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Manufacturers’ Best Selling British Motorhomes - Can you guess what they are? |
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Some of the major motorhome manufacturers in the UK were asked “What are your best selling models from the range you produce?”
Their answers were sometimes quite surprising although some were fairly obvious. If you were asked would you have guessed which vans would feature?
Check out the list below and see if you would have been correct:
Adria
Best Seller - Van Twin
Adria’s concept of converting the long-wheelbase high-top Fiat Ducato van, and squeezing a semi permanent bed that’s nearly 6ft 5in long, and that hinges away to free up valuable living space was apparently a stroke of genius, as the Van Twin accounted for over a third of Adria’s sales of one of the UK’s most popular imported models in the year in which sales figures were analysed.
Autocruise
Best Seller - Starburst
The Starburst’s owes its success as much to its attention to detail as it does to its popular layout, which provides full length seats/beds complemented by an end washroom in a compact 6.37metre-long body shell. Sales of the Starburst were over 15% of Autocruises’s total sales, however Autocruise is now part of the Swift Group which, if taken in to account would change the results (see the results below for the Swift Group)
Auto-Sleeper
Best Seller - Symbol
Auto-Sleeper states that the Symbol was its biggest seller ‘by a country mile’. The biggest improvement the new model had over its predecessor was the greatly increased interior space, however the better drive of the Peugeot Boxer base vehicle influenced the sales as well.
Bilbo
Best Seller - Celex
The Celex is made in both long and short-wheelbase models and demonstrates all that Bilbo does best. Individual conversions of the ever popular Volkswagen’s Transporter.
Burstner
Best Seller - Argos A747-2/A748-2
There are two variants made by Burstner of their best selling tag axle model. The 747/2 has a double diner, whereas the 748/2 has an L-shaped settee in the lounge. The Argos model range was actually launched in February 2007, although the first deliveries did not go out till June of that year; however sales hit a record figure of close to 150 by the end of the season.
Ci
Best Seller - Carioca 656
This popular model accounted for almost a third of Ci’s sales in the year the survey was carried out. Hire fleets liked the model too as its multi-berthed layout, competitive price and its ability to stand up to the rigours of multiple users made it ideal for them.
Elddis
Best Seller - Autoquest 115
The Explorer Group, who manufactures this popular model, says that the Elddis Autoquest 140 was actually their best selling motorhome for the year but the Compass Avantgarde 115, which is actually the same motorhome but with different badge and different and upholstery and which is also made by Explorer Group, accounted for 16% of their sales in the year of the survey.
Hymer
Best Seller - Van 522
Based on Ford’s long standing Transit, the Van 522 has a spacious enough living space to have a permanent transverse rear double bed over a large garage type storage area.
Knaus
Best Seller - Van TI 550
The Van TI 550 also has a fixed transverse bed to the rear over a garage type storage area. It also has a unique double-door arrangement for the washroom and a colour scheme that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Romahome
Best Seller - Outlook
At less than 5metres long the Outlook is very compact, and, like most Romahomes, the Outlook is a go-anywhere motorhome which has time and time again proved to be a practical camper as well as being up to the more mundane tasks such as supermarket parking. A total of 80 were purchased during the season of the survey.
Swift
Best Seller - Bolero 680 FB
The Bolero 680 FB has a class leading design, a well planned layout and excellent price for the specification. One fifth of all Swift Group models sold in the survey year was a Bolero 680 FB, however the Swift Sundance 630L and Ace Milano were not far behind.
Trigano
Best Seller - Tribute 650
Packing a 150 litre freezer into the Tribute 650 van conversion is only one of the reasons suggested for the success of the Tribute 650. It reported sales of around 200 vehicles during the survey year. One of the other good reasons for its excellent sales figures was its starting price of just under £30,000
How many did you guess correctly?
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All New Swift Sundance and Bessacarr E400 |
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 With the Escape range firmly established as the new entry point to the Swift Group Coachbuilt motorhome range, the new Swift Sundance and Bessacarr E400 ranges have been moved up market with a sleek new exterior and interior design and an upgraded specification.
These two ranges have dominated this sector of the market for some time. They now have the visual appeal of more expensive motorhomes and a more luxurious interior specification with only a small increase in price.
The new ranges are designed to meet the expectations of the many existing owners who are ready to change and offer the complete package. Retail prices only increase by about £1000 depending on the model, so the new on the road price range will be £35K-£44K.
The new ranges will be launched at the NEC National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show 23-28 February 2010.
Nick Page, Commercial Director for Swift Group commented "These new models take the Sundance and E400 ranges to a new level of style and specification. To help people who want to renew their motorhome in the current economic climate, they provide outstanding value and comfort for a very affordable price in a sector of the market that will grow in a recession." |
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Wellhouse Leisure Appoints a Scottish Dealer |
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 After many years of operating as a successful solo convertor and supplier of high quality campervan conversions, Wellhouse Leisure, based in Yorkshire has announced that they have selected their first distributor/dealer. Highland Campervans based in Inverness, north east Scotland and run by Catherine Bunn, has been operating as a hire operator, using Wellhouse Leisure vehicles in their hire fleet.
