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The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that wholesale shipments to retailers soared to 28,700 units in September, up 10% from last month and up 18.1% from this same month last year. While shipments of RVs have been greater each month this year compared to last, the September monthly increase was the largest so far. Shipments of conventional travel trailers and type A motorhomes led the way with 18% growth for both. Seasonally adjusted, the September results represent an annualized total of more than 358,000 units, a 15% increase over last month. Year-to-date totals have now reached 251,000 units, 9.5% ahead of the first nine months last year. The Index of Consumer Sentiment bounced back up in the September survey, rising to 107.2, as measured by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. Recent interest rate hikes have dampened home buying attitudes but left other aspects of consumer confidence virtually unchanged. "Overall, consumers expect further increases in interest rates lie ahead," said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "And rather than prompting concerns about potential downturn, consumers expect the pace of economic growth to be sufficient to keep unemployment near its thirty-year low." Towable RVs Shipments to retailers of all towable RVs surged ahead 20.1% in the September survey of manufacturers, rising to 22,100 units, the best month for towables since 1973. Year to date, all towable RV shipments have now climbed to 196,000 units, up 8% fro this same period last year. Conventional travel trailers once again led all towable prodcuts in units shipped as well as percentage of growth, rising 23.8% on shipments of 10,400 units. Fifth-wheel travel trailers also have done well this year increasing 12.2% this month and up 5% year to date. Folding camping tailers proved the biggest surprise this month, trailing last year's totals in seven of the past nine months, shipments rose 21.4% in September on shipments of 5,100 units. Motorhomes Motorhomes also did quite well in September, rising 11.9% on shipments of 6,600 units. Shipments of 4,700 type A motorhomes were the best September ever for these products. Type C motorhomes also did well, gaining 13.3% on shipments of 1,700 units. Click Here For
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