by Oliver Knight
Strong sales at a recent trade show have left one caravan manufacturer confident about the future of the sector.
Hull-based Coachman Caravans has enjoyed its most successful preview to date, with orders 50 per cent higher than last year.
The organisation claims that this recent success at the event, which was held on July 13th and 14th, points to a renewed sense of confidence and optimism in the industry.
Coachman used the trade fair to showcase the 2011 season model updates to its VIP, Laser, Amara and Pastiche ranges.
All the caravans have been given new internal furnishing improvements, while the Amara has been completely revamped inside and out to hopefully appeal to the growing number of families opting for a UK-based break.
“Although the past few years have been very challenging for many in the caravan industry, we have seen strong sales across this period, with the 2010 season being our most successful yet,” Coachman managing director Jim Hibbs said.
The company explained that it has, so far, managed to defy the current economic crisis and invest heavily in innovative machinery and personnel which has led to it enjoying its most successful year to date.
Mr Hibbs reveals that Coachman has spent in excess of £700,000 this year on a new aftercare unit and new computer-controlled machinery.
“We’re still cautious, and we’re not about to make sweeping predictions about the economy, but this show was the strongest signal yet for us that there is cause for optimism among the quality sector of the industry,” he added.
