Shipment data shows RV industry back on road to success
Fri Dec 31, 2010
Author: Greg Gerber
Source: RV Daily Report
ELKHART -- Wholesale shipments of motorhomes have finally outpaced the prior year, putting an especially hard-hit segment of the recreational vehicle industry into positive territory for the first time since October 2007, the Elkhart Truth reported today.
To read the latest shipment report published by RV Daily Report, click here.
Mac Bryan, vice president of administration at the RV Industry Association, said it's good news that shipments are slightly ahead of retail sales, because it indicates dealers are feeling confident sales will improve and they need to beef up inventory to meet an expected increase in demand.
"Each month that we're positive, there is less likelihood of a double dip," Bryan said, referring to the potential for shipments to decline again. "Is it still possible? Of course. It certainly appears the economy is recovering in a consistently slow but steady path."
Motorhome dealer Hank Schrock, owner of Total Value RV of Indiana in Elkhart, told the Elkhart Truth that 2009 sales at his business have been stronger than 2008 and he is "kind of optimistic" and "looking forward" to 2010. Yet Schrock remains concerned that consumer demand may overwhelm RV manufacturers' ability to build units. If that happens, Schrock fears buyers may opt to buy another discretionary item, like a boat, instead.
Additional Information: http://www.rvdailyreport.com/News/tabid/56/ctl/ArticleView/mid/370/articleId/3588/Shipment-data-shows-RV-industry-back-on-road-to-success.aspx
