|
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that wholesale shipments in August increased by 2,300 units over July's total, rising to 25,000 units this month. Although slightly below August totals last year, this was the second best August in more than twenty years. Compared to last month, nearly every category improved; but compared to the same month last year, most categories were slightly lower. Year to date totals have now climbed to 221,800 units, off less than 1% from this same period one year ago. Shipments of towable RVs remain ahead while shipments of motorhomes are behind the first eight months of 1999. The Index of Consumer Sentiment slipped one point in August, sliding to 107.3 in the latest survey of consumers, as conducted by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. Still, the Index is near its all-time record high of 112 set in January of this year. "The small August loss was due to slower income growth," said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "Overall, the data indicate continued strength in consumer spending." Towable RVs Shipments to retailers of all towable RVs improved slightly over last month to 20,100 units. However, this total was off 1% compared to this same month last year. Year to date, all towable RV shipments have now reached a total of 177,900 units, up 2.3% over this same period last year. Conventional travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers continue to show improvement, gaining 5.6% and 9.2% respectively. Truck campers have also improved, gaining 2.5% on shipments of 8,200 units. Folding camping trailers are this group's only decliner, dropping 10.4% on shipments of 38,800 units for the first eight months of 2000. Motorhomes Motorhome shipments haven't fared nearly so well. While ahead of last month, shipments in August of 4,900 motorhomes were off 16.9% from this same month one year ago. Hardest hit were type A motorhomes, particularly gasoline powered models. Year to date, shipments of 43,900 units of all motorhomes were off 9.3% compared to this same period last year. Again, type A motorhomes were off the most, down 10.7% compared to the first eight months last year. Conversion Vehicles Conversion vehicle shipments leveled off in August finishing at 9,300 units, down just 100 units from last month, but off 31.1% from this same month last year. Year to date, shipments were at 85,900 units through August, off 20.8% from this same period last year. Van conversion shipments to retailers totaled just 5,900 units in August, their lowest monthly total since last December. Pickup truck conversions have done reasonably well this year gaining 2.8% through August to post wholesale shipment totals of 25,600 units. Sport utility vehicle conversions have suffered the most, off 48.9% through August on shipments of just 4,800 units. . Click Here For
|
|
