Coachman Caravans joins British invasion
A fourth British manufacturer of cutting-edge, lightweight caravans is looking to set up shop Down UnderAussie fans of lightweight British caravans could soon have another brand to choose from.
Following the official arrival in Australia of Swift, Bailey and Elddis over the past two years, Coachman Caravans based in the northern England town of Hull has indicated it will begin offering its range of stylish, lightweight caravans Down Under in the near future.
According to a UK report, Coachman has signed importers in both Australia and New Zealand, and is currently modifying existing models to meet local requirements, including manufacturing a tougher chassis and other changes to meet Australian regulations.
Coachman Caravans’ director, Jim Hibbs, said Australia’s growing number of retirees was driving demand for lightweight, high-quality caravans.
He told the Hull Daily Mail that, “like all developed countries, (Australia) has an aging population, which wants lightweight European caravans that are competitively priced with a left-hand door, and these aren't supplied by the indigenous market".
Hibbs also noted that lower demand for caravans in Europe at the moment was forcing British manufacturers to look to new markets to maintain sales.
With Bailey kicking off the British caravan invasion Down Under when it launched a three-model range at Melbourne Leisurefest in October 2011, it’s estimated British and European-built caravans now account for around 500 sales a year in this country, as buyers come to appreciate the advantages of a full-size caravan that can weigh less than two tonnes fully loaded.
Believed to be among the top-four caravan manufacturers in the UK, Coachman Caravans was established in 1986 and employs around 150 workers at its factory in Hull.
Like its British rivals, Coachman combines hi-tech composite construction with cutting-edge styling and quality interior fittings. It offers a wide range of models, layouts and styles in the UK, all with five year manufacturer’s warranty and a six-year water ingress and body delamination guarantee.
However, Coachman models tend to be heavier and more expensive than other British vans, with a focus on the top end of the market.
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.
