As I pulled my coach into the Nappanee service center last summer, I couldn’t help but notice the built one at a time plaques hanging near the assembly line. For those of us in the community, Newmar has always represented the gold standard of the luxury class a motorhomes segment. But ever since the corporate news broke, the most common question I get at campsites is: who owns the newmar rv brand now, and has the quality changed?
I’ve spent months researching the corporate shift, talking to factory workers, and sitting in on the latest 2026 model debuts. If you are looking for the short answer: Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO) acquired Newmar Corporation in November 2019 for approximately $344 million. But as any owner will tell you, the owner on a stock certificate matters far less than the hands building the slide-outs.
💡 Key Takeaways: Newmar Ownership at a Glance
- Current Owner: Winnebago Industries, Inc. (since Nov 2019).
- Operating Model: Distinct business unit, keeping local engineers and factory culture.
- Manufacturing Home: Still 100% based in Nappanee, Indiana.
- Current Leadership: Casey Tubman serves as President (appointed 2022).
Newmar Corporation: A Legacy Built on Indiana Soil
Before we look at the corporate giants, we have to look at the roots. I’ve always admired that Newmar wasn’t born in a boardroom; it was born in the heart of a small woodworking town. In 1968, Marvin Miller and Marvin Newcomer left their stable jobs to start a company that reflected the Mennonite and Amish values of Nappanee, honesty, community, and tireless hard work.
These aren’t just marketing buzzwords. When you see a Dutch Star or a Mountain Aire today, that Amish-inspired craftsmanship is a direct link to those founding days. The company truly hit its stride under the Miller era. Mahlon Miller, who had previously been the President of Holiday Rambler, took a majority stake in 1984. For the next 35 years, the Miller family grew the brand into the premier name for diesel pushers. When Mahlon’s son, Matt Miller, took the reins as President in 2006, he maintained that family-owned feel that many of us fell in love with.
The 2019 Winnebago Acquisition: What Really Happened?
I remember the day the announcement hit. Much like readers asking who owns Coachmen RV to verify brand stability, Newmar owners felt a surge of anxiety in the forums. The deal was massive: $270 million in cash plus 2 million shares of Winnebago stock. Winnebago Industries wanted to plant a flag in the high-end luxury market, and Newmar was the perfect crown jewel.
But here is the part that most people miss: Winnebago didn’t just buy the name; they bought the culture. They structured the company as a distinct business unit. In the business world, that’s a big deal. It means that while the parent company provides the financial backing and big company resources, the day-to-day decisions, the engineering, and the customer service remain in Nappanee. From my experience visiting the service center recently, the faces haven’t changed, and neither has the commitment to the Newmar Way.
Who Owns Newmar Motorhomes Today?
Today, Newmar is part of the Winnebago Industries Family of Brands. If you look at the parent company’s portfolio, you’ll see they are becoming a powerhouse of the outdoor lifestyle. By diversifying, the parent organization can share technology, like the smart-home systems, across brands without forcing the luxury line to lose its identity. It’s a best of both worlds scenario that has allowed the manufacturer to weather the economic shifts of the mid-2020s much better than some independent competitors.
Grand Design RV
A fellow member of the family, Grand Design focuses on the towable market. Their inclusion in the portfolio shows that Winnebago is interested in brands that prioritize customer service and quality control, similar to the newmar rv manufacturer philosophy.
Chris-Craft and Barletta
These marine brands represent the expansion into the boating world. While they seem different, they share the same target audience as high-end motorhome owners: people who value leisure, luxury, and lasting build quality.
Who Makes Newmar RVs? Meet the New Leadership
While the corporate owner is a massive public company, the person steering the ship at the factory level is Casey Tubman. Casey joined as President in 2022, bringing a background in high-level manufacturing. In late 2025, his role expanded to oversee both the Newmar and Winnebago motorized divisions, showing how much trust the parent company has in his leadership.
Under his leadership, the brand has expanded beyond its class A roots. We are now seeing the rise of the Super C segment and even Compact C luxury options. When you ask who makes newmar rvs, much like researching the independence of brands like Alliance, the answer is still the skilled craftsmen in Indiana. Even as leadership changes, the 1,000+ employees in Nappanee remain the backbone of every newmar indiana build.
Newmar RV Models: The 2026 Lineup and Quality Check
A major concern for buyers is whether the quality has dipped under Winnebago’s watch. To find out, I spent some time touring the 2026 lineup. If anything, the acquisition has given the team the capital to experiment more. They’ve recently introduced the Artisan Series custom paint process, which ensures no two coaches look exactly alike.
Key Newmar Model Comparison (2026 Edition)
| Model Name | Category | Chassis Type | Notable 2026 Update |
| King Aire | Class A Diesel | Spartan K3 | Redesigned “Refined” Interior Option |
| Dutch Star | Class A Diesel | Freightliner/Spartan | Standard Booth Dinette & Recessed Lighting |
| Bay Star | Class A Gas | Ford F-53 | Two New Floor Plans (3114, 3509) |
| Summit Aire | Super C | Freightliner Cascadia | All-New Model with 600 HP |
| Freedom Aire | Compact C | Mercedes Sprinter | Debut Model; RV News Type C RV of the Year |
The Luxury Diesel Pusher Lineup
At the top of the mountain sits the newmar king aire. This is where you find the most advanced driver-assist technology and interiors that look more like a Manhattan penthouse than a vehicle. Below that, the Essex and London Aire continue to set the standard for what a class A should be.
