Class B Market Share, Sales and Shipments

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Class B Market Share musings

The last few years have seen a shake-up in the market share percentages of Class B manufacturers.

In 2008 Roadtrek had a tremendous 62.6% market share.



By 2011 Roadtrek's market share had declined to 47.2% - still very impressive - almost half the market.



For 2012 Roadtrek's market share had further declined to 36.3% - still impressive as they hold the top spot but it is quite a drop from 62.6% to 36.3%.

The primary cause of Roadtrek's slide looks to be the gains made by Thor (Airstream) and Winnebago.

2012 breakdown:

Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc. 36.3% market share.
Pleasure-Way Industries Ltd. 19.6% market share.
Thor Industries Inc. (Airstream) 18.2% market share.
Winnebago Industries Inc. at 16.5% market share.

2013 is going to be interesting.

Back in November I posted this:

JACKSON CENTER, Ohio -– Airstream announced that its popular Interstate Class B motorhome model will be available in Canada beginning in Spring 2013. The Airstream Interstate, built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, claimed the spot of number one selling B-van model in the US for 2011 and through September 2012 according to Statistical Surveys Inc.

The Interstate boasts over 50 best in class features that distinguish it from its competitors. As a result, the Interstate has experienced tremendous growth in the US market, commanding 17 percent market share through September 2012. Interstate sales are up 72 percent year over year in the United States, leading Airstream to discuss opportunities for expansion in Canada.

“The Interstate offers a unique blend of luxury, design and performance that we are confident will do well in the Canadian marketplace,” said Airstream President and CEO Bob Wheeler. “We see tremendous possibility in this region and look forward to a very active spring, when our Canadian customers can hit the open road in the Interstate for the first time.”

Airstream plans to meet with potential Canadian dealers at the 50th annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky, November 27-29. At the show, the company will also debut a new nine-seat option for the Interstate, at the request of many dealers.

“As a result of our success in the United States, we have had several inquiries from both dealer and retail customers from Canada,” said Airstream General Manager Tim Garner. “We believe the combination of best in class product with progressive dealer programs will drive similar success in Canada and we look forward to discussing these opportunities with Canadian dealers in Louisville.”

Airstream has one Class B model I think yet they have captured 18.2% of the retail market.

Luxury coach builder Advanced RV enters its second year and has indicated that their goal is to produce 50 units. http://www.advanced-rv.com/

New-West RV should be offering a Westfalia van this year. They introduced it last year - see photos: http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...php?f=9&t=2243

Winnebago should be competitive this year. They sure seem to have the best prices on new Sprinters.

2013 might turn out to be much like 2012.

I think that the new Ford Transit http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...php?f=9&t=2455
and the new Ram Promaster http://www.classbforum.com/phpBB2/vi...php?f=9&t=2483
could really shake things up from 2014 onwards.

There could be downward price pressure on all but the luxury models.

If Winnebago ramps up and starts to churn out a basic budget campervan on either of the new models they could grab a bigger piece of the market.

If fiberglass topped high roof vans become a thing of the past where does that put Pleasure-Way and Roadtrek?

Roadtrek has held the top spot for 23 years. I think they'll extend that streak to 24. Their piece of the pie might not reach the previous highs as new the new players carve out their places.