WEBVTT
00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:01.600
Who is this company from Australia?
00:00:05.519 --> 00:00:08.320
In the US, that's pretty much entry level 22 foot.
00:00:08.640 --> 00:00:11.599
The the US customer always wants something larger.
00:00:11.759 --> 00:00:14.960
And how we've developed it for the US market's very different to Australia.
00:00:15.279 --> 00:00:19.440
We get all of the insights and the knowledge and experience from our US customers.
00:00:39.920 --> 00:00:41.920
Here's something you might not know.
00:00:42.079 --> 00:00:47.359
Since 2021, MDC has had an American arm, MDC USA.
00:00:47.840 --> 00:00:50.880
And the Americans do do things a bit differently.
00:00:51.119 --> 00:01:05.359
They want big big trucks, big rigs, big comfort, but more and more they also want what we've always built MDC around: the freedom to get out properly off the beaten track and live remotely.
00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:13.840
So how does an Aussie off-road caravan company give Americans what they want without losing what makes it an MDC?
00:01:14.159 --> 00:01:19.840
The answer is the brand new XT22 HRT Off-Grid Extreme.
00:01:20.079 --> 00:01:24.159
It's the biggest MDC travel trailer ever built for the US.
00:01:24.400 --> 00:01:34.640
It's got three separate living zones: dual zone heating and cooling, serious off-grid power, and an outdoor entertainment hub for the tailgators.
00:01:34.799 --> 00:01:41.680
Today we're going to get right back to the start of the American journey and finishing with the XT22.
00:01:41.920 --> 00:01:47.200
I've got three blokes at the table with me who have absolutely lived it.
00:01:48.159 --> 00:01:54.480
Founder and owner of MDC and the man that took MDC to America, Vaughan Hindley.
00:01:54.959 --> 00:01:56.159
Thanks for having us, Steve.
00:01:56.239 --> 00:02:03.439
And you can r refer to me as the president of MDC USA to legit.
00:02:03.840 --> 00:02:04.560
El Presidente.
00:02:05.040 --> 00:02:05.840
Legit, I'm the president.
00:02:06.239 --> 00:02:09.199
Does that mean we have to get him a new hairstyle and some orange skin?
00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:11.360
Some fake tears.
00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:17.759
Our general manager of Commercial and Product.
00:02:18.879 --> 00:02:22.080
James Field, who knows all things caravanning.
00:02:22.159 --> 00:02:22.319
Yeah.
00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:28.879
And the man who looks after our dealer network and spearheads MDC into the US, Richie Fort.
00:02:29.199 --> 00:02:30.400
Welcome everybody.
00:02:30.960 --> 00:02:31.680
Great to be here.
00:02:31.919 --> 00:02:32.800
Thanks, Steve.
00:02:33.199 --> 00:02:36.319
So bit of an exciting podcast.
00:02:36.560 --> 00:02:41.280
Fort plenty of Australian businesses talk about cracking the American market.
00:02:41.520 --> 00:02:46.719
Not many ship product over there successfully and often disappear.
00:02:46.960 --> 00:02:48.400
But we've set up shop.
00:02:48.479 --> 00:02:52.000
We've gone full into the American market.
00:02:52.319 --> 00:02:53.599
So why?
00:02:53.919 --> 00:02:55.759
And how?
00:02:56.319 --> 00:02:56.800
How?
00:02:57.120 --> 00:02:58.560
Tell us the bones about it.
00:02:58.879 --> 00:02:59.199
Why?
00:03:00.159 --> 00:03:17.520
So for anyone not familiar with MDC, um, we have an exclusive one-to-one relationship with our uh factory in China, and we've grown up together over time, and you'd probably see more about that um relationship in in uh in other podcasts that we've done.
00:03:17.759 --> 00:03:27.840
But um it's the northern southern southern hemisphere thing is the main reason, and it's uh continuation of production.
00:03:28.240 --> 00:03:37.439
So, for instance, when it's summer here, it's our peak period, it's winter in the US, and that's their low time, and then vice versa.
00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:44.560
And so what we look for is when it comes to production, is actually keeping the same production all year round.
00:03:45.199 --> 00:04:04.400
Um, consistent numbers makes it easier for us as a business to purchase parts from our suppliers, but also um if we can even out that seasonality, it's actually good for our supplier um in China because they don't have to uh ramp up or down, they just want a consistent business over time.
00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:06.319
So that was the primary reason.
00:04:06.560 --> 00:04:12.560
Uh another reason is the US sells more RVs than any other country in the world.
00:04:12.719 --> 00:04:12.960
Right.
00:04:13.439 --> 00:04:26.879
Um, and then from a financial perspective, Richie um could could explain more, but when it comes to currency and fluctuations, um it sort of evens out that as well from a financial perspective.
00:04:27.839 --> 00:04:38.319
So uh when uh undertaking this venture into the US, what did you think the American consumers wanted and what did we get wrong?
00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:41.199
Uh very interesting.
00:04:41.439 --> 00:04:48.480
Um I guess the overlanding segment there has just started to get a bit bigger in the last five or six years.
00:04:48.800 --> 00:04:49.360
Absolutely.
00:04:49.600 --> 00:04:52.959
Um and maybe the uh Americans didn't know what they wanted.
00:04:53.759 --> 00:05:03.920
Um but uh Australia's always been big when it comes to off-road, off-grid, um which is overlanding in the US, and so I guess we had an inside line as to what the needs were.
00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:15.519
And you see large companies like TJM and ARB um have gone overseas and sort of set the the mandate for what overlanding is, and so we're sort of jumping on those coattails.
00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:16.160
Sure.
00:05:16.399 --> 00:05:22.160
Yeah, well I guess the overlanding's traditionally being a bunch of guys out in their jeeps, maybe the odd little trailer.
00:05:22.480 --> 00:05:22.959
Correct.
00:05:23.519 --> 00:05:30.800
And I think one of the challenges we had at the start was that people love the product, but where would I take it?
00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:34.079
Whereas in Australia everyone knows where you would go.
00:05:34.879 --> 00:05:40.560
Go to the Outback, go to the Gulf, go to the Tip, go to Tasmania or whatever.
00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:45.839
But in America it's like I reckon it's great, but I don't know where to go.
00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:53.680
And it was as well as educating people on the product, educating people on where potentially they could take it on trips.
00:05:54.079 --> 00:06:11.759
I guess it was a lot of that when uh when we had it over to the States and did a bit of a tour around and we did uh the slot canyon through Anza Barraga and all that sort of stuff and found ourselves going amazing places with caravans in tow.
00:06:12.079 --> 00:06:12.240
Yeah.
00:06:12.399 --> 00:06:16.959
And as you know, when you pull up at a gas station, you've got a van behind the truck.
00:06:17.279 --> 00:06:18.720
People want to know what it is.
00:06:19.120 --> 00:06:20.560
Yes, absolutely.
00:06:20.720 --> 00:06:22.560
Everyone everyone was very interested.
00:06:22.720 --> 00:06:22.879
Yeah.
00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:27.199
A lot of questions, especially if you're up at a campsite, there's other people around.
00:06:27.519 --> 00:06:27.680
Yeah.
00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:31.680
I think so you asked Vaughan before about the, you know, the why.
00:06:31.839 --> 00:06:35.920
And I remember speaking to both Richie and Vaughan about this many years ago.
00:06:36.160 --> 00:07:05.360
Um that one of the key reasons why for us as a business as well is the fact that we knew there was an opportunity for us in the US market to have a genuine off-road capable trailer that um the US market, even you know, to this day to a point, some of the product over there, even though it is very heavily marketed as overlanding for overlanding, uh, you would never be able to take it to the places that you can an MDC USA uh travel trailer.
00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:15.600
So the whole wire side of things, we're very good at at designing and and manufacturing, building off-road caravans and and uh travel trailers.
00:07:15.920 --> 00:07:19.680
And um the opportunity there for us is to obviously take that to the US.
00:07:19.839 --> 00:07:31.279
We've had, I remember, looking at our our socials before I guess we did the US stuff, and we would have people from America looking at our staff, starting to follow us, asking, can I take this to the US?
00:07:31.360 --> 00:07:34.079
So there was certainly a bit of a drive there as well.
00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:38.079
You also asked another question around, you know, what have we learnt over the journey?
00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:44.240
And in the near six years I've been with the business and heavily involved in the US evolution.
00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:55.360
Anyone trying to take an Australian product, let's call it flip the floor plan, i.e., put the door on the correct side for the US and plonk it in the US is absolutely kidding themselves.
00:07:55.439 --> 00:07:57.439
It's just not, doesn't work like that.
00:07:57.680 --> 00:08:18.720
And I think we've learned that over the what is it, five or six years that we've been active in that market now, there are so many anomalies and differences in customer expectation, whether that's spec, look and feel, uh, what they're after when they travel, it's not as easy as just going, well, we know how it works in Australia, so we're just gonna plonk our product and see how we go.
00:08:18.879 --> 00:08:23.839
And I think that's with our Wolfgrid Extreme range, which I think we're gonna talk about a little bit today.
00:08:24.240 --> 00:08:36.399
That, in my opinion, and I'm sure you guys would agree, hands down, our best iteration yet of a genuine US style spec fit and finish uh unit within our range.
00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:38.399
Yeah, it's the evolution of the brand.
00:08:38.720 --> 00:08:39.039
Absolutely.
00:08:39.200 --> 00:08:43.679
Yeah, having camped in an off-grid extreme, yeah, super impressive.
00:08:43.840 --> 00:08:44.720
I was in love with it.
00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:51.039
Yeah, it was exactly what we needed for where we went, and I was so comfortable.
00:08:51.360 --> 00:08:59.039
And it took us th five years of having product in the market and developing, and Vaughan to his credit, going on so many overlanding trips.
00:08:59.120 --> 00:09:01.279
Yourself, Steve, you've been there, Richie's been there.
00:09:01.360 --> 00:09:12.320
Like we've all gone and we've understood the market, the customer, the shows, the competitors, the product usage, and all of that is absolutely critical to where we've got the product today.
00:09:12.720 --> 00:09:20.159
Yeah, we've listened to people and heard what they've got to say, worked out what works, what doesn't work, and changed our strategy along the way.
00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:23.519
And I think we've got a really good product in the US market now.
00:09:23.840 --> 00:09:24.159
Agree.
00:09:24.320 --> 00:09:24.960
It's exciting.
00:09:25.200 --> 00:09:25.600
Absolutely.
00:09:25.919 --> 00:09:29.279
This one for uh Rich, you, Richie, and Vaughan.
00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:39.919
You know, back in the day we set up a first production in LA there, and then opened up branches California, Arizona, uh, Utah, Colorado.
00:09:40.159 --> 00:09:43.600
What were those first couple of years like trying to manage all that?
00:09:45.360 --> 00:09:48.399
I guess remotely it's always a challenge.
00:09:48.480 --> 00:09:51.679
So you've got to rely on having good people on the ground.
00:09:51.840 --> 00:10:01.120
And we've had some good people in business over the over there over the years, and certainly got some even better people there now, and that makes a big difference.
00:10:01.759 --> 00:10:10.960
Uh the quality of the product is number one, and that's something MDC you know stands for is quality.
00:10:11.360 --> 00:10:18.960
And when you've got a quality product, basically what we do here in Australia, we now do do in the S US.
00:10:19.200 --> 00:10:20.879
So we don't need to do anything different.
00:10:21.039 --> 00:10:28.720
So it was a bit like rinse and repeat to some degree, and we were able to help the team in the US and here from Australia.
00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:30.879
And during that time we've also had COVID.
00:10:31.039 --> 00:10:34.559
So people over there, the business had to stand on its own two feet.
00:10:34.720 --> 00:10:47.120
And you know, I think uh the business we've got today is proof that during that period of time people were able to lead the business the way we wanted to.
00:10:47.279 --> 00:10:48.240
Uh yeah.
00:10:48.399 --> 00:10:51.840
And so it's exciting to see how things have evolved.
00:10:52.240 --> 00:11:01.840
J just on that with uh the customer base over there, like I see everything on social media and the feedback and all the rest of it.
00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:16.480
And the the uh contrast I see uh in how the Americans view the MDC product, they're looking at the MDC product and going, oh my God, I've never seen anything this good.
00:11:17.120 --> 00:11:20.240
This is the best of this I've ever seen.
00:11:20.559 --> 00:11:23.679
And it is consistently the feedback.
00:11:23.840 --> 00:11:38.480
So I guess that's m more about how Americans have traditionally done their RVs, because I think we commented on some of the stuff we saw, and Shane even said that they're almost disposable, yeah.
00:11:38.720 --> 00:11:40.320
A lot of the stuff that they build over there.
00:11:40.399 --> 00:11:40.559
Trevor Burrus, Jr.
00:11:40.799 --> 00:11:46.559
People buy a US built product on the expectation that within five years' time they'll have to replace it.
00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:50.159
Send it off to the tip or let the dog sleep in it.
00:11:53.120 --> 00:11:53.360
Yeah.
00:11:54.240 --> 00:12:00.559
And that has been the thing that because I I'm used to Australians' expectations are obviously different.
00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:07.919
But um yeah, I was really taken aback by just how strong that feeling was amongst the American consumers.
00:12:08.320 --> 00:12:26.080
The product certainly stands out in the US, and I think that's a driven a lot by the fact that we don't build in Elcart, Indiana, and Elkhart, Indiana is like the Campbellfield Victoria of of the US, and um the majority of the manufacturers are building there, and they all build very similar to each other.
00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:29.679
They all have the same look and feel, they're they're very similar supply chains.
00:12:29.840 --> 00:12:37.679
So by by default, those products end up looking very similar, have similar capability, and they're built to a price point.
00:12:37.759 --> 00:12:42.080
And right or wrong, they sell a lot of products and they look, you know, they look good, they look great.
00:12:42.240 --> 00:12:47.279
The value proposition is good for the customer, they see the the sale price and and go for it.
00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:52.559
But what's behind the scenes under the skin, and when you look at capability is chalk and cheese.
00:12:52.639 --> 00:13:01.360
So that's I think that's why our our product looks uh so different to to um to the I guess the more US style made product.
00:13:01.840 --> 00:13:11.039
Fawn you in 2023 you went to your first dealer open house in Elkhart, which is the heartland of the American RV industry.
00:13:11.279 --> 00:13:21.679
What was it like turning up with an Aussie caravan and trying to build some credibility and garner interest in the product in that market?
00:13:22.080 --> 00:13:55.200
Yeah, um, it was I guess there was a lot of um excitement about having a new product there, and so it did draw a lot of people, but also skepticism around um, you know, who is this company from Australia and what's their history, and you know, they didn't really know much about us, but it was a different looking product, and so um it certainly took a a lot of time and aligning ourselves with the with the right dealers to um get the credibility in the market, so it certainly was a slow burn right at the start.
