RV production cracks 22,000 barrier
Australia's RV industry has seen another year of growth with 2011 production up on the previous year's 30-year highThe Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVMAA) has released figures on Australian RV production for 2011, which indicate 22,083 caravans and RVs were built during the 12 month period.
The result is a 3.5 per cent increase or 756 units more than 2010, which recorded a 30-year high for Australian-built recreational vehicles with 21,164 new units produced. The 2010 figure was 20 per cent or 3506 units up on 2009.
Towable RVs made up the majority of 2011 production (19,709 or 92 per cent overall) versus just 1455 (or eight per cent) motorised RVs produced.
Traditional caravans continued to dominate production, with 10,379 or 47 per cent, followed by 5520 pop-tops (25 per cent) and 4416 camper trailers (4416). Motorised units accounting for 1522, or eight per cent of overall production.
The RVMAA figures are based on data sourced from RVMAA-approved manufacturers, and include an estimation of units manufactured by non-RVMAA members including the top-selling Jayco.
The RV industry body has been compiling statistics since 2004, when RV production totalled 16,900.
According to the newly appointed RVMAA CEO David Duncan, local RV production has more has more than quadrupled in the past 17 years as “Australians have rediscovered the joys of caravan and RV holidays”.
“Much of this can be attributed to the luxurious appointments available in today’s locally-made RVs, which offer great home comforts in mainstream models that real people can afford,” Duncan said.
“For baby boomers especially, who grew up with the caravans of the 1960s and '70s, today’s equipment levels are truly a revelation.”
Duncan said RV buyers have never had more choice, with everything from budget-priced tent trailers to super-luxury motorhomes, all built to suit Australia’s unique conditions.
“The people buying RVs are as diverse as the RVs themselves, from young families seeking economical holiday fun to retirees wanting a real home away from home,” he said.
“In uncertain economic times, many people are finding an RV or caravan to be a sound investment in a lifetime of holidays wherever the road and their imagination may take them.”
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