The Core Diesel Models
The Dutch Star remains the most popular diesel pusher on the market for a reason. It offers the perfect balance of luxury and practicality. The Ventana and Mountain Aire round out this group, providing a variety of price points and floorplans that cater to both full-timers and weekend travelers.
Expanding the Super C and Gas Market
We’ve seen a massive surge in interest for the Supreme Aire and Super Star. These models provide the towing capacity and safety of a truck chassis with the interior luxury Newmar is known for. On the gas side, the Bay Star continues to be a favorite for those who want the brand’s quality without the diesel price tag.
Who owns Newmar RV today, and has the quality changed? Join me for a behind-the-scenes look at Newmar’s transition to Winnebago Industries. We explore the current leadership under Casey Tubman, the legendary Nappanee craftsmanship, and the award-winning 2026 lineup, including the all-new Freedom Aire. Discover the past, present, and future of luxury motorhomes.
Why Newmar Indiana Still Leads the Market
There is a unique energy in Nappanee that you don’t find at other massive manufacturing hubs. The coaches are built on a stationary assembly line system for many parts of the process. Instead of the chassis moving past workers on a clock, the workers spend the time needed at each station.
This focus on the process is why they can offer things like the Comfort Drive steering system, an industry-first that makes driving a 45-foot coach feel like driving a luxury SUV.. It’s these small, engineering-heavy details that prove the parent company is letting the experts do what they do best.
💡 Inside the Factory: The Newmar Difference
- Chassis reinforcement: Every chassis is strengthened before the body is even touched.
- Full-body paint: A multi-step process that takes weeks to complete.
- Custom cabinetry: Built in-house by local woodworkers.
- Stationary Assembly: Technicians move to the coach, allowing for greater precision.
Addressing the Investor vs. Owner Perspective
When people search for who owns newmar rv, what they are really asking is: Is my investment safe? In my professional opinion, the brand is in a stronger position now than it was as a private company. Being part of a publicly traded organization provides a safety net.
If a recession hits, they have the backing of a multi-billion dollar corporation to keep the parts department running and the warranties honored. Furthermore, the company recently addressed some of the misinformation regarding VIN compliance and manufacturing standards by doubling down on their factory-certified inspection programs. They are transparent about their processes, which is a massive trust signal for me.
The Future of Newmar Motorhomes in the Winnebago Era
Looking ahead to the next five years, I expect to see even more integration of green energy. We are already hearing whispers about more robust lithium battery systems and solar integration that will allow for extended boondocking without a generator. This kind of research and development is expensive, and it’s exactly where having a parent company like Winnebago pays off for the consumer.
The newmar rv models of 2026 are already showing these shifts. We are seeing more aerodynamic designs and lighter materials that improve fuel efficiency without compromising the structural integrity that owners expect.
Final Verdict: Does Ownership Change the Experience?
After thousands of miles on the road and countless hours spent talking to fellow owners, my conclusion is that the ownership change has been a net positive. While the Miller family legacy will always be the foundation, the resources of the current parent company have allowed for a level of innovation that might not have been possible otherwise.
Whether you are looking for newmar campers for short trips or a newmar coach for full-time living, the heart of the company remains in that small Indiana town. The commitment to craftsmanship, the focus on the customer, and the drive to be the best in the luxury market are all still there.
FAQs
1. Who owns Newmar RV?
Newmar RV is currently owned by Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO). The acquisition was finalized in November 2019 for approximately $344 million. While they are a subsidiary, they continue to operate as a distinct business unit with their own management and manufacturing.
2. Are Newmar RVs still made by the Miller family?
No, the Miller family sold the company to Winnebago in 2019. However, the legacy of Mahlon Miller and his son Matt Miller continues through the Amish-inspired craftsmanship and the distinct manufacturing culture that Winnebago has vowed to protect.
3. Who makes Newmar motorhomes today?
The coaches are still manufactured by Newmar Corporation’s dedicated workforce in Nappanee, Indiana. The factory and headquarters have remained in the same location since the company was founded in 1968.
4. Is the quality of Newmar RVs declining under new ownership?
Based on my firsthand tours and feedback from recent buyers, quality has remained consistent. The acquisition has actually provided more capital for technological advancements and better quality control measures at the factory level.
5. Who is the current President of the Newmar RV manufacturer?
Casey Tubman was appointed President in 2022. He succeeded Matt Miller and has been instrumental in steering the brand toward modern innovations while respecting its traditional roots.
6. What are the most popular Newmar rv models?
The Dutch Star is widely considered the most popular diesel coach, but the King Aire represents the height of luxury. The Bay Star is a top choice for gas-powered class A enthusiasts.
Closing Thoughts from the Road
Ownership changes are always scary for brand loyalists, but after looking at the data and the coaches, I’m confident in the future of the brand. Winnebago has proven to be a hands-off parent in the ways that matter most, letting the craftsmen in Indiana keep their signature touch while providing the financial muscle to lead the industry in innovation.
Whether you are looking at a brand new king aire or a pre-owned model from the Miller era, you are buying into a legacy of quality that has survived corporate shifts and economic turns alike. If you’re currently in the market, I highly recommend taking a factory tour in Nappanee. Seeing the process in person is the best way to understand why this brand remains at the top of its game.
