Motor caravans are used for vacations and other activities such as parties, shows, and multi-day events. They offer the added benefit of reducing trip costs relative to other everyday vacation activities. A caravan is any human-habitable structure that can be moved from one location to another, typically by being pulled (or transported on a motor vehicle or trailer). In addition to fifth-wheelers, demountable, and mini campers, the legal term for this vehicle class is motor caravans. A motorhome is a vehicle that combines transportation and temporary housing for outdoor recreation, travel, and entertainment. In other words, a motorhome is a recreational vehicle such as a camper van. There are many benefits to owning and traveling in a motor caravan, including convenience, comfort, family appeal, affordability, the appeal of the outdoors, and versatility.
As urbanization rates increase in numerous developing countries, automobile demand has exploded. In addition, most developing countries have experienced significant increases in consumer spending over the past decade, with more people opting for luxury, safety, and fuel efficiency. As a result, manufacturers have been compelled to update their technology to keep up with demand and develop novel concepts in response to the market's expanding consumer demands. As auto production increases, it is anticipated that the market for motorhomes and caravan will grow during the forecast period.
Aside from this, governments in several developing nations are urging their citizens to purchase vehicles that emit fewer harmful gases as environmental awareness grows in these nations. Aside from that, rewarded customers are switching to these vehicles due to the numerous comforts offered on caravan vehicles in multiple countries. In addition, the market for motor homes is anticipated to expand due to manufacturing companies being compelled to invest in research & development to improve vehicle technologies while considering the demand.
As electric vehicles continue to dominate the automotive industry, RVs and caravans will soon be powered by electricity. The larger a caravan is, the greater the required towing weight and power. Currently available electric vehicles cannot tow a large trailer. The Iridium E Mobil 70EB, which debuted at the early 2019 German Trade Show, now has a range of 249 miles as opposed to the previous 124 miles. This is the world's first electric recreational vehicle, and its single-charge range is encouraging.
Future electric vehicle owners who own or rent homes desire to install electric motors on single-axis caravans so that small electric vehicles can tow medium- to large-sized caravans. New fully electric RVs are introducing the industry to cutting-edge propulsion technologies, with a range of 400 kilometers per charge, up from 300 kilometers previously. Numerous RV manufacturers have already integrated smart home technology into their dwellings. The emergence of multiple online rental platforms and the advancement of remote business technologies are likely to aid the industry in providing customers with a diverse inventory and assisting them in selecting the ideal automobile.
Europe will command the market, expanding at a CAGR of 8.5% over the forecast period. Germany is anticipated to contribute significantly to the regional market share. Buyers in the region place a premium on comfort and features. Increasingly popular are smartphone applications that connect to a vehicle and provide information such as the amount of gas and water in the tanks and the battery life. According to the European Caravan Federation, Germany registered 29,148 brand-new caravans in 2020.
Due to the change in driver's license requirements, manufacturers are attempting to reduce the overall weight, but installing these components compromises the weight reduction. As caravan rentals gain popularity nationwide, rental companies and manufacturers compete for market share. The country is exceptionally well-equipped with campgrounds and RV services. Additionally, Germany has an extensive network of campgrounds. However, production of caravans and motorhomes was halted due to covid, which impacted the year's overall growth.
North America is likely to expand at a CAGR of 7%, accounting for USD 26 billion by 2030. The United States is North America's largest market for caravans and motorhomes. In 2020, manufacturers shipped more than 430,414 travel trailers to wholesale dealers. About 85% of recreational vehicles sold in the United States are manufactured domestically. The increase in numbers reflected the elevated demand throughout all of 2020, beginning in early summer. Nonetheless, the sector has been negatively impacted by US tariffs on steel and aluminum and other charges on various RV products manufactured in China, including electronic components, vinyl seat covers, and plumbing fixtures.
As a result of tariff-related price increases, manufacturers were compelled to pass on some of the extra costs through higher RV prices, which slowed sales. However, the pandemic outbreak rekindled market demand because, after lockdown restrictions were lifted, people began using motorhomes and caravans instead of public transportation to travel nearby to enjoy nature away from home. Due to the surge in demand, major financial institutions are interested in these vehicles to seize the market.