|
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that total shipments to RV retailers in November were again ahead of last year as shipments reached 21,000 units, up nearly 8% over this same month one year earlier. Year to date, shipments have climbed to 299,200 units, up 9.3% over this point last year and 6,500 units more than all of last year. The Index of Consumer Sentiment rose to 107.2 in the November survey, according to the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center reversing a small October decline. Recent interest rate hikes and increases expected in the future have had little impact on consumer confidence as attitudes remain favorable. "Few consumers expect future rate hikes to have much impact on the overall economy or on their job and income prospects," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. Wholesale shipment gains appear to mirror retail sales activity as seen in surveys of manufacturers. With the sole exception of folding camping trailers, retail sales of all vehicle categories measured are well above the same level as this time last year. Final deliveries of conventional travel trailers are running nearly 20% higher than this same period last year while type A motorhomes are up more than 16%. Towable RVs Shipments of all towable RVs were at 16,100 units in November, up more than 8% over this same month last year. Fifth-wheel travel trailers improved 17.5% over November a year ago and conventional travel trailers improved 12.9% Year to date, conventional travel trailers have performed best, rising 18.7% through November. Fifth-wheel travel trailers have also done quite well, improving 6.1% over this same point last year. Truck campers have put on a strong year-end and with shipments rising 16.7% this month are up nearly 6%, year to date. Motorhomes Deliveries to retailers of all motorhomes improved 6.5% over November 1998 with a total of nearly 5,000 units. Conventional type A motorhomes increased a little more than 6% ahead of this same month last year and were 15.8%, year to date. Shipments of 3,400 type A motorhome units was the best November total for these products in fifteen years. Type A units with slideouts accounted for more than 83% of all type A motorhomes produced. Conversion Vehicles Deliveries to retailers of all conversion vehicles were off some in November as van conversions finished close behind while pickup truck and sport utility conversions fell more than 20% from this same month last year. In all, conversion vehicle shipments were 10,700 units in November, off 10.8%. Click Here For
|
|
