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The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that recent readings of general economic indicators confirming a slowdown in the U. S. economy has affected many sectors, including the RV industry. Wholesale shipments of all RVs fell to 300,100 units in the year just ended, halting a four year string of improving sales. As it turns out, this was the second best year for shipments in more than twenty-two years and was accomplished while dealer inventory levels were being substantially reduced. In December, shipment totals of 16,900 units were up 6% from last month but off 23.2% from this same month one year ago. Continued weakness in type A motorhome shipments were joined this month with across-the-board declines in every vehicle category. Confirming general economic decline, the Index of Consumer Sentiment plummeted in the December survey, falling to 98.4 in the latest readings made by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. This was the index's largest drop in more than ten years and signals heightened consumer concern for the direction of general economy. "Consumers cited news of falling stock prices and a sharp slowdown in the pace of economic growth as the major new developments this month," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. Wholesale shipment totals fell markedly behind retail sales activity as seen in surveys of manufacturers. Confirming dealer inventory reductions, retail sales of all product types reported were above wholesale shipment totals, compared year over year. Towable RVs Shipments of all towable RVs were 13,00 units in the final month last year, off 21.2% from this same month one year earlier. Conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheel travel trailers and folding camping trailers were all off more than 20% compared to the final month last year. The twelve-month total for towables looks much better, off just 4.2%, aided by early year gains. Fifth-wheel travel trailers actually improved last year, gaining 3% over totals from 1999. Motorhomes Motorhome shipments to retailers declined 29.1% in December on totals of 3,900 units. In type A motorhomes, diesel chassis did quite well in December while others lagged behind. Year to date, diesel type A motorhome shipments grew by nearly 4% in 2000 representing nearly 4 in 10 type A motorhomes shipped last year. However, shipments of gasoline powered units declined dramatically causing a 14.9% drop in all motorhome shipments last year. Conversion Vehicles Deliveries to retailers of all conversion vehicles were again lower in December than the same month last year. All conversions slid 31.9% compared to December 1999 with shipments of only 6,400 units for the month. December was the lowest monthly total for conversion vehicle shipments in more than 9 years. Van conversions continue to represent more than two-thirds of all conversions, but ended the year off 26.6% with year-to-date totals of 76,400 units. Pickup truck conversions fell the least this year off just 3.1% on shipments of 34,600 units while sport utility conversions ended the year off 43.8% on shipments of just 7,200 units. . Click Here For
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