Elddis and CAMC Give Away a `worldie` of Prize

Posted August 4, 2017 by

by Tom Evans

Elddis and CAMC Give Away a “Worldie” of Prize

The Caravan & Motorhome Club have teamed up with Avanté manufacturer, Elddis to give away what we think may be one of the best leisure industry prizes yet.

It wasn’t too long ago your very own CaravanTimes, teamed up with Elddis to give away a fantastic hamper to a lucky contestant, in one of our Facebook Live Giveaways. It seems like the County Durham team have caught the gifting bug and this time round the prize is a corker.

The lucky winners, Jane Neary and Steve Carter, a retired couple from Huddersfield, are about to go on a trip of a lifetime. CAMC and Elddis are providing the un-expecting adventurers with;

One year-long loan of a brand new Elddis Avanté 462 two-berth caravan
One year’s membership of the Caravan and Motorhome Club
Free pitches at a selection of Club Sites across the UK
30 Caravan and Motorhome Club overseas site night vouchers
A Christmas Markets Tour with The Caravan and Motorhome Club
European annual multi trip Motoring and Personal Red Pennant Insurance policy
DFDS Ferry crossing (Dover to Dunkirk/Calais)

When asked about their prize it became clear that the couple were true caravaners who, we at CaravanTimes think, are perfectly placed to make the most of the grand giveaway. Steve said to The Club “When my children were young we spent many happy years caravanning in the UK. I had not been abroad for 14 years until I met Jane and I now have a new zest for life and would love to share her caravanning experiences. We both see this as a lifetime opportunity!” While Jane told them where she plans to take her new outfit “I have been caravanning all my life. I would love to share with Steve the caravan sites and places I have been to over the last 40 years including sites in Switzerland, Italy, France and Austria.”

The CaravanTimes team have spent enough time in the new Avanté to know that Steve and Jane are almost guaranteed a great time and I’m sure we’re not the only ones who are more than a little jealous, however it sounds like both CAMC and Elddis are happy with their pick of the winners. Rachel Moncrieff of Elddis said “We and the Caravan and Motorhome Club think Jane and Steve’s story is truly heart-warming. We believe they will relish every moment of their year-long Elddis caravan adventure, growing together and making some incredible memories. What better way to kick-off your retirement than this?!” Whilst Brian Morgan, Head of Communications at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, says: “We’re delighted to be working with Elddis to offer this exciting and inspiring trip. Steve and Jane are a lovely couple with a real passion for caravanning. We’re sure they’re going to enjoy our sites in the UK and abroad and we can’t wait to hear all about their adventures.”

We can’t wait to hear about their adventures either and we’ll keep you all up to date with where they end up!

If you have any suggestions for sites, locations or activities you’d like us to share with Jane and Steve leave them in the comments below.

Cumbrian Residents Seeing Red

Posted August 4, 2017 by

by Tom Evans

Cumbrian Residents Seeing Red

Any of our older readers will remember fondly the site of Red Squirrels in our countryside.

Once abundant, the Forestry Commission estimate their numbers to be 140,000, only around 5% of squirrel populations when taking into account over 2.5million grey squirrels introduced from America.

South Cumbria was once a hotspot for the native species and holidaymakers and residents there are organising efforts to boost their populations.

Silverdale Holiday park and Westmorland Red Squirrels, a local charity, are asking locals and guests to the area to help determine the locations of squirrel populations.

Bob Cartwright of the charity said “If people on holiday can help pinpoint where they regularly spot grey squirrels, it might be possible to see colonies of reds back within a few years.”

Meanwhile the Holiday Park has pledged £5,000 to fund the project, owner Michael says he had many treasured memories of spotting red squirrels nesting, feeding and playing in the park’s woodland. but grey squirrels have since invaded the Silverdale area and robbed the reds of their habitats and food resources. He suggests that “As well as reporting grey sightings to the charity, there are other practical measures people can take, such as using squirrel-proof bird feeders, and trapping greys in their gardens”. He added “our hundred-plus park staff have all been enrolled as red champions to help with the task, and together I believe we could soon see these lovely native creatures back with us”

Silverdale Holiday Park are no strangers to nature and are bonified stewards of the local area, as part of the Holgate group of parkes they were recently awarded the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award for their efforts to protect the natural environment.

To find out more about their efforts you can visit their website.

