AL-KO's RV technology tows industry to higher ground

Known for its iconic landscapes and rugged outback beauty, Australia has a fast-expanding motor home, caravan and camping industry. One homegrown company has established a firm foothold in this niche market through technological breakthroughs and innovative developments. Recreational vehicle (RV) components manufacturer AL-KO International has built a comprehensive product range acclaimed for its advanced technology, smart design and excellent performance.

"Innovation is a vital element of AL-KO's corporate DNA," says managing director Sven Mannfolk. "We bring to market ground-breaking products every year because this is part of our core value."

In operation for more than 25 years, AL-KO has grown from an axle manufacturer based in south Melbourne into a leading supplier of caravan axles, brakes, couplings and suspension products with offices and factories in Australia and New Zealand. AL-KO also offers aftermarket parts and accessories under the AL-KO Authentics brand and distributes premium garden and hobby products. It operates under the AL-KO Kober Group, a global technology conglomerate based in Germany.

As part of its commitment to launching innovative solutions, AL-KO unveiled the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) technology, a pioneering anti-sway system for caravans with electric brakes.AL-KO ESC, designed and developed in Australia, monitors and corrects any dangerous sideways movements following an emergency evasive manoeuvre. It is available for fitment to new caravans and retrofit to existing caravans.

"AL-KO ESC heralds a new era in towing safety and stability," Mannfolk says. "We predict the system will be standard in all new caravans by the end of next year."

Open to exploring market opportunities, AL-KO is ready to bring its cutting-edge products to China and the rest of Asia. "We have key component suppliers in China, with whom we serve as an integral partner in setting up and maintaining world-class quality systems," Mannfolk says. "Our next step is to share our expertise to Asian companies seeking to venture into manufacturing RVs and systems that are incorporated into these vehicles."