00:13:55.919 --> 00:14:07.279
Yeah, not always easy to get into a new market, and James, that same year we were on the floor of SEMA in what was it, Las Vegas with XT1617.
00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:08.000
Yep.
00:14:09.919 --> 00:14:16.320
Tell us about what it was like sitting with Vans at SEMA because that is the big the biggest of big, isn't it?
00:14:16.559 --> 00:14:17.759
It was a bucket list thing for me.
00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:44.559
I've always wanted to go to SEMA's show and to go to SEMA show for to go to SEMA's show for the very first time and be an exhibitor and have product on display that we're so proud of was, you know, I guess a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity there and the feedback, the sheer volume of people on our stand, the the excitement around it and the I guess the mystery, because a lot of the stuff was new for a lot of people looking there.
00:14:44.879 --> 00:14:57.840
A lot of the things, so we had some mirrors and lighting underneath our van to show the trailing arm suspension and the amount of people that were crawling under the van to take a look at that because SEM is very much that automotive aftermarket hardcore off-road audience.
00:14:58.080 --> 00:15:12.320
So um that was a really good experience, not just to promote the product, obviously we're there for exposure, connect with potential partners and dealers, talk with potential new suppliers, but um it yeah, the PR around it alone was great.
00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:33.919
The other aspect of it was getting feedback directly from potential US customers and and their thoughts and the way they re reference stuff really helped us craft the way that we talked about our product, our marketed our product because there's so many Australianisms, let's call them, that we we just know what that's called in Australian or English, you know, what we we the Australian English.
00:15:34.080 --> 00:15:38.960
Uh whereas, you know, some of the things that we were trying to market or talk about, they're like, what's that thing?
00:15:39.200 --> 00:15:41.360
So um there was a lot of that.
00:15:41.600 --> 00:16:01.440
But 2023 for us was I guess that the first year that we had a really hard push to develop our dealer network and find a really good range of of key players and dealers to come into the group and doing RV open house at at Elkart and then SEMA was absolutely key to that.
00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:12.080
That was the same year that the OzRV XL 154E won RV News Adventure Trailer of the Year.
00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:19.360
It's recognized recognized the product in America and it's not an Australian-based award.
00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:20.720
What was that like?
00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:23.600
Was that a bit of a pivotal moment, do you think?
00:16:24.159 --> 00:16:30.159
Yeah, I mean, we're still a very small fish in a very big pond in the US.
00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:50.960
So to be recognized in that kind of way as such a small player was very, very clear to us that we were making the right noises and had our product direction and the brand direction going the right way, and people could see what we were doing, and that was, I guess, a real um light bulb moment for all of us that we were on the right track.
00:16:51.360 --> 00:16:53.200
And I know you love an award, Vaughan.
00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:54.240
How was that for you?
00:16:54.399 --> 00:16:57.919
Like how does it change your perception?
00:16:58.879 --> 00:17:00.480
I mate, I was super excited.
00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:14.160
Um, I I I guess it was the first time to get some sort of recognition um by a industry publication, which was important to us because that's what we really needed to push the brand forward.
00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:15.279
I think so.
00:17:15.440 --> 00:17:18.240
Yeah, it was good work and early.
00:17:18.480 --> 00:17:20.079
I I think that's wonderful.
00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:28.960
So, and James, you were named RV Pros 40 under 40, alongside people from major US manufacturers.
00:17:29.119 --> 00:17:35.359
And now we know here in Australia everyone knows who you are, and and everyone that's a good thing.
00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:38.480
Yeah, i in the best possible ways, of course.
00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:45.519
So how does that change how you you became involved in the industry at large over there?
00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:50.240
Yeah, um it's not really about me, I guess, at the end of the day.
00:17:50.480 --> 00:18:12.400
I think for us it was a good uh accolade for the business, the fact that we had that presence and credibility in the market as a brand to be seen to be in those uh in those groups and be viewed to have people in the business and brand care credibility to be alongside the likes of your J Cos and you know those iconic RV brands.
00:18:12.559 --> 00:18:19.519
So if anything, I think it really helped our business profile over there to have that credibility.
00:18:19.599 --> 00:18:33.839
And I think from memory, I would be, or I don't know if there's anyone else, but I don't live in America, so to have that as a brand, it is an Australian-based brand, to have that credibility in that space, I think is quite powerful for us.
00:18:34.160 --> 00:18:35.519
Oh, I think it's important.
00:18:35.920 --> 00:18:45.440
Uh Vaughan, in 2024, uh we made the move, MDC made the move to a dealer-based network in America.
00:18:45.599 --> 00:18:51.279
Now, I I know that sort of goes against the historical grain here in Australia.
00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:53.039
What was behind that?
00:18:53.200 --> 00:19:02.160
What did you learn that made you decide to do that and the process of getting the dealers set up and yourself, Richie, being involved in there?
00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:07.920
Yeah, so initially we were a direct-to-consumer model, which is very similar to MDC in Australia.
00:19:08.240 --> 00:19:15.119
But in the US, um, because it's a new market and and it's a little bit they do things a little bit different to what we do.
00:19:15.359 --> 00:19:24.240
Um, we needed a sort of full understanding of how uh the US customer thinks, how they buy RVs, how they think about servicing.
00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:46.559
And so it made sense for us to align ourselves with dealers that particularly had sort of dabbled in the off-road area and their product available to them was not as robust as what we actually make, but it was forming those relationships and learning things and working together with all our dealers to actually um improve the product for the US market, particularly.
00:19:47.039 --> 00:19:50.240
That'd be great for product development for sure, because they're living it.
00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:51.680
How have you found that?
00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:52.640
Oh, 100%.
00:19:52.880 --> 00:20:00.799
What Vaughan says is right, listening to customers and dealers and uh adjusting our strategy and product accordingly.
00:20:01.200 --> 00:20:10.960
And they all seem to be very forthright in and willing to tell you what where it needs to go to achieve the next step, which makes life a lot easier.
00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:15.759
And I think the product has evolved because we have listened to customers and dealers.
00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:24.079
I think so, just off the back of what uh Richie and Vaughan said there in 2024, that pivot to the dealer model too.
00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:28.880
All all of us have been to the US several times, in particular in those earlier days.
00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:50.079
And I think what we all learnt is part of that, and we go and do competitor in Intel and all those things, and it was very clear to us that MDC, the brand and the product, needed to sit beside other product in broader dealerships to get an appreciation for the difference and the value of the product compared to what else was in the marketplace.
00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:54.799
So we didn't have that ability in our own showrooms because it was our product, it was a destination showroom.
00:20:54.960 --> 00:20:58.799
People would still come in, but then they would then go away and look at other product.
00:20:58.880 --> 00:21:07.119
Whereas being a part of uh a broader brand portfolio really helped our product stand out compared to the others.
00:21:07.680 --> 00:21:11.920
And I think that came apparent to uh I can't remember what year we did this.
00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:13.440
Vaughan might remember.
00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:21.279
I think for a 12-month period, we had a an activation with Bass Pro where we had uh one of our MDC products in a Bass Pro shop.
00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:21.839
Yep.
00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:27.039
And we would have it manned from time to time, and it was just a really good piece for us to understand.
00:21:27.119 --> 00:21:32.720
And that kind of then was the precursor of we really need to get our product in front of a broader audience.
00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:40.720
For anyone who hasn't or doesn't understand Bass Pro, it is a BCF anaconda on steroids ten times over.
00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:42.240
The size of a bunnings.
00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:42.799
Yes.
00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:46.240
With an upstream incredible.
00:21:46.559 --> 00:21:46.880
Yes.
00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:48.960
Like for me, it's hog heaven.
00:21:49.119 --> 00:21:52.960
It's got everything fishing, guns, adventure, you name it.
00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:56.400
You can buy a kayak, a canoe, you can buy a powerboat.
00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:57.440
A TV.
00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:59.039
A TVs, yeah.
00:21:59.200 --> 00:22:00.400
Oh Yeah.
00:22:00.880 --> 00:22:04.400
If you get to the States first go to Bassbro.
00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:06.799
Just don't not d go.
00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:07.359
Yeah.
00:22:07.680 --> 00:22:19.599
So the R R V DA dealer convention in um Paris, Las Vegas, it was the first time uh the off-grid extremes uh was shown to the US dealers.
00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:24.079
So and the 19 HRT, of course, the hero of that.
00:22:24.880 --> 00:22:32.720
Was that a moment that we knew that the off-grid extreme was going to be a bit of a hot item in the US?
00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.880
I think so, absolutely.
00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:35.440
Yeah?
00:22:35.519 --> 00:22:36.319
The reaction?
00:22:36.640 --> 00:22:54.480
When you have um uh owners of competitor brands and you find them on your stand before starting or after finishing, uh taking videos of your product inside and out from a mainstream brand, that's pretty impressive.
00:22:54.559 --> 00:22:57.519
Now you know you're sort of you're making some waves.
00:22:57.839 --> 00:22:58.400
Absolutely.
00:22:58.640 --> 00:23:01.039
And it was it was a really good moment for us.
00:23:01.119 --> 00:23:13.519
So there was so much time and effort that went into the development of the off-grid extreme range, and we'd taken so much feedback and evolved the product so dramatically from our previous iterations into the off-grid extreme.
00:23:13.839 --> 00:23:17.759
And we're all going to be confident, confident because we work internally on it, right?
00:23:17.839 --> 00:23:20.319
And we're all very in invested in it anyway.
00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:26.799
But then to have that unbiased feedback from dealers there was you know quite quite good for us.
00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:40.799
And so myself, Vaughan and Anya manned that stand throughout the show and had some great conversations, and it was a it was much around brand presence for us, and and we also very much like being involved with uh industry associations as well.
00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:44.240
I think we're all more powerful as one and being involved.
00:23:44.480 --> 00:23:48.720
So for us, we wanted to be aligned with the RVDA uh in that respect as well.
00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:53.599
But uh yeah, the feedback on the product was uh really, really good.
00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:56.319
Oh, it would have been amazing.
00:23:56.400 --> 00:24:01.119
Well, having seen it, but yeah, I need to get to one of those shows one day.
00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:03.920
So a bit of a round the table.
00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:11.119
Um now the language is very different, and I remember writing the first owner manuals for the American product.
00:24:11.279 --> 00:24:18.400
Yeah, I needed a lot of assistance with with the wording, and I spent a lot of time on Google to find out what they call things.
00:24:18.640 --> 00:24:21.839
Is it uh Tyre T Y R E or Tyre T Y R E?
00:24:22.240 --> 00:24:23.119
Oh my god.
00:24:23.359 --> 00:24:25.200
And is it tomato sauce or ketchup?
00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:28.400
Well, and keep going.
00:24:29.119 --> 00:24:38.480
So I'll say our word for something, and you got Vaughan, caravan, what do they call it?
00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:39.920
Travel trailer.
00:24:40.160 --> 00:24:42.319
Richie, camper trailer, what do they call it?
00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:43.680
Pop-up camper.
00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:45.759
James, you, what do they call it?
00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:47.359
A pickup trailer.
00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.279
You can see what I mean.
00:24:49.359 --> 00:24:51.920
Like it's it's a different language almost.
00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:53.440
Off-roading.
00:24:53.920 --> 00:24:56.960
Overlanding, free camping.
00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:58.319
Oh, boondocking.
00:24:58.480 --> 00:24:58.880
Boondocking.
00:24:59.200 --> 00:24:59.839
Boondocking.
00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:00.640
Yes.
00:25:00.960 --> 00:25:02.079
Or dispersed camping.
00:25:02.319 --> 00:25:02.880
Dispersed camp.
00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:03.759
Dispersed camping.
00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:05.039
Dispersed camping.
00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:06.799
That's politically correct, I'd say.
00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:07.440
I like that.
00:25:07.599 --> 00:25:09.119
That sounds like a COVID thing.
00:25:09.200 --> 00:25:09.440
Yeah.
00:25:09.599 --> 00:25:10.480
But heater.
00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:12.079
We use a heater.
00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:13.119
Yeah, it's a heater.
00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:13.759
Furnace.
00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:15.200
They call it a furnace.
00:25:15.279 --> 00:25:18.559
So that one still to this day I just can't get my head around.
00:25:18.720 --> 00:25:23.200
Like I know what it is now, because we have to speak in these in these terms, but for me that's a struggle.
00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:26.880
Like everyone in Australia, when you go to the sink, you turn on the tap.
00:25:27.119 --> 00:25:28.400
But they call it force it over.
00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:29.759
Force it, yeah.
00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:35.039
And oh, this one gave me nightmares changing all the info over gas.
00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:39.519
We have LP gas, and over there, it everything has to be propane.
00:25:39.680 --> 00:25:43.119
If you say LP gas, they look at you, what?
00:25:43.359 --> 00:25:45.200
It's yeah, PowerPoint.
00:25:45.680 --> 00:25:46.160
Yep.
00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.200
Our receptacle.
00:25:47.680 --> 00:25:48.319
Receptacle.
00:25:49.039 --> 00:25:50.720
ESCI cooler.
00:25:51.680 --> 00:25:58.079
Interesting thing in the US, um 12-volt fridges over here, you wouldn't go out and buy an ESCI, right?
00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:59.200
In Australia.
00:25:59.359 --> 00:25:59.519
Yeah.
00:25:59.839 --> 00:26:01.119
Still a big thing in the US.
00:26:01.359 --> 00:26:05.279
Like 12-volt fridges are still cutting edge.
00:26:05.680 --> 00:26:08.079
All new in America.
00:26:08.640 --> 00:26:10.240
And we've had them here for what?
00:26:10.559 --> 00:26:16.480
You know, if you bought an angle, you probably bought it 20 oh 35, 40 years ago.
00:26:17.359 --> 00:26:20.000
People still running around with their angles in their car.
00:26:20.559 --> 00:26:21.599
But okay.
00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:23.599
But I guess it depends where you are up there too.
00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:28.640
If they're doing all their camping in winter, just throw it out the door into the snow if there's no bears.
00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:29.359
Yeah.
00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:32.960
Servo gas station.
00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:33.200
Oh.
00:26:33.599 --> 00:26:39.519
Now, just on that, if you have a servo pie in America, does that mean you have a gas station pie?
00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:40.960
So good.
00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:43.519
Well if they have pies.
00:26:43.920 --> 00:26:49.119
Mate, if I'm going to an American gas station, I'm getting the pizza.
00:26:50.160 --> 00:26:56.559
Or the tacos or all the rest of the like the the smallest board of food, and that was a big culture shop for me.
00:26:56.640 --> 00:26:56.720
Yes.
00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:59.119
And I haven't even got to go to a Bucky's yet.
00:26:59.440 --> 00:27:00.559
Oh big Bucky's.
00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:01.519
Oh, tell me about it.
00:27:01.839 --> 00:27:02.480
Next level.
00:27:03.119 --> 00:27:05.200
Like can you really buy a canoe there?
