SSI: Canadian Towable Sales up 38.3% For Nov.

Year-over-year Canadian retail sales of towable RVs increased 38.3% in November and 0.7% for the first 11 months, according to the latest report from Statistical Surveys Inc.

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Statistical Surveys noted that Quebec was added for the first time in October while the 2011 data was incomplete due to processing issues at the province. Data showed:

• Sales in the travel trailer sector rose 41.7% in November and 2.8% for the first 11 months.

• Fifth-wheel sales grew 31.3% for the month and edged up 0.8% year-to-date.

• Folding camping trailer registrations were up 4.2% in November but declined 17.2% for the 11 months.

• Recreational park trailers jumped 82.4% for the month, but fell 17.8% year-to-date.

Thor Industries Inc. was the overall Canadian towables sales leader through November with a 40.7% market share, followed by Forest River Inc. (14.5%) and Jayco Inc. (12.1%).

Thor was also the leader in travel trailer sales for the 11 months with a 33.7% market share while Jayco was No. 2 with a 17.2% share, followed by Forest River with a 15.8% share.

Thor held a commanding lead in the Canadian fifth-wheel sector through November, capturing a 47.2% market share, with Forest River at No. 2 posting a 16.8% share followed by Palomino RV at 9.2%. Thor was also No. 1 in park model sales with a 48.8% share followed by Forest River (14.1%) and General Coach (9.8%).

Forest River led Canadian folding camping trailer sales for the 11 months with a 32.3% market share while Jayco posted a 28% share and Forest River’s Coachmen RV division held an 18.5% share.

To subscribe to this or other SSI reports, contact Scott Stropkai, national RV sales manager, at (616) 281-9898 ext. 128, or (616) 446-8179 (cell).

SSI: Canadian Towable Sales Decline in January

Year-over-year Canadian retail sales of towable RVs declined 20.9% in January, according to the latest report from Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI). The Grand Rapids, Mich., firm noted that data from the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario were incomplete while Quebec statistics were unavailable.

A sector-by-sector breakdown showed:

• Sales in the travel trailer sector was down 14.3% in January

• Fifth-wheel sales dropped 35.4% for the month.

• Folding camping trailer registrations fell 9.5% in January.

• Recreational park trailers declined 33.3% for the month.

To subscribe to this or other SSI reports, contact Scott Stropkai, national RV sales manager, at (616) 281-9898 ext 128, or (616) 446-8179 (cell).