German caravan and motor caravan manufacturers ramp up production again

Demand for new caravans and motor caravans in the German market reached a record high during the first half of this year. This development prompted German makers of leisure vehicles to ramp up their production again during the first six months of the year. The 68,451 vehicles that rolled off manufacturers’ assembly lines represent a 1.2 percent increase over the same period last year. Nearly half of these vehicles (42.1 percent) were shipped abroad. In contrast to a robust increase in export sales in 2018, sales in this sector dipped by 4.3 percent, but with 28,819 leisure vehicles exported, remain relatively high.

During the first half of this year, German leisure-vehicle manufacturers produced 41,260 motor caravans – just under 1 percent less than the record production figures achieved last year. Of these motor caravans, 42.0 percent were exported – a 7.5 decline relative to the first six months of last year. Sales growth in this export sector last year amounted to nearly 20 percent – but the 17,338 motor caravans vehicles exported thus far this year represent an estimable achievement.

Between January and June of this year, production of German-made caravans rose by 4.4 percent. Of the 27,191 caravans that rolled off manufacturers’ assembly lines, nearly half (42.2 percent) were exported. Caravan exports rose 1.1 percent to 11,481 units.

“Leisure-vehicle holidaying is extremely popular in all European countries, and the demand for German-made caravans and motor caravans remains very high both domestically and abroad. The dip in exports is attributable to the fact that demand in Germany itself has risen tremendously, and thus manufacturers prioritize servicing the domestic market. The fact that Germany exports more than 40 percent of its leisure vehicles makes our nation the market leader in the European leisure-vehicle sector,” said Daniel Onggowinarso, Managing Director of the trade association CIVD. “Currently, most German leisure-vehicle manufacturers have reached the limits of their production capacities. Which is why many of these companies are seeking to beef up their human resources, particularly when it comes to skilled manual and technical positions. But these companies also offer attractive career opportunities for individuals just entering the job market, or for those who are seeking to embark on a second career.”

About Caravaning Industrie Verband e. V.
Caravaning Industrie Verband (CIVD) is the trade association for the industrial arm of the German leisure vehicle sector. Our members include German and European leisure vehicle manufacturers, numerous leisure-vehicle supply vendors and service providers, as well as public institutions and associations. Founded in 1962, CIVD represents the interests of the
German leisure vehicle industry for all matters of concern to its members, through lobbying and other communication measures directed at German and European political institutions and government authorities. The CIVD is also the ideal sponsor for CARAVAN SALON, the world’s largest vehicle leisure industry trade show. In this capacity CIVD plays a pivotal role in promoting the progress and development of the European leisure vehicle industry.