However Wellhouse Leisure will now also be supplying campervans for retail sales stock. Wellhouse Leisure's Managing Director David Elliot says that his conversions are ideal for the narrow highland roads, and on the often steep Scottish hills.
David has also announced that in 2009 Wellhouse Leisure enjoyed a record year. He said “In October 2008 we took orders for 7 vans, and in October 2009 we had a threefold increase and took orders for 21,” he added, “Its been like this for months now and we’re already booked up till May 2010, building an average of 10 vans per month. We think it could be because people are shunning buying new vans and instead opting for high quality used vehicles. Customers say that they like the high specification Japanese vehicles we use, combined with the high quality of our conversions.” |
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Caravan and Motorhome Shows 2010 |
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 Apple Tree Exhibitions announces four Caravan and Motorhome Show events across the UK in 2010.
With the size and feel of a national show, but on your doorstep, the Caravan and Motorhome Show is your chance to see all the latest designs and types of caravans and motorhomes and talk to local dealers. You will see masses of accessories together with all that is new in gadgets and gizmos. If new is not for you, there's also the chance to see loads of pre-loved caravans and motorhomes. With the option of staying over and enjoying free entertainment, the shows offer a fantastic all-round experience.
The Caravan and Motorhome Show takes place on the following dates/locations:
Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show at Chepstow Racecourse
Friday 5th, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th March 2010
South West Caravan and Motorhome Show at Westpoint Exeter
Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st March 2010
South Coast Caravan and Motorhome Show at Broadlands Romsey
Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th April 2010
Scotland Caravan and Motorhome Show at The Highland Centre Edinburgh CANCELLED
on Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd May 2010
For more information visit the Apple Tree Exhibitions website.
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Event Motorhomes are well used to constructing bespoke vehicles for many end uses. In addition to leisure vehicles their hand built output also includes Race Trucks and motorhomes specially adapted for the disabled. However, this Flixborough, North Lincolnshire company has never undertaken construction of a motorhome which is planned to travel as far as the one currently being finished for Martin & Jill MacFarlane – a world trip of 200,000 miles which could easily last for 10 years!
Martin & Jill are seasoned travellers, their last big trip being around Europe on a Honda Goldwing motorbike which lasted 6 months. During this odyssey they decided that travelling was something they wanted to do all the time, but ideally on four wheels and with a certain amount of luxury. They sold their house, bought a second hand Mercedes 814DA 4x4 truck in Germany, shipped it back to the UK, removed the body, extended the wheelbase and presented it to Event Motorhomes for conversion.
 The end result is a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle that sleeps 4 and is complete with integral garage, raised floor for additional storage, kitchen/lounge, bedroom & shower room. A washing machine, satellite dish and solar panels are all part of the specification, but when it came to interior & water heating Martin & Jill knew it had to be a Webasto diesel unit.
The model chosen is a Dual Top RHA102 system, selected for its performance, quiet running and reliability. Speaking of the decision to specify Webasto Martin said:
“With a road trip as long as the one we’ve planned it’s important that every item within the vehicle is as efficient and rugged as possible. We knew we wanted our main heating source to be diesel powered so the Webasto Dual Top system fitted our needs precisely.”
The MacFarlanes have planned a “shakedown” trip to Cyprus this winter, via Romania, Bulgaria & Turkey. The world tour will take in dozens of countries including USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, China, Mongolia, Russia & Europe, so there should be ample cold temperature opportunities for the Webasto Dual Top to keep the motorhome cosy. Webasto leads the field in the development of diesel powered heating systems, ideal for OE or retro-fitting to motorhomes, to ensure comfort in the harshest conditions.
The use of diesel powered heating can also lead to dramatic fuel savings - when stationary there is no need to keep the engine running to maintain interior heating, saving fuel consumption and cutting emissions. Further Information:
Paul Gofton at Webasto Product UK Ltd
Tel: 01302 322232
e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: www.webasto.co.uk
Event Motorhomes
Tel: 01724 847744
Martin & Jill’s world trip website : www.4x4fulltiming.com
Webasto Product UK Ltd,
Webasto House,
White Rose Way,
Doncaster Carr,
South Yorkshire, DN4 5JH |
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Elddis Franchise for Marquis |
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Marquis Motorhomes, one of the the UK’s largest motorhome dealers, has recently been awarded a franchise for the Elddis Motorhomes Autoquest range. The 2010 Autoquest currently has a range of eight models:
 The 100 4 berth
The 115 2 berth
The 120 2 berth
The 130 5 berth
The 140 2 berth
The 145 4 berth
The 155 2 berth
The 180 6 berth
In addition Marquis plans to introduce an Exclusive range built by Elddis in the near future
Ranging in price from just £28,999.00 for the 100 to £32,999.00 for the top of the range 180, these represent an excellent value for money range of entry-level motorhomes to suit the needs of every motorhome buyer.
Unlike many other motorhomes, the Autoquest is built on one of three standard Peugeot chassis and is not modified. This results in a motorhome renowned for its solid build and unrivalled driving qualities.
