April 2003

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) reports that RV wholesale shipments were at 31,200 units in April 2003, the same total recorded this month one year ago. Shipments of towables, particularly conventional travel trailers, were ahead while all motorhomes were slightly behind totals for April last year. Year to date, shipments are 5.4% ahead with towables leading motorhomes in growth so far in 2003.

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Despite the war in Iraq, the Index of Consumer Confidence rose for the first time since December 2002, climbing to 86.0 in the latest survey. Consumer expectations for enhanced economic conditions improved with the onset of armed conflict and the pace of gains grew with each war success. The 8.4 point gain in April was the third largest monthly gain in the Survey’s history.

“The decline in oil prices did ease current financial concerns expressed by consumers,” said Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. “However, consumers have not yet adopted a more optimistic outlook for growth in jobs and wages.”

Wholesale shipments and retail sales continued to perform well. Importantly, retail sales for travel trailers, fifth wheels and both motorhome types reported were ahead of this same period one year ago. Lower fuel prices, growing consumer confidence and improved debt and equity markets will likely sustain favorable buying conditions for RVs in the coming quarters.

Towable RVs

All towable RVs were reported at 25,900 units in April, up 15.1% from last month but up just 1.6% from this same month last year. Year to date, shipments were at 87,500 units, up 6.4% compared to the first four months of 2002.

Shipments of 14,700 units for conventional travel trailers (including hybrid trailers) were 9.7% better than April one year ago. Fifth wheel shipments were also higher while folding camping trailer and truck camper shipments were lower.

Motorhomes

All motorhome shipments slipped to 5,300 units in April, down slightly from last month and off 7% from this same month last year. Type A motorhomes were 200 units lower than last year whereas type C shipments were even with a year ago shipments.

Year to date, all motorhomes of 20,000 units were up 1% compared to the first four months of 2002. Type A motorhomes have increased by 2.3% so far this year with type C units up 3.4%.

Conversion Vehicles

War worries appear to have distracted truck buyers as wholesale shipments of all conversion vehicles declined 17.7% in April to 5,100 units. Shipments of van conversions were off 18.2% compared to this same month last year and year to date are off 11.8% over the first four months this year. Pickup truck and sport utility conversions have done much better, although at lower volumes. Still, year to date, all conversion vehicle shipments are ahead of this same four-month period last year with future gains in all vehicle types expected.RVIA

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Total RV Shipments 1990-2003
New - Only Recreation Vehicles