Lotus Caravans goes undercover

A brand-new, multi-franchise dealership in Australia’s ‘caravan central’ boasts one of the largest undercover caravan display areas in the country.

Opened earlier this month, Freestyle RVs is the first dealer for both Lotus Caravans and the Concept Group in Melbourne’s high-traffic northern suburbs, and represents four brands -- Lotus, Universal, Concept and Newlands -- covering the touring, hybrid and off-road caravan markets.

Located at 816 Cooper St, Somerton, the 4500 square metre property includes large indoor and outdoor display areas including an impressive 2100sq.m showroom – about half that of the super-sized Avan Supercentre.

Freestyle RVs is a joint partnership between Lotus Caravans’ boss George Josevski and Giovanni Inturrisi, former project director at G&S Chassis, and the dealership is ideally located close to both the Lotus and Concept factories.

“We’re aiming to provide the best service we can in a retail market,” Josevski said. “The indoor facility allows people more time to browse, sit down and relax, and make sure they’re buying the right van.”

Currently close to 25 Lotus and Universal vans are on display under cover, with a range of entry-level Concept and Newlands vans displayed on the concrete forecourt.

Josevski said additional room inside will accommodate a number of new models expected to be released in coming months, including new layouts for the Lotus’ hybrid Off Grid model, as well as a new super-bling, rough-road Universal model.

He said the new dealership will not have a full repair or after-market service facility, but will offer an “after-care centre” for new and existing customers. Other customer service initiatives include a coffee machine and leather lounge area with large screen TV, and there are plans to install a cooling and ventilation system to cope with the summer heat.

Freestyle RVs is the ninth retail outlet in Australia for both Lotus and Concept, which is believed to be a top-5 selling caravan manufacturer.

The new Lotus/Concept outlet joins a growing number of new caravan dealerships in the area, including Bailey Victoria and Opal Caravan Melbourne on the same street, along with caravan ‘super centres’ on nearby Sydney road, including Coromal Windsor Melbourne, New Age Melbourne, the Avan Super Centre and Supreme Caravan Sales Melbourne.