To prepare your dealership for the road ahead, it’s important to stay on top of industry news and developments. By staying informed, you’ll be able to discuss strategies, adjust processes, and equip your staff. Let’s take a look at five current industry trends to know.

Shifting Owner Demographics

As generations enter new phases of life, your customer demographics will shift. For example, according to the Go RVing 2025 RV Owner Demographic Profile, RV owner demographics have already begun to change. They’re younger, increasingly diverse, and more active RV users. On another note, the commercial truck and boating industries have seen a surge of female buyers. In the trucking industry, women now comprise a third of the market. Similarly, the boating industry has seen a spike in the number of women searching for boats — almost doubling since 2017.

To engage these new groups, consider re-evaluating your marketing efforts to determine the most effective strategy to pique their interests, speak to their preferences, and meet their needs.

Changing Consumer Behavior

Consumer preferences are always evolving, and your dealership needs to stay up to date to meet their expectations. For example, the RV and trailer industries are adapting to the influx of customers opting for sedans instead of larger pickup trucks. Since these vehicles have limited towing capacity, RV manufacturers have started producing more lightweight models to keep up with the demand shift.

Additionally, glamping has emerged as a popular activity for new generations of campers and consumers looking for more budget-friendly alternatives to B&Bs and hotels. In fact, Hipcamp predicts that family glamping reservations will double this year, proving that RV dealers should keep this type of potential RVer in mind.

Increased Outdoor Support

Specialty vehicle customers are often big fans of the great outdoors. Recently, we’ve seen significant progress in support for outdoor initiatives. For instance, on January 4, 2025, former President Joe Biden signed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act into law. This act signifies a commitment to improving recreation opportunities and access to public lands, demonstrating a stronger focus on outdoor initiatives. Heightened support for the outdoors means adventure lovers will be encouraged to participate in activities such as ATVing, RVing, boating, and more, helping your specialty sectors continue to grow.

Uncertain Economic Outlook

President Trump’s proposed tariffs have sparked many conversations surrounding their expected economic impact across the specialty vehicle industries. In the latest RVBusiness Market Report, many industry professionals discuss the economy’s forecast and have taken a “cautiously optimistic” stance.

As your dealership navigates this period of uncertainty, understanding potential effects is the first step to staying prepared. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that your customers may feel more financial pressure when considering larger purchases like a specialty vehicle. Prioritize strengthening customer relationships, building trust, and making them feel confident in their decision. Respond to their questions and requests confidently, quickly, and decisively, maintaining open and clear communication through every turn.

Enhanced Digitization

While digital integrations in specialty vehicle industries aren’t yet at the same level as the automotive industry, there have still been large advancements in operational automation. For example, many specialty dealers have adopted a comprehensive dealer management system to help streamline their business processes. With the right DMS, you can store all your customer information in a single location, automate follow-up communication, eliminate tedious, manual tasks, and so much more. With greater awareness of available digital tools, you can embrace innovation, accelerate your dealership, and remain ahead of the curve.

Conclusion

By keeping your eyes on the road ahead and staying informed of recent developments, your dealership will be better prepared to navigate new trends and terrain. At Motility, we’re dedicated to helping specialty dealers operate successfully through any circumstances.