Romahome plans 50% production rise for 2010
Romahome, the motorhome manufacturer based on the Isle of Wight, is planning a 50 per cent rise in production this year as its models enjoy ever-growing popularity.
Managing director Brian Bailey says planned output is being lifted from its 2009 level of approximately 160 units to a record 240 as the company’s latest model, the R25, comes fully on-stream.
The R25, based on the second generation Citroen Berlingo and launched at the end of October, 2009, has already won its first award after being named small motorhome of the year by Motorcaravan and Motorhome Monthly magazine, the UK’s best selling motorhome publication.
“It’s fair to say that Romahome leads the small motorhome field and since we introduced the Outlook and Hylo models on the Citroen C15 base vehicle in the mid 80s we have been getting awards for our products,” explained Mr. Bailey.
“Outlook and Hylo graduated to the first Citroen Berlingo chassis and have been replaced by the R20 Hi and R20 Lo, both still on that chassis and winning awards until 2009. They now sit below the R25 in the current Romahome range of six models.
“It’s very pleasing although, without wishing to sound complacent, not surprising that the new R25 won its first award so early in its life.
“One of the main aims of the new design was to liberate interior space and it was this feature that wowed the judges and helped sway the decision in our favour.
“The new Citroen Berlingo’s layout allows us to incorporate the cab seats into the bed bases, effectively moving the beds forward to provide more living, kitchen, and bathroom space behind without more than a few inches being added to the overall external dimensions.
“The big thing about the R25, and the Outlook, Hy-lo and R20 models before it, is that it’s compact enough to be used as everyday transport, a role enhanced by R25’s four full seat belts.
“The current recession has not done much to dampen owners’ enthusiasm for the motorhome lifestyle – in fact at the many shows we attend there is ever more interest but owners have to be careful how they spend their money.
“Romahome models generally allow owners to make do with one vehicle but our largest product, the R40, is favoured more by people who probably run a car, too. Even so, its six belted seats and four berths make it ideal for families or older people who like to go out and about with children or grandchildren.
“Owners also seek quality, and the wealth of boat building expertise on the Isle of Wight allowed us to assemble a workforce that creates a higher quality product than many other motorhomes.”
The company, with its factory in Cowes, is part of the Southampton-based Freeborn Group and sells its products through a chain of a dozen dealerships across the UK, including a dedicated Romahome Centre in Southampton operated by the parent group.
It also uses its coachbuilding and conversion skills to create specialist commercial vehicles ranging from vans to deliver meals on wheels through to adapted 4x4s that allow public utility engineers to access remote places.
“Our good mix of products has allowed Romahome to keep its head above water – and our employees on overtime – when other makers have been cutting back or closing down,” added Mr. Bailey.
“But we are not over confident and will keep refining our designs. A large part of our success is to listen to our customers, who remain very loyal.”