00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:10.880
You can just about buy everything, but there's 50 um gas pumps.
00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:11.200
Yeah.
00:27:11.359 --> 00:27:18.079
And then inside it's just like a you know a mini mart, but on steroids.
00:27:18.400 --> 00:27:18.799
My God.
00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:22.160
I definitely want to get across and buy the t-shirt.
00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:23.359
They have merch yes.
00:27:23.599 --> 00:27:37.119
Yeah, and for those that haven't been to America, you think 50 gas pumps, they pay for their gas at the pump with your card before you pump it, unlike here in Australia, where you go in and pay, which uh Shane found out.
00:27:37.359 --> 00:27:37.920
Yes.
00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:42.240
Uh kept having to apologize and pay for his gas when he drive off, forgetting to pay.
00:27:42.480 --> 00:27:44.880
Not not RV related, but um thong.
00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.640
Yeah, yeah.
00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:47.440
Yes.
00:27:47.680 --> 00:27:48.880
There is a big difference there.
00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:50.160
Flip-flops, right?
00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.519
Yeah, flip-flops, yeah.
00:27:51.759 --> 00:27:55.039
And just to clarify, should be.
00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:59.039
And the big one, aluminium and aluminum.
00:27:59.279 --> 00:27:59.440
Yeah.
00:27:59.759 --> 00:28:00.640
Spelt the same.
00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:01.119
Yes.
00:28:01.359 --> 00:28:07.920
Like we even had to change a lot of our decals and stickers over on some of our vans to make sure we had the Americanized terminology for stuff.
00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:12.000
And it having said that, like we obviously have a very Australian view on this stuff.
00:28:12.160 --> 00:28:22.400
I guarantee you, all of our US partners and US customers watch some of our videos and walkthroughs and content and think, what on earth are these guys talking about?
00:28:22.640 --> 00:28:27.200
Because as Australians, we have a saying and a slang for absolutely everything.
00:28:27.599 --> 00:28:28.079
Everything, yeah.
00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:28.799
That's true.
00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:36.960
Um, some of the walk-around videos that I've made in the US with our dealers, they actually have to put subtitles so they interpret my English.
00:28:37.359 --> 00:28:38.000
Yes.
00:28:38.400 --> 00:28:39.519
I think that'll be the same.
00:28:39.680 --> 00:28:47.440
I I recently did one for one of our new models, and I tried to be conscious of making sure I used terminology that that made sense.
00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:54.160
But sometimes you just forget and you just say what it normally is to me, and uh and then I'd say it, and in my mind, I'm like, oh man, I shouldn't have said that.
00:28:54.400 --> 00:28:59.680
I think I look stressed in the videos I've made over there trying to make sure that I get the terminology's right.
00:29:00.079 --> 00:29:08.160
It's a another thing for me, and I don't think it's on our on our bingo card, but uh still to this day, Australia we're very metric, right?
00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:14.480
Everything is metric other than randomly kind of some random things in our R V LAN we still do in feet, like awnings.
00:29:14.880 --> 00:29:35.839
Um, but some of the terminology for units of measure of liquids or power like BTUs and foot pounds and uh cubic feet for a fridge, all that stuff to me, and gallons, like I can't I can't rationalise the size of it, or you know, um all of their weights and ratings are completely indifferent.
00:29:36.000 --> 00:29:40.480
So I've got to convert everything back to to metrics, so it makes sense to me.
00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:42.079
It's around four litres a gallon.
00:29:42.160 --> 00:29:43.759
Yeah, yeah, that's all I remember.
00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:47.119
And and America will use anything but the metric system.
00:29:47.279 --> 00:29:47.599
Yes.
00:29:47.759 --> 00:29:50.400
They'll use chickens, whatever.
00:29:51.599 --> 00:29:54.799
Before they'll use millimetres and meters.
00:29:54.880 --> 00:30:02.240
So all jokes aside, what what's the hardest part about running a remote business on the other side of the ocean?
00:30:05.039 --> 00:30:06.000
I don't know.
00:30:06.319 --> 00:30:13.519
I think with the way the internet is these days, um, and you know, during COVID teams meetings became a thing.
00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:17.839
Yeah, I guess it's created a lot more efficiency and you don't have to travel as much.
00:30:18.079 --> 00:30:30.000
So it's quite it's better to have meetings, and quite often because the US we wake up in the morning as the end of their day, we're actually doing our group meetings from our home offices or our lounge rooms.
00:30:30.079 --> 00:30:30.319
Yeah.
00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:45.119
And I think too, like for us as a business, having Ritchie as a dedicated resource here in Australian head office that's sole responsibility alongside Gold Class is to manage the US business in our executive team makes a huge difference too.
00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:49.119
Like we've got someone in that position that has experience that we can trust.
00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:53.680
I think that's to your point where you're asking about, you know, what's the hardest part?
00:30:53.920 --> 00:31:21.119
Prior to that, prior to having Richie in that dedicated resource, it was kind of a shared responsibility across a number of our managers in the Australian head office, and that would be a challenge because we're all trying to juggle priorities and and we wanted to give um the US business the attention it deserved, but then having Richie then move into that dedicated US um manager role was fantastic for us because he takes absolute ownership over that day-to-day.
00:31:21.440 --> 00:31:21.680
Yeah.
00:31:21.839 --> 00:31:24.799
I think it's easy with the time difference to become disjointed.
00:31:24.880 --> 00:31:25.039
Yeah.
00:31:25.279 --> 00:31:28.880
You ask a question today, you get an answer tomorrow and then come back.
00:31:29.119 --> 00:31:39.200
Whereas if you're regularly talking to them pretty much every day, Vaughan, myself, or James, you can get things done in a systematic way quite quickly.
00:31:39.440 --> 00:31:46.079
But it does help to have good people on the ground, whether it's staff, dealers, or uh suppliers.
00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:52.000
For me, um Richie's an early riser, and so pretty much the work's done by the time I wake up.
00:31:52.319 --> 00:31:55.519
So as soon as I wake up, I'll look at my phone, look for a team's message.
00:31:55.599 --> 00:31:56.960
Uh what's going on in the US?
00:31:57.039 --> 00:31:58.319
Is there anything I need to do?
00:31:58.559 --> 00:32:01.920
Um if there's nothing there, nothing for me to do for the rest of the day, pretty much.
00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:02.319
Yeah.
00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:03.839
You do a pulse check.
00:32:04.160 --> 00:32:04.400
Yeah.
00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:06.079
That's a good way to work.
00:32:07.279 --> 00:32:07.599
Yeah.
00:32:08.319 --> 00:32:15.759
So one for you, Richie, over there, a travel trailer that can go where our product goes.
00:32:16.079 --> 00:32:24.160
What do you think the reaction or what the American customer sees when they look at our product for the first time?
00:32:24.960 --> 00:32:32.240
I think they relate to the American LCART product and can't believe the quality.
00:32:33.599 --> 00:32:44.400
I know when I've been to shows and met customers they've gone to a stand next door with an American product there and they've led on the walls, and the walls just wobble.
00:32:45.279 --> 00:32:48.799
Our products robust, basically indestructible.
00:32:48.960 --> 00:32:55.680
And I think they find that hard to understand that there's a product like ours in the market.
00:32:56.000 --> 00:32:58.880
Yeah, that you can't put your fist in to go pretty much anywhere.
00:33:00.640 --> 00:33:01.920
It's quite it's really exciting.
00:33:02.240 --> 00:33:02.400
Yeah.
00:33:02.559 --> 00:33:14.240
Well, look, I have to agree because the reactions when we've been over there, especially when we're traveling, excuse me, in a small convoy and we all pull up, there is a lot of interest.
00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:21.200
And and yeah, the the reaction is obviously or when most people see it for the first time.
00:33:22.079 --> 00:33:29.759
So what are you looking for in a dealer partner and what makes the Aussie off-road product interesting to those dealers?
00:33:30.400 --> 00:33:40.400
I think as Vaughan mentioned, the dealers we have now do operate in the off-grid overlanding space already.
00:33:40.720 --> 00:33:46.079
It's definitely not a product for everyone if they're just sole American-built product.
00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:51.440
But it's a product that complements their own product.
00:33:51.759 --> 00:34:03.519
So we have good partners already, and we're also looking for people who can partner with us in areas of the market where we currently aren't based.
00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:07.920
And also if something does go wrong, they can fix the product.
00:34:08.800 --> 00:34:12.320
They do know they've seen similar products before.
00:34:12.559 --> 00:34:13.679
That makes a big difference.
00:34:14.159 --> 00:34:21.199
ROA off-road um is a dealer that I guess you guys have built a a pretty special relationship with.
00:34:21.760 --> 00:34:34.239
So tell us a bit about Shane and his family and how that relationship sort of progressed and and evolved since we first uh started him off as a dealer.
00:34:34.960 --> 00:34:43.440
I guess um ROA Off-Road is a uh they've only worked in off-grid overlanding product.
00:34:44.320 --> 00:34:52.800
Um so it's a very specific niche, and they were one of the pioneers uh of the uh overlanding in the US, and uh they leave it and breathe it.
00:34:53.280 --> 00:35:02.400
So yeah, been on a lot of trips with those guys, um, which has helped us understand the product and how we've developed it for the US markets, very different to Australia.
00:35:02.960 --> 00:35:29.679
And for those that haven't watched it, our our trip last year up to Cape York, uh Shane Staffer and his lovely wife and and daughter came along with us up to the Cape, and Shane and I towed a couple of MDC caravans up the teletrack because we really wanted uh Shane to see just what you could do to the product, and how good a trip was that?
00:35:30.239 --> 00:36:02.639
It was pretty amazing, and um, I guess the terrain here in Australia is very different to the US, and so they come over here and go, hey, this is amazing, and you know, we've been brought up in this environment, so it's sort of we get desensitized of how great the Australian um terrain is, but when we go to the US, we get the same thing because we don't have the big snow capped mountains over here, and so that's new to us, so we get excited by what they have, and they get excited by what we have because for over here creek crossings in the US, you don't have creek crossings, so their vehicles don't have snorkels.
00:36:02.960 --> 00:36:06.960
If you're gonna go off-grid over here in Australia, you must have a snorkel on your vehicle.
00:36:07.280 --> 00:36:08.159
Yeah, absolutely.
00:36:08.320 --> 00:36:27.519
It was a big difference, and I remember our travel over there, we we saw everything in one trip from deserts, monument, valley, all the all those places where they they filmed so many westerns, and then all the way down to snow country, getting snowed in for a few days.
00:36:27.599 --> 00:36:43.199
So it is wild, but yeah, I think the river crossings were the things that that amazed Shane the most was that every I don't know, kilometre going through water up to the bonnet, it was a bit of a bit of a joy.
00:36:43.519 --> 00:36:47.199
So here we're mostly dealing with heat and dust.
00:36:47.360 --> 00:36:52.639
In the States, you can tow through a desert in the morning and hit the snow by the afternoon.
00:36:52.880 --> 00:36:59.199
So how's that changed how we've built caravans for the US, James?
00:36:59.840 --> 00:37:05.679
Probably one of the the bigger learning curves for us as a business was around uh cold weather design.
00:37:05.760 --> 00:37:08.960
And it's still something that we're learning a lot about today.
00:37:09.199 --> 00:37:19.360
So things that we've never had to design or even consider before in any Australian uh model that we've developed were things that we've had to now look at and pay attention to.
00:37:19.440 --> 00:37:22.800
And and as I said, Steve, it's something we're still learning about today.
00:37:22.960 --> 00:37:34.159
So things like wet bays and uh you know tank heating, making sure the batteries that we use have inbuilt heating, things that that you know we don't even have to consider in those Australian products.
00:37:34.559 --> 00:37:38.559
And then there's the storage with winterising for winter storage and everything.
00:37:38.719 --> 00:37:44.559
So ever all the pipe work and anything with water in it isn't split when things thaw out.
00:37:44.800 --> 00:37:54.880
Yeah, so even our to our pipe routing in the off-crit extreme range, as much as we can is now up inside the van, which in an Australian product you always try and keep it under the van where you can.
00:37:55.199 --> 00:38:02.800
Even to uh I remember when we were doing the off-crit extreme product, because we're an Australian brand, we use cassette toilets.
00:38:02.880 --> 00:38:06.000
We also like those for off-grid uh and off-road use.
00:38:06.159 --> 00:38:18.639
And um when we did the off-crit extreme project, we had to find a cassette toilet that had its own dedicated holding tank so that the customer could fill the flush tank with uh anti-freeze.
00:38:19.519 --> 00:38:21.519
So that when you go to flush the toilet, it's not frozen.
00:38:21.760 --> 00:38:24.800
So all these little things that we've learnt over time.
00:38:25.280 --> 00:38:32.079
And a a lot of that um the things we've learnt have come from the customers and the dealers.
00:38:32.559 --> 00:38:36.079
In particular, some of the dealers have been very, very helpful.
00:38:36.239 --> 00:38:39.920
So, how much of that feedback's come back to the drawing board in our design?
00:38:40.239 --> 00:38:40.559
All of it.
00:38:40.639 --> 00:38:42.480
In particular the off-grid extreme range.
00:38:42.800 --> 00:38:47.920
100% owner forums on on social media is a huge one for us as well.
00:38:48.239 --> 00:38:58.480
Going and visiting shows ourselves and locations, our teams, yourself included, Steve Vaughan, going and physically using the product for many years over there yourselves.
00:38:58.639 --> 00:39:03.840
We've we painted a pretty good picture for ourselves for the off-grid extreme project.
00:39:04.559 --> 00:39:19.039
So, whether you're in Queensland, Utah, Columbia, what does an off-grid traveller fundamentally want in their van that's different between Australia and the US?
00:39:19.360 --> 00:39:20.320
Good question.
00:39:20.559 --> 00:39:23.599
Um, I think look, off-grid is off-grid.
00:39:23.920 --> 00:39:28.400
Um ultimately you want to be uh have the ability to stay away as much as possible.
00:39:28.480 --> 00:39:39.360
I don't think an off-grid Vaughn may be having a different view here, but a customer heading off-grid in Australia, I think from a usability perspective, is fairly similar to a customer using it in the US.
00:39:39.440 --> 00:39:40.320
Would you agree, Vaughan?
00:39:40.719 --> 00:39:44.239
I would, just the uh weather considerations would be the only difference.
00:39:44.480 --> 00:39:44.639
Yeah.
00:39:44.880 --> 00:39:49.519
So when are we gonna put heated solar panels on our American product?
00:39:49.920 --> 00:39:50.719
It's a good question.
00:39:50.880 --> 00:39:53.199
I haven't uh I haven't looked too much into that one.
00:39:53.519 --> 00:39:54.960
Windscreen domesticers.
00:39:55.199 --> 00:39:55.519
Okay.
00:39:55.760 --> 00:39:56.639
We reckon we should do that.
