I
nterview with
Bob Wheeler
Words Craig Ritchie and Antonio Mazzucchelli
A technology leader for over 90 years Airstream has differentiated its brand as a technology leader since it unveiled its very first trailer in 1931
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eading an iconic, heritage brand can’t help but feel like wielding a double-edged sword. On one hand it’s easy, because the product is nearly guaranteed to sell itself. But being trusted with the stewardship of an industry icon also brings enormous responsibility – and especially in the case of a brand that has differentiated itself as a technology leader for more than 90 years.
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That brand, of course, is Airstream – easily the most-recognized RV builder in the world thanks to the enduring popularity of its iconic, bullet-shaped aluminum trailers. Although Airstream today manufactures both towable and motorized product, its timeless aluminum trailers still represent around two-thirds of its total annual production, with customers on multiple continents ranging from young families to celebrities to NASA.