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Spurred by strong retail activity, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that wholesale shipments of all RVs grew to 33,500 units, up 5.3% over this same period last year. Year-to-date totals have now climbed to 86,300 units, up nearly 10% over this same period last year, and represent the largest 1st quarter shipment totals in more than twenty years. The Index of Consumer Sentiment was 107.1 in the March 2000 survey, only slightly below the all-time record high of 112.0 in January according to the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. The Sentiment Index was reacting to lower expectations about future economic prospects, higher interest rates and slower economic growth. "Given the recent interest rate increase, higher fuel prices, and volatile stock prices, the data indicate a surprising persistent strength in consumer confidence," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "We need to maintain perspective, not since the 1960's have consumers viewed future economic prospects as favorably as at present." Our March survey of manufacturers confirms retail sales of travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers and motorhomes remain quite strong. Final sales of conventional travel trailers were 25% greater over the past twelve months than in the previous twelve-month period. Fifth wheels sales were nearly 5% greater while type A and type C motorhome sales have grown 14% and 20% respectively. Towable RVs All towable RVs rose to 26,400 units in March, up 28.8% over last month and up 6.5% over this same month, one year ago. Total shipments of conventional travel trailers literally sizzled, growing 10.2% over a very strong March last year to 13,000 units. Fifth wheel trailers jumped ahead by 15.1% with shipments of 6,100 units, their best March total ever. Folding camping trailer and truck camper shipments decreased slightly from last year. Through March, all towable RVs have reached 67,600 units, up 10.8% over this same period last year. Conventional travel trailers are up 15% over last year with unit sales of more than 32,900 units. Fifth-wheel travel trailers, particularly those over 30 feet in length, performed quite well, growing 22.1% to 17,100 units. Motorhomes Motorhome shipments to retailers were 7,100 units in March, up 29% over last month but up just 1.4% over March 1999. Conventional type A motorhomes did well to reach 4,800 units, even with this same month, one year ago. Type C shipments also held their own, finishing March at 1,900 units. Only type B motorhomes outperformed last year and that by just 100 units. Year to date, motorhome totals were at 18,700 units in the first quarter, up 5.1% over a very good 1999. Type A shipments are ahead by a respectable 3.2% while type C deliveries were up an even better 6.8%. Conversion Vehicles Although overall shipments of all conversion vehicles were lower in March, there was some good news for pickup conversions in March. While all conversion vehicle shipments were off 13.2% this month, shipments of pickup truck conversions surged ahead 22.9% to 4,300 units. Van conversions were down 19.6% to 8,200 units while sport utility vehicle conversions were off 57.1% compared to this same month last year. Year to date, all conversions vehicles were off 17% in March with shipments of 31,700 units. Pickup truck conversions were down the least, and at 8,900 units were off just 2.2%. . Click Here For
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