|
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that RV wholesale shipments to retailers slumped in September to 22,900 units, the lowest September total in three years. Unit deliveries to retailers were off 20.2% compared to September last year, as towables joined motorhomes in marking their largest decline of the year. On a seasonally-adjusted annual rate basis, September's total dipped below 280,000 units for only the second time in two years. Still, year-to-date totals remain near 1999's record pace. RV shipments are at 244,700 units through the first nine months, just 2.5% behind last year and appear likely to finish well above 300,000 units for only the second time in 22 years. Retail sales have fared better than wholesale shipments this year, indicating dealer inventories have been reduced. Final sales are ahead in each vehicle category measured except type C motorhomes which saw its greatest inventory adjustments last year. the Index of Consumer Sentiment, as measured by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center, fell back again in the September survey as it continues to hover near record high levels. Although the Index has gradually declined since the beginning of the year, the yearly average remains more positive than at any other time on record. "Recent oil price increases and interest rate hikes have weakened consumers view of their current financial situation," said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "But optimism about long-term prospects for the economy has provided them with a sense of economic security that help offset these temporary price increases." Towable RVs Shipments to retailers of all towable RVs declined sharply in September, falling to 17,900 units, the lowest monthly total for towables in nearly a year. Year to date, all towable RV shipments have now reached 195,800 units, off just 0.1% from this same period last year. Conventional travel trailers dipped 25% this month as units without slideouts were hardest hit. Fifth-wheel travel trailers was the only vehicle category to increase in September rising 5.5% to 5,800 units. Here again slideout units did best as nearly 9 our of 10 fifth wheel trailers shipped in September included slideouts. Folding camping trailers struggled again this month and truck campers declined sharply as well. Motorhomes All motorhomes shipments declined for the sixth consecutive month, dropping 24.2% in the September survey of manufacturers. Type A gasoline chassis motorhomes declined the most, off 36% from September last year. Type B van campers, have continued to improve and have now climbed to 2,800 units, year to date. Type C motorhomes were off 29.4% this month and off 10.7%, year to date. Conversion Vehicles Conversion vehicle declines have appeared to level off at seasonally adjusted levels of 110,000 units. Totals this month of 9,100 units were off 28.3% compared to this same month, one year ago. Van conversions remain the category leader representing roughly two-thirds of the total vehicle count. Pickup truck conversions have increased as a percentage of finished product and are nearly equal to last year's total through September. Sport utility conversions continue to soften, hurt most by the luxury SUV competition. . Click Here For
|
|
