Airstream arrives Down Under

The launch of iconic American RV brand Airstream on the Australian market
was made official last night at an “exclusive preview” event at the historic Hyde Park Army Barracks in Sydney’s CBD.

A select crowd of around 60 people including media, industry representatives and potential buyers, were treated to champagne and seafood canapés as well as the sight of two, gleaming, Australian-spec Airstream ‘vans, accompanied by suitably upmarket ‘props’ including black Harley Davidson motorcycles and Porsche Cayenne tow vehicles.

Adding to the sense of occasion was the attendance of Airstream USA president Bob Wheeler, who during a 10 minute speech said the arrival of Airstream in Australia was another “milestone” for the 80-year old US manufacturer, which also exports to European markets

Wheeler said NSW-based A & A Industries was chosen as the first official Airstream dealership Down Under due to the company’s “experience in homologation and standards compliance and also industry experience and passion for the brand.”

A & A Industries also markets the upmarket Aquarius motorhome as well as Australian-built Windsor caravans.

According to A & A Industries’ Alan Imrie, two ‘International’ versions of the sausage-shaped, polished aluminium ‘travel trailers’ will be available initially: the 20ft 9in (6.25m long) 624 model and 25ft (7.62m) 762.  

Hand-built in Ohio, the Australian-spec models are factory modified and assembled to meet Australian compliance requirements including 240V wiring, gas and plumbing, switches and appliances, bigger wheels, right-hand drive door location and towing hitch.

Imrie said the first run of 10 Aussie vans arriving in coming months will “test the market” to determine the most suitable layouts for Australia.

The American-modified models on display in Sydney featured two doors – one on each side – in order to comply with Australian regulations. The unpainted, aluminium bodies were also up to one metre shorter and five inches (12.5cm) less wide to suit Australia’s tighter roads.

Priced from $115,000, the 624 International measures 2.43m wide and 7.24m long in total, and has a Tare weight of 2160kg, ATM of 2722kg and 212kg ball weight.

Sleeping two to four people, it features an east-west double bed at one end with shower/toilet at the other, and dinette and kitchen in the middle.

The larger 762 International has the same width but 8.53m travel length, along with a 2720kg Tare, 3447kg ATM and ball weight of 349kg. It’s priced from $135,000, and features north/south double bed, separate shower and toilet, kitchen and dinette including large L-shaped lounge.

The vans on display were both fitted with a Dometic roof-mounted air-conditioner, gas heating, 147 litre fresh water as well as black and grey water tanks, two 9kg gas bottles and a 12V battery system.

A limited range of apartment-style interior finishes and fittings are available to complement the polished aluminium interior walls and yacht-style porthole windows.

The display vans featured such niceties as soft nappa leather trim, Asian art-inspired, back-lit, glass fronted cabinets and magazine racks, reading lamps, benchtops and splashbacks that looked straight out of a designer magazine.

Options include front and rear awnings, all-direction satellite, and solar power, plus there are numerous chrome and stainless steel add-ons to provide further ‘bling’ if required.

“You can smick up the outside just like a Harley Davidson. The accessories are all there, it’s just how much money you want to spend,” says Imrie.

Fusing modern technology with retro styling and traditional, hand-riveted and semi-monocoque aluminium construction, the Airstream vans are described by Imrie as “a balance of art and practicality; classic aircraft styling combined with modern safety, durability and functionality”.

“We see a great opportunity to attract buyers who are seeking something different. Airstream may be new to the Australian market, but they come with a track record of style and substance,” he says.

“We are starting modestly but rumours of our arrival are out already and we have received a number of expressions of interest from individuals, as well as companies interested in purchasing an Airstream to use for promotions or a stand-out mobile office.”

The Airstreams can be seen at the dealership in Batemans Bay, as well as a number of yet-to-be-announced “lifestyle shows” over the next six months.

For further details see the Airstream Australia website.