Auto-Trail on track for growth
Local importer of UK-built Auto-Trail motorhomes rolls out three new dealersThe local distributor of UK-built Auto-Trail motorhomes is riding the wave of a recent uplift in demand for luxury motorised RVs, financing the expansion of its local dealer network from one to four outlets in the space of 15 months.
Previously also a distributor of UK-built Elddis caravans, the Gold Coast-based Elite RV is now focusing on the Auto-Trail motorhome brand, and last year opened two new Elite RV-owned outlets in Melbourne and Perth, with a new Sydney outlet expected to open its doors in March.
Elite RV director Darren Nye said backing from American finance giant Wells Fargo had allowed the expansion of Elite RV-owned outlets, after Auto-Trail motorhomes were previously sold by multi-franchise dealers including Adelaide's Camperagent and the Sydney RV Group.
“We’re basically becoming a motorhome specialist company, we don’t deal with caravans or anything else,” Nye said. “As well as the brand new motorhomes, we’re also moving into used motorhomes, and those on consignment.”
Elite RV has also boosted the number of Fiat Ducato-based Auto-Trail models available in Australia to nine including the latest, 2019-model EB, which packs a front lounge/dinette, kitchen, double ‘French’ bed and separate shower and toilet into its 7.36m long body and which Nye says is one of the most “ergonomcally designed” motorhomes of its size available in Australia without a slide-out.
According to Nye, other key points of difference with Australian-built motorhomes are their 10 year structural and water ingress warranties, and Grade 3-rated insulation. As well as air-conditioners, Auto-Trail models sold in Australia are fitted with Truma Combi gas-powered units that deliver both hot water and ducted central heating.
The Australian Auto-Trail range kicks off with the 6.34m long, four berth, two seat-belt Imala 615 priced from $136,990 drive-away, topping out at the 8.04m long, six berth, six seat belt Frontier Scout, priced from $190,900 drive-away.
While not divulging exact figures, Nye said Austrailan Auto-Trail sales are currently “on target” with expectations.
“We hope to be doing around $18 million turn-over in new and used sales in the coming 12 months,” he said.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