The Elddis range has recently re-branded and will be available at four Marquis dealerships in Berkshire, Devon, Suffolk and Sussex, but can be purchased and collected at any of the Marquis Motorhome dealerships who will also offer warranty and servicing facilities for all current and future Elddis purchasers. |
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Green Van of the year 2009 |
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 At the Fleet Van Awards held in the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London recently the Iveco Daily was named as the Green van of the year 2009 in the alternative fuel category.
Liquid Bio Methane extracted from a landfill site is being used to power a natural-gas-converted Iveco Daily.
Waste management company Veolia Environmental Services is running the 6,500kg GVW 136hp Daily for six months in trials, backed by the UK's first commercial Liquid Bio Methane producer, Gasrec, which also supplied the vehicle.
The aim is to show that the gas, which is supplied by tanker in liquid form for bunkered storage and results in 70% less CO2 being emitted than with diesel, is commercially viable.
Gas is obtained from existing landfill sites via the decomposition of biomass or from the controlled digestion of the biomass by-products of food manufacture, retail and other industries.
Iveco recommend the use of LBM in their gas powered vans. LBM is produced by a company called Gasrec from the products of the output of landfill site making it a good ‘green’ alternative and helping it to reduce the usage of fossil fuels. The methane gas produced by landfill sites across the country is generally wasted by venting it to the atmosphere affecting global warming, however Gasrec harness the latent power source and use it to power Iveco’s (and other) commercial vehicles. How green can you get! Iveco has invested a lot of money to market this new greener vehicle, which has a long range and is quick to refuel, offering a renewable and sensible alternative to the standard vehicles in operation today.
Some facts:
LBM is a commercially competitive and environmentally friendly fuel.
It can be directly substituted for natural gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG)
The government considers that LBM is a sustainable alternative to biodiesel or ethanol due to its impact on source depletion
LBM has an extremely low carbon footprint, almost 70% less than that of diesel.
As well as the Iveco Daily, Gasrec, the producer of Liquid Bio Methane (LBM), is entering into a six -month trial with East Midlands Airport to run a modified Cobus 3000 passenger transfer bus using CNG sourced from Liquefied Bio Methane (LBM). Their fuel is produced from decomposing organic waste and is suitable for powering a wide range of commercial vehicles. When LBM is used as a vehicle fuel to displace diesel, it can achieve up to 60 per cent reduction in CO2.
The East Midlands Airport transfer bus trial, which is claimed to be a world first, aims to collect information on the potential benefits provided by LBM compared to a similar vehicle fuelled with diesel.
If the trial proves successful additional bio-methane vehicles will be used in Veolia’s fleet. As Veolia is one of the largest waste contractors, the long-term use of bio-methane in Veolia’s fleet will help reduce the NOX, PM10 and CO2 emissions associated with Veolia’s services.
How long before you take your motorhome to the local tip to fill it up!! |
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Caravan and Motorhome 2009 a Huge Success |
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 Clarion Events has confirmed that International Caravan and Motorhome 2009, held at the NEC Birmingham, was the busiest ever with 13% more visitors attending the event.
Show director Sam North said that the total number of visitors was over 79,000. "This is a phenomenal year-on-year increase," he said. "And it shows how popular caravans and motorhomes are proving to be."
As well as bumper visitor numbers, exhibitors at the show also reported record sales, claiming it was their best show ever by a distance with sales figures some 10-15% ahead.
Richard White, marketing director, Swift Group announced "all time record sales of £28 million" at the show and similarly, Simon Howard, marketing director, Bailey said "We secured a record-breaking £12 million of retail sales orders for our touring caravan products - which represents the best performance at a single event in the company's sixty year history."
"Motorhome exhibitors also did well, and the smaller accessories and gadgets manufacturers also reported record sales" adds North. Airstream Europe's sales director, Michael Hold said, "We were delighted at the response we received at the show. Our stand was constantly mobbed with genuine prospects, some of whom had travelled specifically to see Airstream from as far afield as Italy, France, Portugal and Norway. The orders taken and leads generated at the show gave us real confidence in the strength of the current market, the quality and uniqueness of our trailers, and the prospects for an even better year in 2010."
Nick Lomas, Director of Marketing for The Caravan Club, said: "The Caravan Club was delighted to offer a whole host of activities and services for show visitors. The temporary campsite was fully booked, as were The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year towing sessions and the motor caravan manoeuvring taster sessions. Club Day was a huge success, Club members and show visitors alike enjoyed the entertainment that was provided by The Club. The Discover Touring feature was a popular attraction for show visitors and offered practical advice to those new to touring."
With such positive feedback, North is confident that next year's show will also be a success. "We get an early indication of how next year will pan out by the number of exhibitors who re-sign for 2010 on site. We saw significant levels of commitment this time around, more than previously."
Clarion also organises the Manchester Central Caravan & Motorhome Show 2010, due to take place from 21-24 January. North said that space at this event "is 90%-plus sold out already, which is way ahead of where we'd expect to be with three months still to go. We're bringing the best of the NEC show to Manchester". |
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