2011 Swift Caravans: New products double Lawns sales to 3.5 million

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by Marcus Dubois

Swift Caravans has received early confirmation of the popularity of its newest ranges after achieving record sales last weekend. The firm saw over £3.5million worth of sales in just two days at the Lawns Caravan Show at Cottingham near Hull.

The Lawns show was the first opportunity for the public to view the new models, though over 110,000 people were known to have visited the Swift website following the press and dealer launch of the new range. As reported on Monday, the turnout for last weekend’s Caravan Extravaganza was the best in two decades and thousands of visitors were present to take a closer look.

Caravan Times took a video tour of the new Swift and Sterling models and found a radical new exterior and interior treatment which the company believes will “shape the future design of touring caravans”. Much of the design stems from the firm’s construction of motorhomes and the standout new feature is a panoramic sunroof window over the lounge area.

Swift’s commercial director Nick Page believes that the caravanning public are eager for new and modern designs.

“We were confident we had some revolutionary new products – but the speed at which the public have latched on to these new designs via our web site shows record levels of interest” he noted after the show’s figures were announced.

“To achieve this level of retail sales less than two weeks after the launch clearly demonstrates a massive pent up demand for a more modern design of tourer. This gives us great confidence going into the major show at the NEC in October”.

Click the image below to be taken to our video review of the 2011 Swift range

Woman still in caravan two years after floods

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by Chris Malone

A former BBC broadcaster has been living in a caravan on her land for two years after flooding enveloped her home and destroyed a footbridge that provided her access to the village across the river.

According to the Northern Echo, Eileen Carr’s only means of getting basic supplies now involves making a nine-mile round trip from her home on the bank of the River Derwent to nearby Consett.

Iron Bridge, which allowed her to cross the river, was swept away in September 2008 and a number of disagreements with the local council have held up its replacement.

The council reportedly has another bridge ready to be erected, but claimed it could not put it in the same spot due to it breaching the privacy of a neighbour.

It then offered Ms Carr £200 for a patch of land on which it wants to build a jetty, even though the 59-year-old says an independent evaluation valued it at £4,000.

A further disagreement over the amount the local authority wishes to pay to rent land for plant machinery has held up the process even more.

Meanwhile, the Daily Post has revealed that caravan enthusiasts in north Wales have been given free breakfasts to encourage them to buy local produce

Caravan tourists in North Wales given free breakfasts

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by Chris Malone

Caravanners in north Wales have been reportedly enjoying free breakfasts thanks to a drive to get people buying local produce.

The Conwy Rural Partnership and Rural Development Plan have teamed up to offer complimentary bacon, eggs, bread and rapeseed oil to visitors to summer festivals and caravan sites.

According to the Daily Post, people have been given a treat to encourage them to try the tasty dishes the local area has to offer.

As well as freshly-made rolls, packets of ready-to-cook breakfasts were handed to attendees at events such as farmers’ markets.

Those heading to tomorrow’s (September 8th) Conwy Farmers’ Market will be in with a chance of getting their hands on one of 50 free breakfasts and will be able to browse and purchase an array of local foods.

The scheme is run by Annog Cyf and spokesman Dafydd Gruffydd explained that organisers are sure that “once people get a taste, we are confident they will be back for more”.

In other news it has recently been revealed that a Consett woman has been left living in a caravan since flooding swept away an iron bridge and ruined her home.

Video of stolen caravan rammed into police car

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by Holly Tribe

Click here to see video footage of the incident

A thief who stole a caravan and deliberately reversed it into a pursuing police car has been convicted for dangerous driving and vehicle theft.

Footage of the incident was captured by a camera installed onboard the pursuing police vehicle and shows the moment the stolen caravan was reversed into the stationary car, ripping off a rear bumper before speeding away.

The constabulary vehicle was rendered immobile with steam coming from under the bonnet and an estimated £3000 worth of damage was caused.

The towcar used to commandeer the caravan was a four-wheel drive Daihatsu which was registered stolen from a home in Mackworth on 5th August last year. Police were alerted to the theft when they received a phone call from a concerned neighbour who witnessed the vehicle being attached to the Avondale caravan and driven off.

Police pursued the stolen caravan through the streets of Alvaston at speeds of up to 40mph as it swerved over the road and was driven the wrong way round a round-about.

Terence Hall, 22, was arrested on the day of the incident and has been convicted of vehicle theft, dangerous driving, and driving while disqualified and ordered to serve thirty months in jail.

