Category Archives: Marketing

Motorhome sales are booming.

27 Thursday Apr 2017

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The UK motorhome market continues to boom. The total number of new registrations in March 2017 was up by nearly a quarter on 2016, according to figures just released by the NCC.

The statistics show that registrations of new motorhomes in March 2017 reached 2,877, a 22.3% increase over last year, taking them to their highest ever level for the first quarter at 3,670. March, with its number plate change, is a popular month for consumers to buy, ahead of the spring and summer season.  

Source: National Caravan Council NCC

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

The Caravan and Motorhome Club.

21 Tuesday Feb 2017

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News of the day here at the NEC is the new name for The Caravan Club. Now the Caravan and Motorhome Club reflecting the increasing number of motorhome owners in membership. Coupled with the launch of a very impressive logo, the club now has a smart new image anchored to its all important heritage since 1907. 

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

British industry proving irresistible to German and French giants.

14 Tuesday Feb 2017

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Written by John Rawlings of Rawlings Communications Ltd.

Rawlings Communications

The strong market for caravans and motorhomes in the UK is obviously on the radar of the big French and German manufacturing groups, with news of two interesting acquisitions already announced this year. Will there be more?

The big news last week was that Europe’s largest manufacturer of caravans and motorhomes, the mighty Erwin Hymer Group, which last year had a turnover of more than 1.9 billion Euros, bought the UK’s Explorer Group Ltd, which owns and manufactures the well known Buccaneer, Elddis and Compass brands here.

This follows last month’s news that the French Trigano Group (another multiple European caravan and motorhome brand owner, and has already invested in a new factory for its UK subsidiary, Auto-Trail) bought a majority shareholding in the British motorhome brand Auto-Sleepers and its retail network, Marquis Leisure.

Interesting times.

I am sure that becoming part of the Erwin Hymer Group has to be good news for the The Explorer Group and its 400 employees up in the North East, but will we see more British caravan and motorhome brands being snapped up by overseas or global brands?

Although it has well established UK brands, the Explorer Group is far from being a market leader in the UK, having trailed behind the UK’s two biggest caravan and motorhome manufacturers, The Swift Group and Bailey of Bristol (both still privately owned), for many years. The new investment and purchasing power of The Explorer Group’s new parent company will surely work in its favour and give it valuable extra security for the years ahead.

We will have to wait (with much interest) to see if its new German owners implement any changes to product quality, specifications and production. The purchase price has not been disclosed, but the Erwin Hymer Group must have expectations for a reasonable return on investment, and it shows the significance of the UK caravan and motorhome market on a European and global stage. Surely that’s something we should be proud of?

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

Erwin Hymer acquires Explorer Group.

10 Friday Feb 2017

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Erwin Hymer Group acquires The Explorer Group Ltd., one of the leading manufacturers of motorhomes and caravans in the UK.

 

  The strategic acquisition strengthens the presence of the Erwin Hymer Group in the second largest European market.  The Erwin Hymer Group is placing its trust in the existing management team of The Explorer Group Ltd.  The Explorer Group Ltd. will become the Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd.  Once the integration is complete, the sales and marketing activities of all EHG brands will be brought together under the umbrella of the Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd.  The closing date for the transaction is February 8, 2017.

 

Bad Waldsee (Germany), Consett, County Durham (UK), February 8, 2017 – The Erwin Hymer Group, Europe’s largest manufacturer of motorhomes and caravans, and the Constantine Group PLC, an investment company with its registered office near London (UK), have agreed that the Erwin Hymer Group will acquire 100% of the shares of The Explorer Group Ltd., including all of its subsidiaries.

 

After the closing, the name of the company will be Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd. The Managing Director of Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd. will be Robert Quine, formerly the Managing Director of The Explorer Group Ltd. 

 

The Explorer Group – On the UK market since 1964 The Explorer Group is a leading UK manufacturer of motorhomes and caravans with its registered office in Consett, near Newcastle in the north of England. Founded in the mid-1960s, the company has 400 employees and is predominantly active in the UK. With the Buccaneer, Compass, Elddis, and Xplore brands, the company has been able to steadily increase its share of the UK market in recent years. With a motorhome market share of 11% and a touring caravan market share of 17%, The Explorer Group is one of the three leading manufacturers in the UK.