The CaravanTimes team are always keen to see the resurgence of a native U.K species but wonder whether it should be at the detriment of a innocent, if prolific species brought here by the British public. Tell us what you think we as a nation can do to protect our Native species, if indeed you think we should?

TRIBUTE TESTING BLOG WEEK 4: The perfect holiday companion?

Posted July 27, 2017 by

by Dan Cartwright

As part of our long term test, we have tested and written about the AutoTrail Tribute 670’s practicality, how it performs for short breaks and how it drives.. in this weeks blog I look at the holiday. The long breaks, the big summer holiday trip or even the couple of months getaway of a lifetime that you have always wanted to do. As in the other review, we will compare the tribute to other types of leisure vehicles for those of you who are trying to choose between a big or small van conversion, a van conversion or a coach built motorhome and those comparing between a caravan and a motorhome.

As part of our long term test, we have tested and written about the AutoTrail Tribute 670’s practicality, how it performs for short breaks and how it drives.. in this weeks blog I look at the holiday. The long breaicles for those of you who are trying to choose between a big or small van conversion, a van conversion or a coach built motorhome and those comparing between a caravan and a motorhome.

Before comparing the tribute to any other leisure vehicle the biggest factor affecting how it will perform for you on your holiday is understanding how you holiday. If your big trip is indeed a journey, visiting different places and trying different things and having the freedom to go anywhere including being off grid or “wild camping” then you should read more. Tribute could be your perfect companion. On the other hand if your big break is spending two weeks in the same spot on your favourite campsite then there are other leisure vehicles that will suit your holiday better. The Tribute is a touring vehicle and it would be a shame not to utilise these capabilities.

The Tourer.
Being a tourer simply means moving around, for example if your two weeks in Cornwall involve travelling the North Cornish coast. Perhaps you like walking, hiking, bird watching, fishing, foraging, surfing, paragliding or sampling different cream teas or local ales from an area. For this type of trip the Tribute 670 is, in my book, a class leader compared to other leisure vehicles. Being so manoeuvrable and easy to drive means you can go to those remote spots or park in little towns and villages very easily especially compared to a big coach built motorhome. Being a motorhome means wherever you go the Tribute is with you, so if you are going to different locations to walk or surf, you still have all the home from home comforts with you compared to caravanning and the Tribute’s level of specification, Truma heating, full wet room and big fridge make it much more suited to the longer getaways than the smaller van conversions.

Specification, Luxury and the van conversion.
Many people who like to tour, who like to get out and about when they first enter the leisure vehicle market see the smaller van conversions like the VW T5/6 conversions and think, yes it has a bed, yes it looks a bit like a car, it has cooking facilities – lets go for that one. They often regret this, especially on long holidays, as their small van conversion ends up being little more than a weekend getaway vehicle. With the Tribute, you can have both. Looking purely at the specification and level of accessories of the Tribute it has everything you would expect in a big motorhome or caravan. The newbie or the experienced “outdoorsperson” may think this is all unnecessary for their extreme outlook on life but they are wrong.. this level of specification actually makes it possible to do more, go further, be more remote and be happier in your motorhome for longer.

Let me give you a real life example. I was in the Cantabrian Mountains in north Spain in May a few years ago with a small van conversion and a friend while we did some mountain biking and hiking. The temperature on the coast was 25 degrees but at 2500 meters above sea level (nearly double Ben Nevis) the temperature dropped dramatically at night and changed quickly. The first afternoon the temperature dropped, the rain set in and the mist came so much so that we could barley see, so we started to head back to the van to call it a day. When we arrived at the van we were forced to empty all our kit in the rain just to get room to make the beds, we had to stand outside showering the mud off and trying to make a cup of tea out of the back pull out kitchen with the wind constantly blowing the flame out was impossible, never mind cooking food. In the end I’m ashamed to say we abandoned it. Freezing, we attached the bikes to the rack and headed on a treacherous route down the mountain to warmer climates. Had we been in the Tribute, we would have simply headed back to the van, switched on the heating running through the internal LPG gas store, had a nice warm shower, switched on some mood LED lighting, got our food out of the huge fridge, swivelled the captains chairs and spent the evening and night in total comfort. The point is that the specification of the Tribute isn’t a luxury. When you need it to continue your adventure, it’s a necessity.

