5

                                                               EXHIBIT 99.1

                            COACHMEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
           2831 Dexter Drive o P.O. Box 3300 o Elkhart, Indiana 46515
                        o 574/262-0123 o Fax 574/262-8823


                                  NEWS RELEASE


For immediate release Monday, October 27, 2003

COACHMEN INDUSTRIES, INC. REPORTS STRONG THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

        o Earnings of $5.4 million or $0.35 per share is the highest level of
          quarterly earnings in the last 16 quarters.
        o Sales of $200.8 million substantially increased over second quarter
          sales $173.9 million and sales of $177.5 million in 2002.
        o Company confirms 2003 operating income estimate

ELKHART,  IND. - Coachmen  Industries,  Inc.  (NYSE:  COA) today  announced  its
financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2003.

Coachmen  reported  net  income  of $5.4  million,  or $0.35  per  share for the
quarter,  an 89% increase  compared to net income in the second  quarter of $2.8
million, or $0.18 per share. Income in the current quarter was 24.7% higher than
income of $4.3  million or $0.27 per share in the third  quarter of 2002.  Sales
for the third quarter increased 15.5% to $200.8 million versus $173.9 million in
the second  quarter and 13.1% above the $177.5 million during the same period of
2002.

Gross profit increased to 16.5% from 15.8% in the second quarter and compares to
16.6% in the third  quarter of 2002.  GS&A  expenses  as a percent of sales were
12.5% versus 12.9% in the second  quarter and 12.8% in the third  quarter a year
ago. The Company's  operating income of $8.0 million  increased 55.8% versus the
$5.1  million in the  second  quarter of 2003,  and 18.5%  compared  to the $6.7
million in the comparable quarter of 2002. The improved performance of the third
quarter  brings  year-to-date  earnings  to $0.35 per share,  which  includes no
material  non-operating  gains,  compared to $0.45 per share for the  comparable
year-ago  period,  which  included  $0.08 per share  from real  estate and other
non-operating gains.


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  6

Coachmen Industries, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results
Page 2
October 27, 2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Claire C. Skinner,  Chairman,  Chief Executive Officer and President,  remarked,
"Our third quarter results were gratifying,  because the operating  improvements
we've been  forecasting  have now begun to be realized.  Both business  segments
delivered  increased  sales and pre-tax income from the year ago quarter.  Sales
for our  Recreational  Vehicle  business  surged nearly 20% in the third quarter
compared  to the same  quarter  of 2002 as a result  of the  extremely  positive
dealer  response to our new line of 2004 models.  The Modular  Housing  business
benefited  from  increased  demand as well as from the  delivery  of ordered and
produced homes that we were unable to ship during the second quarter as a result
of  the  continuing  poor  weather  conditions.  Pre-tax  income  also  improved
significantly from the second quarter. While pleased with these improvements, we
are not  satisfied,  and expect further  improvement  in both business  segments
going forward."




                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                            SEPTEMBER 30,                     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                          2003            2002           2003           2002
                                      -------------  -------------   -------------  -------------
                                                                        

SALES
Recreational Vehicle                  $    136,241   $     113,643   $     359,153  $     331,812
Modular Housing/Building                    64,568          63,892         161,946        169,294
                                      ------------   -------------   -------------  -------------
     Total                            $    200,809   $     177,535   $     521,099  $     501,106
                                      =============  =============   =============  =============
PRE-TAX INCOME/(LOSS)
Recreational Vehicle                  $      2,872   $       2,578   $       2,270  $       3,115
Modular Housing/Building                     5,528           3,550           7,284          7,008
Other                                         (272)            512          (1,402)         1,028
                                      -------------  -------------   -------------- -------------
     Total                            $      8,128   $       6,640   $       8,152  $      11,151
                                      =============  =============   =============  =============



RECREATIONAL VEHICLE SEGMENT
- ----------------------------

The Company's RV Group  reported sales of $136.2  million,  up 17.9% from $115.5
million  during the second  quarter of 2003, and up 19.9% from $113.6 million in
the  third  quarter  of 2002.  The  segment's  pre-tax  income  of $2.9  million
increased  212.5% from $0.9 million  during the second  quarter of 2003, and was
11.4% higher than the $2.6 million  pre-tax  income in 2002. RV Segment  pre-tax
income  during the quarter was hampered by operating  inefficiencies  related to
major material shortages, which were substantially resolved in late September.

