by Marcus Dubois
The motorhome manufacturer Auto-Sleeper has formally announced that it is to make an entry into the caravan marketplace. The first ever caravan from the coachbuilding firm will be launched at International Caravan and Motorhome 2010, Britain’s largest event for enthusiasts held at the NEC in Birmingham.
The range will fall under the banner “AS Caravans of Excellence” and the emphasis is on luxury, style and innovation. The firm have promised a “high quality product built with a Half Century of Experience”.
With a shroud of secrecy surrounding the product ahead of its launch, Caravan Times spoke to Auto-Sleepers and was told that there are no images being made available until the show itself. However we have learned that there will be a number of layouts on display for event goers at the NEC in October.
Current teaser marketing includes the tagline “This is no ordinary caravan, it’s an AS caravan”. And a glance at the firm’s history tells us why their first caravan is likely to be radically different from recent tradition, perhaps in the manner of new design platforms such as the latest models from Bailey.
An English manufacturer of campervans and motorhomes using coachbuilding techniques, Auto-Sleepers grew through their adoption of the monocoque body, a method also seen in car manufacture. The firm gained favour for their two-piece clamshell unit made from glass-fibre and therefore with a lack of edge joints. Seen as an advance over a traditional “sandwich” construction which can be prone to leaking and damp, it is likely that Auto-Sleepers will draw upon this build experience in designing their first caravan.
With more information being made available next month, Caravan Times will bring you regular updates before the official launch in October.