00:39:56.880 --> 00:39:58.880
Put the snow off, yeah, and they can get solar.
00:39:59.199 --> 00:39:59.360
Yeah.
00:39:59.599 --> 00:40:08.880
Or put those little um I don't know if you've seen for the the household, you can get the little uh the little racks with the sprayers that go and self-clean your your solar panels.
00:40:09.039 --> 00:40:10.159
So yeah, anything's possible.
00:40:10.800 --> 00:40:12.719
Yeah wiper washers for the solar panels.
00:40:12.960 --> 00:40:13.440
Yeah.
00:40:14.000 --> 00:40:19.360
So the XT19 has become one of the most popular models in the range over there.
00:40:19.519 --> 00:40:21.280
Um customers want more.
00:40:21.519 --> 00:40:25.039
How did that turn into the XT22?
00:40:25.199 --> 00:40:25.840
What does it do?
00:40:26.000 --> 00:40:33.039
What's the 22 going to do different because it's designed for the American customer?
00:40:33.679 --> 00:40:45.679
So we've had so much feedback from our customers over the years where the the US customer always wants something larger from a floor plan perspective, and up until this point, we've only had our 19.
00:40:45.760 --> 00:40:51.679
So developing the XT22 HRT for the first time, we've got a new floor plan.
00:40:51.760 --> 00:40:54.000
So it's basically three designated zones.
00:40:54.079 --> 00:41:04.880
You've got your private bedroom at the front, in the middle, you've got your centre uh shower and toilet and bathroom area, and at the back, a completely separate kitchen and living uh area.
00:41:05.039 --> 00:41:10.559
So for the first time we've been able to do that, and you can only achieve that kind of thing when you then push out the size.
00:41:10.719 --> 00:41:14.559
So we've obviously then upped our uh G VWR rating.
00:41:14.719 --> 00:41:19.039
So uh it is a heavier unit, but all the bells and whistles are certainly there.
00:41:19.119 --> 00:41:21.199
It's it's taken us to the next level.
00:41:21.760 --> 00:41:24.480
It's a lot of caravan or travel trailer.
00:41:24.800 --> 00:41:27.360
It is, and I mean we haven't even started speaking about the features yet.
00:41:27.440 --> 00:41:36.639
Like the floor plan itself is is fantastic, but some of the features that we've put in there it's is for the first time we've never done these things before in any of our US ranges.
00:41:36.719 --> 00:41:46.639
Aaron Powell Yeah, because a lot of the appliances uh are greatly different due to, I guess, uh compliance and all that sort of stuff over there.
00:41:46.880 --> 00:41:48.639
So they would would differ.
00:41:48.800 --> 00:41:54.079
What what is the biggest difference in how you approach it with appliances versus Australia?
00:41:54.559 --> 00:42:13.440
I use this terminology before uh because it's something that comes up often around flipping the floor plan and sending it to the US, and it's so marr so far from that because as you touched on, Steve, the appliances are completely different from not just certification but product usage, but also what customer is expecting to see in that product.
00:42:13.599 --> 00:42:20.559
So you've got the appliance side, and then pretty much every rule is different when you come to regulatory requirements.
00:42:20.719 --> 00:42:30.960
So we're lucky enough to be RVIA uh affiliated, so um they help us with our NFPA 1192 certification, which is what you need for travel trailers in the US.
00:42:31.119 --> 00:42:34.880
But um, to your point, pretty much every rule in regulation is different.
00:42:35.039 --> 00:42:40.960
So uh you need to learn a lot before you go and do a US style uh travel trailer.
00:42:41.280 --> 00:42:42.239
Oh, I can imagine.
00:42:42.480 --> 00:42:51.599
So Vaughn, you've said serious capability is only half the equation, and that you've got to be able to live properly when when you arrive.
00:42:51.760 --> 00:43:03.840
Now, how do you add that much space and comfort without losing what makes it an MDC when you head into like the 22-foot off-grid extreme type trailer?
00:43:04.159 --> 00:43:13.119
Yeah, look, I think we're adding a little bit more length, we're not actually adding any more width, so it'll get down similar tracks as the 19 foot.
00:43:13.280 --> 00:43:15.440
And as you know, in America, big is always better.
00:43:15.679 --> 00:43:15.920
Yeah.
00:43:16.159 --> 00:43:20.960
And you know, there's an extra five-foot of room in this and makes a huge difference.
00:43:21.360 --> 00:43:39.760
Um and just the the dual zones, you know, it's something we haven't done in the US, and it's been very popular over here in Australia, and just having that separation um where people could go into the bedroom area and be separated from the lounge room area if you're entertaining there, someone wants to go to bed early.
00:43:39.920 --> 00:43:45.039
Um, it just makes it um a more comfortable off-grid experience.
00:43:45.199 --> 00:43:50.559
Like we're starting to get into the premium um type features there.
00:43:51.039 --> 00:43:54.559
And um you know, the twenty-two-foot vans is where it's at.
00:43:54.960 --> 00:43:57.360
In the US, that's pretty much entry-level twenty-two foot.
00:43:58.000 --> 00:43:58.800
Yeah, that's true.
00:43:59.519 --> 00:44:10.000
So With uh I guess with the big entertainment side of of the twenty two with the entertainment hub, big T V, fusion stereo, fridge, all that sort of thing.
00:44:10.159 --> 00:44:12.880
How do you think that'll tie in with their lifestyle over there?
00:44:13.280 --> 00:44:14.400
I think it'll be a real winner.
00:44:14.559 --> 00:44:14.880
Yeah.
00:44:15.280 --> 00:44:24.800
I think like here people you know, sleep inside and like to do their living outside and having uh you know, fantastic entertainment hub in the caravan.
00:44:25.760 --> 00:44:27.599
Sit out under the awning and watch the game.
00:44:27.920 --> 00:44:28.639
Watch the yeah.
00:44:28.960 --> 00:44:31.360
So I've got a story I can talk to.
00:44:31.760 --> 00:44:41.119
I was actually over there um we just did a show with a dealer, and then we were going to go on a little trip, and there was a big football game on.
00:44:41.360 --> 00:44:58.320
Um, and I think this was after RVDA, and so we had a 50-inch TV on a stand on wheels that we'd actually used at the show to display some of our um overlanding uh footage that we had.
00:44:58.559 --> 00:45:09.679
We actually threw that in the back of our dealer's truck and reassembled it in front of my caravan to actually watch an NFL game.
00:45:09.920 --> 00:45:20.480
Um and so essentially with the 22, we've just attached that to the side of the bear so we don't have to have a separate 50-inch TV in the back of the truck anymore.
00:45:20.719 --> 00:45:28.800
It's really true, and uh, I mean, we've we've gone and designed it in a way that actually fit it fits seamlessly into the Bonnie envelope, so it's completely recessed in.
00:45:28.960 --> 00:45:36.639
All you've got to do is you undo the latches, the uh the door hinges up, then creates a bit of a cover for you.
00:45:36.719 --> 00:45:40.320
You've got lighting in there, and it's just all set up, ready to go straight away.
00:45:40.400 --> 00:45:41.920
You can have your beers in the fridge.
00:45:42.079 --> 00:45:46.719
And I think what's fantastic is I talked about it being a three-zone caravan.
00:45:46.880 --> 00:45:49.760
I guess ultimately this is a four-zone caravan.
00:45:49.840 --> 00:45:52.000
You've got the annex, was that what we call it?
00:45:52.159 --> 00:45:53.519
Yannex in in the US.
00:45:53.679 --> 00:45:53.920
Yeah.
00:45:54.159 --> 00:46:02.079
Yannex uh to then close off that outdoor area under the electric warning, or the patio warning, as I learned that terminology just recently.
00:46:02.239 --> 00:46:12.639
Uh, along with the external slide out kitchen, portable fridge slide as well, that entire area outside essentially becomes like a fourth living zone that you can do anything you want.
00:46:13.039 --> 00:46:25.119
So with with the spec on on the 22, it without going into the spec sheet, but we're we're talking big numbers of solar, power, water, a whole lot.
00:46:25.440 --> 00:46:30.559
What does that change what people can do with this caravan in the US?
00:46:30.960 --> 00:46:36.960
So as I mentioned before, Steve, we've upped the G VWR significantly on this and added some additional length.
00:46:37.039 --> 00:46:42.559
So for us, we've added to uh been able to add more solar, so 1,400 watts of rooftop solar.
00:46:42.719 --> 00:46:51.440
You can then put in an additional 600 watts of portable solar if you were to do that on the offside with you know three 200 watt solar blankets or solar panels.
00:46:51.519 --> 00:47:00.960
So that's a massive amount of solar capacity that helps you charge up the 1,500 amps of lithium battery power that you've got on board as standard.
00:47:01.119 --> 00:47:12.639
And I guess another one too, because we've added more space, we've got uh 93 gallons of fresh water, which is significantly more water capacity than we've ever had before.
00:47:12.800 --> 00:47:18.559
So I guess all those factors they would be typically seen as your limiting factors when you go off grid.
00:47:18.719 --> 00:47:20.639
Steve, you've done plenty of this in your time.
00:47:20.880 --> 00:47:22.400
It's always comes down to that, right?
00:47:22.559 --> 00:47:27.440
Water, food, uh, and energy generation essentially your three key things you're looking at there.
00:47:27.519 --> 00:47:31.039
And I think we've addressed them in spades in the new 22-foot.
00:47:32.320 --> 00:47:36.320
It would having looked at the specs, yeah, it's way over the top.
00:47:38.159 --> 00:47:46.559
So really, there is a lot of MDC DNA, our Australian DNA, into the product we're now developing for the US.
00:47:46.960 --> 00:47:47.440
You're right.
00:47:47.679 --> 00:48:12.320
So um I think a couple of weeks ago we did a a podcast in in relation to our one of our premium Australian brands, gold class caravans, and within that brand portfolio, uh we had the AC-22C, which is a 22-foot, 4.5 tonne ATM flagship within that range, and that was very much the inspiration and the precursor for us in terms of the development of the XT22 HRT.
00:48:12.559 --> 00:48:18.880
Having said that, when we developed the gold class AC-22C, we very much had the American market in mind.
00:48:19.119 --> 00:48:24.079
So we developed that for, I guess, dual market uh applicability.
00:48:24.559 --> 00:48:32.880
So there's a lot been a lot of development and changes in how we've traditionally done things to cater to the American market.
00:48:33.199 --> 00:48:37.920
How much of that's come back to benefit the range we provide in Australia?
00:48:38.320 --> 00:48:38.719
So much.
00:48:38.880 --> 00:48:47.760
I think it's so helpful for us, for our teams, both our US side teams and our Australian teams, where we essentially get the best of both worlds.
00:48:47.840 --> 00:49:10.800
We get all of the insights and the knowledge and experience from our US customers and that market, we might be different suppliers and different ideas, that then influences in a positive way the way we design our Australian product, and then vice versa, all of our brains trust for our Australian brand and our Australian products, they're then involved, and then we put all that wealth of experience back into our US model development.
00:49:10.960 --> 00:49:25.760
And I think when I'm thinking about our suppliers, a lot of our suppliers that we use for Market Direct Group as a business are the same for Australia and the US because we have such strong partnerships and we know that it works on these models.
00:49:25.920 --> 00:49:34.000
Why not just if you know if the certification aligns or if they've got a US variant or an Australian variant of that product, we absolutely will adopt those products.
00:49:34.639 --> 00:49:35.920
That's the way to do it.
00:49:36.239 --> 00:49:42.880
Richie, the XT22 lands in the US early in um 2027.
00:49:43.360 --> 00:49:49.119
How do those in America that are interested in this product go and check it out?
00:49:49.199 --> 00:49:50.639
How to find their nearest dealer?
00:49:50.960 --> 00:49:56.880
First place on the internet, mdcusa.com, and go from there.
00:49:57.039 --> 00:50:03.519
And we have great dealer partners, and all of those dealers will look after the customer.
00:50:03.840 --> 00:50:04.400
Absolutely.
00:50:04.559 --> 00:50:10.480
And some of those dealers do put a lot of their own content out on YouTube and and social media.
00:50:10.719 --> 00:50:18.800
So probably a good way to track when they will have it and available for you, the consumer, to go and check it out for yourself.
00:50:19.039 --> 00:50:23.119
So, Vaughn, where can MDC go from here in America?
00:50:23.440 --> 00:50:24.880
Uh, MDC USA.
00:50:25.360 --> 00:50:27.360
Um look, we're committed to it.
00:50:27.440 --> 00:50:31.440
We've been in there um for a long time now.
00:50:31.599 --> 00:50:41.760
And you know, it is a slow burn and it's a difficult market to break into, and we will keep developing uh new products for the US that'll actually work in Australia also.
00:50:42.000 --> 00:50:46.960
Um still waiting on James to come through with the 34-foot triple axle.
00:50:47.280 --> 00:50:52.079
Every time we have this conversation, a couple of extra feet go onto the onto the conversation.
00:50:52.400 --> 00:50:54.159
Triple axle gooseneck.
00:50:54.400 --> 00:50:55.519
Gooseneck, that's something new.
00:50:55.920 --> 00:50:56.639
That should be easy.
00:50:56.880 --> 00:50:59.119
Then the Rams can tow it and not break in the middle.
00:50:59.280 --> 00:50:59.599
Yeah.
00:50:59.840 --> 00:51:00.400
Yeah, okay.
00:51:01.119 --> 00:51:14.239
Getting back to your question for Vaughan, I think we've done the hard yards and we've invested in the US market where they're for the long haul, which is exciting, what opportunities that will create going forward.
00:51:14.960 --> 00:51:26.079
And if from all everyone, if you had one word or one thing to say to the American market to give them an understanding of what MDC is all about, what would it be?
00:51:26.480 --> 00:51:29.760
I think buy an MDC and escape with confidence.
00:51:30.159 --> 00:51:30.800
Very good.
00:51:32.719 --> 00:51:40.559
Uh I think any US customer would be challenged to find a more capable uh overlanding travel trailer than an MDC USA.
00:51:40.960 --> 00:51:41.840
And you, Richie?
00:51:42.320 --> 00:51:46.639
I guess it's they're built tough and uh great value.
00:51:47.199 --> 00:51:50.960
And from me, hey, check out our YouTube channel.
00:51:51.199 --> 00:51:55.840
If I don't break it, the chances are you're not going to break it anytime soon.
00:51:56.000 --> 00:51:57.519
So thanks for watching, everybody.
00:51:57.599 --> 00:52:00.079
Uh it's been great to present our podcast to you.
00:52:00.239 --> 00:52:11.760
Be sure to check out all the other content on our YouTube channel and keep an eye out for the XT22 coming to you in the US soon.
00:52:11.920 --> 00:52:13.199
Thanks for watching.
00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:01.600
Who is this company from Australia?
