CARAVAN SALON DÜSSELDORF for the first time with hybrid offer for trade and end customers
In 2021, CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf is repositioning itself with a hybrid offer and digital additions for trade visitors and end consumers. Messe Düsseldorf has developed a special “matchmaking tool” for this, which was already successfully used at virtual.medica and virtual.drupa in November and April.
Best possible planning of the trade fair visit through matchmaking
CARAVAN SALON 2021 will be the first time that a presence event uses this tried and tested organizational tool. Manufacturers and dealers, trade visitors and end customers can use it to communicate with each other in the run-up to the fair and arrange appointments for the duration in Düsseldorf. Project Director Stefan Koschke: “Especially in these times, the matchmaking tool enables targeted management of appointments and will prevent large crowds in front of the vehicles. In addition, it is available both for the transfer of technical know-how between the experts and the exhibitors, but also enables caravanning fans who are eager to buy to make an initial detailed enquiry with the manufacturers’ advisors. I think the matchmaking tool will further increase the attractiveness of CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf as it supports the targeted preparation of an effective visit to the fair.” The tool can be used to arrange appointments both on the website www.caravan-salon.com and in the trade fair’s app. “Importantly, we want to maintain the virtual meeting after the fair and keep access activated until November,” adds Koschke.
The “matchmaking” can be used both in the run-up to CARAVAN SALON to exchange information and during the fair for appointments on site and meeting in so-called virtual meeting rooms. Professionals use it to expand their network, deepen their expertise and solve individual technical problems. Thanks to the tool, end customers can quickly and easily exchange information with the large caravanning and camper community. And it makes it easier for exhibitors to reach their special customer target groups.
“Travel&Nature Connected” presents destinations and pitches
With “Travel&Nature connected”, CARAVAN SALON also creates a comprehensive, hybrid platform for hiking and trekking destinations as well as camping and caravan sites. Here, they can present themselves to their local audience on the stage in Hall 3 as well as use a virtual presentation for the online community, as a chat function for detailed information exchange is also available to online participants.
The 10th All in CARAVANING Concluded with a Record-breaking Success
AIC 2021 – the 10th All in CARAVANING came to a successful conclusion at Beijing Etrong International Exhibition & Convention Center on June 20th. “We are so delighted to once again present a high-quality trade show to the industry. During the three-day event, we welcomed a new record of 25,448 visitors. This fact not only underlines the importance of AIC for the Chinese RV industry but also shows that face to face meetings are demanded than ever before.” Mr. Marius Berlemann, General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. concluded.
On the business side, the show produced remarkable results. Exhibitors and visitors were highly satisfied with the outcome, which exceeded expectations in many respects. New exhibition zones as well as exciting concurrent events received positive response. The lively atmosphere at AIC shows that caravanning is becoming increasingly popular in China. People’s desire for travelling and exploration of the world makes this traveling style charming and meaningful.
The indoor and outdoor exhibition area totaled 39,000 square meters and welcomed more than 200 brands, attracting 25,448 visitors in total, up by 6% compared to the previous year. More than 550 caravan models of different price ranges were on display.
Responses from the exhibitors with high satisfaction
Many manufacturers see AIC as a great platform for launching new vehicle models. In view of the one-year delay due to the pandemic, exhibitors went the extra mile by presenting a wide range of new models for caravanning fans. More than 20 manufacturers exclusively unveiled their latest vehicle models at the AIC.
