by Joe Jeffrey
Caravan Club bookings up 14 per cent for 2016 already as leisure vehicle owners’ satisfaction in UK vehicles remains strong
UK leisure vehicle brands continue to remain at the top spot, whilst bookings at The Caravan Club’s network of sites are already up by 14 per cent, research has revealed.
The research, undertaken by The Caravan Club, saw the UK’s largest ever leisure vehicle survey compiled, with over 40,000 responses from caravan and motorhome owners (totalling an estimated total of 20,000 hours to complete), taking an in-depth look at their vehicles, the manufacturers that dominate the market, satisfaction levels and future innovations.
The survey results revealed the bulk of the caravan market ownership was dominated (75 per cent of the total market) by just six brands from five UK manufacturers – Bailey, Coachman, Elddis, Lunar, Sterling and Swift, with only one European manufacturer in the top 12 – Adria.
While there are more players in the motorhome field (15 brands from ten manufacturers represent 75 per cent of the market), UK manufacturing still dominates with the top five being Auto-Sleepers, Auto-Trail, Autocruise, Elddis and Swift.
The study also revealed over half (52 per cent) of existing leisure vehicle owners predict they will be upgrading their caravans and motorhomes within two to three years, with 51 per cent anticipating spending between £10,000 to £20,000.
What’s more, the quality of caravans and motorhomes certainly seems to be improving and the survey shows satisfaction with UK-manufactured vehicles on the increase. Since 2011 there has been a noticeable uplift across industry standards with new construction methods having a positive impact on customer satisfaction.
A staggering 89 per cent of caravan owners and 91 per cent of motorhome owners are happy with their vehicles – excellent news and something manufacturers and retailers should be really proud of. The survey reflects the popularity of caravanning in the UK, with more enthusiasts taking-up the pastime.
Nick Lomas, director general of The Caravan Club commented: “The leisure vehicle industry represents a real Great British manufacturing story, one we should be proud of. The 2016 holiday season is already off to a great start with a significant increase in Caravan Club site bookings already.”
An unsung hero of the UK manufacturing and leisure industry with manufacturing and holiday spend worth in excess of £6bn to the UK economy, the sector employs over 130,000 people and is currently going from strength to strength with no sign of slowing down. The study findings coincide with the 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Show in Manchester which kicked off yesterday and will run until 24 January 2016. It is estimated over 30,000 visitors will pass through EventCity’s doors during this time.
CaravanTimes caught up with Nick Lomas at the show yesterday. To find out what he had to say, watch our video above.