As was  previously  reported,  dealer  reaction to the  Company's new 2004 model
offerings was overwhelmingly  positive. As a result,  backlogs at the end of the
third  quarter  increased  78%  compared to the June 30th levels for all product
categories  and are 25% higher than year-end  2002.  Production  rates have been
increased in most plants, including two new production facilities,  which should
drive  market  share gains at both the retail and  wholesale  levels  during the
fourth quarter.

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  7

Coachmen Industries, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results
Page 3
October 27, 2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In  response  to  strong  demand,  two  new RV  production  facilities  are  now
operational.  Coachmen's  state-of-the-art  127,000-sq. ft. mini-motorhome plant
located Middlebury, Ind., began production in August. The facility features over
24,000 square feet of mezzanines for efficient offline  sub-assembly  processes,
and provides improved material flow. In Fitzgerald,  Ga., production began in an
additional  new  100,000-sq.  ft.  towable  plant,  providing the Coachmen RV of
Georgia  subsidiary with the capability of locally  producing all travel trailer
and fifth wheel product offerings.

In September,  Coachmen also  announced the formation of a private label finance
program  that will  provide  exclusive  financing  services to RV  dealers.  The
creation of Coachmen Financial Services(SM)will offer industry-leading inventory
financing  solutions to qualified  dealers and should help expand the  Company's
dealer network.

MODULAR HOUSING AND BUILDING SEGMENT
- ------------------------------------

The  Company's  Modular  Housing and Building  segment  reported  sales of $64.6
million,  up 10.6% from $58.4 million  during the second quarter of 2003, and up
1.1% from $63.9  million in the third  quarter of 2002.  The  segment's  pre-tax
income of $5.5  million  increased  45.7%  from $3.8  million  during the second
quarter of 2003, and was 55.7% higher than the $3.6 million in 2002.

The improved  results of the Modular Housing  operations were driven by a strong
influx of new orders, coupled with the delivery of many finished homes that were
held up in inventory  during prior  quarters  due to  unseasonably  heavy rains.
Although   finished  goods  inventory  was  reduced,   significant   amounts  of
residential  finished  goods still  remain to be  delivered as of the end of the
third quarter. With cooperative weather conditions, these should be delivered in
the  fourth  quarter.  Residential  backlogs  at the  end of the  third  quarter
increased  7.8%  compared  to the June 30th  levels  and are 32.5%  higher  than
year-end 2002.

All American  Homes has placed renewed  emphasis on expanding and  strengthening
its  builder  network,  which is  helping  overall  demand in its  modular  home
markets. In addition, the Company is making excellent progress in its efforts to
expand into several new strategic markets.  Model homes at The Quarry, a planned
residential community in Toledo, Ohio, are scheduled for opening this month. All
American has also  delivered 63 homes for an urban  renewal  project in Detroit,
Michigan,  and it is also pursuing a new  subdivision  opportunity in Charlotte,
Michigan,  with a potential for more than 100 new homes.  The new Ameri-Log (TM)
home series, a line of custom log homes, is also gaining momentum as the Company
is expanding its network of builder representatives.

With respect to the commercial  modular  business,  the Miller Building  Systems
unit,  while still  operating at a loss, has  experienced a mild recovery in its
telecommunications shelter business,  enabling positive cash flow to be reported
recently.  The  goodwill  associated  with this  business,  along with all other
recorded goodwill,  will be evaluated for possible  impairment during the fourth
quarter in accordance with the Company's normal procedure.


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  8

Coachmen Industries, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results
Page 4
October 27, 2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


BALANCE SHEET/CASH FLOW
- -----------------------

As of September  30, 2003,  the Company had cash and  marketable  securities  of
$15.6  million  and  shareholders'  equity  of  $209.5  million.  Cash flow from
operations  was a positive $3.4 million for the quarter,  bringing  year-to-date
cash flow from  operations to $3.6 million.  Capital  expenditures  totaled $4.2
million for the third quarter and $10.5 million year to date.

