RVDA Approves Revisions to New Model Intro Position

RV Business

The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) Board of Directors has reaffirmed its long-standing position on new model introduction, according to a releae, and revised its position paper on the issue to align with the RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) approved voluntary best practice that manufacturers make their annual model year and major product design changes between July 1 to Aug. 31 each year.

“This is a challenging year for dealers and manufacturers,” said RVDA Chairman of the Board Nathan Hart. “The RVDA Board of Directors agrees it is imperative to restate its position on the importance of consistency in model year changeover, which enhances the buying experience for consumers and reduces confusion in the marketplace. This revised position strongly supports RVIA’s voluntary best practice on model year and major product design changes that was approved in 2020 and reaffirmed in February 2023.”

Below is the position approved by the board following its March 8 meeting:

RVDA POSITION ON NEW MODEL INTRODUCTION

To enhance the RV buying experience for consumers, the RV Dealers Association recommends that RV manufacturers follow the RV Industry Association’s voluntary recommended best practice and make their annual model year and major product design changes between July 1 to August 31 each year.

Model year changeovers outside the recommended timeframe can:

Create consumer confusion in the marketplace
Create uncertainty in the RV financing process
Cause inventory planning problems for both dealers and manufacturers
Challenge the credibility of the RV industry

RVDA commends RVIA member manufacturers for developing this voluntary recommended best practice on annual model year and product design changes.

APPROVED by the RVDA Board of Directors 3/15/23

About RVDA: RVDA is the only national association dedicated to advancing the RV retailer’s interests through education, member services, industry leadership, and market expansion programs that promote the increased sale and use of RVs and that enhance the positive image of the RV experience. RVDA is at the forefront of dealer-manufacturer issues, state and federal legislation that affect RV retailers, the national Go RVing advertising campaign, and educational programs covering all aspects of dealer operations.

Source: https://rvbusiness.com/rvda-approves-revisions-to-new-model-intro-position/