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May 1997 The Recreation Vehicle In-dustry Association reports that wholesale shipments to retailers of all RVs were 40,900 units in May, down 6.8% from this same month last year. Year-to-date totals of all RVs were at 205,000 units through the first five months of this year, just 3.1% behind this same period last year. Seasonally adjusted, shipments in May were about even with last month at just over 450,000 units on an annual basis. Both conventional and fifth-wheel trailers did well, while other vehicle categories were at or below their level for this month last year. The Index of Consumer Sentiment climbed to its highest level in thirty years, rising to 103.2 in the May survey of consumers conducted by the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center. The modest but persistent pace of the general economy and the continuation of benign inflation have helped persuade the Federal Reserve Board to leave monetary policy unchanged, at least for the short term. "The recent gains in the Index reflect consumers’ reaction to record low unemployment, a resurgent stock market, and a smaller than anticipated increase in interest rates," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "While the high level of confidence that now prevails should maintain consumer sales at very favorable levels, it is unlikely to spark a sustained acceleration in the overall pace of spending." Towable RVs Deliveries to retailers of all towable RVs were 18,800 units in May, off less than 1% compared to this same month one year ago. Year-to-date totals for all towable RVs are now at 91,900 units, up 1.5% from this same period last year. Slideouts continue to dominate large conventional and fifth wheel sales. Folding camping trailers have slipped behind last year’s totals with their slide of nearly 20% this month. Shipments of folding camping trailers are now at 27,400 units for the year, off 3.9% from this same period in 1996. Truck campers held even this month but are 3.8% behind last year’s pace through May. Motorhomes All motor home shipments tumbled 13.2% this month on deliveries of 4,600 units as both type A and type C motorhomes declined. Only a small type B motorhome increase prevented further decline as year-to-date totals are now at 23,500 units, off more than 8% compared to May last year. Here too, slideouts are performing well as are diesel powered type A motorhomes. Overall, diesel motorhome shipments have grown to nearly 20% of the type A market this year. Conversion Vehicles Deliveries to retailers of all conversion vehicles dropped 11.2% this month on shipments of 17,500 units. Van conversions continue to lead the way with deliveries of 11,900 units, representing nearly seven in ten converted chassis. Pickup truck conversions, which have performed well for several years, have fallen on difficult times of late. Still, with releases from the pool accounts spiking in May, future wholesale shipments should follow for these products. RVIA Source: RVIA |
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