by Joe Jeffrey
Latest figures from NCC show motorhome market going from strength-to-strength
New figures from the National Caravan Council (NCC) have revealed that the UK motorhome market continues to go from strength-to-strength. Interestingly, according to NCC members, increasing numbers of buyers are new to the sector.
Registrations of new motorhomes increased by 20.4 per cent in the month of March 2016 compared with March 2015. A total of 2,352 units were sold in what is a peak month for the sector. New motorhome registrations for Q1 2016 as a whole, compared with Q1 2015, are also up nearly 20 per cent, to a total of 3,042 units with an estimated retail value of more than £150 million.
All this is on top of a 21 per cent increase in new motorhome registrations during 2015, making the UK one of the fastest growing markets in Europe. Membership of the NCC’s dealer section has increased too, rising nearly 25 per cent in the last 12 months alone. Many of these companies are reporting near record new motorhome sales levels in 2016, including Newark based Brownhills, which enjoyed a 26 per cent increase in Q1 this year.
NCC director general John Lally said: “We believe that strong demand for motorhomes will continue for the foreseeable future and we could see record levels of new motorhomes registered in the UK soon. As manufacturers increase production capacity and build even more attractive and innovative products that can be used year round, consumers, from young families to retired couples, will keep being drawn to the motorhome proposition. The Freedom to Go campaign is also working to draw more entrants to the market.
“Staycations are due to have another good year too boosted by the preference to take shorter breaks. In fact short holiday trips of one to three nights account for two-thirds of English holidays, are on the rise and are exactly the type of break a motorhome really enables. Whether it’s a last minute weekend away, supporting an outdoor activity like mountain biking, or indeed the longer annual summer holiday, motorhomes make it all possible.”
Frank Finch, NCC membership services director said: “It’s encouraging that dealerships are our fastest growing membership section, as this is where many consumers first interact with the industry. It’s our advice that for peace of mind, consumers should always seek out one of our members when looking to buy a motorhome, or indeed any other leisure vehicle.”
All NCC members are provided with access to NCC schemes, including the Approved Dealership Scheme, establishing their credentials in the eyes of consumers. Membership also provides access to the entire suite of NCC benefits including: business support, representation at government level, access to exclusive industry statistics and data, technical help, legal advice and much more besides. The following companies have been formally recognised recently as NCC dealer members.
