UK-built Swift motorhomes coming

Less than 12 months after
reintroducing Swift caravans Down Under, the Australian distributor has confirmed it will also offer the full range of motorhomes from the top-selling UK manufacturer.

Largely utilising Fiat Ducato base vehicles and Al-Ko chassis, the 2013 Swift motorhome line-up includes 48 models in total, marketed under four separate brands: Swift, Bessacarr, Escape and Autocruise.

They range from entry-level campervan conversions to top-notch C-class motorhomes.

Despite a big drop in demand in Australia for motorhomes during 2012, Swift Group Australia’s business development manager, Alex Kammerlocher said he was confident the stylish, lightweight UK motorhomes would be well received when they arrive.

“We believe it’s the first time that Swift is bringing out motorhomes (to Australia) but they’re very successful in New Zealand, so we want to add to our own line-up as well,” he said.

Mr Kammerlocher said the first batch, including an entry-level Escape and range-topping Swift Kon-tiki model (pictured), was expected to arrive in Australia by late-March. Final Australian certification for the entire range should be completed prior to the first public display at the Queensland Caravan Camping & Touring Holiday Show in early June.

“We basically have the entire range coming and available in Australia. Everything is going to be certified when they arrive hopefully in six weeks,” he said.

Although Australian pricing is yet to be released, Mr Kammerlocher said the Swift motorhomes would be competitive with similarly-specced models produced in Australia.

“We’re going to bring value for money, similar to our caravans,” he said.

Unlike the Swift caravans, he expects the bold ‘Euro’ styling of the UK motorhomes to be less confronting for Aussie buyers, as many Australian-built motorhomes have already adopted similar designs.

“When you compare to the Jayco motorhome, for example, you will have trouble when looking from the outside, to determine which brand is which,” he said.

Like the Swift caravans, the motorhomes will be factory-backed by an industry-leading 10 year bodyshell warranty. The Ducato base vehicles will also be covered by Fiat Australia’s standard warranty.

“What is also interesting about the European motorhomes is because of the lightweight technology and construction that goes into them, they actually have higher payloads than locally built motorhomes,” he said.

When they arrive the Swift motorhomes will also compete with a new range of UK-built Auto Trail motorhomes recently introduced by Queensland-based Elite RV, which is also now bringing in Elddis caravans.

While one of Australia’s largest motorhome manufacturers Winnebago, which is still waiting to appeal a court decision banning it from using the Winnebago name in Australia, is also set to launch a new motorhome brand later this month.

For further information visit the SwiftRV website, which will be updated soon to include Australian pricing for the new motorhome range.