Results of the UK’s largest Leisure Vehicle Survey are in
05/10/2016
The Leisure Vehicle Survey – commissioned by The Caravan Club and designed by expert research company, Verve – is the UK’s largest ever leisure vehicle survey. It compiles over 40,000 responses from caravan and motorhome owners (taking an estimated total of 20,000 hours to complete); it takes an in-depth look at their vehicles, the manufacturers that dominate the market, satisfaction levels and future innovations.
A staggering 89% of caravan owners and 91% of motorhome owners are happy with their vehicles – excellent news and something manufacturers and retailers should be proud of.
There are a total of more than one million leisure vehicles owned in the UK, many leisure vehicle owners regularly stay on Caravan Club sites and The Club reports excellent booking figures for 2016. The survey reflects the popularity of caravanning, with more enthusiasts taking-up the pastime.
The survey shows the bulk of caravan market ownership is dominated by manufacturers such as Adria, Bailey, Coachman, Elddis, Lunar, Sterling and Swift. While there are more players in motorhome manufacture (15 brands from 10 manufacturers represent 75% of the market), the top five are Auto-Sleepers, Auto-Trail, Autocruise, Elddis and Swift.
Once bitten by the leisure vehicle bug, fans are in for the long-term and keen to keep up with the latest models and trends. Over half (52%) of existing leisure vehicle owners predict they will be upgrading their caravans and motorhomes within 2-3 years, with 51% anticipating spending between £10-20,000.
What’s more, the quality of caravans and motorhomes is improving and the survey shows satisfaction with vehicles has increased. Since 2011 there has been a noticeable uplift across industry standards with new construction methods having a positive impact on customer satisfaction.
Leisure vehicle manufacturing and holiday spend is worth in excess of £6bn to the UK economy, the sector employs over 130,000 people and is currently going from strength to strength with no sign of slowing down.
Nick Lomas, Director General, The Caravan Club commented: “There is an undeniably high level of satisfaction among caravanners and motorhomers. We are confident the findings of the Leisure Vehicle Survey – which collected over 7.5m pieces of information – will help members and consumers to make informed choices on their leisure vehicle purchases. Caravanners and motorhomers enjoy exploring, both here and abroad, and The Club is committed to raising standards to ensure their continued satisfaction with this pastime. We would like to thank everyone who took the trouble to take part in the survey.”
Contact information
Nikki Nichol
External Communications and Sponsorship Manager
The Caravan Club
01342 336 797 / 07771 834443
nikki.nichol@caravanclub.co.uk
Notes to editors
Champions of the great outdoors, The Caravan Club represents the interests of over one million caravanners, motorhomers and trailer tent owners across the UK.
The Caravan Club offers its members over 200 Club Sites and 2,500 privately owned places to stay, and provides all members with expert advice, overseas travel services, financial services and exclusive member offers and discounts.