Motorhome show attendance confirms strong buyer appetite for new models

The opening day of the Motorhome and Caravan Show at Birmingham’s NEC has added further confirmation to the momentum behind the current high demand for new motorhomes

Attendance on the first day was up considerably according the organiser, NCC Events, which is the shows arm of trade body the NCC (National Caravan Council).

The NCC reported that visitor numbers on the first day of the show were up 16% compared to the first day last year, commenting: “The event’s success reflects the industry’s continued growth.”

The record attendance is a strong indicator that demand for new motorhomes, which has been at record levels for the past 12 months, is showing no signs of abating.

The latest sales figures from the NCC, which estimates there are currently some 225,000 motorhomes in use in the UK, show new motorhome sales were running almost 14% ahead of the same time last year, with sales in the month of August up a massive 32%.

The Motorhome and Caravan Show – the first opportunity for many customers to see and buy the latest models – is always a good indicator of sales for the season ahead. And initial comments at the start of the show suggest this upward trend in new motorhome sales is set to continue.

“Last year was our best ever show since the days of Earls Court (the previous venue for the showcase event) and yesterday [the opening day of the show] we finished one better, giving Auto-Sleepers a great foundation to build on for the remainder of the show," said Dave Williams, sales director for Auto-Sleepers, which is now part of the Trigano Group.

Meanwhile, British manufacturer Swift is also reporting a strong start to sales of its 2018 models. “It was a promising start to the Motorhome and Caravan Show, with sales matching last year’s record-breaking week,” said Andy Newhall, head of marketing at Swift. “The new Swift Escape 604 has been a particularly strong performer, along with Select panel vans that appear to be enjoying a resurgence.”

The UK’s only dedicated dealer for Erwin Hymer Group motorhomes, Travelworld, is also predicting strong sales for the coming year after many buyers were prepared to sign on the dotted line at the show. “The stars of the show for us have been the Hymer Exsis-i and Exsis-t (A-class and low-profile respectively) single bed models, with the new Hymer B-SLs (with the island bed the favourite) already selling extremely well,” said Nick Barker, Sales Manager, at Travelworld. “The new Carado A-class is a honeypot, with the Vlow van conversion also finding much admiration. Niesmann + Bischoff have had strong interest, particularly the Artos, with their kitchen and bedroom configuration improvements.”

Norbert Waldhäusl, Export Manager for the Rapido Group, said sales in the UK are mirroring strong demand across Europe for new motorhomes. “The first day at the NEC was excellent, with sales across the range, from Van to Distinction, including Itineo. All shows in Europe are significantly up, with some records,” he said. “Our new outside design, open front lounges and king-size rear beds are key.”

Marquis Leisrue, which is the UK’s largest dealer network and is also owned by the Trigano Group, said sales records were broken on the first day. “It was a record day for Benimar’s Tessoro range at the NEC show. Customers are loving the Ford’s 170bhp engine, the habitation door on the UK side and, most importantly, the NCC approval across the range,” said Andy Brand, marketing director, Marquis Leisure. “Indeed, we sold over two-thirds as many Tessoros on the first day compared to the whole of last year’s show. It bodes well and we’re quietly confident that Benimar will increase its lead as the UK’s number one imported marque as the rest of the season develops.”

But it was Newark-based dealer, Brownhills, that was in the most celebratory mood. “We can’t comment as it’s too busy! Seriously, extremely busy doesn’t begin to describe it. Our exclusive brands – the Elddis Evolution and Swift Champagne – are drawing in the crowds and receiving fantastic reviews, particularly the new for 2018 Champagne Panel Van collection,” said Jenny Colloff, the dealer’s Marketing Manager.

If you want to attend the NEC motorhome and caravan show at the NEC, it runs until Sunday 22 October. You can find out more about the motorhome show here.