Caravan Industry Association of Australia has released the sector's 2022 manufacturing and import numbers with nearly 50,000 registrations recorded new to market.
Locally produced units reached 28,031 (+17.1% from previous year) a number not seen since post Cyclone Tracy, and when combined with imported product (20,498 +8.36% from previous year), saw the highest rate ever of new caravans entering the Australian market. These rates are directly attributed to the strong domestic demand for all things caravanning and Australia's desire to reconnect with our beautiful country.
Exports also recorded a record 9,568 units (+229.93% from previous year) at year-end December 2022, showcasing the regard for Australian built product which is regarded as some of the toughest in the world.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO, Stuart Lamont, said: "there is no surprise that Australians continue to invest in industry product, since caravanning and camping remains one of the best value and accessible holiday options, especially for families."
"Our industry through COVID was able to pivot and mobilise during challenging times, and now that labour and supply chain interruptions have minimised we continue to see strong output particularly from local manufacturers."
"Australia is renowned for producing rugged product suited to our stunning yet unforgiving terrain. With the ability to provide for urban escapism and the new workplace shift towards remote connection, the industry remains well positioned for anticipated strong consumer demand into the future."
The industry, however, is not resting on its laurels and continues to look to the future of caravanning and its inner-well of innovation for the next transition of the industry – a low emissions environment and tightening economic conditions.
While global uncertainties and rising inflation continue to dampen consumer confidence more broadly, the caravan and camping industry remains optimistic regarding the future despite the headwinds and looks forward to continuing to build on the $27 billion worth of annual economic value to the Australian economy.
"These most recent figures only further fortify the recreational vehicle manufacturing sector's position and importance as one of Australia's largest remaining bastions of automotive manufacturing, a position by which we need to see continued support and partnership for in order to maintain," said Stuart.
