Swift Group Surpasses Expectations

Swift Group surpassed all expectations at this year’s Motorhome and Caravan show with their best ever performance on Touring Caravans and the third best on Motorhomes. Sales at the show alone are projected to exceed £35mn, boosting an already incredible start to the season with total retail sales from September exceeding £55mn.

The 2017 Motorhome and Caravan show is the industry’s most important retail event of the year and the first opportunity to showcase the major new launches of Swift Basecamp and Escape, and key initiatives such as Connect Direct, an exclusive customer service account for 2017 owners that enhances Swift’s industry leading customer service.

On Touring Caravans, all ranges performed extremely well with growth of 11% versus last year. The star performance came from Sprite, the UK’s No 1 caravan range, with growth of over 20%. Across all ranges, fixed beds layouts proved most popular especially the novel mid-transverse washroom.

Swift’s new crossover camping vehicle: Basecamp, opened the entire show and the three models were inundated with show attendees throughout the six days. Targeted at the ‘young at heart’ outdoor adventurer, Basecamp attracted interest from a wide range of people. Over 25% of the year’s volumes has been sold and the first export order secured from Swift’s Korean partner Bluebird.

For Motorhomes, the outstanding performance was the new Escape range with growth of over 40% compared to last year. Escape is Swift’s most popular coach-built motorhome range and has been transformed for 2017 with a new streamlined low profile creating a striking look that is reflective of more expensive ranges. Critically all models are at 3,500kg and can therefore be driven by anyone with a full licence. There were also strong sales across the other ranges notably on the luxurious Kon-tiki and the Black Edition Rio.

On Holiday Homes, the Whistler Lodge continued to attract high interest, with a number of trade deals completed and retail sales ahead of target.

‘I am delighted by the strong start we have achieved to the 2017 season underpinned by this record breaking show’ said Group Commercial Director Nick Page. ‘The success this year supports Swift Group’s approach which is based on innovative products, stylish design and high quality construction all packaged together to offer outstanding value. New product launches and major initiatives, such as Swift Command, where we are the only manufacturer to offer an APP based vehicle management system, ensure we retain our position as the UK’s leading manufacturer’.