RVIA has chosen ITR Economics to produce its quarterly RV RoadSigns report forecasting RV wholesale shipments. The research firm replaces the University of Michigan’s Dr. Richard Curtin, who stepped down this summer after more than 40 years as RVIA forecaster. The first forecast under ITR Economics’ direction will be released next week.
ITR Economics is the oldest, privately held, continuously operating economic research and consulting firm in the United States, providing businesses with forecasting, economic information, insight, analysis and strategy. Since 1985, their overall forecast accuracy is 94.7 percent at one year out. The firm was selected following a thorough search process that saw Market Information Committee and Executive Committee members review proposals and presentations from four economic firms that specialize in market forecasting.
“We are excited to welcome ITR Economics to the RV industry and look forward to working with their talented team to deliver accurate, actionable forecasts and analysis to association members,” RVIA President Craig Kirby said. “The firm has extensive experience in working with manufacturers, suppliers, wholesale distributors, and trade associations. That background will translate well in working with member companies to provide impactful economic data to help guide their business planning and decision making.”
ITR Economics President Alan Beaulieu said, “The RV Industry Association and its members play a key role in the well-being of people and the economy. ITR Economics is proud to be associated with the RV Industry Association as we work to provide economic information you can depend on as you set budgets and make plans for resource application. Together we will step away from the headlines and look at verifiable data and determine what it means for you and the community we share.”
The RV RoadSigns quarterly forecast provides wholesale shipment projections and insight on macroeconomic factors impacting the RV industry. It has been produced by Dr. Richard Curtin, director of surveys at the University of Michigan. He has conducted research on the RV market since 1979, including the association’s series of RV Consumer Demographic Profiles in addition to the RV RoadSigns forecast. Curtin made the decision after RVs Move America Week 2019 to step away from the RV market forecast following the Summer 2020 issue of RV RoadSigns.
Kirby said, “The RV Industry Association, our members, and the RV industry are indebted to Dr. Curtin for the information, insight, and guidance he has provided on the RV market and the RV consumer. As one of the nation’s most respected experts on the economy and consumer confidence, his research and forecasting work provided credibility for the RV industry among key business and media audiences as well as consumers. Dr. Curtin played an integral role in the growth of the RV market over the last four decades, and we are enormously grateful and appreciative of his contributions.”
