The growing popularity of the ‘staycation’ has seen more Britons choosing to holiday in UK, according to Nick Page, Commercial Director for the Swift Group.

Mr Page told Motortrades Insight’s Danny Hewitt that while the sector is very difficult to compete in, an increasing number of families are buying motorhomes. “The market is highly competitive and it is still a tough economic climate we are operating in,” he said. 

“Up to 2008 the UK motorhome market was buoyant but contracted after 2008 due to economic difficulties. The market today remains steady, helped by those that are choosing to holiday at home rather than go abroad.”

Prices for new motorhomes from many manufacturers start at around £30,000, depending on size, features, furniture, technology and the specific model.

He said that ‘the beauty of motorhoming’ is that you can change the view from your window every day if you wish to, ‘as well as explore and get away from the everyday routine’. “A motorhome can offer the same luxuries as you have at home,” he added.

“The motorhome industry is making a gradual recovery, with demand for smaller, lighter motorhomes such as van conversions growing considerably. People are more environmentally sensitive so we are constantly looking to improve fuel and aerodynamic efficiency, plus in today’s economic climate customers are wanting exceptional value for money.

“We have some exciting new developments planned for the next several years which will appeal to those looking to buy a quality motorhome. Within the next ten years we expect to see the market make a full recovery. The industry is well placed to benefit once the economy starts to pick up.”

With the cost of fuel on the increase customers are demanding lighter, more fuel efficient motorhomes. 

Mr Page added: “We are designing our motorhomes to be as aerodynamic as possible to improve fuel efficiency and all coachbuilt motorhomes are based on the Fiat Ducato Euro 5 engine with advanced diesel injection technology - which provides greater performance, lower fuel consumption, lower emissions, smoother running and quieter ride.”

But with an ageing population, the long-term outlook for motorhome manufacturers looks bright. In excess of 83 per cent of the Camping and Caravanning Club members are aged over 46-years-old. Even if just one per cent of the population of those over this age bought a new motorhome, it would provide growth on a scale we haven’t seen in years. 

If motorhome manufacturers are to succeed though, they must keep with current trends in design and understand what is in fashion, liked and disliked by customers. 

“Interior designs and specifications are reviewed continually for the forthcoming season and to ensure they are meeting the needs and wants of our customers,” he said. “More environmentally friendly features such as solar panels and LED lighting are being introduced over time. Interiors continue to offer more home from home comforts as standard with stylish, modern soft furnishings, complementary furniture and well-equipped washrooms and kitchens.”

While Swift are making ‘a number of significant changes’ to its motorhome ranges over the next few years, at this stage, the company y is not prepared to divulge details, but it did reveal that they are making motorhomes to cater for those that like to be ‘more adventorous’ as well as buyers ‘looking for luxury’.

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