Coronavirus causes caravan and motorhome factory closures

News 25-03-2020 | 12:08 HOUR

The continuing coronavirus disruption to the caravan, campervan and motorhome industry deepened with the announcement of factory closures. 

The COVID-19 virus precautions means manufacturers have had to close their factories to protect their staff and customers from spreading the disease.

Motorhome and caravan servicing queries

On the 25th March, Bailey of Bristol announced it will close its factory until 21st April 2020, unless new government guidance changes their decision. The company said they have extended the due date for annual servicing by four months. That means owners who’d booked their caravan or motorhome in for servicing can maintain their warranty for the time being.

Swift Group, the Hull-based manufacturer, announced it has “suspended all business activities with immediate effect” and it would probably return to work on 4th May 2020. 

Elddis, in Consett, County Durham, also announced it will not penalise its owners for a late service on their caravans or motorhomes, as long as owners do so as soon as possible after the virus situation goes down.

Hillside Leisure, the Derby-based campervan builder, also closed its factory for the time being until government guidance shows it is safe to re-open.

Some dealerships continue to trade online. Marquis Leisure is still taking reservations for motorhomes and caravans on their website. They have set up a questions and answers page on their website to help customers with queries about servicing and more. 

Adria, the Slovenian manufacturer, also has a 3-month ‘grace period’ either side of their owner’s service date.

Non-essential travel

The UK government imposed stricter conditions on the movement of individuals which makes visiting a local dealership or an event to view motorhomes, caravans or campervans a ‘non-essential’ activity.

The restrictions may carry on for a few weeks which will make it tough for manufacturers and dealerships to trade. Government support will help companies to pay their employees. But, it’s likely that consumers will hold back on buying a new caravan or motorhome until this crisis subsides.