Australian RV production remains strong
Australian RV production on track to top 20,000 for the fourth successive yearLatest figures released by RVM Australia, the peak body for Australia’s RV manufacturing industry, show that Australian RV manufacturing continues at levels not seen since 1980.
They also show that big vans are steadily increasing in popularity, with a shift from smaller vans, pop-tops and camper trailers to vans of five metres and more.
RVM Australia CEO David Duncan said the projected total of 20.025 RV of all types for 2013 was within 3.3 per cent of last year’s total of 20,708.
“Healthy production in the second half of the year has made up for a quieter first half, putting us very close to last year’s total,” he said.
“In view of the dire situation in some other manufacturing sectors, especially automotive, the continuing strength of the RV manufacturing sector is good news.
“RVM Australia has been monitoring production for almost 40 years since the Association was originally formed in 1976, and there is no doubt that this is one of the good times.
“The last time we saw more than 20,000 units was in 1980, and many of the vans built in those days were onsite mining accommodation, whereas now they are virtually all for recreation.”
Duncan said the preference for bigger vans was in step with the sales of bigger tow vehicles, and reflected the longer trips many people took these days.
“Conventional vans accounted for 57 per cent of production this year, up from 40 per cent just six years ago, and 70 per cent of them are more than five metres in length,” he said.
“RV-ers increasingly like their luxuries, just as in today’s houses, so it’s not uncommon that they start with a camper but soon trade up to a conventional van.
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Pop-tops and camper trailers have dropped from a combined total of 52.3 per cent of production in 2007 to 36.4 per cent in 2013.
Production of campervans and motorhomes remains static, with less than 1000 units expected this year.
The data is based on year-to-date figures until the end of September. The actual figures for 2013 should be released in mid-March.
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