Coachman Vision scoops Scottish Caravanner’s award

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by Joe Jeffrey

Vision wins Scottish Caravannaer’s award for innovative Vision

The new Coachman Vision for 2016 has won Scottish Caravanner’s Mid Range Caravan award for 2016.

Continuing on its success and updated for 2016, the Vision range features a wide choice of layouts, aimed at younger families and couples looking to take to the road in comfort. An added bonus for the new season is that all Vision models have also seen a dramatic weight reduction, with MTPMs all weighing in at less that 1525kg, making the range’s tow ability factor a lot more accessible than ever before.

For 2016, Coachman has also introduced a new layout to the popular range, the Vision 570. At five-berths with two separate living areas, its innovative design proved popular at the recent Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015.

Coachman said: “We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved with the 2016 Vision, and this year’s caravans represent a huge step forward in our on-going quest to create the perfect family tourer.”

Swift announces high sales levels at Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

All-round success for both caravans and motorhomes at the NEC

Swift has announced impressive sales performance for the new season following the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015.

Sales for Swift’s touring caravans have ranked the third strongest, whilst motorhome sales have been reported as being the second strongest result in the history of the company.

Swift tourers had their second best performance in over five years with sales exceeding all expectations, with the star of the show continuing to be the Sprite range which was up ten per cent on the incredible performance of the previous year, with the addition of the Sprite Freedom proving extremely popular with families and first time buyers. Sprite remains the best-selling entry level range of tourers in the market and shows that the number of new people coming into the industry is continuing to grow.

Other key performers included the premium Conqueror and Elite 560 and 650 models, brand new layouts for the 2016 season and the new enhanced 480 layout. The Challenger and Eccles ranges also proved extremely popular with the brand new optional feature of Alde heating.

Swift‘s motorhome sales were also high with strong sales across all sectors. The star of show was the all new Bolero range, whilst the Kon-Tiki range continues to be the flagship brand matching last year’s fantastic performance.

Sales of the entry level Escape range were also up, further establishing the range as the best-selling product in the entry level motorhome market. Also proving extremely popular were the two brand new layouts in the Rio range.

Meanwhile, for the Holiday Home range, interest in the S-pod and S-pace was pretty popular too, with an exceptional number of enquiries registered and a significant amount of visitors particularly across the weekend according to the manufacturer.

Commercial director, Nick Page, said of Swift’s performance at the NEC: “We are delighted with the result from this year’s show. It is clear that with confidence back in the market and a strong product line-up for the 2016 season, customers are continuing to choose Swift Group as the company of choice in our key markets. Customers are recognising the incredible value for money on all our ranges which are packed with innovative features and clever design. It is also great to see the amount of new people coming into the industry with a view to purchasing in the future.

“The results show a positive sign of continuing resurgence in the leisure vehicle market, right from entry level to the top of the range. It has put the Swift Group in a strong position, early in the season with sales from the show being so good our order book is almost full for the year.”

Support for speed cameras remains high, despite opposition from London and north-east

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by Joe Jeffrey

Londoners and those in the north-east don’t seem to like speed cameras

Speed cameras. The bane of our lives or simply an effective way to reduce accidents and preserve lives?

Well, according to a study conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), we’re embracing them – to an extent.

A national survey has revealed that, although most drivers support speed cameras, there are big variation across the UK, with Londoners and those in the north-east of England showing more resistance than most when it comes to the big yellow boxes scattered across the country.

The survey polled 1,000 drivers of all age groups across Britain and posed the question: “It is now common for the authorities to use speed cameras at the side of the road to identify vehicles involved in speeding offences. How acceptable do you think this is?”

The national average of those surveyed believing this to be acceptable was 79 per cent, whereas only 69 per cent of Londoners thought it was a good thing, down from 85 per cent in 2011.

The north-east has also seen a decrease in acceptance of speed cameras, down 14 per cent from 84 per cent to 70 per cent for the same period.

