North America

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

The 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 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.”

Registration opens for 2021 RV Aftermarket Conference

Organisers of the 50th Annual RV Aftermarket Conference have announced that registration has now opened for the popular industry event, to be held in-person from August 9 to 12 inclusive at the Embassy Suites Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia. The event features scheduled in-person meetings between aftermarket suppliers and wholesale distributors, providing vendors with an opportunity to demonstrate both new products and current offerings. All participants have the opportunity to attend a number of keynote presentations covering a wide range of business topics. The 2021 event will add an all-new 90-minute workshop on selling aftermarket products to first-time or new RV buyers, with an emphasis on data, connectivity and the needs of next-generation RV buyers. The RV aftermarket in the United States is estimated to contribute more than US$750 million in total economic output each year, representing 3,187 jobs and $272 million in employee earnings. Full conference details and registration information can be found on its dedicated website, at www.rvia.org/events/rv-aftermarket-conference.

Airxcel expands Kansas plant

Climate control systems manufacturer Airxcel has announced a US$4 million expansion to its Wichita, Kansas manufacturing plant. In an announcement ceremony hosted with Kansas governor Laura Kelly, the company said the continuing strong growth of the US RV market has led to increased demand for its products and exponential job growth at its Wichita headquarters. The company has already filled more than 265 jobs at the facility, and is trying to hire another 100 people in the coming weeks. “With 18 manufacturing locations in six states and Italy, we are excited to expand and grow our workforce here in Wichita,” said Airxcel CEO, Jeff Rutherford. “Producing world-class products and providing our employees with competitive wages and benefits is something we take great pride in. We look forward to our future growth as a company and the Kansas economy as a whole.” The expansion will focus on additional capacity of HVAC products for recreational vehicles. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a surge in demand as more people looked to RVs for travel options. “I congratulate the Airxcel team on this exciting expansion that will bring significant investment and new jobs to the Wichita community,” said governor Kelly at the official announcement. “I look forward to our continued partnership to bring even more jobs and investment to our state, and usher in a new era of prosperity for all Kansans.” Founded in 1991 with the acquisition of two business units of the Coleman Company, Airxcel has grown to become a leading designer and manufacturer of climate control solutions and complementary products for a variety of end markets throughout the world.

Kansas governor Laura Kelly (speaking) and Airxcel CEO Jeff Rutherford (second from right) announce expansion plans for the company’s Kansas plant

NTP-Stag returns to Las Vegas

RV parts and accessories wholesale distributor NTP-Stag has confirmed that its 2022 Expo will run as an in-person event at Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas from January 25 to 26, 2022. A virtual presentation will follow the in-person event, and is scheduled to run from January 31 to February 4 inclusive. The annual NTP-Stag Expo was among the first in-person trade events to operate this year, having been held in January at the Orlando Marriott World Center albeit with a capacity restricted to 25 percent in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines which were in place at the time. With such measures having been since dropped in most areas of the US, the Las Vegas event in 2022 is expected to operate as “a normal event” without any pandemic-restrictions, including capacity limitations, mask wear or social distancing measures except where required by federal and local authorities. Full details, including information on the Expo agenda, floor plan, hotel and travel arrangements and the onsite RV University, will be released over the coming weeks on the event website, at: https://expo.ntpstag.com