RV Weekly

Ok, the long wait is over. Or is it better to say it’s the beginning. In countless budget meetings addressing what 2009 will bring, the question always asked has been, “Is the industry and the economy as a whole waiting for the uncertainty of the election to be over?”

I have spoken with RV dealers recently who expressed that the national consumer media outlets hurt us with slanted, negative coverage regarding purchasing large ticket items. And that no matter who you think would do a better job as president, the indecision of the election has made our consumers, to say the least, cautious. We also keep hearing that we are the first industry to suffer the pangs of a recession, but conversely, we are the first to rebound.

Looking to the future:

*We have a large buying event in less than one month.

* A new year approaching with continued challenges, and with that, opportunity.

* A chance to gain new buyers and marketshare.

My question is, what will our industry do now to take advantage of this time of optimism and opportunity? Do you have plans to add new lines to your rolling stock? Add new and profitable accessories to augment your existing lines.  Will you be lobbying to get new credit opportunities? Will you demand improved, greener and more economical products?

I don’t want to make this a commercial for RV Trade Digest and rvtradedigest.com, but we are gearing up for the future with new ideas to help the industry improve and stay better informed. But what I really would like to know, and have readers comment on, is what do you think we as an industry can do now to get back on track to success?

Recently I spoke with a California dealer to ask his thoughts on the RV sales, the industry outlook and the economy. I mentioned that many thoughts that I have heard from a multitude of sources suggest that when the uncertainty of the election is over and the “bail-out” bill takes effect the industry will settle down and be more positive.

This dealer does not believe that the election or the overall economy is the problem.  He thinks that the home mortgage situation is more important. If that portion of the credit industry will stabilize it will be much more significant than the overall economy outlook or the election. What do you think?