Record-breaking show proves growth of Chinese industry

A record attendance of 25,448 visitors flocked to the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center for the All in Caravaning (AIC) show this June – making it the best attended in its history. The event, which was also celebrating its 10th edition this year, housed more than 200 brands across 39,000sqm of floorspace and was declared a resounding success by organisers Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Its general manager, Marius Beriemann, said: “We are so delighted to once again present a high-quality trade show to the industry. During the three-day event, we welcomed a new record of 25,448 visitors. This fact not only underlines the importance of AIC for the Chinese RV industry but also shows that face-to-face meetings are demanded more than ever before.”

The six per cent increase on visitor numbers was backed up by positive results from a visitor survey that was conducted at the show – it revealed that 94.24 per cent of visitors were satisfied with the event and 97.38 per cent wanted to return to the show in 2022. Exhibitors too were satisfied with the event (92.32 per cent of those surveyed) and 90.45 per cent of them said they would like to return in 2022.

AIC also played host to the China RV Parts and Outdoor Products Export Seminar and the 2nd Sino-German Dealer Workshop, which were both successfully held with remote access for international guests due to coronavirus restrictions. Experts from Germany and Australia joined the events online for talks with Chinese manufacturers and dealers. Both events attracted more than 120 participants from the sector.

The show also hosted a German Pavillion for the first time – a place where the many manufacturers and brands from Germany could easily be found in one place for visitors.

What the exhibitors said…

Mr. TIAN Minghui, general manager of Tangshan Yate Special Vehicles Co., Ltd:

“It has been ten years since the launch of AIC, and Yate RV has participated in eight editions. Yate and AIC have been growing together. AIC is a truly professional industry show. The quality of exhibitors and visitors has improved greatly over the ten years. The products exhibited at AIC are becoming increasingly upscale and comprehensive. In the future, we will continue to develop together with AIC.”

Mr. LI Mingcheng, general manager of DACHI Intelligent RV:

“AIC has established a perfect platform for the integration of Chinese and international industries as well as brand display and promotion, which has a profound impact on the rapid and sustainable development of the caravanning industry. We cherish and appreciate the opportunity to showcase at AIC.”

Mr. LIAO Hongbin, CEO of RV International:

“RV International has participated in all the editions of AIC since it was launched ten years ago. We have achieved fruitful results at the exhibition. This year, we showed more outdoor elements to consumers. From RVs to outdoor camping equipment and to outdoor food, we presented consumers with a wide variety of elements of outdoor life. In the future, we will continue to join hands with AIC to showcase the outdoor consumption and recreation culture for the industry and consumers.

 Mr. WEI Xiangyang, general manager of AL-KO (Yantai) Machinery Co., Ltd:

“The German Pavilion, which made its debut at AIC, brought not only quality German products, but also sophisticated European technology and concepts. With the support of the professional AIC, the German Pavilion contributed to the sustainable growth of China’s caravanning industry with products made in Germany.”

The future’s bright

Perhaps the most interesting thing about this year’s AIC was the fact that it showed a bright future for the Chinese camping and RV market. The show welcomed more than 1,500 families through its doors and visitor surveys showed that the largest age group of attendees was 30-39 years old (56 per cent), with only 8.9 per cent in the 50 years old and over category. These young families have undoubtedly become potential customers. “My family and I came to the caravanning show for the first time, which was really an eye opener. The caravan is fully functional for people to live in. You can sleep, cook, bathe, and even bring pets in it. We are so eager to experience it. I plan to rent a caravan first, and buy one later, if possible,” said Mrs. Gao from Hebei province.

The post-show survey also revealed that motorhomes are more popular than trailers/caravans (71.82 per cent versus 26.44 per cent) and that RV performance and quality and convenience are the two most important buying considerations for consumers.

In terms of most popular brands, the top three most popular imported brands as voted for by show visitors were Coachman, Dethleffs and Hobby, while the top three domestic brands were SAIC MAXUS, Jin Guan and Yu Tong. 

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