UPDATE: A heartbroken family is grappling with a devastating $168,000 loss after the Queensland-based caravan company Zone RV entered voluntary administration, leaving hundreds in limbo just days before Christmas. The family of four had planned to collect their luxury motorhome in February but now faces uncertainty as the company struggles to remain afloat.
New reports reveal that Zone RV has left around 100 customers stranded and 250 employees without work or holiday pay. For New Zealanders Alexis and Cade Thornton, this news is particularly crushing. They were set to pay their final $42,000 installment for their dream motorhome, intended for a once-in-a-lifetime trip around Australia.
“It’s bewildering how this can happen,” Cade said, expressing the family’s deep disappointment. “We’ve organized everything; we’ve leased our home and booked flights to Queensland. Now we don’t know if our caravan will be there.”
The family’s two children, aged seven and nine, were eagerly looking forward to the trip, but now face the reality of a potential delay. “If we have to put this off, they’ll get older and may not want to go,” Cade emphasized. The emotional weight of the situation has left the family struggling to process the news, describing it as “quite hard.”
Industry experts indicate that the caravan sector is facing unprecedented challenges. David Fealy, a veteran in the manufacturing and caravan industry, notes that the RV market in Australia has become a “pressure cooker.” He highlighted that local manufacturers are squeezed by lower-cost imports and rising operational expenses, creating a precarious environment for businesses.
The first creditors’ meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, where administrators from Cor Cordis will outline Zone RV’s debts and future options. An official statement from Cor Cordis confirmed they are conducting an “urgent review” of the situation, focusing on preserving value for stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers.
Despite the turmoil, the administrators suggest that more than a dozen finished caravans may still be delivered to those who have paid in full. However, clarity remains elusive for customers like the Thorntons, who only made partial payments.
Zone RV’s predicament follows a troubling trend in the caravan industry, with past collapses leaving families devastated. Last year, retired customers lost their life savings in the shocking downfall of Tango Caravans.
As the situation unfolds, the Thornton family is left anxiously waiting for updates on their motorhome and the next steps they must take. “Coming home is not an option for us. We don’t have a house to come back to,” Cade lamented.
This developing story highlights the urgent need for transparency and support for affected customers as the holiday season approaches. With many families like the Thorntons impacted, the ramifications of Zone RV’s administration will continue to echo across the Australian caravan industry.
For more updates on this situation, stay tuned as we follow this breaking news.
