Truma North America released a statement Jan. 28 from its president and CEO Mark Howlett on expectations for this year:
“Almost every article you read right now discusses the past year of ups and downs, tariff unknowns, and perseverance,” said Howlett. “It’s that last one — perseverance — where we are focused here at Truma. We are proud of our team’s dedication and perseverance as we faced a down market, industry changes, and an uncertain economy. As we enter 2026, our focus is strong and clear: deliver premium products, provide exceptional support to our partners, and continue our vision to pioneer worldwide leading solutions for unforgettable times outdoors.”
Howlett was appointed president and CEO of Truma North America, succeeding Gerhard Hundsberger, who left the company in fall 2025. Howlett has served in several roles at Truma North America since 2013, including executive vice president and COO. Internally, he has helped drive sales, business development, supply chain, service, and operations.
As part of the executive team, Howlett contributes to resource planning and execution in support of Truma’s global strategic plan and helps set the course for the future.
“Truma is optimistic moving forward in North America,” Howlett stated. “We had several new product launches in 2025, including the Truma Combi G (gasoline) and Truma Combi D (diesel), both of which provide OEM with premium single-fuel solutions in the Class B & C markets. In addition, the new Aventa rooftop air conditioner with heat pump functionality is hitting the market this month. Consumers have been requesting this option, and the model will be available with or without SoftStartRV technology.”
Premium heating, cooling, and water products are just one part of the total value that Truma brings to the industry, according to the press release.
“Our commitment to service and partnership at every level, from the consumer to the dealer to the OEMs, remains a key element of what makes the Truma brand stand out in the market,” said Stacey Harris, head of service, retail sales, and marketing.
“We introduced a new Dealer/Service Program in late 2025, and we have been intentional about how that program has been rolled out. We have more than 500 trained Truma Service Partners and Premium Partners across North America, and we are providing those 500 with the information and training they need to effectively service the RV owner,” said Harris. “We are looking forward to enrolling more locations throughout this year as we continue to train up our dealer/service partners.”
Harris added that Truma’s training program looks a little different this year.
“Our Dealer/Service program is tied directly to our training program. If more than 25% of your technicians are Truma-trained, you are eligible to participate in the program. Due to that requirement, we are excited to offer a variety of ways that dealer/service locations can participate in Truma training sessions this year.”
Truma will be offering four two-day workshops at its headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana. These workshops will cover all Truma systems and will be held at no cost to participants (excluding travel expenses). Additionally, Truma is once again partnering with RVTI to provide monthly workshops, covering all Truma systems, on the RVTI Campus in Elkhart. Those sessions will count for credit toward RVTI certification.
Truma is also working with dealer/service locations on a request basis to bring hands-on training directly to technicians onsite at dealerships, as well as virtual continuing education sessions. The onsite workshops are available on a cost-basis, depending on the location and size of the group. Virtual continuing education sessions will be offered at no cost.
“Our objective is to provide more than one way to obtain training on Truma products,” said Harris. This new structure is being introduced throughout 2026 and will be announced on truma.com/us.”
Regarding its partnerships with OEMs, Truma is focused beyond the “sale”, providing on-site audits of installations, product testing in its on-site climate chamber in Elkhart, and hands-on service throughout the purchase-to-manufacturing process.
“We are invested partners with our OEMs through each step of the product life cycle,” adds Howlett. “From collecting data and conducting research, to testing, installing, moving through production, and after the sale, our team offers extensive technical knowledge and support.”
Howlett added that it is the combination of premium products and systems, a commitment to service and training, and hands-on expertise at every level that enables Truma to build strong partnerships from the ground up.
“We recently spent time at the Florida RV SuperShow, where we had the opportunity to support our OEM partners with marketing materials and technical knowledge,” said Howlett. “As we talked with OEMs, dealers, and end-users alike in our booth, we heard time and again how Truma systems outperform expectations and the competition consistently. It was also great to see OEMs such as Bowlus and Awaken at the show for the first time, both of which have Truma or Alde systems on board.”
Howlett said there are still opportunities ahead in the market: “We’ve stayed our course and remained focused on our vision of pioneering solutions that help lead to unforgettable times outdoors. I am proud of how our team has handled any surprises or unknowns in the past year. We have a strong, knowledgeable, passionate team that, when combined with our products, our history, and our experience, rounds out the total value of what Truma brings to the table.”
