The RV Dealers Association Board of Directors said it has reaffirmed its long-standing position on new model introduction and revised its position paper on the issue to align with the RV Industry Association’s approved voluntary best practice, which states 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 Board Chairman 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 8th 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 Aug. 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.