Improve on perfection? Liberty Coach looks to top record performance of 2013
Like most businesses, Liberty Coach starts each year looking to improve on its performance over the prior 12 months. This year, however, it may prove harder to do than usual.
“Every coach we built in 2013 we sold in 2013,” said Liberty V.P. and co-owner Frank Konigseder Jr. “We’ve never done that before. It means we’re starting 2014 with no more 2014 coaches to sell. The entire coach model year is sold out.”
That’s just one of the impressive accomplishments chalked up by the longtime leader in luxury motorcoaches in 2013. Also noteworthy: Fully half of the 2014 units sold were custom pre-order sales that closed before production even began. And more than half – 10 of the 14 – were purchased by previous Liberty Coach owners.
Pre-owned coach sales were equally exceptional. The company reported over 60 units sold, including 13 by the fledgling Motorhome Exchange dealership, which Liberty Coach launched in August at its location in Stuart, Florida.
All together, new and used coach sales totaled 80 units, up 10% from 2012 – which was a banner year in its own right, Konigseder pointed out.
And sales were just one part of Liberty’s success story.
“We made some huge strides in coach technology,” Konigseder said. “The new audio system we introduced, with the KEF speakers and new Marantz processor, received a lot of attention because it literally revolutionized the sound quality and capabilities.
“At the same time we upgraded all of the A/V wiring using HDBaseT (HDBT) technology and CAT-6 and CAT-7 cable from WyreStorm, an award-winning specialist in HD technology,” he continued. “It enabled us to greatly enhance video quality while simultaneously eliminating about 250 pounds of wiring.”
Another improvement was the introduction of an enhanced graphic interface for the Crestron-based remote control system, which was made possible by Crestron processor upgrades that include crosspoint logic technology. “The entire system is now fully iPad and iPhone-compatible,” Konigseder said. “It allows Liberty owners to control everything in their coach from either device.”
Looking ahead, Konigseder anticipates comparable innovations and improvements in 2014, though he’s not ready to talk specifics yet. His more immediate concern, understandably, is meeting the growing demand for new Liberty Coaches.
To that end, he said, the company is exploring the possibility of adding one more coach to the production schedule. “If we continue to see traction in the economy and the marketplace, we’ll consider increasing production,” Konigseder said. “But for us, it is quality that matters first and foremost. That’s what Liberty Coach is all about – last year, this year, every year.
With locations in Stuart, FL and North Chicago, IL, Liberty Coach has been providing legendary leadership in the luxury motor coach industry for over 40 years. For more information about Liberty’s custom Prevost motor coaches, please visit www.libertycoach.com or call 800-554-9877.
