Advancing the motorhome industry

Product safety, use of advanced materials such as composites in motorhome manufacturing and new innovations for the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show. These were just three themes discussed and debated at the NCC’s (National Caravan Council) recent Motorhome Forum, attended by manufacturers, dealers, and service companies all engaged in the motorhome sector.

The event was designed to promote best practice and contribute to ongoing NCC work further raising industry standards. It also created the opportunity for the sector to discuss how to improve aspects of the motorhome proposition for the benefit of consumers. The key outcomes included:

1. Building motorhomes that are lighter and more fuel-efficient is important to everyone, so could composite technology help manufacturers? Composite materials are already used in the automotive industry with BMW, in particular, at the forefront of innovation. Working with and on behalf of the industry, the NCC will now have a greater focus on how similar technology could be used to build motorhomes in the future.

2.  Product safety is paramount. That’s why all new motorhomes placed onto the market for sale in the UK must, by law, be either European Whole Vehicle Type Approved, National Small Series Approved or National Individual Vehicle Approved. These cover the base vehicle. NCC Product Approval complements this, providing proof that the habitation area complies with all relevant safety standards. Together it gives end users peace of mind that the motorhome they are purchasing is safe for use on the road and as living accommodation. It was agreed that the NCC will continue raising awareness of these approvals so that consumers are better able to recognise, in particular, the NCC Approved badge and truly understand the benefits of buying Approved motorhomes.

3. The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show is the UK’s largest spring exhibition featuring motorhomes and campervans – organised by NCC Events (NCCE), a subsidiary of the NCC. It enjoyed a record attendance in 2016. The Forum considered how it could be made even better with an open discussion between show exhibitors present. As a result, for the first time a campervan will be used as part of the motorhome manoeuvring feature at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2016 - provided by NCC member Hillside Leisure.

“The NCC was delighted by the member response to our Motorhome Forum - there are few substitutes for getting representatives from across an industry together face-to-face. The high-level speakers that participated, including those from UK Trade & Investment and The Vehicle Certification Agency, inspired plenty of conversation and actions. The NCC now looks forward to implementing these to help improve the industry for the benefit of consumers and members alike,” said NCC Membership Services Director Frank Finch.

To find out more about NCC Product Approval visit the website.

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