 

“Since 2012, our SoLiD construction method has revolutionised the production process and resulted in a product that is stronger, lighter, and free from water ingress,” says Rob Quine. “Explorer has now invested over eight years into the development of SoLiD. This makes us the only provider of fully structurally bonded caravans and motorhomes in the UK.” The successful launch of SoLiD has resulted in the sales volumes doubling in the past eight years. 

 

  

The Explorer Group Ltd’s management has excellent knowledge of the British market and is therefore the perfect partner for the Erwin Hymer Group to further expand its position in the UK. The sales and marketing activities of all EHG brands in the UK will be brought together under the umbrella of the Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd.

 

The Erwin Hymer Group is already represented in the United Kingdom today by the Bürstner, Carado, Dethleffs, Eriba, Hymer, Laika, Niesmann+Bischoff, and Sunlight brands. The new Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd. provides an ideal starting point to strengthen and further expand market presence with a local manufacturing base. 

 

“By acquiring The Explorer Group Ltd., we are strengthening our involvement in the UK. As the leading European manufacturer, we see strategic opportunities in the second largest European caravanning market,” says Martin Brandt, CEO of Erwin Hymer Group AG & Co.KG. “Our aim is to further expand our strong position in Europe and to become a global supplier of high-quality motorhomes and caravans.”

 

For Joerg Reithmeier, Member of the Managing Board of the Erwin Hymer Group and responsible for the Caravan segment, the acquisition of Explorer is another component in implementing the caravan strategy: “By taking this step, we’re positioning ourselves as the leading manufacturer of premium caravans in Europe.”

 

“We’re all really looking forward to becoming part of the Erwin Hymer Group,” says Rob Quine, Managing Director of The Explorer Group Ltd. “It is fantastic that a successful organisation like the Erwin Hymer Group is investing in our future. As a new member of the Erwin Hymer Group, we will have access to unique know-how and expertise. We will exploit this strategic opportunity to create permanent added value for our customers.”

 

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews
 

 

 

Motorhome sales top 12000 in 2016.

03 Friday Feb 2017

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The UK motorhome market is thriving, resulting in an exceptionally high level of registrations in 2016, according to figures released by the NCC (National Caravan Council).

 

The latest figures¹ show that 12,332 motorhomes were registered last year, compared to 10,572 in 2015. This represents a 16.6% year on year increase.

 

The NCC attributes this upward trend to the extensive choice and variety of motorhome and campervan models now available. The versatility of the products and the lifestyle they offer appeals to a widening range of customers.

 

Commenting on the figures, John Lally, the NCC’s Director General, said: “This high number of registrations clearly demonstrates the continuing strong demand for motorhome products.

 

“Short breaks and holidays at short notice are growing in popularity with UK holiday-makers. Motorhomes are ideal for this kind of break, as they give consumers the freedom to decide where and when they want to travel. The wide range of motorhomes now available makes them an increasingly attractive proposition for consumers of all ages.”

 

Frank Finch, the NCC’s Membership Services Director, said: “NCC Approved dealer members are reporting that an increasing number of customers are buying motorhomes for year-round travel, both in the UK and Europe. Recent improvements in thermal insulation and better, more flexible heating facilities in motorhomes, coupled with longer park opening periods, make this possible.

 

“As well as having access to some of the highest quality products on the market, consumers also have peace of mind that when they go to one of our NCC Approved Dealership members, they will be dealing with a business that has committed to treating them fairly – whether they are buying a motorhome, touring caravan or caravan holiday home.”

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

Motorhome sales continue to grow.

11 Saturday Jun 2016

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New figures from the NCC show that the UK motorhome market continues to go from strength-to-strength. Interestingly, according to NCC members, increasing numbers of buyers are new to the sector.

 

Registrations of new motorhomes increased by 20.4% in the month of March 2016 compared with March 2015. A total of 2,352 units were sold in what is a peak month for the sector. New motorhome registrations for Q1 2016 as a whole, compared with Q1 2015, are also up nearly 20%1, to a total of 3,042 units with an estimated retail value of more than £150 million2.