Revenue and earnings up again in the first three months of 2021 – Knaus Tabbert AG enters 2021 financial year with record order backlog
■ Order volume doubles to EUR 624 million relative to the previous year ■ Revenues increase by 9.2 percent to EUR 238.9 million ■ Adjusted EBITDA grows substantially by 21.8 percent to EUR 28.1 million ■ EBITDA margin (adjusted) improves by 1.3 percentage points to 11.8 percent ■ Consolidated net profit of EUR 16.1 million exceeds previous year’s figure (EUR 12.4 million) by 29.8 percent ■ Free cash flow of EUR 31.4 million also significantly higher than in the previous year (EUR 23.5 million) ■ Knaus Tabbert confirms forecast for the full year 2021
Revenue and earnings up…Knaus Tabbert AG, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles, enters the 2021 financial year with a further increase in all key financial indicators. In the first three months of the current financial year, the company recorded a 9.2 % increase in revenues to EUR 238.9 million (2019: EUR 218.8 million). At EUR 28.1 million, adjusted EBITDA was up 21.8 percent compared to the previous year’s figure of EUR 23.1 million. “We are undergoing profitable growth and are stepping up our growth course! In the first three months of this year, we were once again able to increase both revenues and adjusted EBITDA. Our growth offensive will create close to 600 new jobs in 2021 alone, and will be accompanied by substantial investments in our locations and products,” explains Wolfgang Speck, CEO of Knaus Tabbert. “Our customers, dealers and rental companies are delighted with the products of our WEINSBERG, TABBERT, T@B, KNAUS and MORELO brands! With RENT AND TRAVEL, young people in particular find the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of caravanning. Thanks to the persistently high demand for our recreational vehicles, we are starting into our first full financial year following the IPO with an order backlog of more than 18,000 units – the largest in the history of Knaus Tabbert.” Strong demand for caravanning boosts revenues in the reporting period The Premium segment, which comprises the KNAUS, TABBERT, WEINSBERG and T@B brands, recorded an increase in revenues to EUR 203.8 million (previous year: EUR 189.8 million). In the Luxury segment, which is served by the MORELO brand, Knaus Tabbert substantially increased its revenues by 21.0 percent to EUR 35.1 million. Adjusted EBITDA shows over-proportional improvement Before one-time expenses and special items, adjusted EBITDA amounted to EUR 28.1 million, representing an increase of 21.8 percent (previous year: EUR 23.1 million). At 11.8 per cent, the adjusted EBITDA margin was 1.3 percentage points above the previous year’s value. Including one-time expenses, EBITDA in the reporting period improved by 20.5 percent to EUR 27.6 million (previous year: EUR 22.9 million).
Adjusted EBIT stood at EUR 23.1 million (previous year: EUR 18.4 million); the EBIT margin reached 9.7 percent. After deducting finance costs and taxes, net profit amounts to EUR 16.1 million (previous year: EUR 12.4 million). In the first three months of 2021, Knaus Tabbert generated positive cash flows from operating activities in the amount of EUR 36.5 million, compared to EUR 27.5 million in the same period of the previous year. This marked increase resulted both from a significant rise in consolidated net income by 29.8 percent to EUR 16.1 million in the first three months, and from the further reduction of working capital. Cash flows from investing activities increased to EUR 5.1 million in the first quarter, compared to EUR 4.0 million in the same period of the previous year. Significant cash outflows occurred in connection with the planned investments to increase production capacities at the Jandelsbrunn (GER), Schlüsselfeld (GER) and Nagyoroszi (HU) sites. The total workforce of the Group – including apprentices and temporary workers – increased from 2,887 in the same period of the previous year to 3,237 as of 31 March in the reporting period 2021. “Our strong financial base will open up a wide range of growth options in the future and provide us with a high degree of flexibility to respond to challenges,” says Marc Hundsdorf, CFO of Knaus Tabbert. “Besides continuing to consistently increase our key financial figures, our focus in 2021 will be on the strategic implementation of non-financial targets – particularly in the area of ESG – to make the Knaus Tabbert share even more attractive and more widely known to a broad group of investors.”
High demand provides planning security for the current financial year 2021
The total number of vehicles sold in the first three months of 2021 amounted to 7,088, compared to 6,853 in the previous year. The strong increase in caravanning utility vehicles (upgraded camper vans) reflects the company’s strategic focus on the sale of high-quality motorised vehicles. With the number of CUVs (upgraded camper vans) sold reaching 1,735 (previous year: 1,335), Knaus Tabbert has set a new record in this category. The KNAUS model BoxStar was in particularly high demand. In addition, a record order backlog of 18,860 pre-ordered vehicles as of 31 March 2021 offers a high degree of planning security for the current financial year 2021 and beyond. This is particularly true in view of the sustained positive environment surrounding caravanning, which is experiencing rising popularity among young people and a growing trend towards regional tourism. Knaus Tabbert is convinced that it will be able to successfully meet the further increase in demand for recreational vehicles in the European growth market. The rental platform RENT AND TRAVEL can also look back on a very successful start into the 2021 rental season. As of the end of the reporting period, 31 March 2021, bookings increased by 19.6 % to 6,624 compared to the same period of the previous year. This rise demonstrates that RENT AND TRAVEL was launched at exactly the right time, around four years ago. Moreover, Knaus Tabbert is increasingly attracting a younger audience to this leisure activity in the spirit of a “shared economy”. Approximately 25 % of all bookings are made directly via www.rentandtravel.de or our RENT AND TRAVEL app.
