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The Bolwell Edge, finalist in the Australian International Design Awards

THE fully moulded fibreglass 'Edge' caravan built by Victoria-based Bolwell RV has won a place in the finals of 2011 Australian International Design Awards.

Meanwhile, the go-ahead company will make its Queensland debut at the Queensland Caravan Camping & Touring Holiday Show on June 8.

With the first customer unit delivered earlier this month, Bolwell will display two examples of its radical new Edge "luxury soft-roader" caravan in full production trim on the Kratzmann Caravans stand.

The Edge will also be in the spotlight when 127 finalists in the prestigious design awards go on public exhibition at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, Melbourne from July 21 to 24.

This year’s finalists were selected from 232 Australian and international entries, all of which underwent a thorough physical assessment by a panel of leading design experts.

Good Design Australia managing director Brandon Gien said: "To be named a finalist in the Australian International Design Awards is a significant achievement, this year with our first ever finalists’ public exhibition. This recognition is more valuable than ever and rewards those companies championing the value of professional design."

Thousands have checked out the stylish new Edge since it first broke cover late last year, with the first customer deposit paid within just four days.

As Bolwell’s exclusive Queensland representative, Kratzmann will display the first fully customer-ready units in typical trim level at the Queensland show to highlight the options available in addition to the comprehensive standard specification.

Equipment includes Bolwell’s own Surefoot off-road suspension, and upgrade options including air conditioning, audio-visual systems and slide-out external kitchen.

Bolwell marketing director Owen Bolwell said the caravans proved that even basic spec need not be all that basic.

"We know people want to add their own personal touches, and these two 'vans will help to illustrate how much they can personalise an already well equipped standard unit,” he said.

"The Edge offers a great array of comfort options to suit people upgrading from off-road camper trailers who want something more comfortable and luxurious for their travels.

"People have recognised the Edge as a different kind of 'van that combines rough-road ability with a surprisingly spacious interior and impeccable design and finish.

"They also appreciate the benefits of a 1600kg ATM, which can be towed easily with a great variety a light and medium tow vehicles."

The Bolwell RV Edge has been developed over four years by a team headed by Vaughan Bolwell, who draws on extensive experience in heavy transport, automotive and aerospace design.

It combines the strength expected of a company which has built more than 30,000 Kenworth truck bodies and the handling and aerodynamics of Australia’s foremost sportscar maker.

Its fully moulded fibreglass shell is contoured for low drag and aerodynamic stability, and is reinforced with carbon fibre and Enduracore synthetic fibre for maximum strength with minimum weight.

The Edge is priced at $51,490 drive-away in standard trim, and people ordering at the show can expect delivery in the third quarter of the year.