Walkinshaw Buys New Age Caravans....

[csv8]

"It might sound like an odd fit at first glance, but the company behind Holden Special Vehicles has announced its intention buy a share of a caravan manufacturer.

The deal, between Walkinshaw Automotive Group and New Age Caravans, is expected to be consummated within a month after 12 months of discussion.

Walkinshaw Automotive Group (WAG) not only owns Holden hot tuner HSV, but also converts RAM trucks to right-hand drive via its American Special Vehicles joint-venture with Ateco Automotive.

It also distributes Indian Tata vehicles in Australia, runs a Supercars race team, is behind the Walkinshaw Performance modification business and performs a significant amount of ‘below the line’ engineering, design and development work for various automotive manufacturers.

New Age is a growing Australian caravan brand established seven years ago. It is based in Epping in Victoria, where it currently builds more than 2000 caravans per year.

It is number two in the market, albeit still a long way behind the market leader Jayco, which builds around 10,000 caravans per year.

New Age Caravans will continue to be led by Gabby Montagnese as managing director and Chair.

“Our partnership with Walkinshaw strengthens our ability to grow and bring new and exciting product lines to our customers,” she said.

“Walkinshaw’s experience will help us to accelerate our focus on growth and innovation in caravans – including new materials, engineering and processes.”

“We looked at different structures to bring a partnership approach to life, and decided that Walkinshaw taking a significant stake in New Age Caravans made a lot of sense because of the position we have been able to establish in the market, and the unique skills and capabilities they can bring to the table.”

A statement issued yesterday shed some light on the unusual collaboration, stating the two companies had “a shared vision of innovation in products, materials, and technologies for the caravan and RV sector.”

“Passion and creativity are at the heart of every caravan New Age builds – just as it is for every vehicle Walkinshaw creates for our loyal customer base,” said WAG owner Ryan Walkinshaw.

“With our niche automotive experience and a shared focus on R&D from both companies, customers can expect to see some exciting innovations to their caravan and camping lifestyle.

“We are great admirers of what Gabby has been able to achieve, and taking a stake in New Age is a clear signal of our desire to build on what has already been achieved, and a belief in our ability to assist in the next phase of growth for New Age Caravans.”
http://www.motoring.com.au/hsv-owner...anning-104281/

[b0son]

No we know which direction HSV are taking post-Commodore ... Holden Special Vacationers

[commodorenutt]

With more grey nomads on the road than ever before, it's probably one of the only growth industries left in Australia. I call that smart a smart business decision.

[cheap]

^ I disagree. The caravan industry has never been in such turmoil, shops and brands open and close at a rapid place, cheap Chinese rubbish is destroying established brands. Given this, I think HSV's plans seem to be completely stupid.

Grey Nomads are amongst the tightest bunch of people you will meet, the days where they could live off the interest from their super balances are gone. They will buy cheap knowing it can be thrown away if needed.

[RANGEREST]

Originally Posted by cheap

^ I disagree. The caravan industry has never been in such turmoil, shops and brands open and close at a rapid place, cheap Chinese rubbish is destroying established brands. Given this, I think HSV's plans seem to be completely stupid.

Grey Nomads are amongst the tightest bunch of people you will meet, the days where they could live off the interest from their super balances are gone. They will buy cheap knowing it can be thrown away if needed.

Disagree all you want, facts are far different from your your opinion though.
http://www.caravanindustry.com.au/category/research

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[csv8]

Missus and I bought a Coromal Appeal 554S delivery next month...so, we will be out on the highways!!

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by RANGEREST

Disagree all you want, facts are far different from your your opinion though.
http://www.caravanindustry.com.au/category/research

Caravan Registrations Have Increased by 30% in Australia

Date: 21 October 2016
Caravan Industry Association of Australia has released the BDO Caravan and Campervan Data Report for 2016 that highlights the growing popularity of caravanning and camping around Australia. The number of …

Younger Travellers Make Caravanning and Camping the Holiday of Choice

Date: 15 September 2016
Tourism Research Australia (TRA) data released today shows the largest growth in the history of data collection for domestic caravanning and camping trips. And it’s the younger demographic groups that …

The caravan sales (and companies) are everywhere now. Its not just the oldies buying them either.

Guess anothervreason of the duel cab and suv sales.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by cheap

^ I disagree. The caravan industry has never been in such turmoil, shops and brands open and close at a rapid place, cheap Chinese rubbish is destroying established brands. Given this, I think HSV's plans seem to be completely stupid.

