Bailey ‘Bruce' on its way
With sales on a roll, the first Australia-only model from Britain's Bailey Caravans is due to arrive later this yearAfter proving that ‘Australianised’ Bailey caravans can rough it with the best Aussie touring models, the Australian importer of the lightweight British vans is set to introduce the first Bailey model designed specifically for the Australian market.
Bailey Australia boss Adrian van Geelen said due to the success of the Bailey brand in Australia, with around 500 of the stylish, composite caravans sold since late-2011, the UK manufacturer had agreed to build a model solely for the Australian market.
Australia is the biggest export market for Bailey, with Australian vans currently comprising around three per cent of the 9000 Bailey vans built annually in the UK.
“For the first time (Bailey UK) is developing an Australia-only van and that’s because of the success of the (export) program (to Australia) and the volume that we’ve been doing. They’re now investing in building our own specific vans only to be sold here,” van Geelen said.
While full details are yet to be announced, the new model will be based on the range-topping, four-berth Unicorn Pamplona S2 (similar model pictured), featuring a queen centre island bed at the rear, full ensuite running across the centre and slightly bigger lounge suite up front.
Despite being one of the biggest Bailey vans, the new model should still be a lightweight, boasting a similar ATM of around two tonnes to the 20ft 8in, tandem axle Pamplona. Pricing is expected to be around the $60,000 mark.
Like the latest Australian-spec Bailey models, it will get two slimline, 65 litre water tanks, greater interior height and increased road clearance, as well as special ‘Aussie model’ decals to go with the ‘Made for Australia’ stickers on current Bailey vans.
“It will be an Aussie-only van so we’ll make it look Aussie,” he said.
It’s also likely to score a unique model name that resonates with Aussie caravanners, rather than the Spanish-themed names currently on offer that appeal more to UK buyers.
Van Geelen suggested something ‘iconic’ like Nullarbor or Simpson could be on the cards, but we reckon something more laconic like the Bailey Bruce would fit the bill. What do you think it should be called?
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