Swift Caravans strengthens its position for 2011 with appointment of new CEO

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by Marcus Dubois

Swift Caravans has taken steps to strengthen its senior management team by appointing a Chief Executive Officer.

Swift believes the appointment of James Buckley will help the company “deal with the increasing pressures and challenges facing the market over the next decade”.

Mr Buckley joined the board of Swift Group Ltd on 17 January and will report to the board of Swift Holdings UK Limited. After a short bedding-in period he will take over responsibility of managing the day to day operations of Swift.

Refreshing the range

Swift has seen significant growth in recent years after the company expanded into the holiday home market in 2005. It is the only company to produce touring caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes – and maintaining the position of Swift in all three sectors will be a significant challenge for the CEO.

Last year the caravan division celebrated record sales after the introduction of four new models. The popular Swift Challenger and Swift Conqueror were revised for 2011 alongside the Sterling Eccles and Sterling Elite. And due to the popularity of the new look, Caravan Times believes other existing ranges such as the Swift Charisma will be refreshed this year.

Setting the pace

New CEO James Buckley had previously served in the same position for Tunstall Group, a leading provider of telecoms solutions to the healthcare market. Swift Holdings chairman Peter Smith praised his “great track record of managing senior teams” and hopes “he will add another dimension to the team we already have here at Swift”.

Mr Buckley said in reaction to his appointment “Swift is a market leader and pace setter within the caravan industry.

“It is a great challenge for me to join this successful team and hopefully lead them to even greater success in the future.”

New mountain biking event planned in the Lakes

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by Gemma Roskell

As a top caravanning spot, the Lake District has something to offer everyone. But now mountain biking enthusiasts have even more reason to visit.

For the first time this year, a new mountain biking event known as Lake Epic will be taking place over two days in May.

Sponsored by planetFear, the ride will cover 110 kilometres of mountainous Lake District terrain which will challenge even the most seasoned of riders.

It will be held on May 21st and 22nd during the Keswick Mountain Festival, which runs from May 18th to 22nd.

Participants will begin their ride from the festival’s adventure base in Keswick, covering 65 kilometres on the first day before staying overnight in a tent and continuing on to complete the remaining 45 kilometres the next day.

Those who don’t fancy having a go themselves can find a good viewing spot and take in all the action from the sidelines.

Alternatively, they could pack their own mountain bikes on their caravanning trip and sample some of the many gentler but equally scenic routes the Lake District has to offer.

Wales still popular with UK holidaymakers

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by Gemma Roskell

Wales remains a popular hotspot for caravanners and other holidaymakers, according to the latest tourism figures.

Data from the latest UK Tourism Survey shows that the region held up well in 2010, despite economic pressures.

UK residents made 7.28 million visits to Wales between January and September, during which they stayed at least one night.

This was down just one per cent on the number of visits recorded in the same period in 2009 and compares to a four per cent drop in visitor numbers for the UK as a whole.

Short breaks of between one and three nights in Wales have seen the biggest growth, with trip numbers up ten per cent year on year.

The publication of the figures comes after a survey by VisitBritain found that visiting Welsh castles was the number one activity most overseas tourists want to partake in when they arrive in the UK.

Caravanners warned of ‘dazzle danger’ when driving

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners have been reminded that although the wintry weather conditions have dissipated for the time being, there are other potential dangers on the road.

Car care specialist Armor All warned that poor visibility can be a problem in the winter months, as the sun lays lower in the sky.

It pointed out that vision-related issues contributed to ten per cent of all UK road accidents last year, with sun-dazzle playing a major part in many collisions.

Having a clean windscreen is therefore especially important in winter, as dirt and film from the road surface can reduce visibility even further.

Armor All recommended using glass wipes or a special cleaner on both the inside and outside of the windscreen, as well as carrying out regular inspection of windscreen wipers to ensure they are in full working order.

Such safety practices are essential for all drivers, but for those towing large caravans they are paramount to help avoid accidents.

REVIEW: Elddis Xplore 304 photos, weights and layout

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by Holly Tribe

Building on the success of the Xplore 302 – the popular 2 berth micro tourer released last year – Elddis Caravans is bringing out another lightweight, compact van with a family friendly bunk bed layout.

