Forecourts clear as used caravans sell out across Britain
Monday, 24, Aug 2009 01:08
Open a magazine or click online to read about caravans, and you will inevitably read of the surge in interest as Britons opt to take their holidays at home in the recession.
This interest has however thrown up a unique problem for caravan dealers. Namely, that they are running low on good used caravans for sale.
Used stock levels have become an 'embarrassment' according to insurers Caravanwise who instigated a study into dealerships and their supplies. While 2009 has been a record year for sales, some dealers have been caught out by the level of interest.
Reports indicate a drop in the number of traditional 'trade-ins' of caravans usually seen on forecourts. Caravanwise spoke to Bardsley Leisure in Cumbria who recorded a drop from 45 to 9 in used stock numbers. Over the border in Scotland the results were similar, with dealer Knowepark recording a reduction from 80 down to around 15.
Incidentally new caravan sales have fared well compared to other motoring sectors. Dealers have reported that the surplus 2008 stock levels have now gone, and the new 2009 stock is in short supply. Even future sales are looking healthy, with 2010 caravan models already selling well. With new models to be launched at the International Caravan and Motorhome Show 2009 the number of buyers may be greater than predicted.