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June 1997 The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that total deliveries to retailers of all recreation vehicles were at 37,500 units in June, off 8.3% from last month and behind this same month last year by 9.9% After six months, year-to-date totals for 1997 have reached 242,500 units, slightly behind this same period last year. Seasonally adjusted, shipments in June were at an annual rate of just over 452,000 units, down 6% from last month and 9% behind last year's annual total. However, there are bright spots in some vehicle categories. Towable RVs have performed well this year while motorized products have struggled. The Index of Consumer sentiment continued its upward climb in June finishing at 104.5, the highest level recorded in thirty years, according the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center. The Index has been gaining strength throughout the current decade and now rivals consumer optimism that exemplified the economic boom of the 60's. "Most consumers expect little if any change in the inflation or unemployment rate," reported Dr. Richard Curtin, director of the survey. "Importantly, there is evidence that this positive outlook will support an improved and sustainable pace of growth in consumer spending during the year ahead." Towable RVs Deliveries to retailers of all towable RVs were reported at 16,400 units in June, up 5.1% above this same month last year. Wholesale shipments year to date have now climbed to 108,300 units, up 2.1% from this same period one year ago. Conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheel travel trailers, and folding camping trailers all improved in June, while truck camper shipments were off slightly. Year to date, it has been fifth-wheel travel trailers which have performed best with deliveries of 27,800 units, up 7.3% over the totals for the first half of last year. Market share of slideout units in both conventional and fifth-wheel travel trailers has continually grown, and combined, they now comprise the majority of units in these product types. Shipments to retailers of all folding camping trailers improved in June, rising to 4,300 units. The larger folding camping trailers, those over 12 feet, have been the most popular shipments. Motorhomes June was a pretty good month for type A and type B motorhomes as combined they improved 3.2% over this same month last year. Type C totals were, however, off 20% pulling the category down for the month. Year to date, all motorhome shipments of 27,900 units are off 7.9% from the 1996 totals through June. In type A motorhome sales, both slideout and diesel units have performed best so far this year. Type B motorhomes have picked up lately and now stand at 2,200 units for the year, up 4.8% over this same period one year earlier. Conversion Vehicles In spite of continued strong sales of sport-utility conversions, weakness in shipments of van conversions and converted pickup trucks has held the total of all conversion vehicles well below totals from last year. Through June, shipments of all conversion vehicles of 106,300 units are off 9% from this same period last year. RVIA
Source: RVIA |
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