Whale underfloor heating and a free standing dining table extension with its own dedicated storage are just a couple of the clever room saving initiatives have been used to make the most of the space available.

A fresh interior design scheme has been introduced with ‘Lois’ soft furnishings in light brown and beige tones, complimented by heavy duty dark brown bamboo effect floor vinyl which is easy to clean. There’s also a deep pile carpet runner that can be removed for easy cleaning.

In the kitchen there’s a 115 litre domestic style fridge, and Spinflo 3 burner hob with 1 larger burner which is great if cooking with a large wok or saucepan.

Despite its diminutive dimensions, Elddis have still managed to fit in a full sized nearside corner washroom adjacent to the twin bunks in the rear end.

Billed as the UK’s ‘lightest and smallest’ 4 berth caravan, the Elddis Xplore 304 is likely to appeal to first time caravanners. Chris Whitham, Commercial Director at Elddis comments: “Following the huge success of the Xplore 302 launched in February 2010. We are very excited about the new Xplore 304 and are confident that this unique product will be equally well received by our customers”.

The price is yet to be confirmed but it is possible the 304 could be positioned between the 2 berth Xplore 302 and the 5 berth Xplore 495.

  • Berths: 4
  • MTPLM: 1050kg
  • Overall Length: 5.34m
  • Axle: Single
  • Awning size: 8.15m

France ‘a top holiday destination’ for caravanners in 2011

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by Gemma Roskell

There are a number of reasons why France should be seen as a top holiday destination by caravanners this year, one travel writer has claimed.

In an article for the Daily Telegraph, Fred Mawer pointed out that the cost of crossing the English Channel has come down considerably over the last ten years.

“In the summer months, you can get the car and family to France and back for under £100,” he stated.

Mr Mawer insisted that no European country comes close to France in terms of the range and quality of campsites and caravan sites on offer.

He also praised the food available in France, claiming that even with current exchange rates there are bargains to be found if holidaymakers eat out wisely.

For those who prefer to keep costs down by preparing meals in their caravan, local markets can provide plenty of tasty goodies at reasonable prices.

And if all that wasn’t enough, Mr Mawer said there are a variety of events and new openings taking place in France this year.

In Metz art lovers can visit the new Centre Pompidou modern art gallery, while families can head to an “intriguing” horticultural theme park in the Loire.

Caravan Club helps holidaymakers visit the UK’s free attractions

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners hoping to visit some of the UK’s top free attractions this year will find plenty of Caravan Club sites close by.

The group said it has parks near many of the sights on Enjoy England’s list of the best things to see and do in the UK in 2011.

For example, visitors to the Albert Dock in Liverpool, which is home to the Maritime Museum and the Tate Gallery, as well as numerous bars and restaurants, can pitch up in the Wirral Country Park Caravan Club Site.

Eastbourne Pier is another of the attractions to make the list, and the Sheepcote Valley Caravan Club Site is ideally placed for a trip to the Victorian landmark.

Other sites serving great free days out in the UK include the Rowntree Park Caravan Club Site, close to the National Railway Museum in York, and the Lower Clough Foot Caravan Club Site, near Bradford’s National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

“It’s no secret that VAT increased on January 4th, with consumers no doubt in search of ways to lessen the impact on their wallets,” said the Caravan Club.

“The good news is there are plenty of ways to explore the UK on the cheap, with top attractions opening their doors free of charge.”

REVIEW: Bailey Pegasus Series II – the evolution of a revolution

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by Holly Tribe

Caravan Times was delighted to attend the launch of the next generation Bailey Pegasus last Friday. There have been some major revisions both inside and out, and although there’s now less kit included, a new pricing structure sets models at £1,000 less than their predecessors.

Model numbers have been replaced by Italian cities and the original seven model line-up has been cut back to five 2 – 6 berth options. Along with a couple of revised layouts, there’s a brand new family friendly option which features triple rear bunks next to a nearside end bathroom.

Click here for layouts and specifications of the Bailey Pegasus Series II

What’s new inside?

Looking around the Pegasus Series II, it is clear that the runaway success of the Bailey Unicorn launched last September has influenced many of the design changes.

