Walkinshaw takes control of New Age

Significant engineering and stylish changes will sweep through the New Age caravan range now that the Walkinshaw Performance Group has taken 100 per cent ownership of the Melbourne-based ‘top-five’ manufacturer, with three new models making their debut at the 2019 Victorian Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow.

After initially taking a 50 per cent stake in New Age, Walkinshaw purchased the company outright on November 1 last year and has already embarked on a series of moves to change the engineering culture of the company in the years ahead and realise its stated goal to be Australia's premium quality caravan manufacturer.

As part of its transformation from an ‘old-school’ to an automotive-style caravan manufacturer, New Age has moved the bulk of its production to a new 10,590 sq. m. factory in Taryn Drive, Epping, although its head office remains in nearby Shirley Way.

However, automotive-style modelling, engineering and bench testing of new models initially will take place at Walkinshaw Performance’s Clayton facility, sharing time on dynamic chassis rigs with Holden Special Vehicle models, Holden Racing Team Supercars and the right hand drive and Australian certification of Chevrolet Camaros and Chevrolet Silverado and RAM pick-ups.

At the Melbourne Supershow this week, New Age showed off its new 8830mm (22ft) long XU (Xtreme Utility) toy hauler and 2019 versions of its range-topping Desert Rose off-road caravan, but the biggest news was the updated range of its popular Oz Classic caravans.

Now featuring a unique chiselled profile with a family resemblance to the Walkinshaw-designed and engineered Wayfinder camper trailer launched last year, the three 2019-model Oz Classic vans also feature smooth, Brilliant White 3mm Alucobond exterior cladding over an insulated Meranti timber body frame and a recessed spare wheel recessed into a distinctive Wayfinder-style rear moulding.

Sitting on a Walkinshaw engineered 150mm galvanised steel chassis, the new models come standard with a suite of ‘new-tech’ features, including a 100Ah lithium battery, 150W of rooftop solar and a hybrid induction electric/gas cooktop with a Duplex oven.

Inside, the 2019 Oz Classics tap into the latest vogue décor, with lightweight furniture, a black composite sink and tapware in the kitchen and a ceramic basin and tapware in their ensuites.

Also fitted are 2 x 110 litre fresh water tanks and a separate 110 litre grey water tank, a Fusion entertainment system and a BMPro Odyssey touch screen display to monitor tank and battery levels and operate many electrical functions.

Although prices are up around $2000 over  previous Oz Classic models, they remain competitive at $83,250 for the 18ft model, $90,990 for the 20ft and $96,990 for the range-topping 23ft Oz Classic.

Expect similar upgrades to roll through other models in the New Age caravan range over the next 18-24 months as they become due for upgrades.

“We are hastening slowly,” New Age’s Head of Strategy & Execution, Oliver Lukels, told Caravancampingsales.

“Every new product is being designed and tested according to much finder automotive tolerances and endurance standards and this takes time.

“New Age already has a very high and well-deserved reputation in the Australian caravan industry for ifs manufacturing quality and we intend to build on that using our experience in racing and high-end performance vehicle manufacturer.

“Our goal is to be Australia’s premium caravan manufacturer, nothing less.”