In an interview with Caravan Times this month Bailey Caravans recently confirmed they will be launching an entry-level tourer in February – the Bailey Orion. Having revamped its entire caravan offering over a two year period, the Bristol manufacturer is now completing the Alu-Tech range with a budget caravan.
Bailey appear to have adopted a strategy similar to volume car manufacturers in launching the more lavishly appointed models first, perhaps to whip up consumer demand and set the standard for Alu-Tech. Yet as it happens, the timing of the Orion’s release is apt considering our economic times.
The Age of Austerity.
What was once a warning made years ago by the (then) Leader of the Opposition has now become an oft-used phrase by newspaper editors. The Age of Austerity looks set to continue well into 2011, and here at Caravan Times we have already heard from members concerned about how rising fuel costs could stop them caravanning as much.
One obvious way of combating the rise in motoring costs is to move towards lighter vehicle weight and greater fuel efficiency. And from our sneak peek at the Bailey Orion we can confirm that the Bristol manufacturer has made significant strides towards a streamlined design with less drag co-efficient.
As well as making the caravan easier to tow with a wider range of vehicles, it will undoubtedly lead to lower costs at the pumps.
Family holidays on a tighter budget
Getting away with the family is likely to prove more expensive than ever in 2011. Higher worldwide demand as well as an unstable political climate in oil producing regions has led to higher prices in aviation fuel. Factor in the occasional spectre of industrial action and staying at home has never looked more inviting.
For families who like to take regular trips around the UK a spacious and well priced caravan could prove an investment. Bailey is almost certainly banking on this with the release of the Orion. For those used to buying their car from new and considering a caravan for the first time, it could prove to be a natural choice for the times we find ourselves in.