Critics of the original Pegasus complained about ‘bland and sterile interiors’ and Bailey have paid due care and attention to customer feedback in this respect. Walnut-veneer cabinetry, maroon scatter cushions and curtains are a departure from the more clinical interiors in the Peg I, adding warmth and bringing the range in line with the more popular Unicorn design.

Click here to continue reading “Bailey Pegasus Series II – the evolution of a revolution

Bailey Pegasus Series II – full model specifications and layouts

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by Holly Tribe

The new Bailey Pegasus Series II has seen some major revisions both inside and out, chief of which are the new layouts. The original seven model line-up is reduced to five, and a couple of those have been revised for the second generation, alongside a brand new family friendly option which features triple rear bunks next to an end washroom.

Below we take you through all the specifications and changes, including a diagram of each layout.

Pegasus Genoa

New far-side kitchen layout with large capacity fridge which comes as standard and a new end washroom configuration. This revised layout replaces the Pegasus 462.

  • MTPLM: 1215kg
  • Axle: Single
  • Berth:2
  • Overall Width: 2.28
  • Internal headroom Height: 2.63m

Pegasus Milan

New nearside kitchen layout with large capacity fridge which comes as standard and shares the same washroom configuration as the Genoa. The revised layout replaces the Pegasus 514.

  • MTPLM: 1499kg
  • Axle: Single
  • Berth: 4
  • Overall Width: 2.28
  • Internal headroom Height: 2.63m

Pegasus Verona

A great option for couples with a nearside fixed bed. A partition wall in the bedroom can be extended to offer greater privacy. A useful cut-out blind can be opened to access the cabinet on the other side of the wall which would be the obvious place to set up the TV. The Verona replaces the Pegasus 534.

  • MTPLM: 1490kg
  • Axle: Single
  • Berth:4
  • Overall Width: 2.28
  • Internal headroom Height: 2.63m

Pegasus Ancona

A brand new layout with triple fixed bunks and corner washroom. The twin dinette layout offers great space for family living.

  • MTPLM: 1499kg
  • Axle: Single
  • Berth: 6
  • Overall Width: 2.28
  • Internal headroom Height: 2.63m

Pegasus Bologna

Twin axle, nearside fixed bed end washroom. The spacious top of the range model replaces the Pegasus 624.

  • MTPLM: 1670kg
  • Axle: Twin
  • Berth: 4
  • Overall Width: 2.28
  • Internal headroom Height: 2.63m

Bailey Pegasus Series II – pictures and layouts of new model from Bailey Caravans

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Marcus Dubois and Holly Tribe

Bailey Caravans today unveiled the latest model in its Alu-Tech lineup, and the second generation of the caravan which started it all – meet the Bailey Pegasus Series II.

The second generation of Pegasus models will arrive in February 2011 and will be launched to the public at Boat and Caravan Show 2011 in the same month. Caravan Times was at the press launch of the new Pegasus and we’ll take you through all the major changes and updates below.

When it was first launched two years ago the Pegasus was the pioneer of Bailey’s new Alu-Tech construction. It was touted as a eventual replacement for the Senator model, yet some users failed to embrace the light woods and modern fabrics.

The Bailey Unicorn proved to be the answer to those Senator fans looking for luxury upholstery and fittings – and Bailey today confirmed that the model accounted for 85% of sales in 2010. The Bristol firm has clearly learned from what succeeded on the Unicorn when constructing the Pegasus.

Bailey Pegasus II: what’s new

The new Bailey Pegasus Series II has received significant cosmetic updates to the exterior and interior. New protection has been added in the form of a front bumper made from reinforced ABS. Both this and the new gas locker are the same colour as the body panels.

The Pegasus II sports a new logo and exterior decals, with swirling lines around the sides of the exterior coloured in teal and navy.

The interior has changed significantly with the success of the Unicorn in mind. There are contrasting lockers in the kitchen area and lounge, all made from fine darker woods.

The model lineup is now identified by names rather than numbers: Ancona, Bologna, Genoa, Milan, and Verona. We understand that the 524 and the 646 have now been discontinued.

Most crucially Bailey has confirmed that the price of the Pegasus Series II has been cut by £1000 compared to the old model. This is a strategic move which creates a £2500 price difference between the Pegasus and the Unicorn.

