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Coachman’s £3m sales at spring show signal success for caravan industry

01/03/2013

Coachman’s stand at the Spring Caravan and Camping Show 2013, held at the NEC in Birmingham from February 19 to 24, drew thousands of visitors and exceeded sales targets by over 30%.

Snow, ice and cold weather have conspired to get the 2013 caravan selling season off to a poor start, at a time when the industry is already facing tough economic challenges. But the NEC Show, regarded in the industry as setting the pace for the year ahead, has given Coachman’s hopes for the season a major boost.

Coachman showed its full collection of 2013 models at the Show and all ranges sold well. Among the best-selling models were those with a bathroom at the end of the caravan, particularly those with the 520/4 layout.

Many visitors came to view the Coachman Pastiche 525/4 caravan, which was recently named Caravan of the Year 2013 by top industry magazine Caravan. The family-oriented van, with twin fixed beds and a rear bathroom, was snapped up by many discerning caravanners, in spite of its price tag putting it outside the typical family budget bracket.

Coachman’s Managing Director, Jim Hibbs, said: “Winter has been gloomy for most people, and particularly in the caravan industry.

“Our business is focused on customers’ leisure plans, so when the weather is bad, not only is it more difficult for them to reach dealerships to view caravans, but there can also be a general despondency about the British climate. That, in turn, can prompt people to think about spending money on a holiday overseas instead of a new caravan for breaks closer to home.

“The NEC Show, held as the days grow longer and sunnier, is the one that really kick-starts the selling season in the caravan industry and gives a good indication of how business will be in the months ahead. So to come away with such a positive result signals a real turnaround for us and suggests a reason for optimism in the industry as a whole.”