General Manager Of Klen RV Discusses Evolving Prospects & RV Culture At China (Beijing) International RV & Camping Exhibition
The manufacturing of RVs inside the Chinese market is just beginning. But as a builder culture, Chinese innovation has always sought to understand its customer. With the growing evolution the RV lifestyle in culture, it is interesting to see what the progression becomes. As the GM of Klen RV but also part of the Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Company, Sean Gao understands the different approaches needed. Gao sat down with MRV: The Buzz Editor In Chief Tim Wassberg at The China (Beijing) International RV & Camping Exhibition to discuss manufacturing, RV habits and the future.
The Buzz: There are many questions that integrate with your position. What brought you to enter this industry? Do you like RV life? Do you have a RV experience?
Sean Gao: Let me answer your questions one by one. The first question, how did I get into this industry? For me, it was the company's arrangement. How did our company enter the industry? Our company used previously produced coaches. Coach production to a certain extent reached its peak. We had to find a new growth point in the industry, so we chose the field of RVs.
The Buzz: The RV industry develops very fast these days. How did you decide which types to produce?
SG: There are several main reasons. First, we need to produce the RV by national laws and regulations, Second, market demand decided which kind of RV we should produce. Third, according to the different demands of people, we will produce different kind of RVs. At present, there are some contradictions and conflicts in the national laws and regulations and market demand.
The Buzz: Where are the difficulties right now?
SG: First, [the supporting] RV accessories and parts cannot keep up with RV production Secondly, changes in national regulations cannot keep up with changes in market demand. The third difficulty is the hardest; which is Chinese RV camping consumption concept has not [yet] formed
The Buzz: Can you talk about the innovation in making RVs in China right now?
SG: We can tell ourselves that a lot of our products are not good enough. We also got feedback from our end user customers about their actual experience.
The Buzz: Are Chinese consumers particularly interested in specific aspects of the RV? For example, do they specifically want a bigger TVs? Inside? Outside?
SG: First, Chinese people like big space like the Americans. Secondly, Chinese people like the fine workmanship like Europeans. For example this seam here [with the table], this edge. If it’s the kind done by the Americans, Chinese people will not like. [The RVs need to] reflect the Chinese cultural characteristics [but we learn from the] United States, Europe, Japan…
The Buzz: Are you going to those countries to meet with them, or are they coming to China? Do they directly tell their ideas to your designers or do you work on the research together?
SG: At the beginning, it should be based on their ideas. After that stage, we should be based on our own. At this stage, whether it is the United States, or Europe, is not suitable for China. What really suits for China is the products designed by the Chinese people themselves. Some of the key parts of RVs [currently] still need to rely on foreign products. However, in the process of use, the Chinese customers will find a lot of areas not fitting the normal way of thinking of the Chinese people. The usage habit is not the same.
The Buzz: What are the most popular models among the Chinese customers?
SG: Type C. [Because] Chinese and American lifestyles are not the same. Chinese people basically travel by car, spending long hours driving on the road, and short time staying overnight. This kind of RV is good for driving on the road.
The Buzz: What do you think is the Chinese RV lifestyle?
SG: I think Chinese RV life has not really started. Most Chinese RVers will spend a lot of time on the road. They have not really started to enjoy RV life.
The Buzz: How do you go about with sales with the RVs because of this cultural difference? Do you directly sell to rental companies and campsites or just approach buyers through events like this show?
SG: Mostly through this method. The exhibition is one way, but also through the Internet, the introduction of friends, and our own sales network as well.
The Buzz: Looking into the future of RV in China, what do you think of its growth right now?
SG: The future is very beautiful, but the process is very hard.
The Buzz: What are your new R&D products and projects for the future?
SG: We are working on this. I foresee new listings after three years. Why am I saying this? I think the real RV that is suitable for the China customer has yet been produced
Tim Wassberg
A graduate of New York University's Tisch School Of The Arts with degrees in Film/TV Production & Film Criticism, Tim has written for magazines such as Moviemaker, Moving Pictures, Conde Nast Traveler UK and Casino Player. He enjoys traveling and distinct craft beers among other things.
Make Sure To Check Out:
Klen RV, which are vehicles are made in China by Zhenghou Yutong Bus Co. Ltd (a bus manufacturer in Zhenghou, Henan Province).
China, Features, International, Rv, Trade Shows & Conferences