Design has never shared the same rapid evolution in the caravan industry as it does in the car world. Do we not expect the same creative and cutting edge concepts from caravan manufacturers?

Perhaps aesthetics aren’t valued by consumers, and so morning meetings for the development of a manufacturer’s latest model is focused around washable sofa covers or the number of on-board storage compartments. Looking at caravans over the years, you could be forgiven for thinking that functionality has dominated design to such an extent, that it’s been forgotten. However, times may be about to change.

A new generation of caravaners who are younger and more design savvy are on the horizon. Those who are fond of caravanning, but not too thrilled about spending time inside a brown toaster, might want check out this design by Czech student Jakub Novak.

Novak calls it the Odorico Pordenone, named after Italian medieval traveler Odoric of Pordenone. This expandable caravan is nothing less than cutting edge.

Although the design gained Novak the Czech National Award for Student Design, it’s still just a concept. But it’s more than just a fancy artistic concept. Solid engineering backs the mechanics of the expandable caravan and there is a fine balance between style and function. Looking at the design we find that there’s an inclination towards modernity and minimalistic appearance. When the caravan is parked, you can easily turn a crank within that causes the wings of the mobile home to open up. Besides revealing a large window that will allow you to enjoy the scenery outside, the mechanism transforms the cabin space between a living room and kitchen to a spacious bedroom. Novak’s concept evolves the current design principle of a caravan, transforming restricted space for a particular use, at a given time.

White dominates the interior, the exception being the light-green upholstery, black window panels and inner wall panels. The space also has modern fixtures and fittings that double up as multi-purpose spaces: up to four people can use the bed, although it’s meant for two. The designer has also suggested material specifications to ensure user comfort via efficient heat exchange and temperature management, addressing any environmental issues.

If it gets the required interest and investment, we might see one of these on the road, but would you buy it?

The Motorhome Caravan and Camping Show 2012 opened this week on the 14th Feb for the first time in London at ExCel.  The event is organised by the Caravan and Motor home industry and supported by the NCC.  This is a welcome introduction to the Southern market which has never had their own regional event.

It appears from reports that attendance has been great so far and initial feedback from the show is all positive.  Everyone is looking forward to a strong footfall at the weekend to help boost sales.  With ExCel being double the size of Earls court it can house something for everyone bring broad appeal to this new show.

The show is supported by all the major brands, including Elddis, Lunar, Bailey, Swift and the Trigano Group.  The Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club will have major exhibition stands at the show.

Unfortunately Specialised Covers are not attending the show this year.  With strong sales and a significant efficiency drive underway within the company for 2012 to improve all aspects of the business, from manufacturing output and quality to after-sales support, we feel the expense of these shows would be better spent invested back into the company to further improve an already successful initiative.

As we won't be attending the Motorhome Caravan & Camping Show 2012 at ExCel, London, we will still be offering a 20% discount off the price of our Tailored Caravan Covers. Quote the code EXCEL to claim your discount.

However the below comment from one of our competitors has been brought to our attention by customers.  We would like to let our loyal customers know that we were the innovators of the Tailored Caravan Cover and we supply the best quality, protection, and after sales support in the market.  This is supported by 30 years in the Cover industry.

We also cannot be beaten in Design and Innovation as proven in Patent County Court. With a competitors failed attempts of accusing Specialised Covers of Infringing their Intellectual Property Rights which were fervently defended, with Judge Meade concluding that Specialised Covers did not copy.  The claimant was then instructed to pay £30,000.00 of our costs.

"Our competitors may be able to beat us on price, but they CANNOT beat us on quality, protection or after sales support." Competitors quote from website

After more design inspired research on the web I came across this amazing women who has turned her passion for knitting into Art and Graffiti.

Considered to be the mother of yarn bombing, Magda's work has evolved to include the knitted/crocheted covered bus in Mexico City, as well as her first solo exhibit in Rome at La Museo des Esposizione in the summer of 2010 . She continues to lead community-based projects and works on commissions around the world with companies such as Absolut Vodka, Gap, Mini Cooper, and Smart Car as well as participating in shows at Milan's Triennale Design Museum, Le M.U.R. in Paris, and the National Gallery of Australia, among others.

She continues to expand her boundaries by joining integrated media company 1stAveMachine as one of their directors which will serve as a platform for new types of experimentation and collaboration.

These kind of designs and unique one offs are what we want to bring to our car enthusiast.  This is not just a thing to cover your car, its a statement, a lifestyle, a choice of how the things around you reflect your personality.  The aesthetic is become as important as the function, we hope to bring you both.

www.knittaplease.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Specialised-Covers/196314287053245?sk=wall

Usually around this time of year we attend the major Caravan and Camping Shows which take place nationally. Unfortunately, due to a successful end to last year where orders across the business have been strong, we won't be attending any events now until around the middle of this year. With strong sales and a significant efficiency drive underway within the company for 2012 to improve all aspects of the business, from manufacturing output and quality to after-sales support, we feel the expense of these shows would be better spent invested back into the company to further improve an already successful initiative.

As we won't be attending the Caravan and Motorhome 2012 Show at Event City, Manchester, we will still be offering a 20% discount off the price of our Tailored Caravan Covers.

This promotion runs from 19th January 2012 to 29th February 2012. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other Specialised Covers promotion. To claim your discount you will need to enter the code ‘EVENTCITY’ into the Discount Code box once you are on the Shopping Basket page and are about to place your order. If you experience any problems or would like some assistance, please call our sales team on 01943 864 646 who will be happy to help.

To order your cover simply select the appropriate options using the configure tab on the Tailored Caravan Cover product page, then proceed to the Shopping Basket and enter ‘EVENTCITY’ in the discount code to claim your 20% promotional discount.

To view the Tailored Caravan Cover please go to the product section within Caravan Covers.

Find a like for like, tailored caravan cover for cheaper anywhere else and we’ll offer our cover at the same price.

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We’re confident our pricing fairly reflects our product quality and extensive customer service, if you find however, one of our competitors has a tailored caravan cover or towing protector for cheaper please do give us a call on 01943 864 646. We’ll not only match the price but you’ll also receive our excellent and personal aftersales support, should you ever need us.

The conditions of our Price Match Promise

1. The product offered by a competitor, either online, over the phone or at a show, must be of a like for like nature in terms of form and function and offer the same level of protection. Products claiming to offer similar protection are often ‘Semi-fit’ by design and are not a comparative product to our fully tailored caravan covers. We have extensive knowledge of our competitor’s products and the marketplace and will be happy to assist you.

2. The product offered by the competitor must be a new, custom made, tailored caravan cover with the same or similar expected time of delivery. This simply to ensure their cover is not a previously returned and heavily discounted product, when infact, our cover would be a brand new, made to order, tailored cover for specially for you.

3. Our Price Match Quotation value will be valid for a period of 7 days only. Any sale thereafter will be at our normal retail price as listed on our website.

4. For us to match a quoted price given by a competitor we will need to see either a copy of your quotation given to you by them. This can either be emailed through to us or you can send us a hardcopy. We sometimes will look at validating any price given through gaining quotations ourselves if a proof cannot be supplied. We will then offer you a price match to the same value of any quotation we are given if a competitor’s cover is cheaper than ours.

If you have any questions or queries regarding this policy then please don’t hesitate in calling a member of our sales team who will be happy to assist you.