Forest River Bus & Van has announced the acquisition of L.A. West Coaches, a move that expands its presence in the luxury transportation sector.
The acquisition integrates L.A. West’s expertise in high-end custom coach design with Forest River’s broad portfolio of shuttle buses and vans.
L.A. West Coaches has built a reputation for designing luxury vehicles, particularly as an Expert Upfitter for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform.
The company has over 30 years of experience serving a range of clientele and is known for its craftsmanship and innovative designs. By joining Forest River, L.A. West Coaches gains access to additional resources that could accelerate its market presence and product development.
Douglas Wright, group general manager of Forest River Bus & Van, described the acquisition as a strategic alignment.
“We are excited to welcome L.A. West Coaches to the Forest River family,” Wright said in a press release.
“This partnership represents a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. L.A. West Coaches’ proven expertise and dedication to quality align with our values, and we look forward to collaborating to expand our product range.”
Vern Kauffman, president and CEO of L.A. West Coaches, emphasized the opportunity for growth under Forest River’s ownership.
“The ultimate compliment as a manufacturer is to be recognized by Forest River Bus & Van as a desirable addition to their portfolio of brands,” Kauffman said.
“The additional resources that Forest River Bus brings to L.A. West will further accelerate our growth and market penetration in the luxury transportation segment.”
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality and transportation industries, the acquisition could signal greater availability of luxury shuttle options.
As demand for premium guest transportation increases—whether for high-end RV resorts, glamping destinations, or tour operations—L.A. West’s product line under Forest River may offer new solutions for operators looking to upgrade their fleets.
The acquisition also highlights a broader trend of consolidation in the transportation sector, where manufacturers are expanding their offerings to cater to evolving customer preferences.
Forest River’s investment in luxury transport solutions suggests that businesses catering to high-end travelers may see new opportunities to enhance guest experiences with upgraded shuttle services.