So is the Tribute a giant slayer?
As mentioned earlier, if you look at the specification of what is included, you have most of the specification of the bigger coach built motorhomes only in a more practical and accessible vehicle… But.. the Tribute, whilst being luxury by other standards is still an entry level model from AutoTrail and it is still a van conversion. The large rear bed takes about 30 seconds to turn from lounge into bed but it still isn’t a fixed bed. People won’t gasp at your decadence as you cruise around town or pull up onsite. What I’m trying to say is, if drive a range rover around town that has never seen a muddy field because you want people to know you have range rover then the Tribute probably won’t suit you.

Compromises
When considering any leisure vehicle you will have to compromise on something, space, access, driving, manoeuvrability, price, quality of finish etc etc… For me the Tribute 670 has three compromises, particularly over bigger and more expensive motorhomes. One – The storage is limited, ample for you and your things for a holiday but not a canoe, surfboard and full rattan furniture set. Two – The access around the habitation area is limited, with a narrow main gangway through from the kitchen to the rear lounge/bed area. Actually this isn’t a problem due to the huge sliding side door and rear doors, it just takes a bit of getting used to, and it might be easier to go the outside way if your partner is cooking. Three – The lack of a slide sunshade / side awning. On a nice day with the side door open and the rear doors open the Tribute is amazing, it feels like you have taken your kitchen and lounge outside. My wife and I take an inflatable sofa and one will sit just outside the door while the other cooks looking out over them. When the inevitable shower or strong sunlight comes. there is no protection. AutoTrail don’t do a factory specification sun visor for the Tribute, but dealers will supply and fit them and this is something I would strongly consider.

Overall
The Tribute is like one of those children in school, the one that’s good at everything, the one that’s on every sports team, in the top sets and is still a really nice kid, the one thats good at everything except sitting still! I personally have spent 8 nights in the Tribute in different circumstances and places, each time it impresses me with its capability. One huge surprise for me has been its ability to go off grid. The integrated LPG tank is a real strength of the Tribute. Not only is it cheap, easy to fill and light but it has a real fuel level so you know how much you have. Couple this with low energy LED lighting and you can go for days off grid knowing that you will be warm, have cold fresh food and lighting in your motorhome. It’s not that I have stopped staying on-site, it is just that sometimes if I just want to pull over (somewhere legal) and change my plans to spend the night where I am, there are little drawbacks to being onsite.

First look at the 2018 AutoTrail Imala 732

Posted July 27, 2017 by

by Dan Cartwright

‘<' . strtolower('Array')>AutoTrail Imala 732 First look.’<' . strtolower('Array')>

The 2018 Autotrail Imala is so new the brochure hasn’t been made yet but on a recent trip to Autotrail for our long term Tribute test, we got to have a look around, take it out and tell you what we think. We will be doing a full video review in the coming weeks but for now here is your first look.

Overview
The Imala 732 is a completely new Imala layout for 2018. The one we saw was the lowline without the bunk above cab. This new layout is based on the very popular AutoTrail Tracker RB layout but now in the more affordable Imala range. The layout features a huge front lounge, central kitchen and washroom and rear transverse island fixed double bed.

Highlights
Before talking about each section, the quality of the finish, attention to detail, three sunroofs and the spacious layout make you wonder what AutoTrail are keeping back for their more expensive Tracker, Apache and even top of line Frontier Ranges. This is every part a luxury motorhome.

Lounge
With the two captain chairs swivelled around, you can easily seat six around the lounge. The huge bench behind the driver is nearly single bed length and the shorter one behind the passenger can easily seat two. This is a wide motorhome and leg room is no problem. There is a free standing collapsible table which some people don’t like but personally I like the options it gives. Strip LED under cupboard lighting, spotlights and three sun roofs add to the open feeling.

Storage
The height of the Imala 732 allows for so many over head lockers that these combined with a big wardrobe, kitchen drawers and under bed outside access garage means you will spend longer looking for things to take with you than working out what to leave at home. If, like me, you can’t find your rear with both hands then expect to spend a long time looking for things in all this storage.

Kitchen
As you would expect, the kitchen has everything you would expect and more. Separate oven and grill, three gas burners with one electric hotplate, big fridge with freezer compartment and microwave. The real highlight of the kitchen though is the amount of cooking space to move around in and plenty of work surface, even with the sink cover and cooker up.

Bathroom
A large, well lit shower and swivel bowl toilet, LED lighting and again lots of cupboard space and room for towels. More than adequate.