00:00:05.519 --> 00:00:08.320
In the US, that's pretty much entry level 22 foot.
00:00:08.640 --> 00:00:11.599
The the US customer always wants something larger.
00:00:11.759 --> 00:00:14.960
And how we've developed it for the US market's very different to Australia.
00:00:15.279 --> 00:00:19.440
We get all of the insights and the knowledge and experience from our US customers.
00:00:39.920 --> 00:00:41.920
Here's something you might not know.
00:00:42.079 --> 00:00:47.359
Since 2021, MDC has had an American arm, MDC USA.
00:00:47.840 --> 00:00:50.880
And the Americans do do things a bit differently.
00:00:51.119 --> 00:01:05.359
They want big big trucks, big rigs, big comfort, but more and more they also want what we've always built MDC around: the freedom to get out properly off the beaten track and live remotely.
00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:13.840
So how does an Aussie off-road caravan company give Americans what they want without losing what makes it an MDC?
00:01:14.159 --> 00:01:19.840
The answer is the brand new XT22 HRT Off-Grid Extreme.
00:01:20.079 --> 00:01:24.159
It's the biggest MDC travel trailer ever built for the US.
00:01:24.400 --> 00:01:34.640
It's got three separate living zones: dual zone heating and cooling, serious off-grid power, and an outdoor entertainment hub for the tailgators.
00:01:34.799 --> 00:01:41.680
Today we're going to get right back to the start of the American journey and finishing with the XT22.
00:01:41.920 --> 00:01:47.200
I've got three blokes at the table with me who have absolutely lived it.
00:01:48.159 --> 00:01:54.480
Founder and owner of MDC and the man that took MDC to America, Vaughan Hindley.
00:01:54.959 --> 00:01:56.159
Thanks for having us, Steve.
00:01:56.239 --> 00:02:03.439
And you can r refer to me as the president of MDC USA to legit.
00:02:03.840 --> 00:02:04.560
El Presidente.
00:02:05.040 --> 00:02:05.840
Legit, I'm the president.
00:02:06.239 --> 00:02:09.199
Does that mean we have to get him a new hairstyle and some orange skin?
00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:11.360
Some fake tears.
00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:17.759
Our general manager of Commercial and Product.
00:02:18.879 --> 00:02:22.080
James Field, who knows all things caravanning.
00:02:22.159 --> 00:02:22.319
Yeah.
00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:28.879
And the man who looks after our dealer network and spearheads MDC into the US, Richie Fort.
00:02:29.199 --> 00:02:30.400
Welcome everybody.
00:02:30.960 --> 00:02:31.680
Great to be here.
00:02:31.919 --> 00:02:32.800
Thanks, Steve.
00:02:33.199 --> 00:02:36.319
So bit of an exciting podcast.
00:02:36.560 --> 00:02:41.280
Fort plenty of Australian businesses talk about cracking the American market.
00:02:41.520 --> 00:02:46.719
Not many ship product over there successfully and often disappear.
00:02:46.960 --> 00:02:48.400
But we've set up shop.
00:02:48.479 --> 00:02:52.000
We've gone full into the American market.
00:02:52.319 --> 00:02:53.599
So why?
00:02:53.919 --> 00:02:55.759
And how?
00:02:56.319 --> 00:02:56.800
How?
00:02:57.120 --> 00:02:58.560
Tell us the bones about it.
00:02:58.879 --> 00:02:59.199
Why?
00:03:00.159 --> 00:03:17.520
So for anyone not familiar with MDC, um, we have an exclusive one-to-one relationship with our uh factory in China, and we've grown up together over time, and you'd probably see more about that um relationship in in uh in other podcasts that we've done.
00:03:17.759 --> 00:03:27.840
But um it's the northern southern southern hemisphere thing is the main reason, and it's uh continuation of production.
00:03:28.240 --> 00:03:37.439
So, for instance, when it's summer here, it's our peak period, it's winter in the US, and that's their low time, and then vice versa.
00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:44.560
And so what we look for is when it comes to production, is actually keeping the same production all year round.
00:03:45.199 --> 00:04:04.400
Um, consistent numbers makes it easier for us as a business to purchase parts from our suppliers, but also um if we can even out that seasonality, it's actually good for our supplier um in China because they don't have to uh ramp up or down, they just want a consistent business over time.
00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:06.319
So that was the primary reason.
00:04:06.560 --> 00:04:12.560
Uh another reason is the US sells more RVs than any other country in the world.
00:04:12.719 --> 00:04:12.960
Right.
00:04:13.439 --> 00:04:26.879
Um, and then from a financial perspective, Richie um could could explain more, but when it comes to currency and fluctuations, um it sort of evens out that as well from a financial perspective.
00:04:27.839 --> 00:04:38.319
So uh when uh undertaking this venture into the US, what did you think the American consumers wanted and what did we get wrong?
00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:41.199
Uh very interesting.
00:04:41.439 --> 00:04:48.480
Um I guess the overlanding segment there has just started to get a bit bigger in the last five or six years.
00:04:48.800 --> 00:04:49.360
Absolutely.
00:04:49.600 --> 00:04:52.959
Um and maybe the uh Americans didn't know what they wanted.
00:04:53.759 --> 00:05:03.920
Um but uh Australia's always been big when it comes to off-road, off-grid, um which is overlanding in the US, and so I guess we had an inside line as to what the needs were.
00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:15.519
And you see large companies like TJM and ARB um have gone overseas and sort of set the the mandate for what overlanding is, and so we're sort of jumping on those coattails.
00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:16.160
Sure.
00:05:16.399 --> 00:05:22.160
Yeah, well I guess the overlanding's traditionally being a bunch of guys out in their jeeps, maybe the odd little trailer.
00:05:22.480 --> 00:05:22.959
Correct.
00:05:23.519 --> 00:05:30.800
And I think one of the challenges we had at the start was that people love the product, but where would I take it?
00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:34.079
Whereas in Australia everyone knows where you would go.
00:05:34.879 --> 00:05:40.560
Go to the Outback, go to the Gulf, go to the Tip, go to Tasmania or whatever.
00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:45.839
But in America it's like I reckon it's great, but I don't know where to go.
00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:53.680
And it was as well as educating people on the product, educating people on where potentially they could take it on trips.
00:05:54.079 --> 00:06:11.759
I guess it was a lot of that when uh when we had it over to the States and did a bit of a tour around and we did uh the slot canyon through Anza Barraga and all that sort of stuff and found ourselves going amazing places with caravans in tow.
00:06:12.079 --> 00:06:12.240
Yeah.
00:06:12.399 --> 00:06:16.959
And as you know, when you pull up at a gas station, you've got a van behind the truck.
00:06:17.279 --> 00:06:18.720
People want to know what it is.
00:06:19.120 --> 00:06:20.560
Yes, absolutely.
00:06:20.720 --> 00:06:22.560
Everyone everyone was very interested.
00:06:22.720 --> 00:06:22.879
Yeah.
00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:27.199
A lot of questions, especially if you're up at a campsite, there's other people around.
00:06:27.519 --> 00:06:27.680
Yeah.
00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:31.680
I think so you asked Vaughan before about the, you know, the why.
00:06:31.839 --> 00:06:35.920
And I remember speaking to both Richie and Vaughan about this many years ago.
00:06:36.160 --> 00:07:05.360
Um that one of the key reasons why for us as a business as well is the fact that we knew there was an opportunity for us in the US market to have a genuine off-road capable trailer that um the US market, even you know, to this day to a point, some of the product over there, even though it is very heavily marketed as overlanding for overlanding, uh, you would never be able to take it to the places that you can an MDC USA uh travel trailer.
00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:15.600
So the whole wire side of things, we're very good at at designing and and manufacturing, building off-road caravans and and uh travel trailers.
00:07:15.920 --> 00:07:19.680
And um the opportunity there for us is to obviously take that to the US.
00:07:19.839 --> 00:07:31.279
We've had, I remember, looking at our our socials before I guess we did the US stuff, and we would have people from America looking at our staff, starting to follow us, asking, can I take this to the US?
00:07:31.360 --> 00:07:34.079
So there was certainly a bit of a drive there as well.
00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:38.079
You also asked another question around, you know, what have we learnt over the journey?
00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:44.240
And in the near six years I've been with the business and heavily involved in the US evolution.
00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:55.360
Anyone trying to take an Australian product, let's call it flip the floor plan, i.e., put the door on the correct side for the US and plonk it in the US is absolutely kidding themselves.
00:07:55.439 --> 00:07:57.439
It's just not, doesn't work like that.
00:07:57.680 --> 00:08:18.720
And I think we've learned that over the what is it, five or six years that we've been active in that market now, there are so many anomalies and differences in customer expectation, whether that's spec, look and feel, uh, what they're after when they travel, it's not as easy as just going, well, we know how it works in Australia, so we're just gonna plonk our product and see how we go.
00:08:18.879 --> 00:08:23.839
And I think that's with our Wolfgrid Extreme range, which I think we're gonna talk about a little bit today.
00:08:24.240 --> 00:08:36.399
That, in my opinion, and I'm sure you guys would agree, hands down, our best iteration yet of a genuine US style spec fit and finish uh unit within our range.
00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:38.399
Yeah, it's the evolution of the brand.
00:08:38.720 --> 00:08:39.039
Absolutely.
00:08:39.200 --> 00:08:43.679
Yeah, having camped in an off-grid extreme, yeah, super impressive.
00:08:43.840 --> 00:08:44.720
I was in love with it.
00:08:44.799 --> 00:08:51.039
Yeah, it was exactly what we needed for where we went, and I was so comfortable.
00:08:51.360 --> 00:08:59.039
And it took us th five years of having product in the market and developing, and Vaughan to his credit, going on so many overlanding trips.
00:08:59.120 --> 00:09:01.279
Yourself, Steve, you've been there, Richie's been there.
00:09:01.360 --> 00:09:12.320
Like we've all gone and we've understood the market, the customer, the shows, the competitors, the product usage, and all of that is absolutely critical to where we've got the product today.
00:09:12.720 --> 00:09:20.159
Yeah, we've listened to people and heard what they've got to say, worked out what works, what doesn't work, and changed our strategy along the way.
00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:23.519
And I think we've got a really good product in the US market now.
00:09:23.840 --> 00:09:24.159
Agree.
00:09:24.320 --> 00:09:24.960
It's exciting.
00:09:25.200 --> 00:09:25.600
Absolutely.
00:09:25.919 --> 00:09:29.279
This one for uh Rich, you, Richie, and Vaughan.
00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:39.919
You know, back in the day we set up a first production in LA there, and then opened up branches California, Arizona, uh, Utah, Colorado.
00:09:40.159 --> 00:09:43.600
What were those first couple of years like trying to manage all that?
00:09:45.360 --> 00:09:48.399
I guess remotely it's always a challenge.
00:09:48.480 --> 00:09:51.679
So you've got to rely on having good people on the ground.
00:09:51.840 --> 00:10:01.120
And we've had some good people in business over the over there over the years, and certainly got some even better people there now, and that makes a big difference.
00:10:01.759 --> 00:10:10.960
Uh the quality of the product is number one, and that's something MDC you know stands for is quality.
00:10:11.360 --> 00:10:18.960
And when you've got a quality product, basically what we do here in Australia, we now do do in the S US.
00:10:19.200 --> 00:10:20.879
So we don't need to do anything different.
00:10:21.039 --> 00:10:28.720
So it was a bit like rinse and repeat to some degree, and we were able to help the team in the US and here from Australia.
00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:30.879
And during that time we've also had COVID.
00:10:31.039 --> 00:10:34.559
So people over there, the business had to stand on its own two feet.
00:10:34.720 --> 00:10:47.120
And you know, I think uh the business we've got today is proof that during that period of time people were able to lead the business the way we wanted to.
00:10:47.279 --> 00:10:48.240
Uh yeah.
00:10:48.399 --> 00:10:51.840
And so it's exciting to see how things have evolved.
00:10:52.240 --> 00:11:01.840
J just on that with uh the customer base over there, like I see everything on social media and the feedback and all the rest of it.
00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:16.480
And the the uh contrast I see uh in how the Americans view the MDC product, they're looking at the MDC product and going, oh my God, I've never seen anything this good.
00:11:17.120 --> 00:11:20.240
This is the best of this I've ever seen.
00:11:20.559 --> 00:11:23.679
And it is consistently the feedback.
00:11:23.840 --> 00:11:38.480
So I guess that's m more about how Americans have traditionally done their RVs, because I think we commented on some of the stuff we saw, and Shane even said that they're almost disposable, yeah.
00:11:38.720 --> 00:11:40.320
A lot of the stuff that they build over there.
00:11:40.399 --> 00:11:40.559
Trevor Burrus, Jr.
00:11:40.799 --> 00:11:46.559
People buy a US built product on the expectation that within five years' time they'll have to replace it.
00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:50.159
Send it off to the tip or let the dog sleep in it.
00:11:53.120 --> 00:11:53.360
Yeah.
00:11:54.240 --> 00:12:00.559
And that has been the thing that because I I'm used to Australians' expectations are obviously different.
00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:07.919
But um yeah, I was really taken aback by just how strong that feeling was amongst the American consumers.
00:12:08.320 --> 00:12:26.080
The product certainly stands out in the US, and I think that's a driven a lot by the fact that we don't build in Elcart, Indiana, and Elkhart, Indiana is like the Campbellfield Victoria of of the US, and um the majority of the manufacturers are building there, and they all build very similar to each other.
00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:29.679
They all have the same look and feel, they're they're very similar supply chains.
00:12:29.840 --> 00:12:37.679
So by by default, those products end up looking very similar, have similar capability, and they're built to a price point.
00:12:37.759 --> 00:12:42.080
And right or wrong, they sell a lot of products and they look, you know, they look good, they look great.
00:12:42.240 --> 00:12:47.279
The value proposition is good for the customer, they see the the sale price and and go for it.
00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:52.559
But what's behind the scenes under the skin, and when you look at capability is chalk and cheese.
00:12:52.639 --> 00:13:01.360
So that's I think that's why our our product looks uh so different to to um to the I guess the more US style made product.
00:13:01.840 --> 00:13:11.039
Fawn you in 2023 you went to your first dealer open house in Elkhart, which is the heartland of the American RV industry.
00:13:11.279 --> 00:13:21.679
What was it like turning up with an Aussie caravan and trying to build some credibility and garner interest in the product in that market?
00:13:22.080 --> 00:13:55.200
Yeah, um, it was I guess there was a lot of um excitement about having a new product there, and so it did draw a lot of people, but also skepticism around um, you know, who is this company from Australia and what's their history, and you know, they didn't really know much about us, but it was a different looking product, and so um it certainly took a a lot of time and aligning ourselves with the with the right dealers to um get the credibility in the market, so it certainly was a slow burn right at the start.
