As one of the more popular offerings from Swift Caravans, the Charisma range has been given an update ahead of the 2007 season.

Many of the new features reflect those already present in the Challenger series from the same manufacturer.

The firm explained that it wanted to significantly upgrade the Charisma products without dramatically impacting the price.

As such, buyers can expect to benefit from a raft of new features without breaking the bank.

Thick one-piece aluminium sides and new silver and burgundy graphics have improved the aesthetic value of the exterior, while a new handle and locking system has make the door more practical.

Buyers can expect the interior to look visibly better with the addition of Apero pinstripe chenille upholstery in autumn shades and Tanganica medium walnut coloured woodgrain on the furnishings.

The new range includes a Status 530 directional TV aerial, Omnivent extractor fan, mains lighting and pressurised water system.

Swift Caravans recently announced similar upgrades to its Europa range.

Swift Group has taken advantage of the Fiat X2/50 Ducato cab to help it expand its low-profile motorhome offerings.

The firm has produced four new luxury vehicles in its Bolero range using “groundbreaking exterior styling” to create an attractive series in time for the 2007 holiday season.

Each mobile home offers ample headroom, while minimising the exterior appearance thanks to the low-profile Fiat base.

It also gives drivers a more car-like experience and reduces noise levels while offering greater comfort on the road.

This is exemplified in the built-in cooler unit for a 1.5-litre bottle in the passenger side of the dash and the availability of optional air conditioning.

Other attractions include the full GRP roof and rear panel, tinted sunroof, integrated roof bars and remote central locking.

Once users rock up at their destination of choice they can further expand floorspace by using the optional pull-out awning.

Meanwhile, Swift recently updated its Abbey GTS and Spectrum ranges ahead of the 2007 season.

Britain is now home to the largest single production unit for touring caravans and motorhomes in Europe.

The new Swift Caravans facility at its Cottingham site will provide 126,000 sq ft for assembling the firm’s products.

Opened by secretary of state for trade and industry Alan Johnson, the factory is part of the company’s plans to consolidate the construction of its products.

“This is a major new investment which demonstrates confidence in the future of an industry with a significant presence in this part of the world,” Mr Johnson said.

He added that the new facility will enable Swift Caravans to become even more competitive in the caravan industry, which would also help boost the economy and secure local jobs.

As one of the biggest employers in east Yorkshire, Swift is hoping to battle against imports from the continent and maintain its reputation as one of the UK’s best-known brands.

In other news, the firm recently suggested that buyers take a look at its new Abbey Vogue.

Those in the market for a new caravan now have a number of new motorhomes to choose from.

Swift Group’s Ace brand has recently launched four models in its Airstream line-up, which the firm claims have “some of the most competitive prices in . the market”.

The luxury low-profile models are built around the Fiat X2/50 Ducato cab, which has become a popular base model in the motorhome industry.

Using the lowline version of the chassis, Ace designers have constructed vehicles that are under 2.8m tall, while still leaving plenty of headroom.

Features include a multi-directional TV aerial, optional pull-out awning, reversing camera, fold down seven-inch TV screen, freeview, DVD player and satellite navigation system.

The Airstream models are geared towards couples who enjoy exploring and are available in a range of layouts.

Each is designed to cater for the different needs of discerning campers, with beds and seating arrangements to suit every taste.

Meanwhile, Swift’s Bessacarr brand has also recently expanded its range using the Fiat X2/50 Ducato cab.

Caravan enthusiasts heading to the International Caravan and Motorhome Show 2006 will be able to get a first look at a number of new models from Swift Caravans.

The firm plans to launch four products at the show, which takes place in Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) from October 17th to 22nd.

Attendees will be able to inspect the new Swift Charisma 620, Sterling Europa 620, Abbey Vogue 620 and Jubilee Viscount.

Each of the new models are four-berth fixed-bed twin-axle vehicles which offer parallel front seats and beds.