Bedroom
This is the Imala 732’s real showpiece. You don’t see many transverse island beds in motorhomes and having seen it, I can’t work out why. The head of the bed raises during the day to give even more access around the foot of the bed but this is a full bedroom. With the divider closed this could be a hotel bedroom. Again lots of storage, spot and mood overhead LED lighting and a skylight.

Access
There is so much space in the 732 that it feels decadent, the height and the transverse island means everything is on the same level and you still have lots of headroom, even for tall people. No up and down steps or squeezing past other people in the Imala.

UK launch of the 2018 Hymer Exsis I and T at the Travel World motorhomes 40th anniversary open weekend.

Posted July 26, 2017 by

by Tom Evans

‘<' . strtolower('Array')>Travel World motorhomes in Telford is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary with a three day open weekend on the 28th, 29th and 30th of July (this weekend)’<' . strtolower('Array')/>

There is such a lot going on over the weekend for the whole family but the event will also be the official UK launch of the Hymer Exis I and Exis T motorhomes.

The Exis T is Hymers mid size and mid level coach built motorhome. The Exsis I is the smallest of Hymers fully integrated or A class ranges. Both of these ranges are popular in the UK and it is easy to see why. This is the genuine UK launch and I have had no behind the scenes look for more information but expect both to come in with some serious upgrades and maintaining to their up to 5 birth family appeal.

As well as a German hog roast all weekend, attendees will be able to try an F1 simulator, sample German beer and wine, listen to live music but more importantly see the largest selection of Erwin Hymer Group motorhome models in the UK.

Travel World is also home to some of the most luxurious motorhomes on the planet, including a huge range of Hymer groups super luxury Niesmann and Bischoff so there is something for everyone.

A top tip – The Caravan and Motorhome Club malvern hills site is nearby, so if you fancy making a weekend of it then the CAMC site is well worth a visit.

The address for the event is
Travelworld Motorhomes
Halesfield 14
Telford
Shropshire, England TF7 4QR
UK

Elddis announce 2017 Factory openday

Posted July 26, 2017 by

by Dan Cartwright

‘<' . strtolower('Array')> 2018 Season Elddis Open Weekend dates announced and free booking is now live.

Elddis or Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd have announced the dates for the 2018 season factory open event. The dates are saturday the 16th and Sunday the 17th of September 2017.

We have been these events every year since they started and the event has grown to be a really big event. Not only is it your only chance to have a tour of factory and see how the SoLiD construction happens but it is the first time the full range of 2018 caravans and motorhomes will be available to see in the flesh (or wood)

As well exclusive offers if your in the market for a new caravan or motorhome the Factory open day is fun, there are suppliers, both the caravan and motorhome club and the camping and caravan club have stalls, there is towing and manoeuvring advice and of course there will be live music and excellent food.

Last year on a similar weekend the weather was fantastic and if you are looking to make a weekend of it and traveling from afar then the north Yorkshire coast is well worth a visit on your way past.

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th September 2017

10am – 4pm
Location: Elddis Factory
Access via Butsfield Lane (signposted Knitsley)
Delves Lane
Consett
County Durham
DH8 7PE

Book your place here http://www.elddis.co.uk/factorytourevent/eventbooking

Electric cars – what does this mean for caravans and motorhomes?

Posted July 26, 2017 by

by Tom Evans

Electric cars – what does this mean for caravans and motorhomes?

In the week the government announces the ban on the sale of all petrol and diesel only cars by 2040 what does this mean for caravans and motorhomes? We are looking to find someone who has tried towing a caravan with an electric car, if you have or if you an electric car that you like to try towing a caravan with please get in touch with us at editor@caravantimes.co.uk.

In the current crazy political climate this 2040 ban on diesel and petrol cars seems have steered mentioning anything about the leisure industry.. as do the manufactures with electric cars struggle to break the 150 mile journey limit what impact will hitching up caravan have on how far can you go? Does the industry expect an electric car to be able to tow a caravan any further than next nearest filling station? We emailed a number of electric and hybrid car manufacturers and have not any response so it feels like its time to put it to the test ourselves.

Once again if you do have an electric car and want to try towing please contact editor@caravantimes.co.uk. Likewise anyone out there has seen any information we have missed please also contact on the same email.

VIDEO SPECIAL: The Bailey Unicorn Series 4 range is here!

Posted July 21, 2017 by

by Tom Leaning

The Bailey Unicorn Series 4 range is finally here and we want to celebrate by unveiling our new promotional video for the new range.