Check back to Caravan Times soon for our first review of the Bailey Pegasus II


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EXCLUSIVE: Bailey Orion – the new entry-level model from Bailey Caravans

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans has revealed to Caravan Times the name of its forthcoming entry-level AluTech model – the Bailey Orion.

The Ranger replacement will be the affordable model in the Bailey caravan line-up and completes the Alu-Tech range offered by Bailey.

Our features writer Holly Tribe spoke to Bailey managing director Nick Howard who confirmed the news at the launch of the new Bailey Pegasus Series II.

He revealed he spent the last few months testing the Bailey Orion in a variety of conditions with his family .

Why the Orion is crucial to Bailey

Since its introduction in 2009, the Alu-Tech construction platform has revolutionised Bailey’s offering. Since then Bailey has gradually phased out its “classic construction” models to keep a full line-up available to the public. And so the entry-level Ranger was the last of the original caravans to retire.

The Bailey Orion will fill the space left by the Ranger, and will prove popular with families and couples looking for a tourer to suit their budget.

If you’d like to hear the latest caravan news first and comment in our forums, then you can join our caravan community here.

As it happened: Launch of Pegasus Series II from Bailey Caravans

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by Marcus Dubois

Caravan Times is providing live updates and the first photos from the launch of the Bailey Pegasus Series II today(Friday 14 January).

The Bailey Pegasus Series II is expected to make its debut at the NEC in Birmingham this February and will contain a number of revisions to the original Pegasus launched in September 2009.

Read below to follow our live updates throughout the day. Latest updates will appear first in the timeline.

To refresh the story and receive new updates please press the F5 button – thank you.

14.00 The official launch of the Bailey Pegasus Series II has now come to a close. A big thank you to everyone who has followed us today and sent in their photos and thoughts.

You can click here to join the Caravan Times community where we have forums, photo galleries and caravanning groups. And a reminder as well that you can follow us on Twitter @caravantimes for all the latest news.

13.55 And here’s the full photo gallery from the Bailey Pegasus launch which we promised you earlier.

13.49 It’s worth noting that in simplifying the lineup from seven models down to five, Bailey has dropped two of the previous Pegasus layouts. The 524 and the double axle 646 have now been discontinued.

13.46 Caravan Times features writer Holly Tribe is currently speaking to the Camping and Caravanning Club’s technical manager Andy Morgan who is giving his thoughts on the Bailey Pegasus II. You can see this in our video feature on the Pegasus II available next week.

13.36 Our photo gallery from the Pegasus II launch will appear here shortly. And we’ll be here with you until 2pm, when the launch officially finishes. The caravans will then be immediately transported to Manchester.

13.29 Will try and get some of your comments up on our live coverage, starting with Caravan Times reader Lucy McCabe who emailed us her thoughts:

“Hiya, thanks for all the info and pics. I live not too far from Bailey HQ and was hoping to catch a glimpse of these. but no such luck until today! Think it looks very smart, the interior is a real step up from the last model.”

13.21 Time for another photo I think. Our photographer Lee Lester has taken a close up of how the new window arrangement looks on the Pegasus. Those familiar with the old design will immediately notice that the new Pegasus has a single window frame divided into three, instead of three separate windows. We’ll do a side-by-side comparison in our main feature article this weekend.

13.12 Apologies for the short delay in posting: had a little argument with some sandwich packaging, now resolved. Back to the Pegasus Series II launch.

12.57 If you’ve been following our coverage of the Bailey Pegasus Series II launch, then we’d love to know what you think of the newest Alu-Tech range.

Click here to share your thoughts in our Bailey Pegasus Series II forum topic.

12.45 It’s been quite a day for us – not only have we taken our first look at the new Bailey Pegasus Series II, but we can also confirm we now know what the new entry level Bailey caravan will be called. We’ll post more on this story later today.

12.39 A big thank you once again goes to Chris Gage of Lowdhams Leisure who has posted images of the Pegasus II layouts in our community.

From what we can see, the Pegasus has a brand new layout – the Ancona. It’s a single axle caravan with a triple bunk in the rear, and also features a transverse end washroom.

Click here to see those pictures of the Bailey Pegasus Series II layouts.

12.14 It’s just after midday here at the launch of the Bailey Pegasus Series II and time for a quick roundup of what we’ve learned so far:

The new Bailey Pegasus Series II has received significant cosmetic updates to the exterior and interior. New protection has been added in the form of a front bumper made from reinforced ABS. Both this and the new gas locker are the same colour as the body panels.