When asked if those surveyed agreed with the statement “Speed cameras are only sited at places where accidents are happening,” again there was a sharp decrease, with just 37 per cent in the north-east agreeing with the statement, down from 69 per cent in 2013 and 2014. A majority of Londoners seemed to disagree too, with numbers agreeing with this statement falling from 46 per cent to 28 per cent.

While there was a very positive response across the country when asked whether speed cameras have helped contribute to the decline of fatal road accidents, the north-east also saw a dramatic fall from 91 per cent to 57 per cent.

Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer, said of results obtained from the survey: “It is clear that most drivers accept that speed cameras are effective in reducing the numbers of people who are killed and seriously injured, but for many there is still an unfortunate link to revenue raising and a perception they are not always in the right places.

“Public support is very important when it comes to effective speed camera operation. They will respect them if they can see their effectiveness and worthiness, and theseregional variations highlight where extra work is needed to convince drivers of the benefits and to counter media perceptions and urban myths around cameras.”

What do you think? Are speed cameras a useful tool in respecting speed limits and saving lives, or are they more trouble than what they’re worth?

Lunar smash sales record with 43% increase at Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Impressive sales increase reported by Lunar following Motorhome & Caravan Show

Lunar has enjoyed a phenomenal response to it’s 2016 caravan and motorhome ranges with a 43 per cent year-on-year increase on orders secured at The Motorhome & Caravan Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham. 

The Lancashire based manufacturer occupied over 1700m2 of stand space to display a choice of 65 different models across its Lunar and Venus caravan brands and Landstar motorhome range.

The sales performance follows on from a very successful show at The Caravan Extravaganza, held last month in Hull, where the company recorded an increase in orders of 75 per cent, as previously reported on CaravanTimes.

The largest percentage of sales (43 per cent) were for Lunar’s Clubman and Delta range, whilst the highest number of sales for an individual model was recorded for the all-new Quasar 574.

Lunar’s two-berth motorhome, the Landstar, also secured an increased number of sales, with all  four models on display at the NEC.

Lunar’s national sales manager, Lee Roberts, said: “This has been one of the best starts to a season we have ever experienced. Sales across both caravans and motorhomes are considerably higher than last year’s record number, with many more potential customers making appointments to visit our dealers post show.

“It’s a huge boost for us, and for our design and manufacturing teams based back in Preston who work hard to deliver the best products possible for our customers to enjoy. It’s been a very difficult decade for everyone involved in caravan and motorhome manufacturing. The market is now in a state of recovery and the future is certainly looking much brighter” he added.

Public opinion sought on gravel quarry set to be turned into new caravan park

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by Joe Jeffrey

Gravel pit looks set to be turned into touring caravan park offering visitors and locals the chance to escape to the great outdoors

Plans to convert an old gravel pit on the edge of Bury St Edmunds into public lakes and touring caravanning facilities have been drafted.

The plans for Park Farm, located between Fornham St Martin and Ingham, would see the former quarry converted into a caravan park with farm house, fishing lakes, bike routes, with other facilities also introduced.

Now, St Edmundsbury Borough Council will be holding a public consultation on the future of the site, with high hopes the proposed plans get the go ahead.

The council’s report states: “It is essential that the applicants need to create a ‘destination’. Park Farm must be sustainable and any permissions granted must include the ability to cater for that need.”

Such a development, providing the public access to country parkland, will help strengthen efforts to meet a need for public green spaces in the borough, which the council’s local plan identified as lacking.

Part of the project could also see cycle and footpath access to Park Farm, without using the existing main road links.

The report continued: “These links could become part of a Brecks CAReFree initiative, encouraging car transport alternatives in the Brecks region. This would assist in linking the villages of Timworth, Culford, and Ingham to the Fornhams and Bury without the need to walk or cycle on the A134 or B1106.”

Consultation on the project will run until 16 November.

