Improving RV Outlook - Roaming Times article

Improving RV Outlook - RVIA forecast - Roaming Times

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Improving RV Outlook - RVIA - fall 2009
“The appeal of the RV lifestyle will help overcome economic barriers”

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RV wholesale shipments forecast to increase 27% in 2010

RVIA Vice President of Administration Mac Bryan provided a cautiously upbeat view of an improving outlook for the RV market in a presentation to the RVIA Board of Directors during its meeting in Hershey, PA on Sept. 14.

While briefing the Board, Bryan detailed Dr. Richard Curtin’s latest projections for RV wholesale shipments through 2010. In the Fall 2009 issue of RV Roadsigns, Curtin forecasts a total of 146,200 units to be shipped by the end of this year with that number rising to 185,800 units in 2010, a 27 percent increase.

Bryan pointed to a number of factors that should aid the RV market as it looks to recover, including a strengthening stock market, attractive interest rates, low inflation rates, and improved business and buying conditions.

Another crucial component working in the industry’s favor is the continued popularity of the RV ownership and travel among consumers, according to Bryan.

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"Freedom, flexibility and comfort..."

“The appeal of the RV lifestyle will help overcome economic barriers,” he said. “The basic demand for RVs is rooted in the appreciation that consumers have for the freedom, flexibility and comfort that RVs provide as they enjoy the nation’s Great Outdoors.” t.

Bryan also cautioned that the recovery in RV sales will likely be slower than in the past as consumer demand remains sluggish due to weak consumer confidence, continued job losses, smaller income gains and declines in household wealth as well as the need for consumers to restore savings.

“It is simply going to take longer for consumers to reestablish their economic footing as we emerge from this recession,” said Bryan. “However, given the positive signs we are now beginning to see in the RV market and the strong commitment of consumers to the RV lifestyle, the prospects for the RV industry are becoming more favorable.”

Improving RV outlook?
“The appeal of the RV lifestyle will help overcome economic barriers”
What do you think? Read RoTi readers' comments below and add your own opinion ...

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(Latest comments first)

author	comments
Jim	There won't be anywhere near a full recovery in 2010. People are just expressing wishful thinking. All you have to do is look at the unemployment numbers. Way too many people out of work for way too long of a time. Maybe 2012 if the Mayan prophecy doesn't occur.
Howie	Thanks nice article and video. I'm putting the doom and gloom aside and jumping in. Going to sell my A and buy a new class B.
RV Mech Tech	Very nice video and we need more like this one- one comment that's true is "our customers are still there" - people are still going to the RV shows, still purchasing RV's, and many are renting as well- this is a good indication that the RV industry has not lost it's customer support and 2010 will be a better year - another good point in the video is that people are not going to give up their leisure time with their family's and friends and I as an RV technician look forward to helping people make their vacation dreams come true. Thank you!
Gloria	I agree it's time to put aside the doom and gloom. We've been putting off buying an RV but if not now, when? If we can get credit we're going to do it. We're wannabees.
polishprince99	Had to get rid of my motor home in the winter of 08 for economic reasons. After 12 years and the convenience I'm in remorse. Maybe again someday. Then again maybe I'll find someone that wants one driven for advertising or something. Yea, right.
Clarke I	I think the worst is over but not enough for me to commit to the class B I'd like. Maybe in 6 months.
John A	RV sales are a leading indicator. I think that they should go up even more than forecast. Many people have just been putting off buying an RV until they felt more secure, and some are starting to feel the worst is over.
Pete Muller	I've been to 2 rv shows in the last month and both were real busy. This is a buyers market and there's some good deals. Now if I could only sell my present RV.
rt76	I think totally green is the way forward and I wish RV manufacturers would start to think that way. Where are the hybrid RVs and environmentally friendly materials?
Wayne	I think that in the long term RV sales will go up and up. People like to travel and RVing is cheaper overall.
Joe T	It would be nice to see the RV industry be able to be creative like the auto folks and give RV buyers low interest loans and rates to increase the purchasing of RV's. But it is a buyers market now and there are some good deals.