|
Following up on the success of last month, February shipments of all RVs posted totals of 26,000 units, up 5.3% over this same month last year. Although shipments were slightly less in February than in January, the 52,800 units reported in the first two months were 12.3% ahead of last year and off to their best start since 1977. The index of Consumer Sentiment was 111.3 in the January survey largely unchanged from the previous month's record high, according to the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. This was encouraging news given rising fuel prices, higher interest rates and a falling stock market that dominated news headlines throughout the month. "It's not that consumers think they are immune to economic setbacks," stated Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "It's just that they view fuel price increases as temporary and that rising interest rates won't adversely effect their job or income prospects." These same trends are repeated in the retail sales data gathered from manufacturers. Sales for all vehicles reported were above the same rates recorded last year indicating final delivery of units was as strong as wholesale shipments. Towable RVs Shipments of all towable RVs were at 20,500 units in February, up more than 7.3% over this same month last year. Fifth-wheel trailers reflected the greatest unit increase, rising 1,200 units over February last year to 5,600 units this February. Nearly 87% of all fifth-wheel trailers shipped in February included a slideout and nearly half of those were in excess of 30 feet in length. Conventional travel trailers rose to 9,600 units, truck campers increased to 900 units, while folding camping trailers slipped to 4,400 units this month Year-to-date totals of 41,200 units were up 13.8% over last year, led by fifth-wheel gains. At 19,900 units, conventional travel trailers remain the category's leading product representing nearly half of all towable units. Motorhomes Shipments to retailers of all motorhomes, 5,500 units in February, were off slightly from this same month last year. Shipments of all type A conventional motorhomes slipped 5.1% to 3,700 units, while type C products posted a solid 7.1% increase. Year-to-date, all motorhome products are ahead of one-year ago results with type B motorhomes gaining 20%, but on lower volumes. Type A motorhomes continue to dominate unit shipments; and at 8,200 units in the first 2 months, represent seven in ten motorhomes. Conversion Vehicles Shipments of all conversion vehicles were off 22.8% in February, dropping to 9,500 units. Van conversions were again hit hard this month, dropping 18.3% to 6,700 units. Pickup truck conversions and sport utility conversions were also lower but on much smaller totals. Year-to-date, all vehicle conversions were off 19.5% on deliveries of 18,600 units RVIA . Click Here For
|
|
