Apollo relaunches Euro brand

Slovevian caravan brand Adria will be relaunched in Australia with just two models, under new distributor Apollo Motorhome Holidays.

Initially, only the single axle, four-berth Altea 432 and 512 models will be available at Adria Australia dealers from April, with at least four more models arriving later including three from the larger, tandem axle Adora line-up.

In a statement regarding its new role as the official distributor of Adria RV products in Australia and New Zealand from March 1, Apollo said it “is currently working closely with Adria on the development of a 2015 range for both the Altea and Adora models”.

The nationwide dealer and service network set up under previous Adria importer R.V Asia Pacific has been largely retained, although the Gold Coast dealership will be replaced by a new Adria showroom at Apollo’s headquarters in Northgate, Brisbane.

The Australian RV rental giant, which also markets a range of Talvor-branded caravans and motorhomes, has reassured the 1000-odd existing owners of Adria Australia caravans that any existing warranties will be honoured by authorised dealers.

Apollo said the lightweight Adria caravans sold in Australia will continue to be built in Europe “in partnership with Apollo’s design team... (and) manufactured to their specifications to suit Australian terrain”.

Last updated in 2013, the 4.3m long Altea 432 ensuite caravan boasts a 1300kg ATM while the larger 5.1m long Altea 512 model has an equally impressive ATM of 1500kg.

Apollo also hinted it may introduce Adria motorhomes at a later date, despite the failed attempt by the previous distributor to launch a Fiat-based Adria motorhome in 2011.

However, it ruled out the possibility of a ‘hybrid’ model, or a caravan blending a lightweight European body with tough Australian underpinnings, as some manufacturers including Victoria-based
A’Van in partnership with Germany’s Knaus, are in the process of doing.

“At present all Adria caravans are built on Al-ko chassis and are well suited to Australian conditions,” the company said.

Apollo is planning a display of Adria caravans at the Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Holiday Show at Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds from June 4-10.