Some awards are decided out on the road, by the people who own and travel in the vehicles day to day, and that’s exactly the kind of recognition Concept Caravans Group has just picked up. The business has taken home Gold in the 2026 RVMAP People’s Choice Towable Manufacturer of the Year Award.
We caught up with the team behind Concept Caravans Group to find out what this recognition means to them, how a 22-year journey turned into more than 17,000 caravans on Australian roads, and why accreditation should be front of mind for anyone shopping for their next van.
Industry awards carry weight, but for the Concept Group, hearing it from the customers who live with the vans every day is a different kind of win.
“We’re beyond thrilled to receive this award from the people whose opinion we value most, our customers,” the team told us. “The award is recognition for the hard work and dedication our staff have put in over the journey. Celebrating the award has been a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do, and we’re grateful for every customer who has trusted us with the opportunity to build their dream caravan.”
The Concept Group’s story began in 2004, when Directors Steve Caruso, Bruno Caruso and Keir Smith founded Concept Caravans. Over time, the business has grown into a broader group encompassing Franklin Caravans, Newlands Caravans and Viscount Caravans.
Across that 22-year history, more than 17,000 units have rolled out under the group’s various brands. The range once stretched to pop-tops and slide-outs, but the current focus is on full-height caravans, built as touring, semi off-road and off-road variations.
Picking the right caravan is only part of the equation for Concept Caravans Group. Just as much thought goes into what happens for the owner once they’re actually out on the road.
“We enhance the customer journey by ensuring every single customer is well supported beyond the day they drive out of the dealership,” the team said. “Our dealers are proud of their handover process, and even more so in how we collectively assist customers when on the road. We work collaboratively with dealers, suppliers and repairers to ensure every customer is supported, whether that be through advice, warranty repairs, spare parts or technical information relating to the build.”
Concept Caravans Group holds accreditation through the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP), and the team was clear on why that should matter to buyers as much as it does to them.
“Being part of the RVMAP program is incredibly beneficial for us, giving us tools to ensure compliance in an ever-changing landscape,” the team explained. “We take a lot out of the collaboration in understanding new ADRs, and having ISO accredited auditors regularly reviewing our product ensures we are compliant in all facets of our business.”
Their message for shoppers is a simple one: look for the key. “Consumers should look for the RVMAP Accreditation Key to ensure the manufacturer of their vehicle is committed to voluntary audits and compliance checks to improve their business,” the team said.
When asked what they’d say directly to the customers who voted for them, the team didn’t hesitate.
“To every single customer that has purchased one of our caravans over the years, we thank you for your support and trust,” the team said. “As a company, we’re incredibly fortunate to have so many loyal customers, many of which have bought multiple units over the years, and to us, this is the greatest compliment. Our commitment to you is that we will continue to build high quality, compliant, Australian made caravans for many years to come.”
Looking for your next caravan? Keep an eye out for the RVMAP Accreditation Key, and check out Concept Caravans Group to see what 22 years and 17,000 units of Australian manufacturing looks like on the road.
Recent Post:
Categories:
Tags:
Key Industry Partners