Coachman enjoys best year yet with over £10m sales at Motorhome & Caravan Show

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by Joe Jeffrey

Record-breaking sales for Coachman at national caravan show

Coachman Caravans has had its best year yet at the national Motorhome and Caravan Show, selling more than 450 caravans with a retail value of over£10 million.

The company’s factory on Hull’s Sutton Fields Industrial Estate is now working close to capacity to meet the high demand for Coachman’s luxury touring caravans as orders continue to come in through caravan dealerships nationwide.

Coachman took its full 2016 collection to the show, held at the NEC Birmingham from 13 – 18th October. The business’s biggest-selling model was the VIP 575, a luxury four-berth caravan with fixed transverse island bed in the main bedroom, an end bathroom, high-specification kitchen and ALDE programmable central heating and hot water system.
Like all models in Coachman‘s 2016 collection, the VIP 575 has undergone an internal redesign, with updated soft furnishings and upgraded features, to give the interior a true ‘home from home’ feel.
The entire 2016 collection is now also lighter, sturdier and more accessible than ever before.

Martin Henderson, Coachman’s managing director, said: “This year is turning out to be the best in our 29-year history. I suspect all the manufacturers at this year’s show will be reporting good results, as it was very busy, very animated, and the atmosphere was wonderful – almost a holiday mood.

“People are investing in their leisure time again. When they go caravanning, they want to do it properly, with comfortable beds, luxury bathrooms, beautiful interior design and high-end fixtures and fittings. We’ve thrown all our efforts into innovation and improvements, while keeping prices down at the same time, and we’re now seeing the results of that investment and dedication.”

Coachman’s caravans were also recognised in the Caravan Club’s annual Caravan Design Awards at the Motorhome and Caravan Show, with one model in each range being singled out for an accolade, as previously reported here.

TyreSafe highlight importance of tyre safety this half-term

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by Joe Jeffrey

Tyre experts, TyreSafe, urge those taking advantage of half-term to check their tyres before they set off

With many families about to take a break during the school half-terms, TyreSafe is reminding mums, dads and all drivers to ensure they’re keeping the risks to a minimum by practising #SafeTyreChecks.

October is typically the wettest month of the year and coincides with the onset of colder weather, a combination which places high demands on the only safety feature of a vehicle which is in touch with the roads – its tyres. Most drivers are unaware that each tyre’s ‘footprint’ is about the same size as an adult’s palm, and with so much literally riding on them it’s essential to check they are in optimal condition.

“Drivers need to remember that brakes, steering and all advanced safety systems designed to help avoid accidents depend on the vehicle having a sure footing on the road – in other words, their tyres need to be in good condition,” said Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe. “As we’re now facing an increasing number of cold and wet days, to stay safe we need to be even more attentive to tyre maintenance. Air pressure, condition and tread depth must be checked regularly, especially if you’re planning a break using a car laden with your most prized possessions – your family.”

Many drivers are aware that recommended tyre pressures for a vehicle vary to suit the weight of the load it is carrying, but far too many are complacent and don’t take the time to make this important adjustment before they set off with their families. Typically, the unladen and laden pressures are on a plaque either inside the fuel filler flap or in the door shut, but they are sure to be found in the handbook. Incorrect pressures not only increase wear and decrease fuel efficiency but also make the tyre more vulnerable to sudden deflation.

A tyre’s tread depth is a particularly important factor in cold and wet conditions as the more worn it becomes, the longer your car will take to stop. Checking is easy and takes just a few minutes using the 20p test as the outer band of a 20-pence piece is 1.6mm, which is the minimum legal tread depth.

To check how close you are to that limit, place the 20p in the main grooves in the centre section of your tyre: if you can’t see the outer band above the tread, then check at two other points across the width and repeat at two more places further round the circumference. If you can see the 20p’s outer band at any point or are unsure, you need to get the tyres checked by a professional as the tyre maybe illegal and dangerous. If you something in the grooves, like a stone, remove it if you are able to do so.