According to the Derby Evening Telegraph, when sentencing, Recorder David Farrell QC said: “If someone was driving along that road in a proper manner and you were driving the way you were, you could have killed them or seriously injured them.”

Hall’s brother, Kevin, was also sentenced to 20 months in a young offenders’ institution for his involvement in the robbery. He is said to have been following the chase in his van, but voluntarily stopped behind the police car.


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Bailey Caravans fit new bumper to 2011 Unicorn and Pegasus models to combat stone dents

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by Marcus Dubois

Earlier this summer a number of our forum users expressed concern as to whether road chippings and stone dents could cause cosmetic damage to the new Alu-Tech models from Bailey Caravans.

In an edition of our consumer programme Talkback we spoke to Bailey marketing director Simon Howard who revealed that as part of a two-tier solution the firm would be developing a front bumper. And today after speaking to Bailey, we can confirm that a bumper design has been added to all 2011 Bailey Unicorn and Bailey Pegasus models.

A forum user sent us a picture alerting us to how the new bumper design appears on the Bailey Unicorn. Sporting a three-striped decal which echoes the colour scheme of the Unicorn logo, it swoops up on either side to protect those areas likely to be bombarded by loose chippings on the road.

Bailey confirmed that aside from the three prototypes displayed at the official launch, all of the retail Unicorn models will carry this front bumper as standard. The bumper will also be fitted to all 2011 Pegasus caravans, but is not available on the Olympus range.

There has been no word as yet from Bailey as to whether owners of early Pegasus models will have the option to have the bumper fitted at their local dealership.

Bailey will be displaying the Unicorn alongside the full Alu-Tech range at International Caravan and Motorhome 2010 at the NEC in Birmingham. The show takes place from 12-17th October and is the largest caravan event in the UK.

Click below to watch the original interview with Bailey marketing director Simon Howard

Lunar Caravans expand dealer network for 2011 models

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by Holly Tribe

Fans of Lunar Caravans are being rewarded for their support with the addition of four new dealers to the company’s retail network.

Located throughout the UK, Lunar has selected vendors that are committed to providing customers with “expert guidance, advice and support from collection through to service”.

Lunar’s sales and marketing director, Martin Henderson explained the company strives to select retailers that are knowledgeable and passionate about touring. He said: “We have had a tremendous 2010 season and thanks must be given to our retailers. The service they offer to our customers really is first class, making the ownership of a Lunar caravan even more pleasurable”

Lunar have been building ‘lightweight luxury’ caravans for over forty years and celebrate the forthcoming 2011 season with the introduction of two new models and four redesigned layouts across the Stellar, Lexon, Clubman and Delta ranges, which will be showcased at the newly appointed dealerships.

Take a look at our in-depth report on the new 2011 models here.

The four additional outlets will bring the company’s network of nationwide dealers to 59. The new retailers for Lunar’s 2011 lightweight luxury collection are:

In other news, Bailey Caravans have also recently added four additional retail outlets across the UK in anticipation of interest in its 2011 models, including the all new Bailey Unicorn.

Lawns Caravan Extravaganza draws record crowd for the show

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by Chris Malone

If there was ever any doubt over the strength of the caravan industry during the recession, then it may have been dispelled by the crowds at a recent trade show.

The turnout for last weekend’s (September 4th and 5th) Caravan Extravaganza at Cottingham’s The Lawns was the best the event has seen in two decades, according to the Hull Daily Mail.

Thousands of visitors turned up to check out the products of 17 of the UK’s top caravan and motorhome manufacturers.

More than 100 touring caravans and 150 caravan holiday homes were on display at the event, which was described as the “biggest outdoor trade show in the caravanning calendar” by Coachman Caravans managing director Jim Hibbs.

“The response has been great – I have been doing this for 20 years and I would certainly say this is the busiest yet,” he told the newspaper.

Mr Hibbs added that he would be surprised if many of the large manufacturers at the event did not meet their sales target.

After a break today (September 6th), the show will continue at the same venue as the 35th HERCMA Caravan Trade Show until September 9th.

2011 Lunar Caravans: prices and layouts

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by Holly Tribe

Ever popular with the caravanning public, Lunar Caravans offer up some great new models and features in their 2011 collection. There are two new additions to the line-up and four existing ‘vans have undergone significant layout changes.

