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December 2014

 

 
Caravan industry a beacon of hope

More RVs hitting the road

Rising RV production a beacon of hope: peak body

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AUSTRALIAN RV production statistics released by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia tell a story of recovery and growth in the Australian auto-manufacturing sector.

New recreational vehicle production figures for September show a year-on-year growth of 9.8 percent, compared to September 2013, and overall production for 2014 was 5.1 percent higher than in 2013.

Since 2008, RV registrations have increased by 21.6 percent (528,869, up from 414,469).

The peak body said the figures demonstrated that the Australian auto-manufacturing industry was alive and well in the world of RVs.

"The strength of the caravanning and camping industry in Australia is undeniable," chief executive Stuart Lamont said.

"The manufacturers are a big part of what makes our industry strong and they contribute to the growth and future of the industry in Australia."

In the context of failed car manufacturing in Australia, RV production increases were "a beacon of hope" to auto-manufacturing in Australia and to Australians in the manufacturing field.

It was a sign that these jobs and skills would not become extinct on our shores, he said.

The association was currently pressing the government on the issue of changes to Australian Design Standards.

"The Australian Design Rules for the construction of RVs for Australian conditions are some of the toughest in the world, and it's important that products being supplied to the market continue to meet these standards," Mr Lamont said.

“With deregulation of the government's agenda, it is important that consumers purchasing products in our industry are supplied with products that are able to stand up to the rigours of the Australian landscape."

Mr Lamont said that maintaining a strong manufacturing workforce was also of concern.

"We need to ensure that Australia doesn't lose the skills of auto manufacturing, and that job growth continues in this sector, rather than being pushed overseas.

"RVs that are made in Australia and comply with our rigorous design regulations are the best products for use in Australia's unique environment and conditions."

General manager for Industry Development, Compliance and Accreditation David de Heus said Australian manufacturing had changed and would continue to adapt and grow into the future.

"Australians are optimistic and adaptable," he said.

"Their RV needs have changed, and so have the technologies and processes involved in Australian RV manufacturing."

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