00:13:55.919 --> 00:14:07.279
Yeah, not always easy to get into a new market, and James, that same year we were on the floor of SEMA in what was it, Las Vegas with XT1617.
00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:08.000
Yep.
00:14:09.919 --> 00:14:16.320
Tell us about what it was like sitting with Vans at SEMA because that is the big the biggest of big, isn't it?
00:14:16.559 --> 00:14:17.759
It was a bucket list thing for me.
00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:44.559
I've always wanted to go to SEMA's show and to go to SEMA show for to go to SEMA's show for the very first time and be an exhibitor and have product on display that we're so proud of was, you know, I guess a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity there and the feedback, the sheer volume of people on our stand, the the excitement around it and the I guess the mystery, because a lot of the stuff was new for a lot of people looking there.
00:14:44.879 --> 00:14:57.840
A lot of the things, so we had some mirrors and lighting underneath our van to show the trailing arm suspension and the amount of people that were crawling under the van to take a look at that because SEM is very much that automotive aftermarket hardcore off-road audience.
00:14:58.080 --> 00:15:12.320
So um that was a really good experience, not just to promote the product, obviously we're there for exposure, connect with potential partners and dealers, talk with potential new suppliers, but um it yeah, the PR around it alone was great.
00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:33.919
The other aspect of it was getting feedback directly from potential US customers and and their thoughts and the way they re reference stuff really helped us craft the way that we talked about our product, our marketed our product because there's so many Australianisms, let's call them, that we we just know what that's called in Australian or English, you know, what we we the Australian English.
00:15:34.080 --> 00:15:38.960
Uh whereas, you know, some of the things that we were trying to market or talk about, they're like, what's that thing?
00:15:39.200 --> 00:15:41.360
So um there was a lot of that.
00:15:41.600 --> 00:16:01.440
But 2023 for us was I guess that the first year that we had a really hard push to develop our dealer network and find a really good range of of key players and dealers to come into the group and doing RV open house at at Elkart and then SEMA was absolutely key to that.
00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:12.080
That was the same year that the OzRV XL 154E won RV News Adventure Trailer of the Year.
00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:19.360
It's recognized recognized the product in America and it's not an Australian-based award.
00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:20.720
What was that like?
00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:23.600
Was that a bit of a pivotal moment, do you think?
00:16:24.159 --> 00:16:30.159
Yeah, I mean, we're still a very small fish in a very big pond in the US.
00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:50.960
So to be recognized in that kind of way as such a small player was very, very clear to us that we were making the right noises and had our product direction and the brand direction going the right way, and people could see what we were doing, and that was, I guess, a real um light bulb moment for all of us that we were on the right track.
00:16:51.360 --> 00:16:53.200
And I know you love an award, Vaughan.
00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:54.240
How was that for you?
00:16:54.399 --> 00:16:57.919
Like how does it change your perception?
00:16:58.879 --> 00:17:00.480
I mate, I was super excited.
00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:14.160
Um, I I I guess it was the first time to get some sort of recognition um by a industry publication, which was important to us because that's what we really needed to push the brand forward.
00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:15.279
I think so.
00:17:15.440 --> 00:17:18.240
Yeah, it was good work and early.
00:17:18.480 --> 00:17:20.079
I I think that's wonderful.
00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:28.960
So, and James, you were named RV Pros 40 under 40, alongside people from major US manufacturers.
00:17:29.119 --> 00:17:35.359
And now we know here in Australia everyone knows who you are, and and everyone that's a good thing.
00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:38.480
Yeah, i in the best possible ways, of course.
00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:45.519
So how does that change how you you became involved in the industry at large over there?
00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:50.240
Yeah, um it's not really about me, I guess, at the end of the day.
00:17:50.480 --> 00:18:12.400
I think for us it was a good uh accolade for the business, the fact that we had that presence and credibility in the market as a brand to be seen to be in those uh in those groups and be viewed to have people in the business and brand care credibility to be alongside the likes of your J Cos and you know those iconic RV brands.
00:18:12.559 --> 00:18:19.519
So if anything, I think it really helped our business profile over there to have that credibility.
00:18:19.599 --> 00:18:33.839
And I think from memory, I would be, or I don't know if there's anyone else, but I don't live in America, so to have that as a brand, it is an Australian-based brand, to have that credibility in that space, I think is quite powerful for us.
00:18:34.160 --> 00:18:35.519
Oh, I think it's important.
00:18:35.920 --> 00:18:45.440
Uh Vaughan, in 2024, uh we made the move, MDC made the move to a dealer-based network in America.
00:18:45.599 --> 00:18:51.279
Now, I I know that sort of goes against the historical grain here in Australia.
00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:53.039
What was behind that?
00:18:53.200 --> 00:19:02.160
What did you learn that made you decide to do that and the process of getting the dealers set up and yourself, Richie, being involved in there?
00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:07.920
Yeah, so initially we were a direct-to-consumer model, which is very similar to MDC in Australia.
00:19:08.240 --> 00:19:15.119
But in the US, um, because it's a new market and and it's a little bit they do things a little bit different to what we do.
00:19:15.359 --> 00:19:24.240
Um, we needed a sort of full understanding of how uh the US customer thinks, how they buy RVs, how they think about servicing.
00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:46.559
And so it made sense for us to align ourselves with dealers that particularly had sort of dabbled in the off-road area and their product available to them was not as robust as what we actually make, but it was forming those relationships and learning things and working together with all our dealers to actually um improve the product for the US market, particularly.
00:19:47.039 --> 00:19:50.240
That'd be great for product development for sure, because they're living it.
00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:51.680
How have you found that?
00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:52.640
Oh, 100%.
00:19:52.880 --> 00:20:00.799
What Vaughan says is right, listening to customers and dealers and uh adjusting our strategy and product accordingly.
00:20:01.200 --> 00:20:10.960
And they all seem to be very forthright in and willing to tell you what where it needs to go to achieve the next step, which makes life a lot easier.
00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:15.759
And I think the product has evolved because we have listened to customers and dealers.
00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:24.079
I think so, just off the back of what uh Richie and Vaughan said there in 2024, that pivot to the dealer model too.
00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:28.880
All all of us have been to the US several times, in particular in those earlier days.
00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:50.079
And I think what we all learnt is part of that, and we go and do competitor in Intel and all those things, and it was very clear to us that MDC, the brand and the product, needed to sit beside other product in broader dealerships to get an appreciation for the difference and the value of the product compared to what else was in the marketplace.
00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:54.799
So we didn't have that ability in our own showrooms because it was our product, it was a destination showroom.
00:20:54.960 --> 00:20:58.799
People would still come in, but then they would then go away and look at other product.
00:20:58.880 --> 00:21:07.119
Whereas being a part of uh a broader brand portfolio really helped our product stand out compared to the others.
00:21:07.680 --> 00:21:11.920
And I think that came apparent to uh I can't remember what year we did this.
00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:13.440
Vaughan might remember.
00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:21.279
I think for a 12-month period, we had a an activation with Bass Pro where we had uh one of our MDC products in a Bass Pro shop.
00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:21.839
Yep.
00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:27.039
And we would have it manned from time to time, and it was just a really good piece for us to understand.
00:21:27.119 --> 00:21:32.720
And that kind of then was the precursor of we really need to get our product in front of a broader audience.
00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:40.720
For anyone who hasn't or doesn't understand Bass Pro, it is a BCF anaconda on steroids ten times over.
00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:42.240
The size of a bunnings.
00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:42.799
Yes.
00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:46.240
With an upstream incredible.
00:21:46.559 --> 00:21:46.880
Yes.
00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:48.960
Like for me, it's hog heaven.
00:21:49.119 --> 00:21:52.960
It's got everything fishing, guns, adventure, you name it.
00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:56.400
You can buy a kayak, a canoe, you can buy a powerboat.
00:21:56.799 --> 00:21:57.440
A TV.
00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:59.039
A TVs, yeah.
00:21:59.200 --> 00:22:00.400
Oh Yeah.
00:22:00.880 --> 00:22:04.400
If you get to the States first go to Bassbro.
00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:06.799
Just don't not d go.
00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:07.359
Yeah.
00:22:07.680 --> 00:22:19.599
So the R R V DA dealer convention in um Paris, Las Vegas, it was the first time uh the off-grid extremes uh was shown to the US dealers.
00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:24.079
So and the 19 HRT, of course, the hero of that.
00:22:24.880 --> 00:22:32.720
Was that a moment that we knew that the off-grid extreme was going to be a bit of a hot item in the US?
00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.880
I think so, absolutely.
00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:35.440
Yeah?
00:22:35.519 --> 00:22:36.319
The reaction?
00:22:36.640 --> 00:22:54.480
When you have um uh owners of competitor brands and you find them on your stand before starting or after finishing, uh taking videos of your product inside and out from a mainstream brand, that's pretty impressive.
00:22:54.559 --> 00:22:57.519
Now you know you're sort of you're making some waves.
00:22:57.839 --> 00:22:58.400
Absolutely.
00:22:58.640 --> 00:23:01.039
And it was it was a really good moment for us.
00:23:01.119 --> 00:23:13.519
So there was so much time and effort that went into the development of the off-grid extreme range, and we'd taken so much feedback and evolved the product so dramatically from our previous iterations into the off-grid extreme.
00:23:13.839 --> 00:23:17.759
And we're all going to be confident, confident because we work internally on it, right?
00:23:17.839 --> 00:23:20.319
And we're all very in invested in it anyway.
00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:26.799
But then to have that unbiased feedback from dealers there was you know quite quite good for us.
00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:40.799
And so myself, Vaughan and Anya manned that stand throughout the show and had some great conversations, and it was a it was much around brand presence for us, and and we also very much like being involved with uh industry associations as well.
00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:44.240
I think we're all more powerful as one and being involved.
00:23:44.480 --> 00:23:48.720
So for us, we wanted to be aligned with the RVDA uh in that respect as well.
00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:53.599
But uh yeah, the feedback on the product was uh really, really good.
00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:56.319
Oh, it would have been amazing.
00:23:56.400 --> 00:24:01.119
Well, having seen it, but yeah, I need to get to one of those shows one day.
00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:03.920
So a bit of a round the table.
00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:11.119
Um now the language is very different, and I remember writing the first owner manuals for the American product.
00:24:11.279 --> 00:24:18.400
Yeah, I needed a lot of assistance with with the wording, and I spent a lot of time on Google to find out what they call things.
00:24:18.640 --> 00:24:21.839
Is it uh Tyre T Y R E or Tyre T Y R E?
00:24:22.240 --> 00:24:23.119
Oh my god.
00:24:23.359 --> 00:24:25.200
And is it tomato sauce or ketchup?
00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:28.400
Well, and keep going.
00:24:29.119 --> 00:24:38.480
So I'll say our word for something, and you got Vaughan, caravan, what do they call it?
00:24:38.799 --> 00:24:39.920
Travel trailer.
00:24:40.160 --> 00:24:42.319
Richie, camper trailer, what do they call it?
00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:43.680
Pop-up camper.
00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:45.759
James, you, what do they call it?
00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:47.359
A pickup trailer.
00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.279
You can see what I mean.
00:24:49.359 --> 00:24:51.920
Like it's it's a different language almost.
00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:53.440
Off-roading.
00:24:53.920 --> 00:24:56.960
Overlanding, free camping.
00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:58.319
Oh, boondocking.
00:24:58.480 --> 00:24:58.880
Boondocking.
00:24:59.200 --> 00:24:59.839
Boondocking.
00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:00.640
Yes.
00:25:00.960 --> 00:25:02.079
Or dispersed camping.
00:25:02.319 --> 00:25:02.880
Dispersed camp.
00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:03.759
Dispersed camping.
00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:05.039
Dispersed camping.
00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:06.799
That's politically correct, I'd say.
00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:07.440
I like that.
00:25:07.599 --> 00:25:09.119
That sounds like a COVID thing.
00:25:09.200 --> 00:25:09.440
Yeah.
00:25:09.599 --> 00:25:10.480
But heater.
00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:12.079
We use a heater.
00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:13.119
Yeah, it's a heater.
00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:13.759
Furnace.
00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:15.200
They call it a furnace.
00:25:15.279 --> 00:25:18.559
So that one still to this day I just can't get my head around.
00:25:18.720 --> 00:25:23.200
Like I know what it is now, because we have to speak in these in these terms, but for me that's a struggle.
00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:26.880
Like everyone in Australia, when you go to the sink, you turn on the tap.
00:25:27.119 --> 00:25:28.400
But they call it force it over.
00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:29.759
Force it, yeah.
00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:35.039
And oh, this one gave me nightmares changing all the info over gas.
00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:39.519
We have LP gas, and over there, it everything has to be propane.
00:25:39.680 --> 00:25:43.119
If you say LP gas, they look at you, what?
00:25:43.359 --> 00:25:45.200
It's yeah, PowerPoint.
00:25:45.680 --> 00:25:46.160
Yep.
00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.200
Our receptacle.
00:25:47.680 --> 00:25:48.319
Receptacle.
00:25:49.039 --> 00:25:50.720
ESCI cooler.
00:25:51.680 --> 00:25:58.079
Interesting thing in the US, um 12-volt fridges over here, you wouldn't go out and buy an ESCI, right?
00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:59.200
In Australia.
00:25:59.359 --> 00:25:59.519
Yeah.
00:25:59.839 --> 00:26:01.119
Still a big thing in the US.
00:26:01.359 --> 00:26:05.279
Like 12-volt fridges are still cutting edge.
00:26:05.680 --> 00:26:08.079
All new in America.
00:26:08.640 --> 00:26:10.240
And we've had them here for what?
00:26:10.559 --> 00:26:16.480
You know, if you bought an angle, you probably bought it 20 oh 35, 40 years ago.
00:26:17.359 --> 00:26:20.000
People still running around with their angles in their car.
00:26:20.559 --> 00:26:21.599
But okay.
00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:23.599
But I guess it depends where you are up there too.
00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:28.640
If they're doing all their camping in winter, just throw it out the door into the snow if there's no bears.
00:26:28.720 --> 00:26:29.359
Yeah.
00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:32.960
Servo gas station.
00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:33.200
Oh.
00:26:33.599 --> 00:26:39.519
Now, just on that, if you have a servo pie in America, does that mean you have a gas station pie?
00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:40.960
So good.
00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:43.519
Well if they have pies.
00:26:43.920 --> 00:26:49.119
Mate, if I'm going to an American gas station, I'm getting the pizza.
00:26:50.160 --> 00:26:56.559
Or the tacos or all the rest of the like the the smallest board of food, and that was a big culture shop for me.
00:26:56.640 --> 00:26:56.720
Yes.
00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:59.119
And I haven't even got to go to a Bucky's yet.
00:26:59.440 --> 00:27:00.559
Oh big Bucky's.
00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:01.519
Oh, tell me about it.
00:27:01.839 --> 00:27:02.480
Next level.
