The Salon des Vehicules de Loisirs (RV show) in France will be held from 21 to 29 September at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center.

The show has been held at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Le Bourget since 1966, but this year, due to the Olympic events taking place in the City, it will be held at the Parc des Expositions Paris-Nord Villepinte. Due to its longevity and attendance, this show remains the largest showcase in France of the French and European recreational vehicle industry.

For nine days, motorhomes, vans, mobile homes, caravans, trailers, equipment, and accessories will be exhibited, along with representatives from the specialized press, associations related to the sector, and credit and insurance organizations. Unlimited car parking, a dedicated area for visitors’ motorhomes, a test center, and a used vehicle sales area between individuals will complement the exhibition halls

Michel Freiche, the president of the Salon des Vehicules de Loisirs says: “The vehicles are available again, the distributors’ stocks replenished… this year’s show is an opportunity for buyers to play the competition!” He believes this year’s exhibition will be a highlight for both exhibitors and visitors.

The recreational vehicle market, which had been experiencing steady growth for several years, was disrupted by the health crisis, followed by the economic crisis. During the covid health crisis, recreational vehicles offered the prospect of travelling with family while avoiding crowds and crowded public spaces. This significant advantage allowed recreational vehicle distributors to achieve record sales in 2021 post-lockdown.

However, due to a disrupted global supply chain of electronic components and covid health restrictions imposed on many production sites and dealerships, there were significant slowdowns in the production and delivery of motorhomes across all manufacturers in 2022 and 2023. But according to Michel Freiche, 2024 promises to be more successful for both exhibitors and individuals.

“We are coming out of a complicated period during which it was difficult to manufacture new vehicles, and with car manufacturers delivering very few chassis. This year, we are seeing a gradual return to normality with distributors replenishing their stocks and vehicles being available again.”

“At the end of June, for the first six months of the year, the market saw a growth of about 10%, with 15,000 new vehicles registered. Growth is particularly strong for classic motorhomes, which increased by 17%. The used market, which was boosted in previous years due to shortages of new vehicles, is down 6% between 2023 and 2024 by the end of June. This market, however, remains dynamic and still represents more than twice the volume of new vehicles,” said Michel Freiche.

With the return to normality, the 2024 RV show, dedicated to retail sales, promises to be a must-attend event for making good deals as manufacturers who had to deal with chassis shortages between 2021 and 2023 have now restored their production capacities and will be able to deliver new orders quickly. The largest motorhome and caravan brands will be present, offering visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate the entire European range.

For Michel Freiche, this 2024 edition is an opportunity to leverage competition. “The availability of vehicles will allow our visitors to make good deals. Buyers will not only discover the latest innovations in the sector but also benefit from very competitive prices on vehicles available quickly.”

Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Activity in France

• Revenue of the four main French groups: €5.6 billion (60% exported)
• Direct workforce: 6,500 jobs mainly located far from major urban centers
• Several thousand induced jobs at component manufacturers, repairers, and distributors

French Leaders in Recreational Vehicles

• Trigano (motorhomes, caravans, and mobile homes)
• Rapido (motorhomes and mobile homes)
• Pilote (motorhomes)
• Bénéteau (mobile homes)
• 30 factories in the territory

Distribution of Motorhomes and Caravans in France

• Revenue: €3.1 billion
• About 500 dealers
• Workforce: 4,500 employees

The Recreational Vehicles Show at Paris Nord Villepinte showcases the market, highlighting the recreational vehicle industry and the expertise of French manufacturers. These companies contribute to the economic development of regions by creating and maintaining jobs where their factories and headquarters are located.

“Today, three French groups represent two-thirds of the national motorhome market: Trigano, Rapido & Pilote enjoy a solid reputation for quality, innovation, and design. They stand out for a long tradition in the manufacture of motorhomes and caravans, with decades of experience. This is reflected in their increasingly accessible, innovative vehicles with better-suited equipment for recreational vehicle use,” explains Michel Freiche.

In the coming years, the recreational vehicle industry anticipates several significant challenges. Consumers and governments are increasingly focusing on the environmental impact of vehicles. Manufacturers must therefore look into cleaner technologies to reduce emissions and minimize the carbon footprint of recreational vehicles.

The Euro 6 standard, in effect for several years, has already made significant progress in reducing pollutant emissions. It imposes strict limits on fine particle and other pollutant emissions, prompting manufacturers to innovate and adopt more efficient engines with effective exhaust gas treatment systems. However, the sector must now prepare for the implementation of the Euro 7 standard, expected in the coming years. This new regulation will be even more demanding, with lower emission thresholds and consideration of particles emitted by brakes and tires. Recreational vehicle manufacturers will invest in the research and development of advanced technologies, such as hybrid and electric engines, to improve the energy efficiency of their vehicles.