While you’re checking the tread depth, you should also ensure the tyres are in good condition, looking out for cracks, lumps, bumps or embedded objects. Tyre manufacturers don’t produce tyres with bulges or screws in them, so if you see anything suspiciously out of the ordinary, get it checked by a professional.

TyreSafe recommends these checks are done at least once a month and before long journeys.

The onset of winter weather is the reason why TyreSafe runs its annual Tyre Safety Month campaign in October. A photo contest on TyreSafe’s Facebook page and TyreSafe’s Twitter channel provides another incentive to Britain’s drivers to conduct these routine checks with the chance to win up to £300 of tyres. To win, entrants simply need to post a photo showing where they last did their tyre safety checks along with a caption.

Eventcity Caravan & Motorhome Show 2016 tickets now on sale

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by Joe Jeffrey

Book tickets today for free bottle of P20 sun protection worth £24.99

As soon as one caravan and motorhome show closes its doors another prepares to open, with the announcement of the Eventcity Caravan & Motorhome Show 2016.

Due to take place between 21 – 24 January, the show, emanating from Manchester’s – you’ve guessed it – Eventcity – promises to present a huge choice of the latest model caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes on display from over 200 exhibitors, as well as savings on essential season products and accessories, live shows, and plenty of inspiration to help you build your next holiday.

There’ll be plenty more to see and do too, courtesy of exciting exhibits including the Back to Nature stage where you will be able to pick up great ideas for exploring the best of the British countryside in your caravan or motorhome, towing master classes, live shows and much more.

Tickets are on sale now and, as an inventive for those looking to attend, Eventcity Caravan & Motorhome Show organisers are offering a free bottle of P20 sun protection worth £24.95 for those who buy tickets now. To purchase yours, click here.

Caravan dealership, Salop Leisure, backs Ladder for Shropshire apprenticeship campaign

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by Joe Jeffrey

Salop Leisure embraces local apprenticeship scheme

Award winning caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure has announced its support for the Ladder for Shropshire, a multi-organisation campaign to promote apprenticeships.

The Shrewsbury-based company, which also has sales centres in Stourport-on-Severn and Machynlleth, employs six apprentice caravan engineers, including recently recruited Connor Hodnett, 16, from Wolverhampton.

He joins Connor Sale, 19, from Pontesbury and Josh Roberts, 20, from Shrewsbury in taking a level two apprenticeship while Jack Clarke, 21, Tom Hancock, 21, Daniel Taylor, 20 and Ashley Lutwyche, 19, have progressed to a level three apprenticeship.

The man guiding them is experienced after sales manager Viv Jones, who began his career as an apprentice mechanic in Shrewsbury in March 1960.

A perfect example of the value of apprenticeships, Jones went on to become workshop manager, service manager, general manager and franchise director of Jaguar dealerships in Shrewsbury and Bristol.

Persuaded to come out of retirement to join Salop Leisure, he has overseen the huge growth of the company’s workshops, which has included a recent five-bay extension. Workshop staff have increased from five to 25 during his time with the business, which is now recognised as one of the leading servicing and accident repair centres in the UK.

“Salop Leisure is a strong supporter of apprenticeships and providing opportunities for young people to join the business because they represent the future,” said Mr Jones. “The company believes in growing its own people and I am particularly interested in developing qualified engineers because there is a shortage of people with the skills we need.

“Investment in training is definitely worthwhile; it’s an investment in the future of your business.”

Connor Hodnett said: “I think apprenticeships are better than going to college because you earn while I learn. My aim is to go as far as I can in the company.”

Josh, who has been with the company for a year, said he dropped out of college to join the company and looked forward to becoming a fully qualified engineer.

Connor Sales, who joined the company in July last year, said the apprenticeship was much better than he had expected and saw his future career working in the bodyshop on repairs.

Salop Leisure’s chairman Tony Bywater pledged his support for the Ladder for Shropshire campaign. “It has always been the company’s policy to bring young people into the business when they leave school and to offer them apprenticeship opportunities,” he said.

