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 Topic: How often to Pennine update their FC`s?
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08/8/2016 at 12:24am
Location: Redditch
Outfit: Changes almost daily!!
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Changes have, traditionally, come about every three or four years or so, however, I suspect that is not likely to happen for a while, yet.
When Pennine ceased trading, in 2014, they were taken over by two long standing employees, and the new company moved to smaller premises, and rationalised the model range and production.
The emphasis, now, is very much on keeping things simple. This is why there are 4 models in the range, but only two basic shells / canvases (a 4 berth and a 6 berth). The Fiesta is exactly the same trailer and canvas as the Countryman, but it is the interior that varies. Likewise, with the Pathfinder / Crusader. Same trailer and canvas, but with a variety of interior configurations.
These existing models have all been around for at least around 20 years, and have been pretty well fine tuned in their current formats, so it's difficult to see where they could go with their existing range. If I have one critisism of the current models it's the, what I feel, is a retro grade step of making the hot water / heating 240v only, when they used to have the flexibility of running on gas or mains. Otherwise, they are pretty much as good as they are going to get, I think.
That only really leaves the option of expanding the range. A lot of people have asked about a replacement for the Sterling / Pullman style of 6 berth camper, and there is, undoubtedly, the demand for an entry level model like the old Aztec. The problem is that current owners, Julie and Nick, are, quite rightly, taking a cautious approach with the new company, and sticking, for now, with what they know. The financial commitment required for a new model is ridiculous, and they feel it's better to stick with what they have, and get it right, so I don't think we'll be seeing any major changes, of any kind, for quite some time.
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08/8/2016 at 5:26pm
Location: Redditch
Outfit: Changes almost daily!!
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No worries. Glad it's of some use.
The Conway Crusader started life as the competitor to the Pennine Pathfinder, but, once the two companies were merged, they became, effectively, the same model, but with different colour schemes (slight over simplification, but that's, basically, it).
Once the Isabella acrylic canvases and matching interiors came in, there was much less of a distinction between the two models, so, in Autumn 2014, the Crusader disappeared from the Pennine web site, and was branded as a 'show only' model. The Pathfinder comes in a relatively standard format, with its distinctive U shaped seating etc. Of course, there are optional extras available, but it is a fairly uniform product.
The Crusader, on the other hand, whilst an identical trailer and canvas, offers a more customisable interior, and you can pick and chose which options you have installed, to a greater or lesser extent. The only other noticeable distinction is that the Crusader has opposing dinette style settees, rather than the U shaped seating of the Pathfinder.
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The one good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others..
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09/8/2016 at 1:37am
Location: Redditch
Outfit: Changes almost daily!!
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With regard to the last question, I, actually, have no idea. When I have been on the Pennine stand, previously, for a few days, the Countryman seemed to significantly outstrip the Fiesta, in terms of units sold, but my understanding is that, across the board, it's a relatively even split.
I suspect the Pathfinder will be a very popular choice, as well. When you bear in mind that it is only a three and a half grand difference between the entry level Countryman, and the flagship Pathfinder, I know where my money would be going. That said, I know a lot of couples prefer the smaller models, as the feel the larger 6 berths are much less convenient to tow, maneuver and store, so, to be honest, it's anybody's guess. I'll ask them next time I see them.
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The one good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others..
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