Your “Plus” of freedom: The KNAUS VAN TI PLUS now available as the fully equipped PLATINUM SELECTION
MAN TGE-based KNAUS VAN TI PLUS is all about exceptional driving dynamics, maximum living comfort and a striking design. With the very latest safety features and driver assistance systems, the partially integrated motorhome not only offers a “Plus” in terms of freedom, but also safety too. The popular top-selling 650 MEG single bed layout is now available as the fully equipped PLATINUM SELECTION: The exterior design, with its metallic Indium Grey chassis, Campovolo Grey smooth sheet metal side walls, special model stickers and 17” MAN light alloy wheels, reflects the dynamic character of the vehicle.
KNAUS VAN TI PLUS
The KNAUS CATEYE evolution rear tail lights, with their exclusive night-time signature and dynamic LED indicators, are easy to spot and provide extra safety, including when there is poor visibility. The VAN TI PLUS PLATINUM SELECTION also features an awning light with motion detector, electrically adjustable heated side view mirrors, awning in anthracite, driver’s side service door, convenient gas bottle pull-out and 2- channel rear axle air suspension for improved driving comfort and controlled driving height.
KNAUS VAN TI PLUS
This exclusive equipment also includes the PREMIUM cabin door with multi-locking feature, windows with blackout blind, integrated umbrella compartment and KNAUS design multifunctional storage bag. The insect protection door and large front tilting window with insect protection allow plenty of light and fresh air into the cabin whilst also keeping uninvited visitors out.
Manuel Taverne takes over as Head of Investor Relations of Knaus Tabbert AG
Manuel Taverne starts as Head of Investor Relations at Knaus Tabbert AG at the beginning of March, reporting in this role to Marc Hundsdorf, CFO of Knaus Tabbert AG. He will further expand this area after the successful IPO in September 2020 and will be the primary contact for investors, analysts and other financial market participants. Manuel Taverne looks back on more than 15 years of experience in capital market communications and has managed several IPOs in his career.
Before joining Knaus Tabbert AG, he was head of investor relations at the Austrian aerospace supplier FACC AG since 2015. Prior to that, he held a management position in investor relations and corporate communications at Polytec Holding AG for nine years.
Mr. Taverne, a native of Austria, has been living in Bavaria (Germany) for six years and is the father of three children. Mr. Taverne will work closely together with the Head of Communications/PR Mr. Stefan Diehl. “With Manuel Taverne, we were able to welcome a proven expert who will make a significant contribution to the successful positioning of Knaus Tabbert AG on the international capital markets,” says Marc Hundsdorf (CFO).
Knaus Tabbert continues profitable growth course: 2020 revenues & financial results higher than in previous year despite lockdown Knaus Tabbert, one of the leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles in Europe, has closed the 2020 financial year, which was dominated by the Coronavirus pandemic, slightly better than its own forecast, according to its preliminary figures. For 2020, the year of the IPO, the company recorded sales of 795 million euros.
This corresponds to an increase of around 2% compared to the previous year (2019: 780 million euros). Knaus Tabbert has thus completely made up for the Corona-related revenue shortfall in April 2020 despite renewed restrictions in the fourth quarter. Total output amounted to 807 million euros and thereby just exceeded the previous year’s figure (2019: 804 million euros). Adjusted EBITDA was 68 million euros, also above the previous year’s figure of around 65 million euros. Originally, Knaus Tabbert had forecasted revenues and EBITDA at the previous year’s level for 2020. The total number of vehicles sold in the past financial year was 24,349 compared to 25,729 in 2019. This reflects the company’s focus on the sale of high-quality motorised vehicles. Knaus Tabbert set a record in this segment with 4,627 (previous year: 4,289) van conversions sold. The Weinsberg models CaraBus and CaraTour were particularly popular. Added to this is the well-filled order book of 18,487 pre-ordered vehicles, which offers a high degree of planning security for the current 2021 fiscal year. This is particularly true when considering the sustained positive environment for caravanning, which is increasingly attractive among young people and the trend towards increasing regional tourism.
“First the lockdown in April, then the successful IPO in autumn – 2020 was an absolutely exceptional year in the history of Knaus Tabbert. We are very pleased that we were able to increase revenues and earnings,” says Wolfgang Speck, CEO of Knaus Tabbert. “The lockdown last year showed how well we can deal with challenging situations. Looking ahead to the current financial year, we are convinced that we will be able to serve the further increasing demand for our leisure vehicles in the European growth market well. Caravanning will continue to be one of the most popular types of holidays in the future and will become even more attractive.” Knaus Tabbert will publish the final results for the 2020 fiscal year on March 31, 2021.
