Chinese RV industry delegates attend National Trade Show

For the first time ever, a large contingent of Chinese RV industry representatives attended the annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky this year, according to Steve Bibler of RV Business.

Recreational Vehicle Industry Association Chairman Jim Sheldon said as many as 90 Chinese delegates visited one-on-one with major U.S. RV manufacturers at a reception during the show earlier this month.

"The visitors from China represented a wide swath of interest, from those who could provide materials to U.S. manufacturers to those interested in establishing joint ventures to those interested in importing products into China," Sheldon said.

After the face-to-face meetings, which were conducted with the help of translators, many of the Chinese representatives were seen revisiting displays at the show's exhibits.

"From my standpoint, I had the sense the Chinese are serious about promoting the RV lifestyle in their country," Sheldon told RV Business.

RVIA President Richard Coon and other industry officials have made several visits to Chinese trade fairs and conventions showcasing the RV industry in recent years.