Joseph P. Tomczak,  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,  said,
"We are very  pleased with our third  quarter  performance,  and the  underlying
trends going  forward.  The Company's  capital  structure,  cash  position,  and
balance sheet remain strong to support future growth."

OUTLOOK
- -------

Chairman  Skinner said, "We are pleased with the significant  improvement in our
third quarter performance. We are very optimistic about the balance of the year,
though  material  shortages  in our  recreational  vehicle  segment  may  have a
negative  impact on  future  earnings.  As an  example,  we have  just  received
notification of a temporary shortage of a critical valve used in RV ovens, which
will impact production and profitability in the fourth quarter. Because of this,
and in recognition of the fact that our businesses can be significantly impacted
by economic, seasonal and climatic conditions, we are confirming our guidance of
$0.52 for the full year.  However,  due to the  momentum  generated in the third
quarter,  we now feel there is a possibility for  overachievement.  Our earnings
per  share  should  be at least  $0.52,  despite  the loss of $0.18 in the first
quarter,  and  without the benefit of the gains on sale of real estate that 2002
enjoyed.  This is  excluding  the effect of any  impairment  charges that may be
required  due to the goodwill  evaluation  process that will be completed in the
fourth quarter.

We remain extremely  focused on achieving our goals for the year and positioning
the Company for  continued  growth in 2004.  The operating  performance  of both
business segments has been steadily  improving,  and we are experiencing  strong
demand for our products in both  Recreational  Vehicles and Housing,  reflecting
the very strong fundamentals underlying each segment. Our products are very well
positioned for our customers,  we are expanding into new markets consistent with
a solid strategic  plan,  we've brought new capacity on line and we are building
greater strength in our managerial  team.  Based on these trends,  we believe we
are poised for a very strong performance in 2004 and beyond."

Coachmen  Industries,  Inc.,  founded in 1964,  is one of the  nation's  leading
manufacturers  of recreational  vehicles with  well-known  brand names including
COACHMEN(R),  GEORGIE BOY(R),  SHASTA(R) and VIKING(R).  Coachmen  Industries is
also one of the largest  systems-built home producers in the nation with its ALL
AMERICAN HOMES(R)  subsidiaries.  Modular commercial structures are manufactured
by the Company's Miller


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  9


Coachmen Industries, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results
Page 5
October 27, 2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Building Systems subsidiary. Prodesign, LLC is a subsidiary that produces custom
composite  and  thermoformed  plastic  parts for numerous  industries  under the
PRODESIGN(R) brand.  Coachmen  Industries,  Inc. is a publicly held company with
stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the COA ticker symbol.

THIS  RELEASE  CONTAINS  FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS  WITHIN THE  MEANING OF THE
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. INVESTORS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO
PLACE  UNDUE  RELIANCE  ON  FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS,  WHICH  ARE  INHERENTLY
UNCERTAIN. ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THAT PROJECTED OR SUGGESTED
DUE TO  CERTAIN  RISKS AND  UNCERTAINTIES  INCLUDING,  BUT NOT  LIMITED  TO, THE
POTENTIAL  FLUCTUATIONS IN THE COMPANY'S OPERATING RESULTS, THE CONDITION OF THE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY WHICH PURCHASES MODULAR STRUCTURES, THE AVAILABILITY
AND THE PRICE OF  GASOLINE,  THE  COMPANY'S  DEPENDENCE  ON  CHASSIS  SUPPLIERS,
INTEREST  RATES,  THE  AVAILABILITY  AND  COST OF REAL  ESTATE  FOR  RESIDENTIAL
HOUSING,  THE  ABILITY OF THE  HOUSING  AND  BUILDING  SEGMENT TO PERFORM IN NEW
MARKET  SEGMENTS  WHERE  IT  HAS  LIMITED  EXPERIENCE,  COMPETITION,  GOVERNMENT
REGULATIONS,  LEGISLATION  GOVERNING THE  RELATIONSHIPS  OF THE COMPANY WITH ITS
RECREATIONAL  VEHICLE  DEALERS,  THE IMPACT OF CONSUMER  CONFIDENCE AND ECONOMIC
UNCERTAINTY ON HIGH-COST  DISCRETIONARY PRODUCT PURCHASES,  FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS
IN THE WAR ON TERRORISM AND RELATED  INTERNATIONAL  CRISES,  OIL  SUPPLIES,  AND
OTHER RISKS IDENTIFIED IN THE COMPANY'S SEC FILINGS.

