Dark days for Aussie industry

Was 2014 the year of the black caravan?

It was certainly one of the major themes of the Australian (and international) RV market, reflecting a gradual move away from traditional and more conservative white caravans.

The stealth black theme was kicked off with a bang by the wildly ambitious CR-1, the world’s first carbon fibre caravan. If the 35ft long, giant licorice stick ever enters production, it’s likely to be the most expensive as well as most attention-grabbing caravan ever built.

Aussie manufacturers quickly joined the dark side, with Windsor’s Star Wars-like Royale Phantom and New Age’s one off dust magnet.

Ultimate and Trakka joined in the reflective fun with the carbon-embossed X20 camper and this Sprinter-based glamour-home, while who could forget Germany’s ‘Back in Black’ Hobby van, complete with head-banging vinyl wrap and heavy metal interior.

But it wasn’t just black, with vibrant colours, stylish patterns and custom trimmings adorning a range of local and overseas built models.

European manufacturer Adria was the bravest, with its range of retina-scorching, brightly patterned printed aluminium models unveiled at Dusseldorf.

But Aussie manufacturers weren’t too far behind, with Van Cruiser really testing the market with its bright red and canary yellow offerings, while Royal Flair is also using the latest Alucabond panels to deliver an equally eye-catching look.

And it wasn't confined to exteriors with

off-road heavyweight Kedron, obviously inspired by vibrant vintage van interiors, splashing colour throughout its latest bush-bashing caravans.

Expect more ‘fashionable’ caravan options in 2015, headed by the ‘any colour but white’

Minnie caravans arriving soon from US giant Winnebago.

It appears the days of the humble white van are numbered...