Longer wait for caravan orders
Big backlog expected as Melbourne caravan factory shutdown extends to eight weeksPotentially thousands of buyers who've placed orders on Melbourne-built caravans in recent months may now have to wait until 2021 for delivery, with the mandatory shutdown of more than 50 Melbourne caravan factories since August 6 set to continue until at least September 28.
With around 90 per cent of Australian-built RV production taking place in Melbourne, the recent extension by two weeks of the harsh Stage 4 coronavirus lockdown in Victoria will create further hardship for thousands of workers employed in the local RV manufacturing industry.
A recent upsurge in caravan sales, driven by a lack of overseas travel opportunities, is also contributing to a shortage of new caravans available, with many caravan retail outlets around the country running 'critically low' in new dealer and display stock.
While Melbourne RV manufacturers should be allowed to restart production later this month, Melbourne-based caravan dealers and service repair centres may have to wait until October 26 before re-opening their doors under the Victorian Government 'roadmap'.
Caravan Industry Victoria CEO Rob Lucas has been in discussions with the Victorian Government this week in efforts to hasten the re-opening of Melbourne-based RV industry businesses under COVIDSafe plans.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia chief executive Stuart Lamont said that the extended lockdown was a "disappointing result for our industry".
"Notwithstanding the devastating impact being imposed on Victorian based RV businesses and their employees, interstate retailers are also facing the brunt of extended delays in stock deliveries at a time of incredible demand," Lamont said.
"While our industry should be flying with international borders closed and the reputation of the cruise industry shattered, our ability to fully capitalise on this opportunity has been significantly compromised by the shutdown of the Victorian economy."
A number of Melbourne-based manufacturers posted notices on social media following the Victorian Government announcement, including New Age Caravans which said it was "hopeful that the caravanning industry based in Melbourne will be able to restart production from the 28th of September, but this date is pending a number of factors and we will not know for sure until closer to the date".
Jayco Australia told its many customers that "we want to assure you that upon our return a series of production and safety measures will be implemented to fulfill your orders so you can get back on the road as soon as possible"'
Jayco customers were advised to contact their dealer for the "most up to date information and to discuss all your options". The Victorian RV giant also promised that customer orders would take precedence over new dealer stock once production recommenced.
The Dandenong, Victoria-based manufacturer also said it is " looking at ways to increase production levels once we are allowed to re-open our factory" as a way to reduce the backlog of orders.
The extension of the Melbourne caravan factory shutdown is also likely to cause further headaches for organisers of the inaugural CIV-run online caravan show, which has already had its start date pushed back by a few weeks following the introduction of the Stage 4 shutdown.
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