In order to create the new Unicorn, Bailey has spent the past twelve months undertaking a comprehensive product review that started with customer and retailer focus group feedback sessions and finished with a thorough structural examination of the resulting pre-production models at the Millbrook Proving Ground.

Available in a choice of ten diverse layouts the new range features eight proven models plus the new six-berth twin axle Segovia and a re-designed two-berth single axle Seville featuring spacious corner washroom and practical end kitchen. The first eight models will be arriving at Bailey Retailers from early September onwards, with the Unicorns’ Madrid and Barcelona first available to view at the Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC in October.

Let us know what you think of the video and the new models.

Bailey unveil their brand new 2018 Unicorn range

Posted July 21, 2017 by

by Tom Leaning

The launch of the 2018 Bailey Unicorn range is all the rage this week, and we caught up with CaravanTimes favourite, Lee Davey, to get his thoughts on the new models.

Lee commented: “My favourite things about the new Unicorn Series 4 range are the new front panel complemented by black a-frame cover, the new decorative panels above the front windows, and the rear panel with full-width grab rail. The new windows, exterior graphics and 14 inch alloy wheels also catch the eye.

“The Segovia is the first 6-berth family layout for the Unicorn. The hinged worktop panel above the hob is similar to the Australian Rangefinder. There’s recessed interior lighting, with 30 per cent more worktop space, the beds are 10 per cent bigger and there’s 5 per cent more seating space.

“There’s up to 8 USB points and 7 plug sockets with a full-width mirror in the washroom, depending on the model.”

Sounds very impressive and exciting – much obliged for your feedback, Lee!

To view more images of the new Unicorn range visit our official Facebook page here

We’ll be bringing you more images and videos of the new 2018 Bailey Unicorn range so keep a look out for them and enjoy!

TRIBUTE TESTING BLOG WEEK 3: A Question of Driving

Posted July 21, 2017 by

by Daniel Cartwright

In Week 3 of our long term test, we look at what it is like to drive the Auto-Trail Tribute 670. In this review, I will look at different common driving questions followed by a brief summary for anyone who is a novice and also a summary for the more experienced.

Before we start the Tribute review, a few words on what our test has included: As per the outline of our real world test we have covered 2,150 miles in the first three weeks of the test. We have taken on every type of road from small single track country roads to motorways and we have fully tested about town by driving and parking in central London (including parking on brick lane at 5:30pm on a Friday) and central Birmingham.. just for fun.

Cab and comfort

The Tribute 670 cab is a very pleasant place to be. Firstly, the driver and passenger seats are a pleasure, they are wide, supportive and both the back and base can be adjusted meaning you can find your perfect driving position. Not having a bed above the cab makes the cab feel very light and spacious, furthermore it makes getting in and out of the cab both from the driver’s door and the habitation much easier. No bent shuffle required anywhere in the Tribute 670. The dash is well equipped with everything from cruise control to USB and Auxiliary connections so you can listen to your audiobooks on those long journeys. Storage is more than ample and my wife and found that a picnic hamper sits very well between the driver and passenger seats. Finally, unlike some motorhomes the passenger is not left out. they have a fully adjustable captains chair and because of the layout there is loads of passenger leg room.

Transporting ‘rattle snakes’

We considered putting the inevitable rattle section into comfort but for the Tribute we thought it deserved a section of it’s own. Anyone who has driven a few motorhomes know that they rattle, some bang and rattle but it’s rare to find a motorhome that out on the road doesn’t sound like you’re transporting a nest of ‘rattle snakes’ in the back somewhere. On long drives no matter how comfortable you are, that rattle can drive you wild until you stop to search around and find it. The Tribute is that rare beast, that once the cooker top is secured, is rattle, crash and bang free. Rattles when driving a motorhome are generally because some fixture or fitting is either loose or the frame of the habitation area moves slightly with the bumps of the road. Being a van conversion certainly helps Auto-Trail achieve this reduction in rattle but it is also down to the quality of the design, engineering and craftpersonship when building the motorhome. Anyone in the trade will tell you a rattle-free motorhome means it’s very well put together.