“Many of the young people we have employed over the years have progressed into very responsible positions to take our business forward and we are proud that they have also developed into good citizens.”

Runaway caravan careers towards motorcyclist in near miss

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by Joe Jeffrey

Caravan’s near miss with biker almost proves fatal

A motorcyclist has revealed how he had a near miss with a runaway caravan in Stirling, Scotland.

Motorcyclist, Martin Hutchinson, was riding his Ducati towards the Causewayhead roundabout when a caravan which wasn’t properly attached to the towbar of a car came loose and careered across the carriageway in front of him.

The 59-year-old chartered surveyor said: “I was on a leisure ride on my bike and, luckily, I noticed the car coming towards me on the opposite side of the road had its caravan coming loose.

“I managed to stop, and the caravan crossed the carriageway right in front of me, before hitting a lamp post and coming to a stop on the kerb.

“If anyone had been walking along that path, they could’ve been killed.”

Martin, from Torbrex, said the couple who owned the caravan apologised for his close encounter with their vehicle.

Marti continued: “It had missed me by just a couple of yards. They did come over and said sorry, but then they seemed more concerned about the damage to their caravan.”

One witness, cafe owner Peter Corrieri, said: “The caravan came off the tow hitch and went across the road.

“The owners were from the Stirling area and said they were just coming home from a holiday.

“There was some damage to a traffic post, as well as the caravan itself.

“The police were called, but luckily no one was hurt.”

It just goes to show the importance of ensuring your caravan is attached to your tow bar correctly. Otherwise, who knows what could happen?

One Direction’s Niall Horan discusses post-breakup caravan plans

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by Joe Jeffrey

Niall Horan discusses caravanning and life after One Direction

One Direction have spoken about life after the band, with Niall Horan expressing an interest in hitting the road in a caravan.

Whereas bandmate Louis Tomlinson has expressed getting straight to work on forming his own record label and working with a new girl band, Horan, originally from Ireland, has spoken about adopting a more relaxed lifestyle following a number of years in the studio and on tour.

The 22-year-old said: “It’ll be the simple things like going home a bit more, seeing everyone I hadn’t seen in a while. I’d like to do a bit of travelling, the places I haven’t seen properly. I’d love to rent a cottage somewhere in Ireland, or get a caravan.”

Whether Horan follows through with the said plans remains to be seen, but it’s true to say One Direction are no strangers to leisure vehicles, with a classic VW campervan featuring prominently in the music video to their smash hit song, What Makes You Beautiful.

In August it was announced that One Direction are set to part companies in March next year following the release of their fifth album in order to pursue their own projects.

Check out the video below to see the boys making the most of life on the road, and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for Horan at a caravan site near you soon!

Coachman scoops four awards at The Caravan Club Design Awards

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by Joe Jeffrey

Coachman Vision, Pastiche and VIP all win big at prestigious awards

Coachman has taken the top prize in four categories at The Caravan Club Caravan Design Awards.

The manufacturer’s innovative 2016 ranges scooped Best Large Family Caravan within the £19,000 – £22,000 category with the 2016 Coachman Vision 580 and Best Two-berth Caravan in the £19,000 – £22,000 range with the Coachman Pastiche 460. Meanwhile, the prize in the Any Caravan £22,000 – £27,000 category was awarded to the Coachman VIP 575, whilst the Coachman Laser 620 won the Any Caravan £27,000 – £33,000 went to the Coachman Laser 620.

Coachman also scooped an award in the Two-berth Dealer Special category, for Glossop Caravans‘ Coachman Festival 450, featuring a range of extra specifications, exclusive soft furnishings and graphics.

Martin Henderson, Coachman’s managing director, said: “We believe our 2016 collection is our best yet, and it seems others agree. We invest a lot of time and research in perfecting our caravans, so for this to be recognised by experts at one of the caravanning calendar’s biggest events was a real honour.”