New features for Stellar/Lexon and Clubman/Delta models

New heavy duty corner steadies and a remote control fob to control the alarm and the LED awning light are introduced on all the new 2011 models. Inside, roof lockers have removable shelving in the front lounge areas and a there’s industry leading 6’5″ of headroom throughout. Lightweight aluminium frame lift-up front beds are fitted in some models and there’s now a TV satellite connection point inside the battery box.

Lunar hope to raise the bar in touring luxury with their Clubman/ Delta models which come installed Alde’s wet central heating system for 2011, bringing them in line with Bailey Caravans new top end Unicorn series in terms of central heating and thermal efficiency performance.

Exclusive to Delta models

Underslung 40 litre water tank with auto switchover, an impressive 180 litre capacity fridge/freezer, AL-KO branded jack and added roof strength for air-conditioning unit installation some exclusively in the two twin axle Delta models.

Click here for a more in depth review on what else has changed for 2011.

Layouts and prices

    Lunar Lexon 530 – new model

      New to the Lexon line-up, the 530 model comes in a fixed bed end washroom layout.

    • MTPLM 1460kg
    • Price £16,995
    • Height 2.652m m
    • 4 Berth


    Lunar Lexon 560 – (formerly Lexon SI revised layout)

      Formerly the Lexon SI, the 560 has been renamed and given a lift-up island bed in the rear and the toilet and shower have been integrated into one single offside washroom unit.

    • MTPLM 1420kg
    • Price £16,995
    • Height 2.652m m
    • 4 Berth

      Lunar Clubman SB – new model

        New for 2011, the Clubman SB has two fixed twin beds offering easy access to the rear washroom.

      • MTPLM 1495kg
      • Price £18,795
      • Height 2.652m
      • 4 Berth


      Lunar Clubman SI – new layout

        The bed in the Clubman SI has been reconfigured to run the across the side of the’ van.

      • MTPLM 1495kg
      • Price £18,795
      • Height 2.652m
      • 4 Berth

        Lunar Delta RS Twin Axle – revised layout

          Adopts the compact end washroom layout of the Clubman SE to make way for 6 foot long sofas in the front end.

        • MTPLM 1715kg
        • Price £21,995
        • Height 2.652m
        • 4 Berth


        Lunar Delta TI Twin Axle – new layout

          The Delta TI Now boasts a luxurious transverse bed layout to the rear.

        • MTPLM 1735kg
        • Price £21,995
        • Height 2.652m
        • 4 Berth

International Caravan and Motorhome 2010 Show: Free ferry crossing for visitors

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by Holly Tribe

Visitors to this years’ International Motorhome and Caravan Show will get the chance to receive a free ferry crossing courtesy of P&O ferries.

In a major new sponsorship deal, the firm will be offering a free return crossing between Calais and Dover to any visitor purchasing a new caravan or motorhome at the show, which will be held at the NEC in Birmingham in October.

Mark Atherton head of sales for P&O Ferries explained the offer is part of their Spirit of Britain and France campaign to promote the launch of their brand new ships in 2011. He added: “Sponsoring International Caravan & Motorhome is a great way to promote the benefits of these exciting ships to caravan and motorhome users and let them know how welcome they are on these new vessels.”

The six day show is expected to pull in around 80,000 visitors and there are 250 exhibitors from across the industry already lined up. Exciting releases from leading caravan manufacturers Bailey Caravans, Swift Caravans and Lunar Caravans will be on display among many others.

The all new, top of the range Bailey Unicorn series unveiled last month, and new 2011 offerings from Swift Group including four totally redesigned Swift and Sterling ranges will be available for customers view. Check out our walk through video Here.

Show director Sam North explained: “We’re absolutely delighted that our new show sponsor P&O Ferries has given such a headline-grabbing offer to buyers at the show, providing another incentive to attend this October.”

  • Where: NEC Birmingham
  • When: 12 – 17th October
  • Admission:
    Adv. Adult Day Pass: £14.95
    Freedom Pass: £26.00
    Family Pass, 2Ad+2Ch: £31.45

For more information visit their website: www.caravanshows.com

Panther spotted near Scottish Highlands caravan site

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by Chris Malone

Caravan owners often expect to get close to nature and take in some wildlife when on holiday, but one Scottish site may be inadvertently taking the concept a stage further.

According to the Aberdeenshire Press & Journal, a retired sheriff is the latest person to report a sighting of what appears to be a panther in the vicinity of Dornoch Caravan Park in the Highlands.