Long Trips
Before picking it up, I noted it had the 115hp Fiat engine, and given the 750 miles a week planned test I did think perhaps the 130hp engine would have been better for those long distances. Once again I was wrong. The Tribute is perfectly well powered, and you have good acceleration all the way past 70mph meaning changing lanes even in heavy traffic is easy. The engine and gearbox seem perfectly aligned for its weight and our roads, i.e. 70 is a very comfortable 2500rpm and just about in the torque range and that at 50mph the Tribute can be in 4th for that extra acceleration or 5th gear for that bit of economy, neither of which strain the gearbox or engine. The motorway driving experience is also greatly aided by being a van conversion. it is not only aerodynamic for better road use and handling, it is also much more resilient to cross winds. Think about putting your favourite seat in a big modern estate car and that’s driving the Tribute.

About town and parking

Taking the Tribute into central London and parking it on street outside our office (70 Wapping Wall) was easy. In traffic the hill start assist is a joy and pulling away is smooth. on congested roads third gear will give you a hassle free drive between about 10 and 35 meaning you’re not changing gear all the time. The brakes are progressive so when you’re in stop-start traffic and someone pulls into your lane causing you to brake suddenly, the Tribute deals with it without fuss and again without the whole van shaking. Once in a town centre on small busy roads you start to notice the turning circle. despite being “reasonably” long (by van conversion standards) the turning is incredible and more than compensates for the length. The 670 feels like it can turn on the spot, 3-point turns in a road only just wider than the Tribute is long are no problem at all. Not only being able to cope with around town, the Tribute offers some benefits for those who have never tried it, the elevated driving position gives you a perfect view of the road and traffic ahead to manage your speed and keep constantly moving.

With the incredible turning circle and the huge split angle rear view mirrors, on street reverse parking is easy. In both London and Birmingham I was able to easily fit all 4 wheels into a single bay both length and width. It might be worth looking for two spaces to help give you space to get in but once in, a single space will do. This also means you buy a normal car parking ticket not one for commercial vehicle parking.

Options options options

With any leisure vehicle there are numerous options you can add to the drive, engine, habitation and media. The model I tested had the “drivers pack” added to it. This includes things like hill assist, steering wheel controls, air conditioning, passenger airbag and some cosmetic upgrades on the exterior. This model did not have reversing cameras or parking sensors, would I get them if I were to own it? no I wouldn’t, because often I don’t like 3rd party technology added to my vehicle. The Tribute 670 is small and nimble, the split angle wing mirrors are excellent and more than ample.

That said, there is one addition that I would add if I owned the Tribute – a rear view mirror. Not only is there some visibility out of the back window which you could make use of with a rear view mirror but it would be very useful to have a quick glance at what is happening in the rest of vehicle while you are moving. If you have a child in rear seats or if you miss packed something and it moved during driving, simply being able to glance behind would be great. There is a fixing in place so I imagine this would be a cheap and easy to fit optional extra.

Overall

If after driving the distance from lands end to John O’Groats and back and then on to Doncaster the only thing fault I can find is not having a rear view mirror, then driving the Tribute is very good in my opinion. This Tribute 670 model won the 2016 caravan and motorhome club “Design Innovation” award it is easy to see why.

For the beginner

If you are new to the leisure vehicle market or new to motorhoming, a more automotive driving experience you will not find (to use technical jargon).. in the real world, if you have never driven a motorhome before then driving the Tribute 670 compared to your average car is much like the difference between driving a Nissan Micra and Volvo estate.

For the experienced motorhomer

Give this a try – on paper the Tribute 670 doesn’t come as standard with all the bells and whistles, and despite that probably being about range differentiation, the Tribute doesn’t need them. If you have a big motorhome and are considering a smaller one or a small van conversion and are considering a bigger van conversion, the drive and the quality of the Tribute make it a very very capable.

Swift recognises dealer network at awards night

Posted July 20, 2017 by

by Tom Leaning

The achievements of individuals and dealerships were celebrated at Swift Group’s inaugural Awards evening this week that culminated with the prized ‘Dealership of the Year’ awards.

The awards night was introduced following the launch of Swift’s Approved Dealer Programme last year, to recognise the accomplishments that have been delivered by dealers during the year.

Managing Director, James Turner welcomed guests, most notably Swift’s dealers, along with key suppliers and finance houses. The evening concluded with an inspirational talk from Olympian and World Champion athlete Derek Redmond.

The Approved Dealer Programme was launched to strengthen Swift’s partnership with its dealer network with the aim of continually enhancing customer experience. The programme is built
around seven customer-centric key performance indicators which are monitored throughout the year. Training packages are delivered to support each dealership’s development with
training provided through the Swift Academy: a physical training centre at their Cottingham site and an online learning platform.