Grey Nomads are amongst the tightest bunch of people you will meet, the days where they could live off the interest from their super balances are gone. They will buy cheap knowing it can be thrown away if needed.

Don't know where you got your info from, caravan industry growth is expanding, more people than ever are buying RV's & Caravans, quite sure Walkinshaw would have done their home work.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by commodorenutt

With more grey nomads on the road than ever before, it's probably one of the only growth industries left in Australia. I call that smart a smart business decision.

Plenty of young people are also buying vans these days.

[au2000]

Does this mean we will start seeing "walkingshaw enhanced" badges on the back of caravans?

[cheap]

Originally Posted by trublu

Don't know where you got your info from, caravan industry growth is expanding, more people than ever are buying RV's & Caravans, quite sure Walkinshaw would have done their home work.

Yep it is expanding on the back of cheap Chinese stuff. You can buy 4-6 cheap Chinese campers for the price of one half decent Aussie build camper. Established Aussie made vans are struggling and manufacturing is closing down. Do a search on caravan manufactures in liquidation, go to a camping show, ask how long the business has been operational and where it gets its product from. Walkinshaw seems to diversifying into anything hoping that something will work and keep them afloat.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by cheap

^ I disagree. The caravan industry has never been in such turmoil, shops and brands open and close at a rapid place, cheap Chinese rubbish is destroying established brands. Given this, I think HSV's plans seem to be completely stupid.

Grey Nomads are amongst the tightest bunch of people you will meet, the days where they could live off the interest from their super balances are gone. They will buy cheap knowing it can be thrown away if needed.

Yes and no, they're one group of my customers who send their cars to be to be fitted out with things like reverse cameras and electric braking systems.

Thats where good money is for my business.

Its also something we have put onto the table as a consideration is actually trying to make a caravan as well.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by cheap

Yep it is expanding on the back of cheap Chinese stuff. You can buy 4-6 cheap Chinese campers for the price of one half decent Aussie build camper. Established Aussie made vans are struggling and manufacturing is closing down. Do a search on caravan manufactures in liquidation, go to a camping show, ask how long the business has been operational and where it gets its product from. Walkinshaw seems to diversifying into anything hoping that something will work and keep them afloat.

Name the Chinese built campers.
Name the Chinese built caravans.

On a last note Jayco Sales (local manufacturer) is booming.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by cheap

Yep it is expanding on the back of cheap Chinese stuff. You can buy 4-6 cheap Chinese campers for the price of one half decent Aussie build camper. Established Aussie made vans are struggling and manufacturing is closing down. Do a search on caravan manufactures in liquidation, go to a camping show, ask how long the business has been operational and where it gets its product from. Walkinshaw seems to diversifying into anything hoping that something will work and keep them afloat.

There are a few cheaper Chinese built camper trailers on the market but they are a very small minority.Iv'e been caravanning for a little while now and can say I haven't seen any Asian caravans.There are a few European vans around but I think they are a bit too light for off road use,so I don't think the local manufacturers have too mch to worry about

[csv8]

Tassie f100 : Bailey, UK caravan manufacturer now build in Australia to Australian conditions. Last year took two vans across Australia, mix bitumen/outback roads. Nothing broke. Likewise Adria and Swift have strengthened their vans for Aussie roads. Not for extreme off roading.
http://baileyaustralia.com.au/west2east-challenge/
http://www.ezytrailcampertrailers.co...iler-paradigm/ about Chinese camper trailers

[SpoolMan]

There are 18 Caravan builders in Cambellfield Vic, my son does the install on the finishing so much work, enough work to hop from one company to another.

[cheap]

Originally Posted by trublu

Name the Chinese built campers.
Name the Chinese built caravans.

On a last note Jayco Sales (local manufacturer) is booming.

Why, do you want to buy one?

[Rallye Sport]

Originally Posted by au2000

Does this mean we will start seeing "walkingshaw enhanced" badges on the back of caravans?

How about a lego style bodykit too..

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

There are 18 Caravan builders in Cambellfield Vic, my son does the install on the finishing so much work, enough work to hop from one company to another.

Agreed, a mate builds/ welds chassis for offroad campers and can't get them out quick enough...

They have also changed over to the chinese suspension kits, apparently the quality is hit and miss but the supplier does exchange them if the boys aren't happy with it.

[Express]

Originally Posted by au2000

Does this mean we will start seeing "walkingshaw enhanced" badges on the back of caravans?

They won't be anywhere near as quick or powerful as the badge says.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by cheap

Why, do you want to buy one?

I have yet to see one for sale in Australia.
So I gather you are talking through your rear end with your comment.

Cheers.

[FTE217]

cheap, considering you have a pretty strong opinion on the subject can you enlighten us what you know to make such points ie the industry is up the creek, the quality isn't up to scratch for eg.

[cheap]

Originally Posted by trublu

I have yet to see one for sale in Australia.
So I gather you are talking through your rear end with your comment.

Cheers.

Have you even bothered to try to look?

If you are incapable of using the resources of the internet then go to the next camping show and ask.

[b0son]

Originally Posted by trublu

I have yet to see one for sale in Australia.

http://www.grandcruiser.com.au/gc-1550/
http://aoxinda.en.made-in-china.com/...a-Caravan.html

2min on google. Actually, I said 2min to make you feel better. it actually took around 20sec to find that.

And there are a couple of camper trailer brands that are selling Chinese made campers in Sydney, I cant recall the name, but it was no secret when they were less than half the price.

After the Mirage Campers debacle, I'd be hesitant about dropping $50k on 'Aus quality' ....

[cheap]

Originally Posted by FTE217

cheap, considering you have a pretty strong opinion on the subject can you enlighten us what you know to make such points ie the industry is up the creek, the quality isn't up to scratch for eg.

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.a...mmission-57011

Read the item and related comments, many horror stories, anything from cracked chassis, significantly overweight vans, failed brakes, failed warranty repairs, many shops open and close, for such an expensive item consumer protection is really **** poor. If you don't take my word, then sign up to myswag or bushtracker forums and have a read, if you think everyone is lying then seek wisdom from trublu

[cheap]

Originally Posted by b0son

http://www.grandcruiser.com.au/gc-1550/
http://aoxinda.en.made-in-china.com/...a-Caravan.html

2min on google. Actually, I said 2min to make you feel better. it actually took around 20sec to find that.

And there are a couple of camper trailer brands that are selling Chinese made campers in Sydney, I cant recall the name, but it was no secret when they were less than half the price.

After the Mirage Campers debacle, I'd be hesitant about dropping $50k on 'Aus quality' ....

Bravo! A simple search on eBay is good too, if it is a new hard floor camper under $15k then highly likely it is Chinese.

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by trublu

I have yet to see one for sale in Australia.
So I gather you are talking through your rear end with your comment.

Cheers.

Actually seen plenty of these getting around, looks like there getting into the motorhomes to....

http://www.goldstarrv.com.au/

.....personally wouldn't touch one, very happy with our Jayco Conquest Motorhome

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by cheap

http://www.caravancampingsales.com.a...mmission-57011

Read the item and related comments, many horror stories, anything from cracked chassis, significantly overweight vans, failed brakes, failed warranty repairs, many shops open and close, for such an expensive item consumer protection is really **** poor. If you don't take my word, then sign up to myswag or bushtracker forums and have a read, if you think everyone is lying then seek wisdom from trublu

OK thanks.
Well, imo its not just the Industry that needs to lift its game in this day and gae its the buyers, that classic you get what you pay for !
Our country has become price merchants for a long time now.
People complain our Industries are disappearing yet at the same time don't wish to pay for quality ! as we once did.

[SpoolMan]

Originally Posted by Rallye Sport

They have also changed over to the chinese suspension kits, apparently the quality is hit and miss but the supplier does exchange them if the boys aren't happy with it.

The company my son works for use Aussie made suspension, I sent him a text so I could find out.

[cheap]

Yes suspension components are part of the Chinese/Overseas trailer invasion. For example Ironman make a range of bolt in suspension cradles V's Australian Sugar Glider suspension or G&S Chassis components - bottom line comes down to price. There are also plenty of overseas leaf springs, under sized hangers, non serviceable items and dodgey wheel bearings available.

[Squalo]

Chinese camper trailers have all but destroyed the quality Australian-made CT market. It makes sense that the local caravan manufacturers will face the same problems. So the suggestion that Walkinshaw is buying into trouble is logical.

I've been a CT user for 6 years and active on the myswag.org forum for as long, so I've been watching the demise of the local CT industry for a while now. My CT is a Jimboomba, formerly one of the top 5 Aussie manufacturers, defunct for 3 years now. Along with Camel, Vacation, Trackabout and other top shelf companies.

I'd say the only local caravan outfit that will come out shining is Kedron, but they build serious offroad caravans that the Chinese will never approach for reliability and strength. That's who Walkinshaw should have invested in.