Donald Booker-Milburn told the newspaper how he was returning from exercising his dog – an Irish Setter – when a “lovely, sleek animal” ran across his path.

“It was far too big [to be a domestic cat],” he said. “I would say about the size of a six-month-old Labrador. The way it moved, too, convinced me it was some type of panther.”

Mr Booker-Milburn added that he had to stop his dog from going after it and that he had never given any credence to such sightings before but is convinced by what he saw.

Another sighting of an animal of similar description came from Ray Paton – a range warden at the Tain Bombing Range.

He explained that a four-foot-long cat appeared in front of him as he was doing his rounds at approximately 06:30 BST on August 26th.

Meanwhile, the Leicester Mercury today reported that a similar sighting occurred in Rutland, where a motorist reported that a black cat the size of an Alsatian had run across his path.

2011 Swift Caravans: Full price list for Conqueror and Challenger

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by Marcus Dubois

Swift Caravans today released a full list of prices for its new upgraded ranges. The Hull-based firm recently launched a striking redesign of the Swift Challenger and Conqueror models with a new more aerodynamic shape. Below we’ll take you through the new features that come as standard on the Challenger and Conqueror, as well as list the optional extras.

The Swift Challenger starts at £15,685 for the two-berth 480 single axle model, and rises to 18,675 for the six-berth 625 twin-axle. Items as standard on the new Challenger include a high capacity moulded front roof locker with integrated speakers and LED lights, and a front chest of drawers with slide-out extending top. A binnacle at the back houses a TV point as well as two 230V sockets, and all models come with a low height built-in microwave oven.

The key options on the Challenger are the new “Impala” stain resistant fabric (a £325 cost option) and the panoramic roof window (£495). Both proved popular with visitors to the official press launch and thus are likely to be pre-ordered by dealers.
The Swift Conqueror features the panoramic sunroof as standard along with superior Alde radiator central heating. Optional extras include wrap-around seating (£125) and a Dometic roof-mounted air conditioning unit (£1,745) available on the 630 and 645 models.

Click here for more details regarding weights and layouts, or you can…

2011 Sterling Caravans: Full price list for Eccles and Elite

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by Holly Tribe

Last month Swift Caravans launched their all new Sterling Elite and Eccles line-up for 2011, to much critical acclaim, and today the Hull-based manufacturer has published a full price list for the models.

Those familiar with the new design will note the new profile defining panoramic sunroof comes included in the price for the Elite models, but as a factory fitted cost option on the Sterling Eccles range. As industry insiders predicted, the firm have kept the price below the five hundred pound mark at £495.

All 2011 Sterling caravans sport a light ‘Oregon’ pine finish, lighter than the Mali Acacia woodgrain offered in their sister brand of Swift Conqueror and Challenger models.

Major upgrades in thermal efficiency come by way of thicker sidewalls and a strong bonded roof, while the GRP front and real panels curve up to meet the roof rails for a streamlined and aerodynamic silhouette.

The Elite caravans are to retain their metallic silver sidewalls for 2011 and all models come with a neutral upholstery scheme in textured plain chenille fabric. A wipe clean ‘Impala’ fabric scheme can be factory fitted as a cost option of £250 in Elite models or £325 in the Eccles caravans.

Click here for more details regarding weights and layouts, or you can check out our walk-through video to have a closer look at the interior and exterior designs in more detail.

2011 Sterling Caravans Prices

STERLING ECCLES – Model Prices
Topaz £15,685
Moonstone £16,785
Jewel £16,635
Ruby £16,975
Quartz £16,975
Solitaire £16,975
Coral £18,165
Amythest £18,675
    Factory fit cost options:

  • Elite ‘Impala’ fabric scheme £325
  • AL-KO ATC trailer control system £435
  • Panoramic roof window and moulded locker system £495
    Dealer fit cost options:

  • AL-KO Secure wheel lock £215
  • AL-KO side lift jack £85
  • Wrap-around seating in addition to drawer chest £125

STERLING ELITE – Model Prices
Diamond £17,285
Emerald £18,485
Amber £18,675
Searcher £20,665
Explorer £20,865
    Factory fit cost options:

  • ‘Impala’ fabric scheme £250
  • AL-KO ATC trailer control system £435
    Dealer fit cost options:

  • Dometic B2200 roof-mounted air conditioner £1,745
  • Wrap-around seating in addition to drawer chest £125