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The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that RV wholesale shipments to retailers in October declined slightly from last month to 22,600 units, but were off 16.9% from this same month last year. Totals for October last year were very strong indeed and recent market slowing has cast a negative shadow on this year's performance. Year to date, totals were off just 3.9% as towables have fared better than motorhome shipments. Retail sales continued to outperform wholesale shipments this month, reaffirming dealer inventory reductions. Manufacturer surveys reveal final sales continue to exceed totals last year for both conventional and fifth-wheel travel trailers. Retail sales of folding camping trailers and type A motorhomes were lower than last year but still higher than their corresponding wholesale shipments. The Index of Consumer Sentiment, as measured by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center declined for the third consecutive month, finishing October at 105.8. While this marked the lowest level so far this year, the Index has remained in a very positive range. "Consumers expect slower economic growth next year," said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "However, consumers do not appear concerned that this will impact their own employment situation and are willing to use savings to support spending." Recent Federal Reserve moves to hold rates where they are tend to confirm that wage demands and increased oil prices have had little impact on inflation. Any inflation fears appear to be short term. Towable RVs Shipments of 17,900 units of all towable RVs were the same this month as last but declined 14.8% from this same month one year ago. Year to date, all towable RV shipments are now at 213,700 units, off just 1.5% from this same period last year. Conventional travel trailers slid 18.8% this month but remain slightly ahead of last year's total, year to date. Fifth-wheel travel trailers were off just 1.8% this month and remain ahead of this same period last year by 7.6% Motorhomes All motorhomes shipments declined again this month, dropping just a few hundred units from last month but falling 24.2% compared to October 1999. Type a motorhomes declined 32.6% from this same month last year and are off 14.8% compared to this same period through October last year. Type C motorhomes were up slightly this month but off 9.2% year to date. Conversion Vehicles Conversion vehicle shipments reversed recent trends in October rising slightly to a total of 9,200 units. Still, this was 18.6% below this same month last year and year to date are running 21.4% behind last year through October. Van conversions were off 8.2% compared to October 1999 but their 5,600 units still leads the category. Pickup truck conversions have done nicely in holding their own while sport utility vehicle conversions have declined more than 45% so far this year. . Click Here For
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