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The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that RV shipments declined sharply in July to 22,700 units, off 12.4% from this same month last year and the lowest July total in three years. Towable products slipped 7.8% to 19,000 units and motorhomes were off 30.7% with 3,700 units. Seasonally adjusted, shipments in July were at an annual rate of 274,200 units, off 13.6% from last month and off 11.8% from this month one year ago. Year to date, shipments through July remained slightly above this same period last year. Towables have done best, standing 2.7% ahead, while motorhomes have slipped 8.2% behind record setting 1999. The Index of Consumer Sentiment rose to 108.3 in the July survey, up slightly from June's results based on reduced fear of rising inflation, according to the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. Overall, consumer confidence during the year 2000 has been higher than in any other time. "Favorable job and income expectations will continue to support favorable prospects," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "Despite the substantial increase in gas prices over the past year, consumers' overall assessments of their finances were largely unaffected." Towable RVs Shipments to retailers of all towable RVs dipped 7.8% over this same month last year, slipping to 19,000 units. Still, this was the second best July in more than twenty years as fifth-wheel trailers continue to set all-time record highs. Year to date, all towable RV shipments have now reached to 157,800 units, up 2.7% from this same period last year. Motorhomes Shipments of 3,700 motor-homes in July were off 30.2% as both type A and type C motor-home totals declined. Year to date, shipments to retailers of all motorhomes were at 39,000 units through July, off 8.2% over this same period one year ago. Type A motorhome shipments declined by nearly one third this month compared to this same month last year. Type C totals were off 16.7%. The percentage of diesel motorhomes, particularly those with slideouts, continued to grow in July. In fact, the number of diesel motorhomes with slideouts were just 10% below this same month last year. Conversion Vehicles Conversion vehicle shipments struggled again this month declining 30.9% to 9,400 units. Van conversions continue to lead this category with nearly two-thirds of all conversion vehicle shipments. However, van conversions shipments to retailers totaled just 6,000 units in July, the lowest total in more than eight months. Pickup truck conversions were off 17.1% this month but remain 4.1% ahead year to date. Sport utility vehicle conversions were off 50% this month and nearly that amount year to date. . Click Here For
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