Brits purchasing a 2006 Ace caravan model can do so knowing that it will be safer than its predecessor.

Swift Caravans have moved to install Fiat ABS on the entire Ace series in a bid to increase its appeal.

The £1,000 upgrade should help reduce stopping distances and maintain control when braking sharply.

It is one of a number of upgrades that have taken place which dramatically improve the range’s specifications without seriously impacting the cost to the buyer.

Other new additions include a new roof spoiler featuring brake and side marker lights, as well as a concertina windscreen blind in the cab.

A pivoting washroom design on all but one model means the vans will have separate shower areas – the Modena model comes with its own cubicle.

Buyers can also opt to add a more powerful engine, colour rear view camera and high-end multimedia system.

The changes are part of an overhaul affecting many of Swift Group’s products for the new season.

Its Bessacarr E400 and E700 series have also been upgraded with ABS breaks as part of new additions worth £1,000 and £3,000 respectively.

Caravan enthusiasts may be excited to hear about a new addition to the Swift Group range.

The firm has announced the addition of a new fixed-bed layout for the Challenger 540, which will reflect the Bailey Senator Indiana.

Those hoping for a glance at the new model should head to the National Boat, Caravan & Outdoor Show in Birmingham’s NEC, which runs from February 18th to 26th 2006.

The exhibition will be used to launch the latest addition to the Swift product portfolio, which features a four-berth open plan layout offering a feeling of spaciousness.

Group sales and marketing director Richard White expects the 540 to boost the Challenger’s already solid reputation and sales figures.

“Challenger buyers appreciate the sophisticated styling inside and out, the top specification level and the high security provision,” he said.

Mr White added that the changes to the design have helped the firm win customers from other manufacturers and this could be reflected in the 80 per cent rise in sales of the model from last year.

Meanwhile, the Swift Challenger 530 recently scooped the Practical Caravans best four-berth model award for 2006.

Caravan buyers investing in a new Bessacarr, Ace or Swift model can expect the mobile home to reach them in tip-top condition.

The Swift Group, which owns all three brands, recently invested £300,000 in a new facility which has the sole purpose of checking the quality of all products before they are despatched to dealerships.

It will also be used to give new vehicles a last-minute valet, ensuring that they reach the customer in pristine condition.

Everything from the appliances and electrics to the wheels are subjected to a meticulous testing process to ensure that every caravan that goes to market is of the highest standard possible.

“This level of pre-delivery inspection is unique in the UK industry and displays once again Swift’s commitment to providing its customers with the highest quality products,” the firm stated.

Swift Group managing director Tony Hailey explained that the company is “dedicated” to providing high standards and that the new facility will help it do that.

Meanwhile, a tenacious customer who repeatedly asked Swift Group if she could buy the blue display model used at a 2003 caravan show in the NEC has gotten her wish, the group revealed.

A caravan manufacturer has finally given in to the relentless requests of one customer who wished to purchase a unique model.

The one-of-a-kind blue Kon-Tiki vehicle was produced by Swift Caravans for a 2003 NEC show as a design exercise.

However, Louise Swift and her husband Andrew were determined to become the proud owners of the prototype model and bombarded the firm with requests to buy the “Bluebird”.

The caravan had previously been used by Le Mans racing driver Guy Smith, who drove it from Swift’s base in Yorkshire to the French racing track, where he used it for hospitality in the paddock.

However, the striking blue vehicle with luxurious interior was delivered to Mr and Mrs Swift just in time for Christmas.

The Kon-Tiki 665 model was upgraded with luxury leather-trimmed soft furnishings and kitted out with a Blaupunkt entertainment system with multiple TV monitors, high-level sound system, DVD player and satellite navigation equipment.

Originally designed to show what the Swift Group could create if money was no option for customers, the van will now be used by its new owners to transport themselves and their two cats and two dogs between the UK and their property in France on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, the Swift Group recently invested £300,000 in a new quality checking facility which should ensure its products reach customers in pristine condition.

Caravan enthusiasts looking to purchase a new mobile home may be interested to hear that one UK manufacturer has achieved the highest safety standard possible.

Swift Group recently became the first British firm to gain the European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, which will be required by law on all vehicles from July 2007.

It confirms that the caravans made by the company are of a high enough safety standard to be sold throughout the continent.

The group was required to have every one of its products assessed by an independent auditor, with the certificate stating that the construction processes used are safe and repeatable on a consistent basis.

“To have achieved these standards more than three years before they become mandatory is a clear illustration of the importance we place on producing products of the highest safety and manufacturing standards,” explained Swift Group managing director Joe Anwyll.

He added that the firm is pleased to stand out from its rivals by becoming the first to achieve the status.

