A caravan manufacturer is celebrating after a record-breaking show in which it enjoyed its best ever sales figures and saw a number of its models honoured.

Swift Group recorded more than £7 million of sales at the recent Caravan and Motorhome Show in Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.

Furthermore, its fixed-bed Charisma 620 option was awarded tourer of the year status by Practical Caravan magazine, despite it making its debut at the event.

The four-berth vehicle is the first fixed-bed twin-axle design in its price range and features a high level of specification, including a spacious end washroom and large lounge with seats that convert into a double bed.

Meanwhile, Practical Caravan also honoured the Abbey Vogue, a new version of which was launched featuring a fixed-bed layout similar to that of the Charisma.

The Caravan Industry Award for best model in the £11,000 to £15,000 category also went Swift’s way, thanks to the Challenger 560 model.

Those in the market for a Swift model may be interested to learn that the firm recently launched a number of microsites providing information on its ranges.

Families looking for an award-winning caravan that offers them the space they need could consider the Swift Group’s Ace Supreme Sunstar model.

The twin-axle vehicle won the Practical Caravan gong for best six-berth caravan and is said to provide all the room needed for a trip with relatives.

A separate area for kids and a range of improvements for the 2006 version mean the caravan is “now more practical and better equipped than its rivals and great value to boot”, according to the manufacturer.

With a 107-litre fridge, two fixed bunks as standard and the option for a Radio/CD/DVD/MP3 player to be installed, the Ace Supreme Sunstar offers Brits the idyllic vehicle in which to explore their country.

The Practical Caravan judges complemented the product on its separate area for kids, high specification, quality design and low price.

Buyers should expect to part with £16,285 for the standard model, although a range of optional extras are available.

For this price, they can expect a microwave, stabiliser, spare wheel, jack and removable carpets, as well as an inboard water tank as standard.

Meanwhile, the Swift Group recently revealed that its new Sprite model will cost around £10,000.

British mobile home manufacturer Swift Caravans has added a new range of six vehicles under its Ace banner.

The Jubilee series joins the existing Ace Award and Ace Supreme and features a bright exterior with thick gauge one-piece high-gloss aluminium sides.

It comprises of the two-berth Ambassador, four-berth Envoy, Aristocrat and Globetrotter and six-berth Courier and Equerry.

The interior of the vehicles benefits from new soft furnishings, a Status 530 directional aerial, the introduction of mains lighting, Omnivent extractor fan and pressurised water system.

Furthermore, owners will be able to benefit from the capacity for a radio/CD player, with the models containing all of the required wiring, speakers and an aerial.

A microwave oven cupboard will allow buyers to take their unit from home with them on the road, saving paying extra for another unit.

The Aristocrat joins a number of Eccles and Elite models from Swift Caravans that measure seven feet four inches wide.

Caravan manufacturer Swift Caravans has revealed that all new Sterling Elite twin-axle products are set to benefit from an increase in width.

The models, as well as three of its Eccles vehicles, will now be seven feet six inches wide, giving owners more living space in which to enjoy their holidays.

An added advantage is that the overall weight of the caravan is not compromised due to clever design techniques.

Buyers can also expect a larger 107-litre fridge and microwave oven as standard in a number of models, as well as a redesign of the interior furnishings.

The firm has opted to provide customers with a thicker and more durable one-piece high-gloss aluminium exterior, which also improves the aesthetics of the caravans.

A new exterior door with improved handle and locking mechanism further increases the improvements to the specification of the Sterling Elite and Eccles ranges.

In other news Swift has revealed a new six-model Jubilee range that will be available under its Ace brand for 2007.

Caravan manufacturer Swift Group has announced that it plans to upgrade one of its models for 2006.

The firm is set to give the Cameo a makeover with new features and a layout alteration with the aim of giving customers more for their money.

While caravanners often enjoy getting outdoors and exploring the countryside on their breaks, many will know that sometimes the weather can make staying in their mobile home more appealing.

The new combined DVD/CD/MP3 player and radio will not only allow buyers to relax inside their caravan, it will also save space by eradicating the need for separate units for audio and visual entertainment.

Those who enjoy having meals inside their mobile home will be able to listen to their favourite music while making use of the larger fridges installed in the vehicles.

Most models will come with a 107-litre refrigeration unit, while the 625GL will benefit from a 147-litre installation with 25-litre freezer.

In other news, Swift Group recently revealed that its Sprite range is set to be updated for 2006 and will include its first ever twin-axle vehicle.