The Pegasus II sports a new logo and exterior decals, with swirling lines around the sides of the exterior coloured in teal and navy.

The interior has changed significantly with the success of the Unicorn in mind. There are contrasting lockers in the kitchen area and lounge, all made from fine darker woods.

The model lineup is now identified by names rather than numbers: Ancona, Bologna, Genoa, Milan, and Verona. We understand that the 524 and the 646 have now been discontinued.

11.58 Amazing news for buyers of the new Pegasus: Bailey has confirmed that the price of the Pegasus Series II has been cut by £1000 compared to the old model. This is a strategic move which creates a £2500 price difference between the Pegasus and the Unicorn.

11.48 Caravan Times features writer Holly Tribe has confirmed she will be interviewing Nick Howard, Managing Director of Bailey, for Caravan Times TV. You can see this interview and our full video feature on the Bailey Pegasus Series II next week on our website.

11.30 Take a look at this photograph of the lounge area of the Bailey Pegasus Series II – it confirms our theory that the new Peggy is being positioned as a “baby Unicorn” in terms of quality and styling. Note the stylish catches on the lockers and the darker woods used throughout.

11.20 Here’s what everyone has been waiting for – the first close up picture of the new front bumper protection on the Pegasus II. The styling was first seen on the Unicorn last July and takes its lead from the flagship.

We believe the new bumper is made from a reinforced ABS material and extends around the corner edges of the front to protect it from road chippings. Two stripes in Pegasus colours of teal and navy finish off each side. Have a look below:

11.00 Assembled guests of Bailey and caravan press are now taking their first look around the Bailey Pegasus Series II. Lots of positive reactions to the new changes.

10.50The front gas locker on the Pegasus II has now been colour-coded to match the front exterior of the caravan.

10.35 Caravan Times photographer Lee Lester notes that “Accordion blinds appear to be an additional change to the interior of the new Pegasus”. Here’s a quick look below at the new blinds:

10.30 If you missed our photo gallery of the spy shots sent to us, click here to jump to the gallery at the bottom of the page.

10.24 We’ve now got our first pictures of the Pegasus II from the event. The front window arrangement has changed from three separate windows to more of a “panel” configuration. Pictures will be with you here shortly.

10.10 If you’re a Twitter user you can always follow us here @caravantimes. And if you really love Twitter, we have a hashtag for the event – #baileypegasus. Do forgive us, we’re a little excited here.

10.03 Caravan Times features writer Holly Tribe is at the presentation of the Bailey Pegasus Series II.

She confirms that the number designations featured on the first generation of Pegasus have changed to names. The new Pegasus models are named after Italian cities and are called Ancona, Bologna, Genoa, Milan, and Verona. This echoes the naming system first introduced on the Unicorn last year, where models are named after famous Spanish cities.

09.41

A Caravan Times reader from Lowdhams Leisure very kindly sent us these revealing spy shots of a prototype Pegasus II Verona model. There are a number of revisions on the new Pegasus which are clearly visible – we’ll be taking you through them in more detail after the official presentation from Bailey.

The front view indicates that the bumper protection first introduced on the Unicorn has been carried over to the Pegasus. Additionally the graphics and logos have been updated, and the side panels sport large decals in two tones of blue.

09.30am Welcome to our coverage of the launch of the Bailey Pegasus Series II. It’s been almost two years since Bailey Caravans unveiled the Pegasus, the first in its revolutionary range of Alu-Tech caravans. Featuring a new build construction using aluminium and with a revised and modern styling, the pioneer was soon joined by other models in the Alu-Tech lineup.

Once a second Alu-Tech model, the Bailey Olympus was well received in 2010, the firm soon moved into the luxury end of caravans with the popular Bailey Unicorn. With fresh exterior styling and a sumptuous interior the Unicorn has been immensely popular especially with loyal Bailey owners fond of the classic Senator.

As such we understand that the Pegasus Series II draws upon the success of the Unicorn. Expect fresh styling, new graphics, higher quality interior fabrics, and greater front protection.

GALLERY: Spy shots of Bailey Pegasus Series II (with thanks to Lowdhams Leisure)


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