 

All this is on top of a 21% increase in new motorhome registrations during 2015, making the UK one of the fastest growing markets in Europe3. Membership of the NCC’s dealer section is increasing too, rising nearly 25% in the last 12 months alone. Many of these companies are reporting near record new motorhome sales levels in 2016, including Newark based Brownhills, which enjoyed a 26% increase in Q1 this year.

 

NCC director general John Lally said: “We believe that strong demand for motorhomes will continue for the foreseeable future and we could see record levels of new motorhomes registered in the UK soon. As manufacturers increase production capacity and build even more attractive and innovative products that can be used year round, consumers, from young families to retired couples, will keep being drawn to the motorhome proposition. The Freedom to Go campaign is also working to draw more entrants to the market.

 

“Staycations are due to have another good year too boosted by the preference to take shorter breaks. In fact short holiday trips of 1-3 nights account for two-thirds of English holidays, are on the rise4 and are exactly the type of break a motorhome really enables. Whether it’s a last minute weekend away, supporting an outdoor activity like mountain biking, or indeed the longer annual summer holiday, motorhomes make it all possible.”

 

Frank Finch, NCC membership services director said: “It’s encouraging that dealerships are our fastest growing membership section, as this is where many consumers first interact with the industry. It’s our advice that for peace of mind, consumers should always seek out one of our members when looking to buy a motorhome, or indeed any other leisure vehicle.”

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

Win a California dream.

18 Monday Apr 2016

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Volkswagen campervans have always stood for peace and freedom: the chance to just drive away, follow your dreams and seek adventures. The most recent iteration of the classic camper, the California, is no different, and that’s why Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is giving would-be adventurers the chance to win their California dream through a new Facebook competition.

From Wednesday (20 April) until 4 May, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be posting images of the California hidden in stunning landscapes on its Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/VolkswagenCommercialVehiclesUK. The images – taken by award-winning photographer Harry Cory-Wright – show locations from the Peak District to the Alps, and the Dolomites to Tuscany – and, if you look carefully enough, you’ll spot the campervan. For your chance to win your perfect getaway, simply ‘like’ the competition post on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Facebook page and add a comment or a picture of your own California dream.

From all the entrants who share their dream, the winner will be drawn at random and subsequently enjoy the loan of a California Ocean for a week in Europe or the UK (full Ts & Cs are on the competition page on Facebook).

At the same time, a campaign will be running in Volkswagen Van Centre California specialists (see https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/find-a-van-centre for details) promoting the new model, and helping aspiring buyers to convert their California dreams to reality.

Based on the sixth-generation Transporter which went on sale in the UK last September, the new California remains the only factory-built camper van on the market. The latest model – and fourth to bear the California name – builds on the strengths of its highly successful predecessors. The range incorporates all the key features introduced on the new Transporter T6, including new, more efficient engines that are up to 15 per cent more economical than the outgoing units. The new California also features a range of advanced technologies designed to make life safer and even more enjoyable for occupants. These include driver assistance systems, a completely refreshed infotainment system and the availability of adaptive suspension.

To enter the competition go to http://www.facebook.com/VolkswagenCommercialVehiclesUK
For more information on the California, visit http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/findthecalifornia

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

Three millionth Sprinter goes to Hymer.

17 Thursday Mar 2016

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Three millionth Mercedes-Benz Sprinter goes to motorhome manufacturer Hymer

 Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans (left) and Benrhard Kibler MD of Hymer (right)

 The latest Sprinter goes to Hymer to be turned into an ML-T

Mercedes-Benz Vans has celebrated a milestone with the Sprinter, used for a number of motorhome conversions. Since its market launch in 1995, the division has delivered three million units of its world vehicle to customers with 2015 being the most successful year for Sprinter in its history. In the year of its 20th birthday, sales of the Sprinter rose by 4% to 194,200 vehicles. Mercedes-Benz Vans is expecting further overall growth in demand in 2016.

Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, handed over the three millionth Sprinter to Bernhard Kibler, Managing Director of motorhome manufacturer Hyme. Hymer, a bodybuilder partner to Mercedes-Benz Vans, intends to turn the anniversary vehicle into one of its premium-segment Hymer ML-T motorhomes.

