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The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that total deliveries to RV retailers continued upward as shipments reached 22,300 units in January 1999, up nearly 2% over this same month, one year earlier. Conversion vehicle shipments were off 2.7% compared to January a year ago but recent improvements in deliveries of van conversions has this category looking up as well. The Index of Consumer Sentiment rose to 103.9 in the January survey, according to the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. January's increase underscores consumer confidence that the pace of the economy will remain strong throughout the current year. "Vehicle and home buying attitudes remain at record levels, reflecting widespread belief that current credit conditions represent an unusual buying opportunity," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "Just as important, consumers' very favorable assessments of their personal financial situation have made them more willing buyers as well." Wholesale shipment gains have been matched by an equally favorable retail sales activity as seen in surveys of manufacturers. All vehicle categories measured are at or above the same level as this time last year and closely follow performance of wholesale shipments. With retail sales this strong, increased wholesale shipments have added little to dealer stocks and allow "inventory turns" to approach record levels. Towable RVs Shipments of all towable RVs were at 17,100 units in January, up more than 20% over last month but slightly behind this same month last year. Conventional travel trailers improved 5.4% over January, a year ago, and the 7,800 units reported were the largest January total for conventional travel trailers in twenty years. Fifth-wheel travel trailers improved 16% over last month and were equal to the 4,3000 units of January last year. Truck campers did very well, rising 33.3% over the previous month and 14.3% over this same month, a year earlier. Motorhomes Deliveries to retailers of all motorhomes improved 6% over December's strong year ending total and at 5,200 units were 13% ahead of the first month last year. Conventional type A motorhomes increased a little more than 5% ahead of the previous month and were 21.9% greater than the first month last year. Shipments of 3,900 units was the best start for this category since 1972. Type A units with slideouts accounted for more than 57% of all type A motorhomes produced. Conversion Vehicles Deliveries to retailers of all conversion vehicles were off slightly in January, but recent improvements in conversion van shipments have raised the prospects for better performances in 1999. Van conversions remain the category's largest product type representing more than 67% of all conversion vehicles. Click Here For
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