THE battle to reintroduce imports of a popular range of German-built caravans and
motorhomes is at a crossroads, according to the leading figure who
promotes the brand.
Geist sales were thrown into chaos and imports halted last year when Oakhurst
International Caravans, Australia's top importer, went into receivership
after running up debts of about $11 million, $4 million of which was owed
to secured creditor GE Commercial Corporation.
Oakhurst also traded under the names Fraser Coast
Caravans, Geist Caravans and Motorhomes, Geist Vehicle Leisure Australia,
Geist Vehicle Leisure, Geist Leisure Centre, Geist Direct and Geist For
Life.
Now Peter Treasure, who worked for the Queensland-based importer, has revealed
that "inroads" were being made to again secure the brand within
Australia.
Writing on his Geist website, Mr Treasure said if a new importer could be
found "then some spectacular new vans and possibly motorhomes could come
into the Australian market towards the end of 2010".
But problems were being encountered because the factory insisted on a
1000-unit minimum order by any dealership wanting to reintroduce the brand
to the Australian market.
"Even though the RV industry in Australia is going very well, a minimum
order of 1000 units per year may be outside what is feasible to sell," he
said. "As a premium product, the Geist just doesn't cut it in the budget
market arena and hence the volume is unlikely to move."
He wondered whether the factory would agree to "flat pack" units being
shipped to and assembled within Australia "like some of Australia’s most
popular brands are now doing".
"It certainly would force the RVMAA lobby group to shed some of their own
members off if they were to go up against the new Geist brand," Mr
Treasure said.
"Let's just say there are many very reputable people within Australia who
would love to go this way. It is now in the hands of the factory in
Germany."
He warned people not to expect many changes until at least mid-2010
because it would involve a major investment to tool a factory in Australia
to accommodate the Geist brand.
Mr Treasure hoped there would be further talks with Geist UK and the
factory and at least two gatherings of Geist owners in Australia this
year.
He urged enthusiasts to support his website at
www.geistowners.com and
help fight to keep Geist caravans on Australian roads.
Geist
import struggle now 'at a crossroads'