The awards were split into four main categories; Customer Service Recognition Awards, Technical Training Awards, Mystery Shop Awards and Dealer of the Year Awards. All the winners are detailed below.

Swift Approved Dealer Programme Award Winners

Individual awards:

Customer Service Recognition Award for Sales 2017
Ian Garioch at Dee Valley Caravan
Customer Service Recognition Award for Service 2017
Catherine Jenkins at Tamar Towing Centre
Best Mystery Shop 2017
Mark Tricker at Tyneside Leisure World
Richard Stout at Grantham Caravans
Gary Rigby at Broad Lane Leisure (Alcester)
Swift Academy Star for Technical Training
Chrys Pappas at Brayford Leisure
Swift Academy Star for Online Training
Howard Waudby at Wandahome (South Cave)

Dealership awards:

Motorhome Dealership of the Year 2017
Swift turnover up to £2m
Kimberley Caravans and Motorhomes
Motorhome Dealership of the Year 2017
Swift turnover £2m-£5m
AEG Motorhomes
Motorhome Dealership of the Year 2017
Swift turnover above £5m
Brownhills Motorhomes
Touring Caravan Dealership of the Year 2017
Swift turnover up to £1m
Tamar Towing Centre
Touring Caravan Dealership of the Year 2017
Swift turnover between £1m-£4m
Broad Lane Leisure (Leek Wooton)
Touring Caravan Dealership of the Year 2017
Swift turnover above £5m
Lowdhams Leisureworld (Nottingham)
Overall Customer Satisfaction Award 2017
Couplands Caravans
Overall Training Award 2017
MG Caravans
Rising Star of the Year 2017
Teesside Caravans

Deputy MD Amy Archer commented: “Congratulations to all our winners. We are thrilled with the successes achieved across our dealer network. The Approved Dealer Programme was introduced to enable dealers to identify opportunities for business improvement and then support their implementation of change through training via the Swift Academy. We are delighted with how dealers have engaged with the programme, it has strengthened our partnership even further, and will ultimately deliver a more prosperous future.”

A new phase of the Dealer Approved Programme for the 2018 season was also unveiled at the Swift Dealer Conference earlier in the day.

Something for the weekend: Dusseldorf prepare for Caravan Salon 2017

Posted July 18, 2017 by

by Bill Coleman

The Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf is the world’s largest trade fair for caravans and motorhomes and is taking place this year from 26 August to 3 September. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know for anyone going out to Germany to attend.

For the duration of the Caravan Salon Caravan Centre Düsseldorf becomes Europe’s largest caravan site. A total of over 3,000 serviced and non-serviced pitches will be available.

The Caravan Centre is open throughout the day until the evening from 7.30am to 10pm.

Pitch Bookings only Possible Online

This year all bookings must be done online prior to arrival. This decision has been made to avoid long queues at check in.

Detlef Erkeling from the logistics department at Messe Düsseldorf, said: “Unfortunately, this year it will no longer be possible to take bookings on site. Due to the great demand we recommend pitches are booked early via the Ticketshop.”

If the Caravan Centre is fully booked various alternative sites are available in the vicinity.

The pitch booking system will go live from early July from which point it will be accessible to all persons wishing to book a pitch. At the user interface, once personal data has been entered, vehicle type is then selected (car and 2 caravan, motorhome, mobile home with trailer). Once the order has been placed the booking slip needs to be printed out so that this can be validated by ticketing staff at the Caravan Centre.

Great Service all around the Caravan Centre

The Caravan Centre is the caravanning community’s meeting point bringing together exhibitors, visitors, journalists and all other fans of mobile vacationing. There’s a large marquee offering a musical line-up in the evenings, guaranteeing fun for all attendees.

“2,000 breakfast rolls, 450 sausages, 250 burger buns, 300 dishes of food and 7,500 glasses of beer are sold on a daily basis,” added Detlef Erkeling.

Those wishing to explore Düsseldorf’s famous Old Town after a fun day at the trade fair can also take advantage of a special service: a free shuttle bus will take visitors into the Old Town and back again to the Caravan Centre in the evening.

The booking system for pitch reservation will go live online from early July www.caravan-salon.com

Editor’s Comments:

The CaravanTimes team are pleased to say that we’ll be in Düsseldorf for this year’s Caravan Salon. We hoped to see you there! Our top tip for first time visitors is to plan ahead to ensure you make the most of your time there.

Let us know what you’re most excited to see at the Caravan Salon.

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