There could be another RV 'powerhouse' in the making in Australia's caravan manufacturing heartland in Melbourne's north, with Urban Caravans about to launch its second sub-brand in the space of a few weeks.
Following the unveiling of its new entry-level Vivid Caravans range at the Geelong Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo in Victoria in January, Urban will launch its new Platinum RV line-up of mid-spec off-road caravan models at the Victorian Caravan & Camping Supershow at the Melbourne Showgrounds (Feb 19-23).
While the Epping, Victoria based manufacturer has specialised over the past decade in building tough TIG-welded aluminium framed Outback caravans, the new Vivid and Platinum caravan brands offer an alternative body construction, with the adoption of an advanced Polytech frame and fibreglass composite external panels, together with a TIG welded aluminium and fibreglass roof.
With prices starting from under $80,000, Urban Caravans' managing director Steve Trajcevski said the new Vivid and Platinum caravan models offer a lighter weight as well as more affordable alternative to the top-spec Urban off-roaders.
And in what could be an industry first, the new Polytech-framed vans are also backed by "a lifetime guarantee against rot".
"In some ways the new Vivid range is an Urban 'light', as they still offer Urban design and engineering but with a composite frame and more affordable price," he explained.
"Whereas the Platinum range is aimed at buyers who want to tow something a bit lighter, but are still after many of the features offered with an Urban off-road caravan."
"These launches mark the official beginning of The Urban Group, a new force in the caravan industry that aims to provide a complete range of caravanning solutions," he continued.
"With more exciting developments on the horizon, The Urban Group is set to redefine the market with high-quality, innovative, and accessible caravans tailored for all types of adventurers."
The official launch of The Urban Group and its new Platinum models will take place at a special unveiling event on the Urban Caravans stand at the Melbourne Supershow, at 11.30am, February 20.
Attendees will be able to chat with industry experts as well as meet celebrities including AFL goalkicking great Matthew Richardson and his former Richmond team-mate Jake King, who now runs Urban dealer The Touring Hub, with live demonstrations and exclusive prizes also part of the festivities.