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April 1997 The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that total deliveries to retailers of all RVs were measured at 45,900 units in the April survey of manufacturers, up 2.9% from last month but off 3.4% from this same month last year. Year-to-date totals have reached 164,100 units in the first four months this year, 2.1% behind the same period one year earlier. Seasonally adjusted, shipments in April were at more than 452,000 units, down slightly from the previous month and down about 3% from last year’s total. So far this year, deliveries of towable RVs are slightly ahead of last year, while motorhomes and conversion vehicles are marginally behind last year’s pace. The Index of Consumer Sentiment rose to 101.4 in the April survey, up from the March reading of 100.0, according to the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center. Although small, the April gain brought the Index to its highest level since 1965. "The recent increase in interest rates did moderate the overall gain recorded in April," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "Concerns about rising interest rates, however, were more than offset by more favorable evaluations of income and employment conditions." Overall, RV products with slideouts continue to increase in market share. Average prices for most all RV products have declined compared to April last year with the noticeable exception of type A motorhomes with slideouts.
Towable RVs Wholesale shipments of all towable RVs increased to 21,800 units in April, up nearly 15% over last month but off 4% compared to this same month one year ago. Year to date, deliveries of all towables are now at 73,100 units, up 2.1% from this same period last year. Conventional travel trailers climbed to 8,600 units in April, but fell short of their total one year ago. Still, year-to-date shipments of 28,500 units was 3.6% ahead of this period last year. Fifth-wheel travel trailers held even this month at 5,000 units and, year to date, are 3.4% ahead of their 1996 pace. Folding camping trailers were off slightly this month but are a bit ahead, year to date.
Motorhomes Deliveries to retailers of all motorhomes held even compared to this month last year with a small unit decline in type C motorhomes offset by a similarly small unit increase in type B motorhomes. The year-to-date total of 18,900 motorhomes is off 7.4% compared to last year with all categories participating in the decline.
Conversion Vehicles Wholesale deliveries of all conversion vehicle products reached 18,300 units in April, off a surprising 13.7% from last month but down just 3.7% from this same month last year. The April survey of manufacturers reflects that vans were at about the same level as last year while pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles declined. RVIA
Source: RVIA |
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