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Summary
as of 2020, the motorhome market in France has seen a steady increase in registrations, with over 504,000 motorhomes and 535,000 caravans registered. Although the market is led by a few dominant manufacturers, it also comprises around a hundred smaller entities, including subcontractors, installers and repairers. The market is largely influenced by the over-50s, particularly retirees, whose growing numbers should continue to drive market growth.
However, electric motorhomes are rare due to the weight restrictions imposed by the B driving license. Motorhomes are segmented among different players, with Trigano, Rapido, Pilote and Hymer/Thor leading the way in terms of sales. The market adheres to the Harmonized System classification, with specific codes for different types of motorhome and caravan
Analysis of demand in the French motorhome market
In recent years, the French motorhome market has seen a steady increase in demand. The French show a strong preference for this form of travel and vacation accommodation. As Europe's second-largest market behind Germany, the French motorhome industry reflects consumers' strong interest in camping, with motorhomes being preferred to caravans during their holidays. In fact, of the 113 million overnight stays recorded, only around a quarter preferred caravans to motorhomes.
One of the main drivers of the French market for leisure vehicles, including motorhomes, is the demographics of the over-50s, especially retirees. The dynamism of this market segment is set to continue, with an influx of 650,000 to 750,000 retirees every year, which should maintain, if not reinforce, the market's vitality. Purchase and rental prices for motorhomes in France vary according to factors such as vehicle type and size. For example, the minimum purchase price of a motorhome can vary from 17,000 to 42,600 euros, with maximum prices reaching 75,990 to 100,000 euros for different motorhome families. Similarly, a week's rental for a four-person motorhome can start at 500 euros and go up to 1,090 euros, while a rental for a six-person motorhome can range from 700 to 1,190 euros per week. These are basic prices excluding insurance, and additional costs for petrol and tolls must also be taken into account, which represented an approximate cost of 310 euros per motorhome stay.
As regulations governing motorhomes are similar to those for cars, and no special compulsory license is required to drive motorhomes weighing 3.5 tonnes or less, the barriers to entry for consumers are relatively low. at this weight limit, an ordinary B license is all that's required, making it easier for future motorhome enthusiasts to gain access to France. However, there are specific rules on maintenance, technical inspection and anti-pollution checks which are in line with automobile regulations, guaranteeing the maintenance and safety of these vehicles.
Overall, the French motorhome market presents a robust demand characterized by an aging population with the time and resources to enjoy leisure travel, combined with an accessible regulatory environment that encourages market participation.
Key players shaping the French motorhome market landscape
The French motorhome market is characterized by a range of companies specializing in the manufacture, distribution and services associated with the leisure vehicle industry. While some occupy a dominant position as manufacturers, others operate within distribution networks or offer support through the sector's growing collaborative economy. Below is an overview of the main players without reference to their sales figures, highlighting their roles and contributions to the motorhome industry in France.
Motorhome manufacturers
- Trigano: Trigano is a prolific motorhome manufacturer that has made a name for itself in the leisure vehicle sector. Known for its wide range of motorhomes, the company has a rich heritage and continues to be the brand of choice for many enthusiasts looking for quality and reliability.
- Rapido: Another major player, Rapido rubs shoulders with the leading manufacturers with a diversified offering. Its motorhomes are appreciated for their innovative design and comfort, and appeal to a wide range of customers, from the most budget-conscious to those who appreciate luxury on the move. **Pilote**: Pilote offers a wide variety of motorhomes on the market, with a reputation for integrating living spaces and modern technologies into its vehicles. Its commitment to quality has consolidated its position as a leading competitor in the motorhome manufacturing sector.
- Hymer / Thor: Hymer, now part of the Thor Industries family, is an internationally recognized name. Focusing on the creation of top-of-the-range motorhomes, the brand emphasizes innovation and has established a loyal base of customers who appreciate know-how and advanced features in their leisure travels.
Car manufacturers offering leisure vehicles
- Fiat - Ducato: The Fiat Ducato platform is the basis for many motorhomes, making Fiat a key player in the motorhome market. Known for their reliability and versatility, Ducato chassis and engines are a popular choice among motorhome manufacturers, underscoring Fiat's indirect but significant influence on the motorhome experience.
Motorhome distributors and retailers
- SLC Group: Integrated into the distribution networks, SLC Group is a key distributor offering a wide range of motorhome makes and models, providing potential buyers with a wide choice.