00:27:03.119 --> 00:27:05.200
Like can you really buy a canoe there?
00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:10.880
You can just about buy everything, but there's 50 um gas pumps.
00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:11.200
Yeah.
00:27:11.359 --> 00:27:18.079
And then inside it's just like a you know a mini mart, but on steroids.
00:27:18.400 --> 00:27:18.799
My God.
00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:22.160
I definitely want to get across and buy the t-shirt.
00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:23.359
They have merch yes.
00:27:23.599 --> 00:27:37.119
Yeah, and for those that haven't been to America, you think 50 gas pumps, they pay for their gas at the pump with your card before you pump it, unlike here in Australia, where you go in and pay, which uh Shane found out.
00:27:37.359 --> 00:27:37.920
Yes.
00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:42.240
Uh kept having to apologize and pay for his gas when he drive off, forgetting to pay.
00:27:42.480 --> 00:27:44.880
Not not RV related, but um thong.
00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.640
Yeah, yeah.
00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:47.440
Yes.
00:27:47.680 --> 00:27:48.880
There is a big difference there.
00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:50.160
Flip-flops, right?
00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.519
Yeah, flip-flops, yeah.
00:27:51.759 --> 00:27:55.039
And just to clarify, should be.
00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:59.039
And the big one, aluminium and aluminum.
00:27:59.279 --> 00:27:59.440
Yeah.
00:27:59.759 --> 00:28:00.640
Spelt the same.
00:28:00.799 --> 00:28:01.119
Yes.
00:28:01.359 --> 00:28:07.920
Like we even had to change a lot of our decals and stickers over on some of our vans to make sure we had the Americanized terminology for stuff.
00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:12.000
And it having said that, like we obviously have a very Australian view on this stuff.
00:28:12.160 --> 00:28:22.400
I guarantee you, all of our US partners and US customers watch some of our videos and walkthroughs and content and think, what on earth are these guys talking about?
00:28:22.640 --> 00:28:27.200
Because as Australians, we have a saying and a slang for absolutely everything.
00:28:27.599 --> 00:28:28.079
Everything, yeah.
00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:28.799
That's true.
00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:36.960
Um, some of the walk-around videos that I've made in the US with our dealers, they actually have to put subtitles so they interpret my English.
00:28:37.359 --> 00:28:38.000
Yes.
00:28:38.400 --> 00:28:39.519
I think that'll be the same.
00:28:39.680 --> 00:28:47.440
I I recently did one for one of our new models, and I tried to be conscious of making sure I used terminology that that made sense.
00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:54.160
But sometimes you just forget and you just say what it normally is to me, and uh and then I'd say it, and in my mind, I'm like, oh man, I shouldn't have said that.
00:28:54.400 --> 00:28:59.680
I think I look stressed in the videos I've made over there trying to make sure that I get the terminology's right.
00:29:00.079 --> 00:29:08.160
It's a another thing for me, and I don't think it's on our on our bingo card, but uh still to this day, Australia we're very metric, right?
00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:14.480
Everything is metric other than randomly kind of some random things in our R V LAN we still do in feet, like awnings.
00:29:14.880 --> 00:29:35.839
Um, but some of the terminology for units of measure of liquids or power like BTUs and foot pounds and uh cubic feet for a fridge, all that stuff to me, and gallons, like I can't I can't rationalise the size of it, or you know, um all of their weights and ratings are completely indifferent.
00:29:36.000 --> 00:29:40.480
So I've got to convert everything back to to metrics, so it makes sense to me.
00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:42.079
It's around four litres a gallon.
00:29:42.160 --> 00:29:43.759
Yeah, yeah, that's all I remember.
00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:47.119
And and America will use anything but the metric system.
00:29:47.279 --> 00:29:47.599
Yes.
00:29:47.759 --> 00:29:50.400
They'll use chickens, whatever.
00:29:51.599 --> 00:29:54.799
Before they'll use millimetres and meters.
00:29:54.880 --> 00:30:02.240
So all jokes aside, what what's the hardest part about running a remote business on the other side of the ocean?
00:30:05.039 --> 00:30:06.000
I don't know.
00:30:06.319 --> 00:30:13.519
I think with the way the internet is these days, um, and you know, during COVID teams meetings became a thing.
00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:17.839
Yeah, I guess it's created a lot more efficiency and you don't have to travel as much.
00:30:18.079 --> 00:30:30.000
So it's quite it's better to have meetings, and quite often because the US we wake up in the morning as the end of their day, we're actually doing our group meetings from our home offices or our lounge rooms.
00:30:30.079 --> 00:30:30.319
Yeah.
00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:45.119
And I think too, like for us as a business, having Ritchie as a dedicated resource here in Australian head office that's sole responsibility alongside Gold Class is to manage the US business in our executive team makes a huge difference too.
00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:49.119
Like we've got someone in that position that has experience that we can trust.
00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:53.680
I think that's to your point where you're asking about, you know, what's the hardest part?
00:30:53.920 --> 00:31:21.119
Prior to that, prior to having Richie in that dedicated resource, it was kind of a shared responsibility across a number of our managers in the Australian head office, and that would be a challenge because we're all trying to juggle priorities and and we wanted to give um the US business the attention it deserved, but then having Richie then move into that dedicated US um manager role was fantastic for us because he takes absolute ownership over that day-to-day.
00:31:21.440 --> 00:31:21.680
Yeah.
00:31:21.839 --> 00:31:24.799
I think it's easy with the time difference to become disjointed.
00:31:24.880 --> 00:31:25.039
Yeah.
00:31:25.279 --> 00:31:28.880
You ask a question today, you get an answer tomorrow and then come back.
00:31:29.119 --> 00:31:39.200
Whereas if you're regularly talking to them pretty much every day, Vaughan, myself, or James, you can get things done in a systematic way quite quickly.
00:31:39.440 --> 00:31:46.079
But it does help to have good people on the ground, whether it's staff, dealers, or uh suppliers.
00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:52.000
For me, um Richie's an early riser, and so pretty much the work's done by the time I wake up.
00:31:52.319 --> 00:31:55.519
So as soon as I wake up, I'll look at my phone, look for a team's message.
00:31:55.599 --> 00:31:56.960
Uh what's going on in the US?
00:31:57.039 --> 00:31:58.319
Is there anything I need to do?
00:31:58.559 --> 00:32:01.920
Um if there's nothing there, nothing for me to do for the rest of the day, pretty much.
00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:02.319
Yeah.
00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:03.839
You do a pulse check.
00:32:04.160 --> 00:32:04.400
Yeah.
00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:06.079
That's a good way to work.
00:32:07.279 --> 00:32:07.599
Yeah.
00:32:08.319 --> 00:32:15.759
So one for you, Richie, over there, a travel trailer that can go where our product goes.
00:32:16.079 --> 00:32:24.160
What do you think the reaction or what the American customer sees when they look at our product for the first time?
00:32:24.960 --> 00:32:32.240
I think they relate to the American LCART product and can't believe the quality.
00:32:33.599 --> 00:32:44.400
I know when I've been to shows and met customers they've gone to a stand next door with an American product there and they've led on the walls, and the walls just wobble.
00:32:45.279 --> 00:32:48.799
Our products robust, basically indestructible.
00:32:48.960 --> 00:32:55.680
And I think they find that hard to understand that there's a product like ours in the market.
00:32:56.000 --> 00:32:58.880
Yeah, that you can't put your fist in to go pretty much anywhere.
00:33:00.640 --> 00:33:01.920
It's quite it's really exciting.
00:33:02.240 --> 00:33:02.400
Yeah.
00:33:02.559 --> 00:33:14.240
Well, look, I have to agree because the reactions when we've been over there, especially when we're traveling, excuse me, in a small convoy and we all pull up, there is a lot of interest.
00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:21.200
And and yeah, the the reaction is obviously or when most people see it for the first time.
00:33:22.079 --> 00:33:29.759
So what are you looking for in a dealer partner and what makes the Aussie off-road product interesting to those dealers?
00:33:30.400 --> 00:33:40.400
I think as Vaughan mentioned, the dealers we have now do operate in the off-grid overlanding space already.
00:33:40.720 --> 00:33:46.079
It's definitely not a product for everyone if they're just sole American-built product.
00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:51.440
But it's a product that complements their own product.
00:33:51.759 --> 00:34:03.519
So we have good partners already, and we're also looking for people who can partner with us in areas of the market where we currently aren't based.
00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:07.920
And also if something does go wrong, they can fix the product.
00:34:08.800 --> 00:34:12.320
They do know they've seen similar products before.
00:34:12.559 --> 00:34:13.679
That makes a big difference.
00:34:14.159 --> 00:34:21.199
ROA off-road um is a dealer that I guess you guys have built a a pretty special relationship with.
00:34:21.760 --> 00:34:34.239
So tell us a bit about Shane and his family and how that relationship sort of progressed and and evolved since we first uh started him off as a dealer.
00:34:34.960 --> 00:34:43.440
I guess um ROA Off-Road is a uh they've only worked in off-grid overlanding product.
00:34:44.320 --> 00:34:52.800
Um so it's a very specific niche, and they were one of the pioneers uh of the uh overlanding in the US, and uh they leave it and breathe it.
00:34:53.280 --> 00:35:02.400
So yeah, been on a lot of trips with those guys, um, which has helped us understand the product and how we've developed it for the US markets, very different to Australia.
00:35:02.960 --> 00:35:29.679
And for those that haven't watched it, our our trip last year up to Cape York, uh Shane Staffer and his lovely wife and and daughter came along with us up to the Cape, and Shane and I towed a couple of MDC caravans up the teletrack because we really wanted uh Shane to see just what you could do to the product, and how good a trip was that?
00:35:30.239 --> 00:36:02.639
It was pretty amazing, and um, I guess the terrain here in Australia is very different to the US, and so they come over here and go, hey, this is amazing, and you know, we've been brought up in this environment, so it's sort of we get desensitized of how great the Australian um terrain is, but when we go to the US, we get the same thing because we don't have the big snow capped mountains over here, and so that's new to us, so we get excited by what they have, and they get excited by what we have because for over here creek crossings in the US, you don't have creek crossings, so their vehicles don't have snorkels.
00:36:02.960 --> 00:36:06.960
If you're gonna go off-grid over here in Australia, you must have a snorkel on your vehicle.
00:36:07.280 --> 00:36:08.159
Yeah, absolutely.
00:36:08.320 --> 00:36:27.519
It was a big difference, and I remember our travel over there, we we saw everything in one trip from deserts, monument, valley, all the all those places where they they filmed so many westerns, and then all the way down to snow country, getting snowed in for a few days.
00:36:27.599 --> 00:36:43.199
So it is wild, but yeah, I think the river crossings were the things that that amazed Shane the most was that every I don't know, kilometre going through water up to the bonnet, it was a bit of a bit of a joy.
00:36:43.519 --> 00:36:47.199
So here we're mostly dealing with heat and dust.
00:36:47.360 --> 00:36:52.639
In the States, you can tow through a desert in the morning and hit the snow by the afternoon.
00:36:52.880 --> 00:36:59.199
So how's that changed how we've built caravans for the US, James?
00:36:59.840 --> 00:37:05.679
Probably one of the the bigger learning curves for us as a business was around uh cold weather design.
00:37:05.760 --> 00:37:08.960
And it's still something that we're learning a lot about today.
00:37:09.199 --> 00:37:19.360
So things that we've never had to design or even consider before in any Australian uh model that we've developed were things that we've had to now look at and pay attention to.
00:37:19.440 --> 00:37:22.800
And and as I said, Steve, it's something we're still learning about today.
00:37:22.960 --> 00:37:34.159
So things like wet bays and uh you know tank heating, making sure the batteries that we use have inbuilt heating, things that that you know we don't even have to consider in those Australian products.
00:37:34.559 --> 00:37:38.559
And then there's the storage with winterising for winter storage and everything.
00:37:38.719 --> 00:37:44.559
So ever all the pipe work and anything with water in it isn't split when things thaw out.
00:37:44.800 --> 00:37:54.880
Yeah, so even our to our pipe routing in the off-crit extreme range, as much as we can is now up inside the van, which in an Australian product you always try and keep it under the van where you can.
00:37:55.199 --> 00:38:02.800
Even to uh I remember when we were doing the off-crit extreme product, because we're an Australian brand, we use cassette toilets.
00:38:02.880 --> 00:38:06.000
We also like those for off-grid uh and off-road use.
00:38:06.159 --> 00:38:18.639
And um when we did the off-crit extreme project, we had to find a cassette toilet that had its own dedicated holding tank so that the customer could fill the flush tank with uh anti-freeze.
00:38:19.519 --> 00:38:21.519
So that when you go to flush the toilet, it's not frozen.
00:38:21.760 --> 00:38:24.800
So all these little things that we've learnt over time.
00:38:25.280 --> 00:38:32.079
And a a lot of that um the things we've learnt have come from the customers and the dealers.
00:38:32.559 --> 00:38:36.079
In particular, some of the dealers have been very, very helpful.
00:38:36.239 --> 00:38:39.920
So, how much of that feedback's come back to the drawing board in our design?
00:38:40.239 --> 00:38:40.559
All of it.
00:38:40.639 --> 00:38:42.480
In particular the off-grid extreme range.
00:38:42.800 --> 00:38:47.920
100% owner forums on on social media is a huge one for us as well.
00:38:48.239 --> 00:38:58.480
Going and visiting shows ourselves and locations, our teams, yourself included, Steve Vaughan, going and physically using the product for many years over there yourselves.
00:38:58.639 --> 00:39:03.840
We've we painted a pretty good picture for ourselves for the off-grid extreme project.
00:39:04.559 --> 00:39:19.039
So, whether you're in Queensland, Utah, Columbia, what does an off-grid traveller fundamentally want in their van that's different between Australia and the US?
00:39:19.360 --> 00:39:20.320
Good question.
00:39:20.559 --> 00:39:23.599
Um, I think look, off-grid is off-grid.
00:39:23.920 --> 00:39:28.400
Um ultimately you want to be uh have the ability to stay away as much as possible.
00:39:28.480 --> 00:39:39.360
I don't think an off-grid Vaughn may be having a different view here, but a customer heading off-grid in Australia, I think from a usability perspective, is fairly similar to a customer using it in the US.
00:39:39.440 --> 00:39:40.320
Would you agree, Vaughan?
00:39:40.719 --> 00:39:44.239
I would, just the uh weather considerations would be the only difference.
00:39:44.480 --> 00:39:44.639
Yeah.
00:39:44.880 --> 00:39:49.519
So when are we gonna put heated solar panels on our American product?
00:39:49.920 --> 00:39:50.719
It's a good question.
00:39:50.880 --> 00:39:53.199
I haven't uh I haven't looked too much into that one.
00:39:53.519 --> 00:39:54.960
Windscreen domesticers.
00:39:55.199 --> 00:39:55.519
Okay.
