It's now 2010 and I believe that most of the bad news about the economy is over. I am hearing many positive reports about the Retail RV Show attendance. Some shows are seeing an increase of as much as 30% and sales increases of over 150%, when compared to 2009.
We will be displaying small/lightweight trailers at the up coming NC RV Show in Raleigh (NC State Fairgrounds - Feb. 26-28). I see the small lightweight RV market increasing over the next 5 years or more. As the auto manufactures are forced to build higher mileage cars and SUVs, the towing capacity goes down. As of 2010 models, 85% of all SUVs, Mini Vans, and cars have a tow rating of 4,000 lbs or less. This leaves most people to owning either smaller/light weight trailers or buying a Pick-up. Even pick-ups will be lowering their tow ratings as 6 or 8 speed transmissions and smaller engines become the norm.
We are looking forward to a Great rebuilding year in 2010. Consumers will have more confidence going forward and so will the banks. The biggest question is, will there be enough RVs built for the pent up demand.
-John H.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Louisville Showed me
I just got back from the annual RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) show in Louisville-KY. This is the annual manufacture showcase of New RVs and prototypes that will be shown to their exisiting and New dealers. About 90% of all RV manufacturers will display there newest and best selling models at this annual event.
This years show was much smaller do to the failure of some major players in the industry like Fleetwood & Monaco Coach, who filed for bankruptcy in the spring of 2009. Monaco, reopened under a new name (Monaco LLC - now owned by Big Boy NaviStar) did have a small display and a sampling of coaches. Fleetwood, now owned by AIP, also showed up with a display about 1/5 the size of years past. Forest River and THOR showed the largest displays and the most brands.
The theme of this year's show was basic RVs and Classic styles. Many travel trailer manufactures have come out with Retro style small trailers. Lightwieght was also a big theme.
On the motor home side, Basic class A coaches could be found at many manufactures. I found that the GeorgeTown Class A, by Forest River, seemed to be the best buy. They have two series, a base model, or Standard, and a more Luxury model, LE.
Newmar showed great as usual. The all new 2011 Mountain Aire was beautiful and we designed. They downsized from a 45' to a 43' and reduced the engine size from 450hp to 425hp. But the price was reduced as well, shaving over $50,000-$75,000 off of the retail price. (around a $440,000 MSRP nicely loaded).
Winnebago industries probably had the biggest change in their diesel motor home lines, and all for the better as I saw. They had very innovative floor plans and great features, backed with a solid reputation. This is the year for them to Shine in the Luxury Diesel RV Market.
-John H.
This years show was much smaller do to the failure of some major players in the industry like Fleetwood & Monaco Coach, who filed for bankruptcy in the spring of 2009. Monaco, reopened under a new name (Monaco LLC - now owned by Big Boy NaviStar) did have a small display and a sampling of coaches. Fleetwood, now owned by AIP, also showed up with a display about 1/5 the size of years past. Forest River and THOR showed the largest displays and the most brands.
The theme of this year's show was basic RVs and Classic styles. Many travel trailer manufactures have come out with Retro style small trailers. Lightwieght was also a big theme.
On the motor home side, Basic class A coaches could be found at many manufactures. I found that the GeorgeTown Class A, by Forest River, seemed to be the best buy. They have two series, a base model, or Standard, and a more Luxury model, LE.
Newmar showed great as usual. The all new 2011 Mountain Aire was beautiful and we designed. They downsized from a 45' to a 43' and reduced the engine size from 450hp to 425hp. But the price was reduced as well, shaving over $50,000-$75,000 off of the retail price. (around a $440,000 MSRP nicely loaded).
Winnebago industries probably had the biggest change in their diesel motor home lines, and all for the better as I saw. They had very innovative floor plans and great features, backed with a solid reputation. This is the year for them to Shine in the Luxury Diesel RV Market.
-John H.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Current State of Affairs
"So... How's it going?" is the question that is always asked of me when people come into the dealership. And the answer is, "we are working our way through it, just like most". The RV industry has take a real hit, with sales of new motor homes down as much as 75%, when compared to 2006 model year. That is why I know we made the right choice to give up New motor homes last year.
Howard RV Center's choice to downsize dramatically, so that we can emerge on the other side of these unpredictable economic times, seemed to be the right one. Every month I hear of another dealer being shut down by the bank, most likely due to having too much inventory and not being able to make interest payments and/or payroll.
Howard RV Center has positioned itself to survive off of our Great service and parts, but a few used motor home sales help each month too.
We are planning to get back into the New Travel Trailer market soon. Keep an eye on our web-site for New Lines of RVs.
John Howard
Pres/Owner
Howard RV Center
Howard RV Center's choice to downsize dramatically, so that we can emerge on the other side of these unpredictable economic times, seemed to be the right one. Every month I hear of another dealer being shut down by the bank, most likely due to having too much inventory and not being able to make interest payments and/or payroll.
Howard RV Center has positioned itself to survive off of our Great service and parts, but a few used motor home sales help each month too.
We are planning to get back into the New Travel Trailer market soon. Keep an eye on our web-site for New Lines of RVs.
John Howard
Pres/Owner
Howard RV Center
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