A Pendleton Interstate?

[SiennaGuy]

I've been looking at the new, special edition Pendleton trailer and I love it! IS there anybody else who'd like to see a Pendleton Interstate?
http://www.airstream.com/pendleton/

[Protagonist]

Not really. There's already the Grand Tour. Plus, I personally think Airstream should concentrate on getting the basics right on the Interstates before they go mucking about with Interstate special editions.

[UKDUDE]

Agree with Protag as usual. They should focus on the Interstate's quality control; and then get more up to date with the technology - less dependence on shore power.


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[SiennaGuy]

I agree with Protag and UK about quality control but I think that it would take a major cultural shift for them to overhaul the way that they build Interstates. From what I've been able to gather, Interstate sales are good so why worry about quality control?

I seem to remember GM saying the same thing in the 70s and 80s. GM was forced to learn that a lot of drivers care about quality control and would rather buy foreign cars that were more reliable. We, as consumers and potential consumers, can warn them that a similar tsunami is almost certain to come but it's up to them to change. All it would take would be for some of the Canadian motorhome builders to merge. Even if they just joined forces to forge a gigantic group buy with Mercedes or they merged their distribution channels, Airstream could be seriously affected.

I also think that Airstream is more likely to first "test the waters" for new ideas (like all-electric models, different color schemes or even strict quality control) on limited editions.

[xrvr]

Road trek already has an all electric model, l believe.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by avionstream

Road trek already has an all electric model, l believe.

Yes they do. So does Advanced RV. Airstream would do well to join those offering better electrics with lithium batteries.


- - Mike
2013 Interstate Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by SiennaGuy

From what I've been able to gather, Interstate sales are good so why worry about quality control?

How about taking pride in their work, as opposed to just taking pride in their paycheck?

The corporate mindset that "there's not enough time to do it right, but plenty of time to do it over under warranty" will one day topple Airstream from its place as the preeminent Sprinter van upfitter. Special editions may provide a boost in sales by generating more interest in a product that isn't otherwise keeping up with advancing competition, but if the basic product was improved, they wouldn't NEED special editions.

[UKDUDE]

Originally Posted by SiennaGuy

I also think that Airstream is more likely to first "test the waters" for new ideas (like all-electric models, different color schemes or even strict quality control) on limited editions.

They did recently test the waters in the form of a survey they sent out to Interstate owners. A great opportunity to make our feelings felt; so perhaps they are finally coming to their senses!


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