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Resuming a pace reminiscent of last year, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that deliveries to retailers raced ahead in February to 24,700 units, up 10.8% above last month and 14.4% above this same month, one year ago. Seasonally adjusted, shipments in February were at an annual rate of 318,000 units, 8% greater than the final 1998 total. The Index of Consumer Sentiment surged as well, swelling to 108.1 in the February survey, according to the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. Although slightly below the all-time record of 110.4 recorded in February 1998, consumer confidence is as high as it has been at anytime in the past fifty years. "The February gain was due to a much more optimistic outlook for the economy, especially long term economic prospects," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "Right now, consumers expect the pace of growth to remain strong." Retail sales activity of RVs, as measured by surveys of RV manufacturers, appear to mirror wholesale shipment gains. All product categories reported improved sales as each is above the "100" line, indicating sales over the past twelve months were greater than the year-earlier readings. Towable RVs Shipments to retailers of all towable RVs were reported at 19,100 units this February, 11.7% higher than last month and 10.4% greater than this same month last year. Conventional travel trailers increased the most, rising 25% over February, a year ago, to more than 9,000 units. Fifth-wheel trailers declined slightly to 4,400 units from what was their best February ever last year. Folding camping trailers improved 6.4% on deliveries of 5,000 units, while truck campers declined to 700 units. So far this year, shipments of all towable RVs are ahead of last year's record pace led by conventional travel trailers. Deliveries of other towable products are running close to, but slightly behind, the 1998 totals. Motorhomes Gains were recorded in all motorhome categories in February, up overall by 30.2%. The increase in deliveries to 5,600 units in February was the best second-month total since 1989 and year-to-date totals are 21.3% ahead of last year. Conventional type A motorhomes improved 27.9% in February to 3,900 units. Year to date, type A motorhomes have totaled 7,800 units, a 27.9% increase compared to the first two months last year. In February slideouts accounted for more than 6 out of 10 motorhomes shipped. Conversion Vehicles Deliveries to retailers of all conversion vehicles improved slightly in February but were still just below a-year-earlier totals. At 12,300 units, all conversion vehicles were just 0.8% below this same month last year and year to date are less than 2% behind. Van conversions and sport-utility vehicles are ahead while pickup truck conversions are behind last year's totals. Click Here For
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