Meanwhile, the Swift Group is set to offer two of its ranges in an alternative colour scheme for the first time.

A UK caravan manufacturer has made it easier for Brits in the market for a new vehicle to access information on its products.

Swift Group has launched a new set of online microsites featuring all customers could hope to know about its tourers and motorhomes.

Accessed through the company’s home page, the mini websites contain information on a range of vehicles, including the Ace Award, Supreme, Sterling Eccles, Elite, Ace Airstream, Bessacarr E500 and Swift Bolero ranges.

As well as information on the models, the microsites contain numerous images and marketing messages tailored to the individual caravans’ target audiences.

Marketing director Richard White explained that the new online resources will help the firm communicate with its customers in more detail.

“From the number of people visiting the sites, it’s quite clear that this is a much more modern and fast way of telling customers everything they need to know about our products,” he said.

In other news, Swift Group recently celebrated record sales and a number of awards at a recent exhibition.

Caravanners who love to personalise their mobile homes could be interested in a new offering from one manufacturer.

Swift Group has invested in new paint spraying facilities at its Yorkshire base, allowing it to offer models that deviate from the traditional white exterior.

Buyers can order the Swift Kon-Tiki range with a blue and white colour scheme with silver graphics, or opt for one of the Bessacar E 700 Series models in green with gold graphics.

However, this personalisation comes at a price – those who order one of the limited edition models must pay an extra £5,000 and wait at least 18 weeks for delivery.

The firm made the move after a demonstration version of a blue Kon-Tiki attracted a lot of interest at the National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show in Birmingham’s NEC last year.

Those hoping to see the paint schemes in person should head to this year’s show, which takes place between February 14th and 22nd.

Sales and marketing director Richard White explained that the two new options will be launched at the show and that he is interested to see how the public responds.

Meanwhile, Swift Group recently became the UK’s only manufacturer to achieve European Whole Vehicle Type Approval.

A holiday park operator is set to give owners of Swift caravans a free break at its sites.

Haven and British Holidays will give Swift caravanners two free nights’ accommodation between April 2nd and June 30th.

The firm has sites around the UK, all of which offer guests quality facilities to enjoy during their stay.

Visitors can expect organised activities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, kids clubs and great scenery.

Many of the parks are located on the coast or in the countryside and Swift noted that Seton Sands in Scotland could be the ideal destination for caravanners with a love of golf, due to its proximity to a number of quality courses.

Round the clock hot showers and toilet facilities with shaver sockets as well as well-equipped shops are readily available to make guests’ stays more pleasant.

Those who do not wish to cook in their caravan can also take advantage of the sites’ ready-prepared meals and takeaways.

Meanwhile, Swift Group was recently recognised at the 2004 National Business Awards, where it was given the gong for Growth Strategy of the Year.

A prominent figure in the racing industry has invested in a new caravan manufactured by Swift Group.

Jonathan Lewis, who runs the Comtec racing team, recently purchased a Bessacarr E745 motorhome, which he now intends to use both for family holidays and trips to race meets.

Swift Group is one of the main sponsors of recent Le Mans 24-Hour Race winning driver Guy Smith, who revealed that Lewis was integral in the development of his career.

The two men bonded through a common love of motorsport and caravanning and it was Lewis who gave Smith his first taste of action as a raw 14-year-old.

He later went on to drive the winning Bentley at the legendary motorsport event and was the first to congratulate Lewis on his new purchase.

“There’s no way my wife or I would do without our home-from-home comforts, and features such as the washroom with stand alone shower and proper electric flush toilet really sold it to us,” Lewis said.

In other news, Swift Group is celebrating after scooping three awards at a recent ceremony run by Practical Caravan magazine.

A UK caravan manufacturer is celebrating after scooping a number of awards at a recent prize-giving ceremony hosted by Practical Caravan magazine.

Swift Group was given three separate gongs by the UK’s best-selling caravanning publication.

While the Abbey Spectrum 540 was handed the best fixed-bed model, the Swift Challenger 460 stole the show, taking the tourer of the year title and the best two-berth award.

Haymarket Publications is responsible for the magazine and group editor Carl Rodgerson praised the Challenger after it came first in “one of the strongest line-ups . in years”.

“Swift has genuinely moved caravan design forward and once again revealed why it is so popular in the showroom,” he said.

Mr Rodgerson added that the “intelligent thinking” behind the design was integral in the Challenger’s victory.

He said the vehicle represents the pinnacle of modern caravan aesthetics and is also one of the more practical vehicles on the market.

Meanwhile, prominent motorsport figure Jonathan Lewis recently became the proud owner of a Swift Group Bessacarr model.