"The story of Sprite Caravans" by Andrew Jenkinson
This book dedicated to the Sprite caravan brand by the author, caravan journalist and renowned caravan historian, Andrew Jenkinson explains why Sprite was so successful and brought innovation to the rest of the caravan industry. With over 206 picture images accessing the archive of the Sprite founder Sam Alper OBE including: factory shots of Sprites being produced in the 1950s and 1960s and rare archive shots of US Sprites from the 1960s and 1970s.
Foreword by the Swift Group Chairman, Peter Smith
"Sprite is one of the best known caravan names, and people from most age groups associate it with enjoyable holidays. It has always produced both affordable and reliable products, which have a reputation for light weight and contemporary design.
The ’90s saw entry-level new caravans replaced on dealer forecourts by good used ones, but shortages in the growing market of 2004 prompted Sprite’s owner, the Swift Group, to relaunch the brand. It was an instant hit, and has enjoyed growth ever since. Sprite’s essential qualities remain unchanged, but advances in design and equipment mean it never fails to surprise new customers.
The latest new model – two Musketeer five-berths, ideal for popular family cars, and the small light Finesse two-berth – have proved just right for today’s design and cost-conscious market.
The growing demand for more energy-efficient cars, combined with increasing popularity of holidaying in the UK, spell good times ahead for Sprite. The Swift Group says the product will continue to be developed, but will stay true to its heritage of being modern, affordable, reliable, and lightweight.
Since the caravanning boom of the ’60s, Sprite has been exported to most western European countries, with production volumes, at times, close to those for the UK. Exchange rate volatility made export a difficult and risky business, and sales to several markets had ceased by 1994, when the Swift Group acquired Sprite. Good relationships with strong importers and dealer networks in Holland and Denmark ensured that sales continued, even through the period 1999-2004, when no UK Sprites were built. Also, recent favourable changes to the £/€ exchange rate have allowed investment in special new models for these markets, and market share is once again growing."
For exclusive extracts from "the story of Sprite Caravans" paperback, click the link "Extracts from the story of Sprite Caravans"
Access saved quotes and service your policies online.
Existing Customer Retrieve a quote
