Gary, Daryl, and Brett recently returned from a trip to France via Japan, and we can't wait to hear all the stories. As you may be aware, recent years have been extremely challenging for the automotive manufacturing industry and the current war in Europe has extended many of the issues we thought would be rectified by now. Motorhome manufacturers are still struggling to source certain chassis, parts, and labour, and are working through many challenges. However, Pilote managed to continue their path of constant development and improvement and the Smiths were impressed with the progress since the last visit in 2019. Groupe Pilote remains a family-owned business despite the growth and size of the operation and we at Deluxe are as proud as ever to represent the brand in the southern hemisphere. Above: Number three Pilote motorhome ever built. The boys loved to see the Bedford base as a reminder of the past. Besides checking out the factory, discussing current improvements and nurturing our relationship with Pilote staff, future projects and brand-new motorhome projects on the horizon were thoroughly talked about. Above: Another great find was this 90's Pilote family motorhome... A company like Pilote is always working on new projects, new concepts, and ways to deal with current challenges. Its paramount for any business to move with times and adjust operations as needed and whilst we can't share the secrets and all new concepts, we are very excited to officially have ordered the first Pilote Atlas motorhomes for the New Zealand Market. Above: In 2022 Le Voyageur decided to go back to the roots and launched the new Le Voyageur Heritage range base on a Mercedes-Benz chassis. Gary managed to spot a relic of the past with this beautiful vintage Le Voyageur motorhome. The brand-new range is based on a Ford chassis and will add another great option for customers who are looking to purchase something different. "60 years of travel and innovation! On the occasion of its 60th anniversary and to further underline its dreams of adventure and limitless travel, Pilote is launching its new Atlas range on Ford Trail chassis." Keep your eyes peeled and I will ensure to share any further news and estimated arrival dates. We are currently hoping to premiere the new Atlas Motorhome in 2024. Above: Vintage hand tools before machines and power tools took over the world. The guys also enjoyed getting a factory tour (Unfortunately we can't share photos from the inside of the factory) and are excited to return next year. Make sure to come in and have a chat with the Smith's if you are keen to find out further details. Above: Brand-new Pilote motorhomes waiting to be picked up and shipped. Above: Besides visiting the factory the Smiths kept a little time aside for site seeing and exploring the surroundings.
We currently have an assortment of used Kea Motorhomes in stock and are excited to announce that THL have designed brand-new decals for the vehicles. If you have purchased a Kea Motorhome through us in the past feel free to get in touch to purchase a decal pack for your vehicle. You will then simply need to get a professional to fit the decals to your vehicle. We are currently going through the process of getting new decals fitted to our current stock and can't wait to see the result. Check out the images and get in touch if you have any questions!!!
Last month we explored the Westcoast Region and are now travelling south to Wanaka. Driving from Greymouth to Wanaka will take you more than 7 hours however if you have been spending time on the West Coast and are looking to move south you are more likely to be located in Haast and the drive should take no more than 2 hours. Wanaka is a great base to either explore the bottom of the South Island or visit for a weekend. Its a very popular travel destination and therefore can be busy at times. To avoid disappointment ensure you book the campsite early during peak travel times and plan well ahead. "A lively town buzzing with a carefree spirit, Wanaka’s picture-perfect location and easy access to the outdoors makes it the ultimate base for your holiday." "Wanaka has the buzz of a genuine alpine town and is the ultimate hub for outdoor adventures, and with Mount Aspiring National Park located close by it’s the perfect destination for exploring the Southern Alps.
For adventure seekers, you can go skydiving, canyoning, climbing or mountaineering and there are hundreds of kilometres of tracks for hiking or biking. The crystal-clear water of the lakes and rivers are ideal for kayaking, fishing, lake cruises and jet-boating, or to get an aerial perspective of the region take a scenic flight and you can even land on a glacier. In winter, Wānaka is a vibrant centre for skiers and snowboarders with four ski areas just a short drive from the town. Wānaka has a reputation for great food and wine, with a wide variety of lakefront bars, cafes and restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine, plus a wealth of artisans producing award-winning wine, beer, spirits, bread, and ice cream. Be sure to visit the local farmer's market to try some of the region’s best produce. Or plan your visit around one of Wānaka’s world-class events like the Warbirds over Wānaka air show, the Rhythm & Alps music festival, the Festival of Colour or Challenge Wānaka, the world’s most scenic long-distance triathlon." https://www.newzealand.com/sg/wanaka/ |
AuthorDeluxe RV Group Archives
October 2024
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