcome reception. The core of the meeting was delivered to attendees during Wednesday's general session where Eskritt, Travel Trailer Regional General Managers Jim Croxton (west) and Donald Cochran (east), Vice President of Motor Home Operations Chuck Wilkinson and National Directors of Sales Dave Cheney (motor homes) and Mark O'Connor (travel trailers) spoke about Fleetwood's strategies, product plans, sales and marketing support, and wholesale and retail financing provided through Fleetwood Financial Services.

Key highlights in the general session included:
-- Dramatic product reveals for the 2009 Terry LX (fifth wheel), 2009
Southwind (Class A gas motor home) and the Power Bridge Chassis(TM)
(Class A diesel chassis), all of which were driven through the
conference room and showcased in front of the audience.
-- The debut of the brand-new 2009 Backpack(TM) & Compass(TM) Ultralite
travel trailer lines, featuring innovative floor plan features
including bunk beds, LCD TVs, and more.
-- A glimpse into the future of RVs where Eskritt visually revealed some
of Fleetwood's plans to introduce shorter, lighter, more
fuel-efficient motor home and travel trailer models.
-- Dealer and customer testimonials that underscored Fleetwood's improved
focus on listening.
-- A comprehensive video review of Fleetwood's marketing efforts over the
last year.
-- A candid portrayal of Fleetwood's financial position given by Eskritt.

Other event highlights included the keynote address, given by NFL Hall of Famer and television personality Terry Bradshaw; and an awards gala where Top Dealer Awards and 17th Annual Circle of Excellence awards were presented to members of the dealer body.

Immediately after the awards ceremony, Eskritt and Elden Smith, president and CEO of Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., presented Boyd Plowman, retiring executive vice president and CFO, with an honorary Circle of Excellence award for his 30-plus years of dedication and service to the Company.

Later Smith addressed the audience recounting the tough times that have challenged the RV market in the past, recalling the perseverance that Fleetwood and the industry utilized previously in order to come out of the down cycles stronger and better, and relaying his belief that this current market climate will once again result in the same steadfast response and positive outcome.

"[Fleetwood is] responding to the current situation, but, more importantly, we are planning for the future," said Smith. "And so are all of you. The strength of this dealer body is better than it has ever been before. I am tremendously impressed by your resilience and your professionalism -- and am supremely confident in our mutual ability to weather the current market environment."

Over 40 suppliers participated with displays, while Power Gear and Freightliner Custom Chassis sponsored the meal functions, Dave Carter & Associates sponsored Tuesday's Welcome Reception and Bank of America sponsored the awards dinner and gala.

About Fleetwood Enterprises

Fleetwood RV is the recreational vehicle operations group within Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:FLE), a leading producer of recreational vehicles and manufactured housing through its subsidiaries. Fleetwood's recreational vehicle line includes motor homes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels. Fleetwood RV products are distributed through a nationwide network of approximately 750 dealers. For more information on Fleetwood Enterprises, visit our website at http://www.fleetwood.com/.

Media Contacts:
Heather Everett
(951) 377-3852
heather.everett@fleetwood.com

Source: Fleetwood Enterprises

CONTACT: Heather Everett of Fleetwood Enterprises, +1-951-377-3852,
heather.everett@fleetwood.com

Web site: http://www.fleetwood.com/

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