The RV Industry Association has partnered with ITR Economics to produce the quarterly RV RoadSigns report that forecasts RV wholesale shipments to RV retailers. The first forecast under ITR Economics’ direction is scheduled to be released the week of September 14.
According to RVIA, ITR Economics is the oldest, privately held, continuously operating economic research and consulting firm in the United States, providing businesses with forecasting, economic information, insight, analysis and strategy. Since 1985, its overall forecast accuracy is 94.7 percent at one year out, RVIA added.
ITR was selected following a thorough search process that saw Market Information Committee and Executive Committee members review proposals and presentations from four economic firms that specialize in market forecasting.
“We are excited to welcome ITR Economics to the RV industry and look forward to working with their talented team to deliver accurate, actionable forecasts and analysis to association members,” said RVIA President Craig Kirby. “The firm has extensive experience in working with manufacturers, suppliers, wholesale distributors, and trade associations. That background will translate well in working with member companies to provide impactful economic data to help guide their business planning and decision making.”
The RV RoadSigns quarterly forecast provides wholesale shipment projections and insight on macroeconomic factors impacting the RV industry. It has been produced by Dr. Richard Curtin, director of surveys at the University of Michigan, who has conducted research on the RV market since 1979, including the association’s series of RV Consumer Demographic Profiles, in addition to the RV RoadSigns forecast. Curtin made the decision after RVs Move America Week 2019 to step away from the RV market forecast following the Summer 2020 issue of RV RoadSigns.
“The RV Industry Association, our members, and the RV industry are indebted to Dr. Curtin for the information, insight, and guidance he has provided on the RV market and the RV consumer,” said Kirby. “As one of the nation’s most respected experts on the economy and consumer confidence, his research and forecasting work provided credibility for the RV industry among key business and media audiences as well as consumers. Dr. Curtin played an integral role in the growth of the RV market over the last four decades, and we are enormously grateful and appreciative of his contributions.”
