The Platform Uses Technology and Partnership to Enhance the RVing Experience.
THOR’s global efforts to enhance the RVing experience are currently on full display as THOR’s North American operating companies begin to adopt a connected vehicle platform that inspires and enhances RV adventure.
THOR’s Global Connected Vehicle Platform (GCVP), first developed by THOR’s European operating company, Erwin Hymer Group (EHG), has proven popular in Europe with thousands of consumers opting for GVCP-equipped RVs since the technology’s debut in 2021.
According to McKinsey & Company's 2024 Mobility Consumer Pulse, roughly half of all global consumers want more connectivity features in their next vehicle.
Harnessing Technology and Partnership to Deliver an Enhanced Experience
The North American application of the GVCP uses a mobile app, location services, and a partnership with Roadtrippers, the Number 1 road trip planning app, to deliver information that encourages RV owners to explore new places, enjoy richer experiences and maximize their time on the road.
POINTS OF INTEREST AND SERVICE SUPPORT
This platform can help users locate and explore more than 40,000 camping-focused points of interest, including public and private campgrounds, dump stations and RV-friendly overnight parking places.
The GCVP’s ability to locate the RV owner’s preferred or nearest dealership and provide model-specific support and maintenance articles allows owners to get back to adventuring more quickly.
COMPANY BRANDED CONTENT
This connected vehicle platform’s ability to deliver information from the manufacturer via the mobile app, including content that inspires more RV use, fosters a deeper connection to the brand. This can improve customer retention and create additional product differentiation.
CONTROL & MONITORING
The GCVP provides owners peace of mind with a range of monitoring and control functions. These capabilities include the ability to monitor the RVs' location, which allows owners to easily navigate back to the vehicle after a hike or adventure, and keep tabs on it year-round.
Owners can also track and operate their RV’s HVAC systems to keep pets safe and comfortable, as well as monitor the RV’s resource levels while inside or away from the unit.
This is the Power of Global Innovation
THOR’s Global Innovation Team, based at THOR’s US Innovation Lab (USIL) in Elkhart, IN, is working with the North American operating companies to expand the GCVP. The GCVP allows each THOR company the flexibility to fully customize its connected vehicle product to create a distinct experience tailored to its unique customer base.
Airstream is the first member of the THOR family of companies to debut a GCVP-based connected vehicle platform. MyAirsteam is available in model year 2025 Airstream Classic travel trailers. More THOR operating companies are expected to debut their versions of the Global Connected Vehicle Platform in the coming months.
“Our experience with connected vehicle technology highlights the advantages of working with a team of innovators spread across two continents,” said THOR Industries President and CEO Bob Martin. “The range of thought, experience, and expertise available to our innovation efforts is a true difference-maker.”
