This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 8/16/2019

Overview


The recreational transportation sector is generally comprised of recreational marine products, recreational vehicles (RVs), motorcycles, and miscellaneous vehicles (ATVs, snowmobiles, and golf carts).  Europe is the second largest RV market in the world after the United States.  In 2017, new registrations of RVs in Europe totaled 190,480, representing a 12.1 percent increase over 2016.  Total Dutch registrations in 2017 were 8,450.

In 2018 the Netherlands ranked as the 15th U.S. near-term export destination for recreational transportation vehicles.  According to statistics provided by the European Caravan Federation, there were 567,000 RVs at the end of 2016 in the Netherlands, of which 462,000 were caravans and 105,000 were motorized caravans.  In 2017, 6,699 new touring caravans and 1,751 new motorized caravans were registered, which amounted to 9.1 percent and 21.3 percent respective increases compared to the year before.  More than 70 percent of caravan and camper owners are older than 50, with an average age of 57.


Leading Sub-Sectors

The brands Avento, Bregland, Biod, Kip, and Kamath are the five largest Dutch RV manufacturers.  The German brands Hobby and Fendt are the most popular brands in the Netherlands.  Other European leaders in the motorized caravan market are Hymer, Adria, and Burstner.

Motorized caravans are particularly popular among Dutch citizens age 55 and older.  Organizations that represent the RV industry in the Netherlands include BOVAG, with more than 10,000 members.  The Royal Dutch Touring Club (ANWB), with more than 4 million members, represents both consumers and companies.  The European Caravan Federation (ECF) is the umbrella organization that represents national organizations of the European Caravan Industry.


Opportunities

Dutch customers are well-informed and demanding.  Many U.S. manufacturers modify and customize their products to meet European demands.  U.S. RV manufacturers can expect several challenges with exports to the Netherlands, as RVs must meet EU regulations, convert to 12-volt extra low voltage electrical installations, provide safety ventilation, and install liquid fuel heating systems.  The most cumbersome EU regulations that U.S. industry faces are related to width and weight requirements, which can make many U.S. RV models ineligible for sale in the EU.  In addition, in areas not governed by the EU, RVs must abide by Dutch domestic regulations, which may be different than other EU member countries.  However, the Dutch (and European) market for these vehicles is growing rapidly.  Sales of caravans and motorized campers have been rising steadily over the past years and are expected to increase in the coming years.


Web Resources

Market Analyses:                2016 Top Markets Report – Recreational Transportation

 

Trade shows:                       Kampeer en Caravan Jaarbeurs
October 9 - 13, 2019 | Jaarbeurs Utrecht, The Netherlands
Kampeer en Caravan Jaarbeurs website (Dutch only)

Association:                         KCI (Dutch Association for Camping and Caravan Industry)
                                                BOVAG (Association of Automotive Dealers)
                                                RAI Vereniging (Vehicle Industry Association)
                                                ECF (European Caravan Federation)

SME Resources:                   Resources are posted on the website of the Global Automotive Team.
                                               
Contact:                               Glenn van Polanen, Commercial Specialist                                             
U.S. Commercial Service – The Netherlands
Glenn.vanpolanen@trade.gov | +31 70 310 2423

 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.