2018 Recap and Looking Forward...

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We take a look back at 2018 and the events that defined it as well as touching on what can be expected in 2019.

What a year it has been! We have seen the release of multiple new ranges, formed a new partnership with a renowned manufacturer, won several awards and made it through one of the hottest summers on record. This was after the snow, of course...

I would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to everyone for their support throughout the last 12 months. We continue to be very humbled by the overwhelming warmth, generosity and loyalty from our customers, many of whom we are delighted to welcome back year on year.

The year started off with the news that Winchester Caravans had been awarded the '2018 Supplying Dealer of the Year' for pre-owned caravans at the annual national Practical Caravan Awards. What made this particularly special was that it was awarded based purely on customer feedback, through which we scored a 99% satisfaction rating. We are extremely grateful to receive such unique recognition; we will continue to listen to all your feedback throughout the year with the aim of continually improving the services we provide. A big 'thank you' to everyone who voted for us!

Once again this year we attended the South Coast Caravan and Motorhome Show at Broadlands (twice) as well as the two Motorhome and Caravan Shows at the NEC. The latter exhibition in October was especially significant as it was the first time we had been on the Elddis Group stand as a brand new Compass Caravan dealership. The response we received was enormously positive and we cannot wait to further develop this partnership over the years to come. Our current selection of Compass models can be found on our website, here, with more arriving in the coming months. Choose from the contemporary Casita, the impressively-specced Capiro or the luxurious Camino.

                   

The main feature that sets the Compass’ apart from their competitors is that they are built using a chemical bonding process (not dissimilar to the motor and aviation industry) that helps to create a sophisticated, impervious structure that is as light as it is strong. Their industry-leading 10-year water ingress warranty is a testament to the integrity of their ‘SoLiD Construction’ philosophy.

Perhaps more familiar with our customers are Bailey of Bristol, who released two entirely new ranges for the 2018/2019 season.

Firstly, there is the Phoenix range, a collection of seven ‘entry-level’ models with a number of ‘Unicorn-esque’ features and finishes, including the ‘Granite Stone’ shower cubicle and ‘Eucalyptus’ furniture finish. As well as boasting two mid-bathroom layouts a fixed-bed model under 23 feet, it gives prospective buyers the opportunity to customise the interior. This is achieved by offering decorative items such as scatter cushions, for example, as an optional extra.

In addition, Bailey has unveiled the new Pegasus Grande range. Comprising six spacious eight-foot-wide models, each one comes with an external BBQ point, solar panel, tracking system and AL-KO Trailer Control system (ATC) as standard. What’s more, four models have unique ‘G-shape’ seating areas at the front with a slide-able side table for added flexibility.

Looking Toward 2019

As well as rounding off our collection of new Compass and Bailey ranges we have just received the first models in our 'Inspiration' range, exclusive to Winchester Caravans. 

Based on the Lunar's lightweight Quasar range, the 'Inspirations' are fitted with over £3000 worth of extras, for just a few hundred pounds more. This new range there combines outstanding specification and incredible value for money and, as such, we expect them to be very popular next year. What's more, the unique graphics give the caravans a fresh, contemporary look for the new season.

Earlier this year we decided to start developing a new partnership with Vango (you may have seen their Varkala III and/or Rapide II air awnings up on site). We are delighted to report that their products have been a success and, as a result, we have made an even larger commitment this year, extending into their outdoor furniture ranges. As well as this we will be stocking a greater selection of their latest air awnings, some of which are designed to be used all year round, for those of you typically braving the darker, colder periods of the year. An example in the impressive Montelena 400 can be seen below.

New Staff

We have had the pleasure of recruiting several new staff this year in a number of departments, many of whom I am sure you will have already met. I know you will join me in warmly welcoming Jane, Ryan, Dan, Holly and James to our team and in wishing them the best for the coming years.

Christmas 2018

Please note, we close on 20th December at 12:00 and re-open on 2nd January from 10:00 - 16:00. We also open for two days in between on 29th and 30th December from 10:00 - 16:00, during which time we will have a number of offers across the majority of our new and pre-owned caravans and in the accessory shop.

We would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone and hope to see you soon. If you are out and about touring this time of year, have a wonderful time away.

- The team at Winchester Caravans

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