For more information:
     Joseph P. Tomczak
     Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     574-262-0123

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  10

Coachmen Industries, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results
Page 6
October 27, 2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            COACHMEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                   (UNAUDITED)




                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                              SEPTEMBER 30,                    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                          2003           2002              2003           2002
                                      -----------  --------------      ----------     -----------
                                                                        

Net Sales                             $   200,809    $   177,535      $  521,099     $   501,106

Gross Profit - $                           33,130         29,445          77,710          74,014
Gross Profit - %                             16.5%          16.6%           14.9%           14.8%

GS&A - $                                   25,159         22,717          69,020          63,782
GS&A - %                                     12.5%          12.8%           13.2%           12.7%

Operating Income- $                         7,971          6,728           8,690          10,232
Operating Income- %                           4.0%           3.8%            1.7%            2.0%

Other (Income)/Expense                       (157)            89             538            (918)

Pre-Tax Profit- $                           8,128          6,639           8,152          11,150
Pre-Tax Profit - %                            4.0%           3.7%            1.6%            2.2%

Tax Expense                                 2,770          2,344           2,778           3,882

Net Income                                  5,358          4,295           5,374           7,268
Earnings per share -
     Basic                                   0.35           0.27            0.35            0.45
     Diluted                                 0.35           0.27            0.35            0.45

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
     Basic                                 15,427         16,080          15,436          16,070
     Diluted                               15,464         16,175          15,475          16,186




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  11


Coachmen Industries, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results
Page 7
October 27, 2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                            COACHMEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)



ASSETS                                             9/30/03          12/31/02
- ------                                           ----------       -----------
Current Assets
- --------------
     Cash and temporary cash investments         $    5,048       $    16,549
     Marketable securities                           10,565             7,641
     Accounts receivable                             49,634            29,408
     Inventories                                    102,828            85,010
     Prepaid expenses and other                       9,423             8,862
     Deferred income taxes                            6,316             6,885
                                                 ----------       -----------
         Total Current Assets                       183,814           154,355

Property & equipment, net                            80,328            78,889
Goodwill                                             18,954            18,954
Cash value of life insurance                         35,614            33,155
Real estate held for sale                                --               276
Other                                                 3,945             7,566
                                                 ----------       -----------

  Total Assets                                   $  322,655       $   293,195
                                                 ==========       ===========


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY               9/30/03           12/31/02
- ------------------------------------             ----------       -----------
Current Liabilities
     ST borrowings & current portion of LT debt  $      995       $       902
     Accounts payable, trade                         46,771            18,801
     Accrued income taxes                             3,481             1,222
     Other accruals                                  37,953            39,856
                                                 ----------       -----------
         Total Current Liabilities                   89,200            60,781

Long-term debt                                        9,961            10,097
Deferred income taxes                                 4,123             4,123
Other                                                 9,854             8,768
                                                 ----------       -----------
Total liabilities                                   113,138            83,769
Shareholders' Equity                                209,517           209,426
                                                 ----------       -----------

  Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity     $  322,655       $   293,195
                                                 ==========       ===========


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Coachmen Industries, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results
Page 8
October 27, 2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                            COACHMEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)




                                                                         NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                           SEPTEMBER  30,
                                                                      2003               2002
                                                                   ----------       -----------

                                                                             
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS                                          $    3,616       $    22,475

CASH FLOW FROM/(USED IN) ACQUISITION & INVESTING ACTIVITIES            (8,202)            2,753

Net Borrowings                                                            (43)          (18,849)
Issuance/Purchase of Stock                                             (4,085)           (2,922)
Dividends                                                              (2,787)           (2,576)
                                                                    ----------     ------------
   CASH FLOW USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES                              (6,915)          (24,347)

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS            (11,501)              881

Beginning of Period Cash and Temporary Cash Investments                16,549            28,416
                                                                   ----------       -----------

ENDING CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS                         $    5,048       $    29,297
                                                                   ==========       ===========



                                     - END -