- TPL: TPL is another key distributor in the French motorhome market, acting as a bridge between manufacturers and end-consumers. Thanks to its strong market presence, TPL guarantees access to a wide range of motorhome options for a broad customer base.
- Groupe CLC: A global approach to sales and customer service.
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Inforamtion
- Number of pages : 30 pages
- Format : Digital and PDF versions
- Last update : 08/11/2021
Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Market definition
A motor home (otherwise known as a recreational vehicle, motor home, or motor home), is a habitable motor vehicle . Annex II. of the European Directive 2001/116/EC of 2001 classifies motor homes in category M1: "vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers comprising, in addition to the driver's seat, not more than eight seats. "
The motor homes can be of different types defined later in the study: the Capucine, the Profilé, the Intégral, the van or the removable cell.
The motorhome market in France includes both :
- The purchase of new or used motorhomes,
- The rental of motorhomes,
- The various associated services of maintenance, repair, insurance, financing, and purchase of accessories.
With a fleet of recreational vehicles (RVs) estimated in 2018 at more than 504,000 motor homes in France and more than 535,000 caravans in France, the number of registered campervans (new and used) continues to increase every year [ Uni VDL ]. France is also the second largest European market behind Germany . Camping remains the preferred holiday mode for the French in 2019 and out of 113 million overnight stays recorded in 2018, only ¼ of campers preferred caravans to motorhomes.
The motorhome market, dominated by a few leading manufacturers, also includes some 100 very small companies, most of which are subcontractors, fitters or repairers. The financial difficulties of some players in the motorhome market suggest that the outlook may be more bleak in the future.
In terms of consumer profile, the over-50s, and in particular retirees, play a key role in the dynamism of the French leisure vehicle market, including campervans. This trend is expected to continue over the next few years, with the arrival in France of 700,000 retirees each year, and positively impact the motorhome market [ INSEE ].
List of charts
- Evolution des prix à la consommation des camping-cars
- Evolution de la part des Français âgés de plus de 60 ans
- Evolution de l'indice CNR sur la période 2021-2022
- Evolution du nombre d'immatriculation de camping-cars neufs
- Evolution des exportations de camping-cars
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Latest news
Gustave Rideau hands over the company to his sons - 10/10/2023
- The group has 1,100 employees.
- Group sales amount to 260 million euros.
- The group is made up of three distinct entities:
- Aluminium Rideau: 550 employees, over 50% of group sales, 3 manufacturing sites.
- Mobil-home Rideau: 370 employees, 3 manufacturing sites.
- Cybèle Vacances: 40 employees on permanent contracts (454 in season), 4 campsites from 3* to 5* and 1 vacation residence. The group has forecast growth of 64.4% between 2020 and 2022.
- The pergola plant currently in operation plans to produce 2,500 units in 2023 and 3,500 units in 2024.
- The Group plans to increase mobile home production by 30%, reaching a manufacturing capacity of 6,500 products per year.
Motorhome rentals: Yescapa merges with Goboony - 30/08/2023
- The consolidation between Yescapa and Goboony will create a European leader in motorhome rental between private individuals, with 30,000 vehicles available.
- Yescapa, founded in 2012, has made several acquisitions, including Germany's ShareaCamper and Spain's AreaVan.
- Goboony, founded in 2015, has acquired the assets of the UK's Camptoo.
- American platforms such as RVshare and Outdoorsy each raised around $150 million, compared with 18 million euros for Yescapa and Goboony.
- New investor Ixo Private Equity injected 7 million euros, valuing the new company (Yesboony) at around 100 million euros.
- The new group employs 210 people.
- Each company will retain its autonomy and brand name until 2026.
- The new group generates sales of around 100 million euros, but remains loss-making.
- Only 2% of motorhome owners rent their vehicle, out of an estimated 2.5 million vehicles in Europe.
Horizon L'Agence de Loisir looks beyond its Vendée borders - 10/07/2023
- Objective: double sales in 5 years
- Crédit Mutuel Private Equity investment in the company: 4.2 million euros
- Current sales: 12 million euros
- Number of employees: 15
Trigano enters into exclusive negotiations with Bénéteau to acquire BIO Habitat - 05/05/2023
Trigano is in exclusive negotiations to buy Bénéteau's BIO Habitat subsidiary.
The acquisition could be completed by the end of 2023.
Bénéteau's Habitat division includes the O'hara, IRM and Coco Sweet brands.
The division employs 900 people at seven production sites in France and Italy.
In 2022, Bénéteau's Habitat division generated sales of €257.2 million.
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