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ews from the world
North America
Words Craig Ritchie
May US RV shipments continue at record pace The latest data from the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) confirm that manufacturers continue to ship new units at a record-setting pace, with wholesale deliveries for May 2021 reported as 49,241 units
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he strong performance – representing a 75.9 percent year-over-year increase over the 27,999 units shipped during May 2020 – counts May 2021 as the strongest May on record. Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, ended the month up 79.4% against last May with 44,471 wholesale shipments. Motorhomes finished the month up 48.6% compared to the same month last year with 4,770 units and Park Model RVs ended the month up 8.2% compared to May 2020 with 304 wholesale shipments. RVIA notes that US RV manufacturers have in fact set new a shipment records for each of the past seven months, fuelled by peak consumer demand and sparse dealer inventories. “More American consumers than ever before are rediscovering the great outdoors and the joy that comes from spending time with friends and family,” said RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby. “With RVing becoming more popular than ever, the RV industry has been committed to sustaining industry growth and meeting demand that shows no sign of slowing down.” The achievement is even more remarkable in view of the ongoing supply chain shortages that continue to plague US manufacturers in all segments, including marine and automotive. The RVIA’s RV Roadsigns quarterly forecast predicts that 2021 will see the highest RV wholesale shipment levels of all time, with a total production ranging from 565,848 and 586,281 units in total and the most likely scenario seeing an estimated 576,065 units shipped. That total would exceed the 2020 total of 430,412 units by 33.8 percent, and mark a 14.1 percent jump over the current record of 504,600 units shipped in 2017. “What RV manufacturers and suppliers have accomplished over the past year is nothing short of incredible. And our new forecast shows the industry will continue
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its record-breaking streak through the rest of the year,” said RVIA President and CEO, Craig Kirby. “Even with other types of travel returning, the demand for RVs
continues to climb as people want to get outdoors and experience the joy of an active outdoor lifestyle alongside friends and family.”
