Lighter RVs to Be Highlighted at Dusseldorf Show

European RV manufacturers are struggling with the same problems that their American counterparts are dealing with — falling sales, a need to reduce fuel emissions and making their units lighter to increase mileage.

That’s the report from Caravaning Industrie Verband (CIVD), Frankfurt, Germany, the European counterpart to our Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

CIVD will sponsor Caravan Salon Dusseldorf 2009 Aug. 29-Sept. 6, which is billed as the world’s largest RV show. Last year, 158,000 people from 38 countries attended Caravan Salon.

”All major motorhome and RV manufacturers have registered as exhibiters — evidence of Caravan Salon’s status as the sector’s leading trade fair,” said Wilhelm Niedergoker, managing director of Messe Dusseldorf (Dusseldorf Fairgrounds). ”Of course, Caravan Salon has also been affected by international financial and market difficulties. These have resulted in smaller booth areas.”

Some 580 companies from 25 countries — 150 that build towable and motorized RVs — will display products and hawk their services in 10 halls and a large outside courtyard encompassing 1.9 million square feet. Registration is roughly the same as it was last year, according to the association.

In total, European RV sales during the first half of the year fell 42% to 32,796 units — 12,101 motorized RVs, a decline of 52.8%; 20,695 towable units, a drop of 33.3% — compared to the first six months of 2008, according to CIVD.

”The low production figures for Germany’s recreational vehicle sector are attributable to more than just the economic crisis,” said CIVD Director General Hans-Karl Sternberg. ”Drastic credit line curtailments by banks forced many dealers throughout Europe to substantially reduce their showroom and warehouse inventories.

”As a result, dealers did not immediately place orders for new vehicles when they sold vehicles from their inventories. This process has now come to an end, for the most part, which means that we can look forward to stabilization of German recreational vehicle production.”

Ralph Binder, CIVD public relations director, told RVBUSINESS.COM that more European motorhome manufacturers are building smaller units weighing less than 7,000 pounds so that consumers can operate them without special licenses. ”They have found some new methods of saving weight to make the interior lighter,” Binder said. ”So we have more units coming in at less than 7,000 pounds.

”Caravan (towable) and motorized manufacturers also are building units that are more aerodynamic to save gasoline. And then, of course, because of the market drop since 2009, they are trying to build more price-worthy caravans and motor caravans to make them more affordable for people to buy.”

At the same time, another 275 exhibitors will present the latest in hiking and trekking gear and provide information about 5,000 European hiking destinations during TourNatur, an outdoor recreation show Sept. 4-6 that will run concurrent with Caravan Salon.

Düsseldorf Trade Fair Set for Aug. 29-Sept. 4

The Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, the world’s largest RV show, will provide a unique overview of all innovations for the 2010 season from Aug. 29 to Sept. 6 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

In 10 halls, approximately 550 exhibitors will present motorhomes and RVs in all price categories, accessories and furnishing components as well as camping and campground equipment, tents/awnings and travel destinations.

“We are delighted to be able to offer an overview of all areas of mobile home leisure activities here in Düsseldorf in 2009 despite the difficult economic climate,” said Wilhelm Niedergöker, managing director of Messe Düsseldorf. “All major motorhome and RV manufacturers have registered as exhibitors – evidence of Caravan Salon’s status as the sector’s leading trade fair. Of course Caravan Salon has also been affected by the international financial and market difficulties. These have resulted in smaller booth areas, which is why we decided to adjust the hall layout accordingly.”

RVs of all types and sizes will be on display – from mini mobile homes with a berth and camping stove on just 32 square feet to mobile luxury apartments complete with bathroom, bedroom and kitchen. Everything the market has to offer can be seen at the trade fair, from  successful layouts and RV classics as well as the latest models for the 2010 season making their debut at the trade fair.

A special highlight will be the introduction of the “men’s mobile home” with Texas Hold’em poker table, extra-large TV screen, bar and outdoor seating as standard features.

Manufacturers are especially concerned about energy efficiency and cost reduction and the exhibits at Caravan Salon
2009 will show the latest developments. Through lightweight design, manufacturers focus on aerodynamics and weight reductions. The reliable solar systems are becoming more efficient and have lately been complemented by even more cost-effective fuel cells. In addition, economical and environment-friendly technologies for power generation have been on offer for a number of years. The industry is also working on solutions for the use of alternative fuels and technologies designed to make old vehicles suitable for the new environmental zones. An “all-round renovation” project will demonstrate how older RVs can be “updated.”      

From Sept. 4-6, the hiking and trekking trade fair TourNatur will be held  concurrently with the RV show. About 275 exhibitors will  present the latest hiking and trekking gear and  around 5,000 hiking destinations.    

For further information on visiting or exhibiting at either event,  contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601.  Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; E-mail: info@mdna.com; visit www.mdna.com;  subscribe to the event blog athttp://www.mdna.com/blog/; or follow on twitter at http://twitter.com/mdnachicago

To make hotel and travel arrangements, contact TTI Travel Inc. at (866) 674-3476; Fax: (212) 674-3477.

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