INDUSTRY NEWS

RVMAA NOW REPRESENTS MOST MANUFACTURERS
The RVMAA now represents virtually all major Australian RV manufacturers, according to its president, Tony Bellamy. Membership continues to grow, and it is estimated that Members now produce over 95% of the RV's sold in Australia.

Tony said that the role of the RVMAA was more important than ever and it aims to ensure that the industry continues to represent the manufacturing sector in the key areas of production standards, industry traineeships and apprenticeships, and tourism relationships, at both Federal and State levels.

CARAVAN & MOTOR-HOME PRODUCTION TO INCREASE IN 2008
The Australian recreational vehicle manufacturing industry continued to expand steadily during 2007, despite the hefty increases in the cost of petrol, according to RVMAA president, Tony Bellamy. Most pleasingly, it looks like last year's total production figure of around 19,200 units will be bettered during 2008 as manufacturers' order books are quickly filling up, with a typical waiting period of a few months for new specific caravans. Interest in purchasing new RVs at this year's RV Shows has been very high.

“Production of caravans, camper-trailers, motorhomes and camper-vans has steadily increased over the past decade. The quality and appointments of locally-made RV’s continues to improve, with owners realizing they can travel with all of the luxuries of home. Programs such as the “60 Minutes” segment on “spending the kids’ inheritance” have been instrumental in increasing the attraction of travelling around Australia in a self-contained RV”, Tony said. “Australian-designed and made RV’s are world-class, and provide excellent value-for-money over the range from basic camper-trailers to the most elaborate motor-homes”, RVMAA vice-president Gerry Ryan said. “Buyers of locally-made RV’s from RVMAA Members can have confidence that they are buying a safe and quality product, and that their new purchase complies with all applicable safety standards, in addition to the RVMAA’s Code of Practice”, Gerry added.

APPRENTICE-BUILT CARAVAN ON SHOW
The first caravan built by apprentices at Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE (NMIT) was donated to the Melbourne Royal Children's Hospital for their Good Friday Appeal. Auctioned during the day on the internet, the caravan raised $30,000 for the hospital, along with providing excellent exposure for the training of apprentices.

The second caravan has been displayed at capital city RV & Camping shows, and has received most favourable comments. This caravan will be donated to the Westmead NSW Children's Hospital.

Called the NMIT Highlander, the caravans are built by apprentices, under professional guidance, for Certificates in Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing. The project came about by generous donations by RVMAA Members of all components needed to build a caravan.

RVMAA president Tony Bellamy said of the program: “Apprentices are the manufacturing industry’s future, and building caravans as part of their training gives them the multi-skilling abilities, so vital in developing and expanding the industry. ”With the increasing number of apprentices taking part in this certificate course, it is expected that two caravans will be built each year. The caravans will be donated to worthy charities that are involved with young people, to be used as the main prize in a raffle or auction.

RV WARRANTY SERVICE TRAINING COURSE BEING DEVELOPED
The RVMAA, in conjunction with Kangan Batman TAFE, is developing a warranty service training course for recreational vehicles. The project will include remote-learning facilities via the internet, to enable participants from all regions of Australia to study the various subjects, and to complete accreditation assignments in an inter-active manner.