Stat Surveys: Class B Sales Up 14.6% in July

Retail sales of Class B motorhomes or van campers rose 14.6% in July over July 2009, Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI) has reported.

Canada-based Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc. remained the industry leader with a 40% share of the U.S. market.

Thor Industries Inc. moved into the No. 2 spot with a 20.9% share, nosing out another Canadian firm, Pleasure-Way Industries Ltd., which had a 19.1% share.

Only six of the eight participating firms reported retail sales for the month.

Year-to-date, Class B sales are ahead of the 2009 pace by 42.8%.

Year-to-date, Roadtrek is solidly in the No. 1 spot with a 41.1% market share, followed by Pleasure-Way with a 22.2% share and Winnebago Industries Inc. with an 18.3% share.

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

Stat Surveys Inc.: Feb. Class B Sales Up 82%

Retail sales of Class B motorhomes rose 82% in February over February 2009, Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI) reported today (April 12).

In its inaugural report on Class B sales to RVBUSINESS.com, Grand Rapids, Mich.-based SSI noted that Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc., based in Kitchener, Ontario, led the way with a 47.7% market share in February. Fellow Canadian builder Pleasure-Way Industries Ltd. was second with a 19.8% share. Thor Industries Inc. was the top U.S. builder with a 14.4% market share. Winnebago Industries Inc. rounded out the top four.

Sales of eight Class B builders were cited in the report.

For year-to-date, Class B sales are up 90.2% over the first two months of 2009. Roadtrek held a 45.3% share for the first two months, followed by Pleasure-Way, Winnebago and Thor.

A small market category by comparison, Class B wholesale shipments in 2009 totaled 1,200 units, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

Roadtrek Continues to Tout Class B Rebound

“The rebound in Class B sales is probably the best kept secret in the industry,” said Roadtrek Chairman Jeff Hanemaayer. “And I think it’s a trend that will continue. We have the oldest buyers so we’ll benefit as more Baby Boomers move into their late 50s and 60s.”

Roadtrek noted that it continued to dominate the class B segment with 44.6% of the market in 2009. In addition, when all types of motorhomes are combined, Roadtrek ranked as the No. 11 motorhome manufacturer right on the heels of No. 10 Newmar Corp.

“Although 1 of every 13 motorhomes sold in the last six months was a class B, many self-described, fullline RV dealers still don’t sell B’s. If they were sold in as many places as A’s and C’s, I can’t imagine how many more we would sell,” he concluded.

Leisure Travel Vans Unity Features ‘Murphy Bed’

Leisure Travel Vans Ltd. is introducing the Unity featuring the industry’s first “Murphy Bed” in a Class B motorhome, according to a news release. The queen-sized bed folds out from the wall over two power reclining lounge chairs. Other features of the Unity, built on a Sprinter chassis, include European window design, aerodynamic sleek-styled front and rear caps, European-styled interior featuring Corian countertops and curved cabinetry. The Morden, Manitoba-based manufacturer will be displaying the Unity at the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show Dec. 1-3 in Louisville, Ky.

Roadtrek: Class B Sales Lead Motorized Sector

Jeff Hanemaayer

Class B retail sales are improving at a faster percentage rate than larger class A and C motorhomes, according to a news release from Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc.

In the first half of 2009, while A’s and C’s were off 44%, Class B’s were down “only” 28%, according to Roadtrek, a Kitchener, Ontario-based Class B manufacturer, which cited results from Statistical Surveys Inc. In the third quarter, Class B’s actually grew by 6% while A’s and C’s were still down by 24%. Sales diverged even further in the latest month available, September, with B’s up 21% and A’s and C’s still down by 24%.

“I am not surprised that Class B’s were less affected by the downturn in the RV market and are coming back faster than their larger cousins,” said Jeff Hanemaayer, Roadtrek chairman. “Class B’s have the oldest buyers in the industry. With an average age of 62, most are retired (or soon will be) and are therefore less impacted by job losses, credit restrictions, etc. And as sales return to normal, Class B’s will benefit even more as more Baby Boomers move into their late 50s and 60s.”

Roadtrek continues to dominate the Class B segment with almost half the market, he noted.

“Roadtreks have been the No. 1 selling Class B’s since 1990. I am happy to see our dominant market share growing in 2009. It speaks well to the strength of our brand’s design, quality, value and customer service,” he said.

Roadtrek: Class B Sales Lead Motorized Sector

Jeff Hanemaayer

Class B retail sales are improving at a faster percentage rate than larger class A and C motorhomes, according to a news release from Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc.

In the first half of 2009, while A’s and C’s were off 44%, Class B’s were down “only” 28%, according to Roadtrek, a Kitchener, Ontario-based Class B manufacturer, which cited results from Statistical Surveys Inc. In the third quarter, Class B’s actually grew by 6% while A’s and C’s were still down by 24%. Sales diverged even further in the latest month available, September, with B’s up 21% and A’s and C’s still down by 24%.

“I am not surprised that Class B’s were less affected by the downturn in the RV market and are coming back faster than their larger cousins,” said Jeff Hanemaayer, Roadtrek chairman. “Class B’s have the oldest buyers in the industry. With an average age of 62, most are retired (or soon will be) and are therefore less impacted by job losses, credit restrictions, etc. And as sales return to normal, Class B’s will benefit even more as more Baby Boomers move into their late 50s and 60s.”

Roadtrek continues to dominate the Class B segment with almost half the market, he noted.

“Roadtreks have been the No. 1 selling Class B’s since 1990. I am happy to see our dominant market share growing in 2009. It speaks well to the strength of our brand’s design, quality, value and customer service,” he said.

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