00:39:55.760 --> 00:39:56.639
We reckon we should do that.
00:39:56.880 --> 00:39:58.880
Put the snow off, yeah, and they can get solar.
00:39:59.199 --> 00:39:59.360
Yeah.
00:39:59.599 --> 00:40:08.880
Or put those little um I don't know if you've seen for the the household, you can get the little uh the little racks with the sprayers that go and self-clean your your solar panels.
00:40:09.039 --> 00:40:10.159
So yeah, anything's possible.
00:40:10.800 --> 00:40:12.719
Yeah wiper washers for the solar panels.
00:40:12.960 --> 00:40:13.440
Yeah.
00:40:14.000 --> 00:40:19.360
So the XT19 has become one of the most popular models in the range over there.
00:40:19.519 --> 00:40:21.280
Um customers want more.
00:40:21.519 --> 00:40:25.039
How did that turn into the XT22?
00:40:25.199 --> 00:40:25.840
What does it do?
00:40:26.000 --> 00:40:33.039
What's the 22 going to do different because it's designed for the American customer?
00:40:33.679 --> 00:40:45.679
So we've had so much feedback from our customers over the years where the the US customer always wants something larger from a floor plan perspective, and up until this point, we've only had our 19.
00:40:45.760 --> 00:40:51.679
So developing the XT22 HRT for the first time, we've got a new floor plan.
00:40:51.760 --> 00:40:54.000
So it's basically three designated zones.
00:40:54.079 --> 00:41:04.880
You've got your private bedroom at the front, in the middle, you've got your centre uh shower and toilet and bathroom area, and at the back, a completely separate kitchen and living uh area.
00:41:05.039 --> 00:41:10.559
So for the first time we've been able to do that, and you can only achieve that kind of thing when you then push out the size.
00:41:10.719 --> 00:41:14.559
So we've obviously then upped our uh G VWR rating.
00:41:14.719 --> 00:41:19.039
So uh it is a heavier unit, but all the bells and whistles are certainly there.
00:41:19.119 --> 00:41:21.199
It's it's taken us to the next level.
00:41:21.760 --> 00:41:24.480
It's a lot of caravan or travel trailer.
00:41:24.800 --> 00:41:27.360
It is, and I mean we haven't even started speaking about the features yet.
00:41:27.440 --> 00:41:36.639
Like the floor plan itself is is fantastic, but some of the features that we've put in there it's is for the first time we've never done these things before in any of our US ranges.
00:41:36.719 --> 00:41:46.639
Aaron Powell Yeah, because a lot of the appliances uh are greatly different due to, I guess, uh compliance and all that sort of stuff over there.
00:41:46.880 --> 00:41:48.639
So they would would differ.
00:41:48.800 --> 00:41:54.079
What what is the biggest difference in how you approach it with appliances versus Australia?
00:41:54.559 --> 00:42:13.440
I use this terminology before uh because it's something that comes up often around flipping the floor plan and sending it to the US, and it's so marr so far from that because as you touched on, Steve, the appliances are completely different from not just certification but product usage, but also what customer is expecting to see in that product.
00:42:13.599 --> 00:42:20.559
So you've got the appliance side, and then pretty much every rule is different when you come to regulatory requirements.
00:42:20.719 --> 00:42:30.960
So we're lucky enough to be RVIA uh affiliated, so um they help us with our NFPA 1192 certification, which is what you need for travel trailers in the US.
00:42:31.119 --> 00:42:34.880
But um, to your point, pretty much every rule in regulation is different.
00:42:35.039 --> 00:42:40.960
So uh you need to learn a lot before you go and do a US style uh travel trailer.
00:42:41.280 --> 00:42:42.239
Oh, I can imagine.
00:42:42.480 --> 00:42:51.599
So Vaughn, you've said serious capability is only half the equation, and that you've got to be able to live properly when when you arrive.
00:42:51.760 --> 00:43:03.840
Now, how do you add that much space and comfort without losing what makes it an MDC when you head into like the 22-foot off-grid extreme type trailer?
00:43:04.159 --> 00:43:13.119
Yeah, look, I think we're adding a little bit more length, we're not actually adding any more width, so it'll get down similar tracks as the 19 foot.
00:43:13.280 --> 00:43:15.440
And as you know, in America, big is always better.
00:43:15.679 --> 00:43:15.920
Yeah.
00:43:16.159 --> 00:43:20.960
And you know, there's an extra five-foot of room in this and makes a huge difference.
00:43:21.360 --> 00:43:39.760
Um and just the the dual zones, you know, it's something we haven't done in the US, and it's been very popular over here in Australia, and just having that separation um where people could go into the bedroom area and be separated from the lounge room area if you're entertaining there, someone wants to go to bed early.
00:43:39.920 --> 00:43:45.039
Um, it just makes it um a more comfortable off-grid experience.
00:43:45.199 --> 00:43:50.559
Like we're starting to get into the premium um type features there.
00:43:51.039 --> 00:43:54.559
And um you know, the twenty-two-foot vans is where it's at.
00:43:54.960 --> 00:43:57.360
In the US, that's pretty much entry-level twenty-two foot.
00:43:58.000 --> 00:43:58.800
Yeah, that's true.
00:43:59.519 --> 00:44:10.000
So With uh I guess with the big entertainment side of of the twenty two with the entertainment hub, big T V, fusion stereo, fridge, all that sort of thing.
00:44:10.159 --> 00:44:12.880
How do you think that'll tie in with their lifestyle over there?
00:44:13.280 --> 00:44:14.400
I think it'll be a real winner.
00:44:14.559 --> 00:44:14.880
Yeah.
00:44:15.280 --> 00:44:24.800
I think like here people you know, sleep inside and like to do their living outside and having uh you know, fantastic entertainment hub in the caravan.
00:44:25.760 --> 00:44:27.599
Sit out under the awning and watch the game.
00:44:27.920 --> 00:44:28.639
Watch the yeah.
00:44:28.960 --> 00:44:31.360
So I've got a story I can talk to.
00:44:31.760 --> 00:44:41.119
I was actually over there um we just did a show with a dealer, and then we were going to go on a little trip, and there was a big football game on.
00:44:41.360 --> 00:44:58.320
Um, and I think this was after RVDA, and so we had a 50-inch TV on a stand on wheels that we'd actually used at the show to display some of our um overlanding uh footage that we had.
00:44:58.559 --> 00:45:09.679
We actually threw that in the back of our dealer's truck and reassembled it in front of my caravan to actually watch an NFL game.
00:45:09.920 --> 00:45:20.480
Um and so essentially with the 22, we've just attached that to the side of the bear so we don't have to have a separate 50-inch TV in the back of the truck anymore.
00:45:20.719 --> 00:45:28.800
It's really true, and uh, I mean, we've we've gone and designed it in a way that actually fit it fits seamlessly into the Bonnie envelope, so it's completely recessed in.
00:45:28.960 --> 00:45:36.639
All you've got to do is you undo the latches, the uh the door hinges up, then creates a bit of a cover for you.
00:45:36.719 --> 00:45:40.320
You've got lighting in there, and it's just all set up, ready to go straight away.
00:45:40.400 --> 00:45:41.920
You can have your beers in the fridge.
00:45:42.079 --> 00:45:46.719
And I think what's fantastic is I talked about it being a three-zone caravan.
00:45:46.880 --> 00:45:49.760
I guess ultimately this is a four-zone caravan.
00:45:49.840 --> 00:45:52.000
You've got the annex, was that what we call it?
00:45:52.159 --> 00:45:53.519
Yannex in in the US.
00:45:53.679 --> 00:45:53.920
Yeah.
00:45:54.159 --> 00:46:02.079
Yannex uh to then close off that outdoor area under the electric warning, or the patio warning, as I learned that terminology just recently.
00:46:02.239 --> 00:46:12.639
Uh, along with the external slide out kitchen, portable fridge slide as well, that entire area outside essentially becomes like a fourth living zone that you can do anything you want.
00:46:13.039 --> 00:46:25.119
So with with the spec on on the 22, it without going into the spec sheet, but we're we're talking big numbers of solar, power, water, a whole lot.
00:46:25.440 --> 00:46:30.559
What does that change what people can do with this caravan in the US?
00:46:30.960 --> 00:46:36.960
So as I mentioned before, Steve, we've upped the G VWR significantly on this and added some additional length.
00:46:37.039 --> 00:46:42.559
So for us, we've added to uh been able to add more solar, so 1,400 watts of rooftop solar.
00:46:42.719 --> 00:46:51.440
You can then put in an additional 600 watts of portable solar if you were to do that on the offside with you know three 200 watt solar blankets or solar panels.
00:46:51.519 --> 00:47:00.960
So that's a massive amount of solar capacity that helps you charge up the 1,500 amps of lithium battery power that you've got on board as standard.
00:47:01.119 --> 00:47:12.639
And I guess another one too, because we've added more space, we've got uh 93 gallons of fresh water, which is significantly more water capacity than we've ever had before.
00:47:12.800 --> 00:47:18.559
So I guess all those factors they would be typically seen as your limiting factors when you go off grid.
00:47:18.719 --> 00:47:20.639
Steve, you've done plenty of this in your time.
00:47:20.880 --> 00:47:22.400
It's always comes down to that, right?
00:47:22.559 --> 00:47:27.440
Water, food, uh, and energy generation essentially your three key things you're looking at there.
00:47:27.519 --> 00:47:31.039
And I think we've addressed them in spades in the new 22-foot.
00:47:32.320 --> 00:47:36.320
It would having looked at the specs, yeah, it's way over the top.
00:47:38.159 --> 00:47:46.559
So really, there is a lot of MDC DNA, our Australian DNA, into the product we're now developing for the US.
00:47:46.960 --> 00:47:47.440
You're right.
00:47:47.679 --> 00:48:12.320
So um I think a couple of weeks ago we did a a podcast in in relation to our one of our premium Australian brands, gold class caravans, and within that brand portfolio, uh we had the AC-22C, which is a 22-foot, 4.5 tonne ATM flagship within that range, and that was very much the inspiration and the precursor for us in terms of the development of the XT22 HRT.
00:48:12.559 --> 00:48:18.880
Having said that, when we developed the gold class AC-22C, we very much had the American market in mind.
00:48:19.119 --> 00:48:24.079
So we developed that for, I guess, dual market uh applicability.
00:48:24.559 --> 00:48:32.880
So there's a lot been a lot of development and changes in how we've traditionally done things to cater to the American market.
00:48:33.199 --> 00:48:37.920
How much of that's come back to benefit the range we provide in Australia?
00:48:38.320 --> 00:48:38.719
So much.
00:48:38.880 --> 00:48:47.760
I think it's so helpful for us, for our teams, both our US side teams and our Australian teams, where we essentially get the best of both worlds.
00:48:47.840 --> 00:49:10.800
We get all of the insights and the knowledge and experience from our US customers and that market, we might be different suppliers and different ideas, that then influences in a positive way the way we design our Australian product, and then vice versa, all of our brains trust for our Australian brand and our Australian products, they're then involved, and then we put all that wealth of experience back into our US model development.
00:49:10.960 --> 00:49:25.760
And I think when I'm thinking about our suppliers, a lot of our suppliers that we use for Market Direct Group as a business are the same for Australia and the US because we have such strong partnerships and we know that it works on these models.
00:49:25.920 --> 00:49:34.000
Why not just if you know if the certification aligns or if they've got a US variant or an Australian variant of that product, we absolutely will adopt those products.
00:49:34.639 --> 00:49:35.920
That's the way to do it.
00:49:36.239 --> 00:49:42.880
Richie, the XT22 lands in the US early in um 2027.
00:49:43.360 --> 00:49:49.119
How do those in America that are interested in this product go and check it out?
00:49:49.199 --> 00:49:50.639
How to find their nearest dealer?
00:49:50.960 --> 00:49:56.880
First place on the internet, mdcusa.com, and go from there.
00:49:57.039 --> 00:50:03.519
And we have great dealer partners, and all of those dealers will look after the customer.
00:50:03.840 --> 00:50:04.400
Absolutely.
00:50:04.559 --> 00:50:10.480
And some of those dealers do put a lot of their own content out on YouTube and and social media.
00:50:10.719 --> 00:50:18.800
So probably a good way to track when they will have it and available for you, the consumer, to go and check it out for yourself.
00:50:19.039 --> 00:50:23.119
So, Vaughn, where can MDC go from here in America?
00:50:23.440 --> 00:50:24.880
Uh, MDC USA.
00:50:25.360 --> 00:50:27.360
Um look, we're committed to it.
00:50:27.440 --> 00:50:31.440
We've been in there um for a long time now.
00:50:31.599 --> 00:50:41.760
And you know, it is a slow burn and it's a difficult market to break into, and we will keep developing uh new products for the US that'll actually work in Australia also.
00:50:42.000 --> 00:50:46.960
Um still waiting on James to come through with the 34-foot triple axle.
00:50:47.280 --> 00:50:52.079
Every time we have this conversation, a couple of extra feet go onto the onto the conversation.
00:50:52.400 --> 00:50:54.159
Triple axle gooseneck.
00:50:54.400 --> 00:50:55.519
Gooseneck, that's something new.
00:50:55.920 --> 00:50:56.639
That should be easy.
00:50:56.880 --> 00:50:59.119
Then the Rams can tow it and not break in the middle.
00:50:59.280 --> 00:50:59.599
Yeah.
00:50:59.840 --> 00:51:00.400
Yeah, okay.
00:51:01.119 --> 00:51:14.239
Getting back to your question for Vaughan, I think we've done the hard yards and we've invested in the US market where they're for the long haul, which is exciting, what opportunities that will create going forward.
00:51:14.960 --> 00:51:26.079
And if from all everyone, if you had one word or one thing to say to the American market to give them an understanding of what MDC is all about, what would it be?
00:51:26.480 --> 00:51:29.760
I think buy an MDC and escape with confidence.
00:51:30.159 --> 00:51:30.800
Very good.
00:51:32.719 --> 00:51:40.559
Uh I think any US customer would be challenged to find a more capable uh overlanding travel trailer than an MDC USA.
00:51:40.960 --> 00:51:41.840
And you, Richie?
00:51:42.320 --> 00:51:46.639
I guess it's they're built tough and uh great value.
00:51:47.199 --> 00:51:50.960
And from me, hey, check out our YouTube channel.
00:51:51.199 --> 00:51:55.840
If I don't break it, the chances are you're not going to break it anytime soon.
00:51:56.000 --> 00:51:57.519
So thanks for watching, everybody.
00:51:57.599 --> 00:52:00.079
Uh it's been great to present our podcast to you.
00:52:00.239 --> 00:52:11.760
Be sure to check out all the other content on our YouTube channel and keep an eye out for the XT22 coming to you in the US soon.
00:52:11.920 --> 00:52:13.199
Thanks for watching.