Marketing director Richard White explained that they “offer the advantage of the open plan fixed-bed layout that has proved so successful in our single-axle models with the advantages of a spacious ensuite end washroom”.

A common new addition to many of Swift Group’s caravans is the one-piece thick gauge aluminium sidewalls, which will also feature on each of the four products to be launched at the NEC.

The firm recently revealed that the Challenger and Conqueror series will also feature the new exterior design.

A UK-based caravan manufacturer is celebrating the success of its three new low-profile ranges.

Swift Caravans have managed to rack up orders worth £10.5 million since the launch of the Ace Airstream, Swift Bolero and Bessacarr E500 just a month ago.

The July release at Donington Park led to widespread praise of the vehicles from the 140 dealers and journalists in attendance, who were given the chance to try the vehicles out at the racing circuit.

Aimed specifically at couples, the ranges are based on the new Fiat X2/50 Ducato cab, which provides a car-like driving experience and greater noise reduction, making for a more comfortable ride.

Swift sales and marketing director Richard White explained that these were the first to be launched using the new Fiat base model.

“It also marks the entry into the new market sector for the group and the initial response certainly seems to indicate that we have come up with a range of products dealers believe will be very popular with the public,” he added.

Meanwhile, Swift is set to debut two single-axle double-bed caravans at the forthcoming International Caravan & Motorhome Show in Birmingham.

Caravan enthusiasts planning on making a new purchase should consider Swift Caravans new Abbey Vogue, it has been suggested.

According to the manufacturer, the vehicle “is set to become the must-have tourer of the season”.

It put this down to its new styling, intricate design and high level of specification, which includes a size increase of two inches in headroom and at least the same in width.

Based on the open-plan layout of the award-winning Challenger 540, the Abbey Vogue now boasts a seven-foot, six-inch wide fixed-bed design with heavy gauge one-piece aluminium sidewalls.

The exterior has been augmented with fine-grain light oak furnishings and modern upholstery, as well as a 107-litre fridge with freezer compartment.

An optional microwave oven can be placed in the specialised compartment, while an Omnivent extractor fan will make cooking more pleasant.

In other news, Swift Caravans recently invested in a new factory which should allow it to produce even more vehicles for the UK market.

Caravan enthusiasts investing in one of two new models from UK-based manufacturer Swift Group will be able to have greater access to their bed.

According to marketing director Richard White, the Challenger 560 and Abbey GTS 420 offerings will benefit from additional room, thanks to a new design widening them to seven feet, six inches.

The extra room will allow access to the double bed from both sides, which Mr White said will be great for users as they will no longer have “to climb over your partner to get out of bed” in the morning.

He added that the vehicles have been given many of the successful features of the popular Challenger 540, including a washroom module that features an integrated shower cubicle, washbasin and toilet.

The front seating can also be converted into a second domestic size double bed, meaning that owners can have friends to stay with them when required.

In other news, Swift Group recently revealed that it had notched up a total of £10.5 million worth of orders for its new low-profile vehicles.

Caravan enthusiasts looking forward to the 2007 season have been given some food for thought by one UK-based manufacturer.

Swift Group’s designers have been working hard this year on new designs for a number of the firm’s models and the company recently announced upgrades to two of its ranges.

The Challenger and Conqueror series will now boast new features that may make them even more attractive to prospective buyers.

Each model will be given a one-piece aluminium side shell which is designed to improve durability and the exterior aesthetics.

Most of the vehicles have also been widened to seven feet six inches, giving extra living space without adding much weight.

The Conqueror 630 is to feature a 180-litre fridge with special wine cooler section while all models will now have a pressurised water system and domestic-style taps.

A 360-degree reading light has been added, as well as a newly designed electrical control panel and feature moulding for the microwave oven.

Potential buyers wishing to take a closer look at Swift Group models could head to the International Caravan and Motorhome Show 2006 at the Birmingham NEC from October 17th to 22nd.