Queensland's Bruder X gets new lease on life
Former New Age Caravans boss takes the reins at Brisbane expedition trailer specialistAn ambitious new Melbourne company headed by former New Age Caravans boss Gabby Montagnese, has acquired Queensland hardcore off-road RV manufacturer BruderX.
Located in the former New Age Caravans' head office and factory site in Epping, Victoria, the Destination Unknown Group is described on its website as a "house of premium brands".
It currently has two brands on its books: BruderX (which it has rebranded as Bruder RV) and The Frank Montagnese Foundation, a charity organisation set up by Montagnese in honour of her late father.
Montagnese led New Age Caravans from 2009 to 2019, growing it to become the second-largest caravan manufacturer in Australia at the time behind Jayco, with annual turnover of $100million.
At its pre-COVID peak she sold New Age Caravans to the Walkinshaw Group in a two-part deal believed to be worth as much as $60million. About five years later in 2024 and with the business struggling, the JB Group acquired New Age Caravans in a deal believed to be worth significantly less than what Walkinshaw originally paid.
According to a press release, Montagnese "has been closely connected to the Bruder X business and brand for many years, impressed by its authenticity, research and development, engineering standards and world-leading product innovation".
“My immediate priority for Bruder RV is to bring stability, clarity and strong leadership to the business while building a more sustainable foundation for the future,” Montagnese said.
“I see this as an opportunity to drive positive change across the Australian caravan and RV industry, setting new benchmarks in customer service, onshore manufacturing capability, innovation, technology and quality."
Fresh start for Bruder brothers
Queensland brothers Toby and Dan Bosschieter started BruderX around 10 years ago, after being the official importers of the then South African-built Conqueror UEV off-road campers for a period of about five years.
The Brisbane-based boutique manufacturer is best known for its world-class engineering and extremely expensive expedition trailers, sold to overseas high-rollers as well as to the military.
In recent times, Bruder has chased more mainstream buyers with the introduction of a range of cheaper 'civilian-friendly' composite hardtop caravans, starting with the now $220,000-plus ADX-21.
“At a time when Australia is increasingly importing manufactured products – including caravans and RVs – the emergence of a revitalised Australian manufacturer exporting high-end, Australian-designed and Australian-built vehicles globally sends a powerful message,” Dan Bosschieter said.
As part of the deal the brothers have joined the executive team of the Destination Unknown Group, with Dan in a GM of Innovation role and Toby taking the title of GM of Brand and Marketing.
“Toby, Gabby and I have a shared vision for improving the Australian caravan and RV sector; we are driven, determined and passionate about this industry and the customers who have trusted us to take this journey with them," he said.
Bruder RV said it has contacted all Bruder X customers with current orders and will prioritise their completion while continuing to innovate and grow.
The road ahead
With production facilities in both Brisbane and Melbourne, where it's believed the new ADX range will be built, along with dealers in the USA and Germany, the rebranded business is promising to explore "new markets and opportunities and has signalled its plans to create new jobs as it expands both domestically and internationally".
“My goal in leading Bruder RV is to honour the heritage of the Bruder brand, to respect the customers and partners who have supported it, and to build a stronger, responsible Australian RV company for the future,” Montagnese continued.
“Delivering genuine social impact and making a positive change in the world guides how I lead. I look forward to discovering new ways to engage both the Foundation and Bruder RV to add meaning, connection and joy to people in our communities,” she said.
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