After a successful 2005 relaunch, Swift has decided to add two new models to its Sprite range, doubling its size.

The additions will include a twin-axle model for the first time, which will give buyers extra room to enjoy their holidays.

Featuring six berths, the Quattro will also have fixed bunk beds, long front seats and a large washroom, making it superior to others in the range.

Meanwhile, the single-axle Major 6 gives users the choice of opting for a mobile home with a large front sleeping and seating area.

It also features convertible rear bunks and a dinette which can be transformed into the fifth and sixth beds at night.

Targeted at young families and couples, the budget range is said to include all the essentials for a successful caravan break.

Spaceframe technology on seats and lockers helps to save space by incorporating reading lights and cable runs into the overhead lockers, while still allowing plenty of storage.

Meanwhile, Swift Group recently revealed that it is also set to upgrade its Cameo range for 2006.

Brits seeking out a new caravan that does not cost an arm and a leg may be interested to hear that one manufacturer is set to reduce its prices.

Swift Group’s Sterling Eccles and Elite models have not only had their costs cut; they have also been updated for 2006.

The mobile homes have been discounted by £250 and £400 respectively, despite the fact they offer more features.

Upgraded soft furnishings will be complemented by a bigger free-standing table, allowing users to relax while they enjoy a meal or use the radio/CD/MP3 player that now comes as standard.

Security will be increased with an alarm system, while the AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser will help prevent “snaking” while being towed.

Those who enjoy cooking outdoors could make use of the AL-KO side-mounted jack, wet locker and barbeque point, while spaceframe technology inside helps create more storage room.

Swift Group also recently announced upgrades and new additions to its Sprite and Cameo ranges.

Caravan enthusiasts planning to purchase a Swift Challenger or Conqueror model in 2006 should expect them to be very different from this year’s models.

The firm has given the mobile homes a “radical” overhaul in an effort to make them the UK’s most popular tourers.

New features include 15-inch alloy wheels, an AL-KO Secure portable wheel lock and Status 530 directional aerial.

Both caravan ranges include new layouts with fixed single beds, enhanced interior design and upgraded specification.

Updated upholstery is combined with a new Tanganica Walnut wood colour, redesigned overhead lockers and spaceframe technology to provide extra storage and more pleasant living conditions.

A new 107-litre digitally controlled fridge will be the centre point of an upgraded kitchen featuring a built-in microwave, sink and storage rack.

Meanwhile, owners can relax with their favourite tunes playing on the radio/CD/MP3 player, which comes as standard.

The upgrades to the Challenger and Conqueror models are part of a wider overhaul of many of Swift Group’s products, including the Sprite and Cameo.

Swift Group is celebrating after one of its products was named the best fixed-bed twin-axle model of 2006.

The Practical Caravan 2006 Big Caravan Test, published in the November issue of the magazine, showed the Ace Supreme Twinstar to be the top vehicle in its class.

Priced at £16,285, the award-winning tourer is £1,500 less expensive than its predecessor and £1,000 cheaper than the Compass Rallye 634 – a rival it beat to scoop the gong.

Features which helped to sway the judges’ decision included the ease of pitching and setting up, storage, kitchens, washroom and bedrooms.

They praised all of the above and said the caravan offers a combination of comfort and practicality that is difficult to beat.

Swift decided to cut the price of the Ace Supreme in order to bring it back to its traditional roots, which were as a more affordable model.

Buyers can expect an improved kitchen, repositioned TV socket and upgraded styling and storage.

Meanwhile, Swift recently revealed that it has given the Abbey range a new look for 2006, as well as reducing prices on a number of models.

The launch of the new Swift Challenger earlier this month has seen the manufacturer enjoy record sales of the model.

Caravan enthusiasts snapped up the vehicles in their droves, with Swift taking more than £2.5 million worth of bookings at the Earls Court Show.

The figures represent double the takings of last year’s event and are the highest in the Challenger’s 21-year history.

It makes the vehicle the most popular single touring caravan range in the UK and has led Swift to hike up production levels, with particular focus on the popular 480 and 530 models.

“New product launches are vitally important for the company and therefore we are highly delighted that the new Challenger has quite clearly hit the spot,” explained sales and marketing director Richard White.

He added that the record sales were the perfect way to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the first Challenger.

Earlier this year, Swift celebrated success in the 2006 Big Caravan Test from Practical Magazine in which the Ace Supreme Twinstar was awarded the gong for being the best fixed-bed twin-axle van.