“Three million Sprinters in just 20 years is a sign of great success,” said Volker Mornhinweg. “The Sprinter was the founder of the segment for large vans and remains highly successful to this day – throughout the world. The Sprinter with its six production plants worldwide is a shining example of our growth strategy ‘Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global’. What’s more, for our partners the Sprinter provides the perfect base for a wide and varied range of bodies, from ambulances to luxury motorhomes.”

Mercedes-Benz Vans has developed along highly positive lines in recent years in the growing camper van sector. This year, too, the division’s global sales and market share are continuing to rise in this area. Growth of over 10% was recorded in the German market alone in 2015, amounting to sales of some 28,000 units – and it continues to offer potential. Specialist bodybuilders play a central role in this segment for Mercedes-Benz Vans, covering as they do a wide spectrum of customer demand – for additional variants of campervans, for example.

An important bodybuilder for Mercedes-Benz Vans is the motorhome manufacturer Hymer, based in Bad Waldsee in Baden-Württemberg. The company, which was founded in 1957, is the European market leader in the premium segment.. Hymer is an official ‘VanPartner by Mercedes-Benz’. This means that the company belongs to the exclusive circle of bodybuilders that Mercedes-Benz Vans audits and certifies as meeting its high standards in respect of quality, sales and after-sales. Hymer has relied on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as the base vehicle for its premium-segment motorhomes since 1995. The collaboration between the two companies goes back more than 40 years now: the first Hymermobil was based on a Mercedes-Benz van.

“Mercedes-Benz Vans is a strategically important partner for us. The vans with the star are acknowledged to be among the safest in their class. The Sprinter, in particular, offers an extensive range of safety equipment, with its various driver assistance systems such as standard-specification Crosswind Assist, which is unique in our sector. Combined with our bodybuilding technology and premium-class equipment and fittings, we can offer the customer a camper van that is uncompromising in its operating safety and living comfort. We are delighted that our longstanding partner is handing over the three millionth Sprinter to us. We offer our sincere congratulations to Mercedes-Benz Vans on this significant anniversary and look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration,” said Bernhard Kibler. “Our customers can look forward to a few surprises this year, too.”

The Hymer ML-T, for which the three millionth Sprinter is to serve as the basic vehicle, is the first partially integrated motorhome to be equipped with the innovative Crosswind Assist system from Mercedes-Benz Vans.

As I own a Sprinter myself…..

  
Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

Bruges – delightful but oh so quiet.

29 Sunday Nov 2015

Posted by in Marketing, Places

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I spent a couple of days in Bruges this week.

As ever one of the most attractive places on my list of places I like visiting a lot and I was lucky enough in November to choose some cold but bright and sunny days. I always stay at the very well organised spot at the coach park next to the marina which is barely a five minute walk through a small park on the edge of the town and before you know it, you are in amongst it all.

The startling element of this visit however was just how quiet it was – all due to the terrorism threat. One of the restaurants I used said the telephone was ringing non-stop with cancellations and just walking around the streets revealed a semi-empty almost eerie atmosphere. A football match between Bruges and Napoli was on during my visit. Normally it would generate 1500 travelling Italian supporters – not one this year.

I am sure over time things will recover and of course governments rightly have to protect their citizens and warn people to stay away from public transport and large shopping areas as was the warning from the Belgian Prime Minister while I was there. But if we need any reminding, it reminds us of the far reaching effect the fear of terrorism has on us all. 

The usually open border between France and Belgium on the main road between Dunkirk and Bruges was far from open. Traffic was taken off via a roundabout in either direction with heavily armed police and soldiers in evidence resulting in an hour’s delay in one direction  but fortunately very little returning from Belgium back into France.

Personally I am not going to allow this to reduce my love of travel – but of course I will exercise caution and be on my guard.

Why should I give in to the terrorists?

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

#motorhome

Benimar back in Britain.

04 Friday Sep 2015

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Today I attended the local launch of the Benimar range at Marquis Motorhomes in Ipswich. Marquis has the national franchise for this Spanish built range – part of the Trigano Group – and has re-introduced the product to the UK with a high spec and totally Anglicised line-up. And very impressive too. 

Whilst the weak € is bad news for UK manufacturers it certainly makes these Spanish imports look attractive at the on-the-road level.

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews