One doesn't normally expect to find a $275,000 Lamborghini Urus 1,000bp 4.2 liter V8 engine towing an Airstream caravan – but that is exactly what was on display at the 2018 Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC, in Birmingham, UK, this October. Almost all visitors stopped to fantasize about driving away in such an exalted car. However, once torn away from such fantasy, visitors were not short of things to see and do at this very popular exhibition, which is the largest in the UK focusing on camping & caravanning products. This was an exhibition in which sheer, undiluted practicality was the order of the day. It was where decisions could be made relating to the basic nuts and bolts of camping and caravanning.
Apart from exploring the array of new vehicles designed to make life easier when out on the road, there were talks by experts, cooking demonstrations and even an opportunity to try a free campervan test drive or trying out and learning new maneuvering skills. It was even possible to try out a one-to-one towing experience with show partner Jeep. On display were over 1,000 motor homes, touring caravans, caravan holiday homes and trailer tents with a combined value of more than $4,574,6820 (or about £36m). The combination definitely appealed to visitors. More than 96,000 people passed through the exhibition doors over the six-day period. People came from all over the country, as the NEC is centrally located in the heart of the UK.
The Buzz took a look at what some of the key exhibitors were offering this year across seas. There were plenty of special deals and price discounts around, as well as some attention grabbing vehicles.
Long established Swift Caravans were proudly celebrating 100 years of its Eccles caravan brand. The first Eccles caravan was launched in 1919 in Birmingham, and quickly became one of the most popular brands in the UK eventually being purchased by Swift Caravans in the 1990’s when it underwent a major relaunch. The popularity of the Eccles brand is undimmed and the introduction of this special centenary Eccles captured attention. Special centenary graphics adorned the new streamlined aerodynamic profile of the Eccles caravan, which was also characterized by a panoramic sunroof, recessed lights and speakers.
Decor was suitably centennial in warm gold and black with shimmering honey toned wood grain used on the overhead lockers. Also new from Swift was the Elegance Grande 655. An eight-foot long, six berth vehicle, it incorporates a sweeping, aerodynamic front panel, panoramic roof design and has a lavishly appointed interior. One of the more unusual features of the Elegance Grande 655 is the unusual wall bed that drops down at the rear end of the large L-shaped front lounge.
From the booth of Adria UK Caravans, here is the Twin Supreme shown at this year's show. [Photo Credit/Adria UK]
Campervans are proving to be enormously popular within the UK. Some industry estimates suggest that up to one in three leisure vehicles are campervans. A new survey by the Caravan & Motorhome Club indicated that demand for these vehicles is increasing with annual sales reaching well over 4,000 a year. It seems that owners like the freedom to be able to jump in the van and take off at a moment’s notice to enjoy a holiday offering spontaneity and adventure. According to the Caravan & Motorhome club, the owners become very fond of their camper vans – even down to giving their van a name.
In view of these findings, it is not surprising that campervan manufacturers were very much in evidence throughout the show introducing a wide range of new models, and offering inspiration to people wanting something bespoke or customized whether it be van color or extra facilities. Visitor interest was high, prompting a lot of comment on social media.
The provision of panoramic sky roofs was a key feature at Adria UK. Slavica Stark, managing director of Adria UK, said, “We are delighted to be the very first manufacturer to launch the exclusive sky roof window within a van conversion. This unique and patented Adria feature is sure to be a great hit.”
Adria’s Campervan range is definitely designed to have widespread appeal. Known as the Twin range it incorporates three levels of specification and four different layouts. Top of the range is the Adria Supreme 640 SLB complete with sky roof and numerous add on luxury features such as a DAB stereo system, rear view camera, alloy wheels, awning to name but a few. The sky roof combines an opening sunroof plus fixed window area which brings extra daylight and ventilation into the main living quarters. Another unusual, but very useful feature is the wall section within the washroom that swings around to create an enclosed area for showering. No more wet floors leading into the main living quarters.
Premium Motorhomes launched the new Morelo Palace Liner at the event, showing models in right hand drive versions for the first time. According to the company this vehicle made first class style even better, due to its striking design. An optional WideAxle means that the driving experience is even better. The spacious interiors complete with atmospheric lighting and extra wide entrance door attracted a lot of attention as did the choice in beds ranging from French bed, Queen bed, front to back to rear transverse back. It even has its own integral garage allowing cars to be parked securely inside.
Visitor interest quickly converted into orders as the company reported a high level of orders for the $344,760 (£270,000) motorhome with managing director Mike Hertzberg commenting “We are up on show sales compared to last year.”
Equally happy was Lunar Caravans. Sales Director, Lee Roberts said “our new 8’ wide Quasar product and Alaria brands were the stars of the show for us. We were also very pleased with the reception of our new campervan range, and the level of sales we subsequently achieved.” The Quasar 686 is a supersize caravan perfect for families as it can provide sleeping accommodation for up to six people. Clever transformations of lounge and diner allow the creation of extra single or double beds.
Over on the Bailey stand, the all new Bailey Alliance attracted attention. Built using the company’s patented Alu-Tech construction technology, cloaked in a GRP outer skin, the vehicles are regarded as being extremely robust and durable. Bailey use a special crash-testing program to ensure that all travel seats can withstand the force of a head-on collision. The vehicle construction incorporates chassis outriggers to support strengthened floors, steel framed seat base supports, a steel framed structural bulkhead to support rear facing travel seats, extra fittings for items like fridges and ovens as well as an Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Stability Program. Managing director Nick Howard says “Alliance offers the perfect balance of comfort, style, practicality and value making it the ideal vehicle to broaden the overall appeal of our portfolio.”
The Off-Road Air Opus is fitted with the AIR tent technology, inflating the canvas in around 90 seconds with the press of a switch. [Photo/OPUS Camper UK]
Another popular stand was that of the Roller Team which introduced new compact motorhomes, the Pegaso 590 and Toleno. The Pegaso range is well known for its luxurious Italian flair, and the 590 does not disappoint. Although measuring just under 6 meters, the drop down bed and low level sleeping area is quite sizeable and roomy. Each bed tucks away neatly during the day, creating a good sized area for relaxing.
This was the first time that the Toleno compact leisure vehicle range has been seen in the UK. Comprising two models, the Toleno L and the Toleno R, built around a Fiat Ducato; the accommodation is surprisingly spacious catering for two or four people respectively. The hinged bottom bed in the Toleno R can be tucked away while travelling so as to provide useful storage and leisure space.
Campervan conversion company Autohaus captured attention with its brilliantly colored van in a unique lotus isotope green, finished off with black and green flake paint for the accents. It proved very popular, with a visitor quickly paying a deposit to secure the van for their use. It also debuted its Camelot Grandi X based on the new VW Crafter Wheelbase. The interior is carefully designed to incorporate a separate washroom.
OPUS Campers consolidated its hold on the UK market with the launch of the long awaited Off-Road Air Opus. It proved to be an instant success with visitors who appreciated the many unique features separating it from the on-road model. Among the key features are independent spring suspension, increased ground clearance, all terrain wheels and tires making it much more suitable for use no matter what the weather, or driving conditions. Only a few minutes are needed to convert the trailer into an extremely comfortable tent, with an external gas outlet and a three-burner gas cooker. Owners can add on an extra two-burner stove and grill perfect for barbeques outside. Brand Manager Joe Appleton comments, “The reception has been fantastic. We are receiving lots of interest for the unit, and it appeals to a different market to the on-road model. With our dealer market in Europe expanding fast, (including Norway and Switzerland) then the off-road model is ideal.”
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