The truth is now out? It has been out for a couple of years. He said from the start it was the plan to build them offshore.
I'm happy to be wrong. But I'm not sure that's the case here...
This is the original press release at the launch of AusRV:
https://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/details/mdc-launches-aussie-caravan-range-58431/"
The move to local caravan manufacture will remain separate from MDC’s current importation of Chinese-built campers and hybrids, which will continue to be commissioned and certified to Australian compliance alongside the AUSRV range in Brisbane."
there is also much talk (from the owner) of expanding the workforce and the factory space to deal with the Australian manufacturing, I also know of people from other van and camper manufacturers that left their jobs and moved their families interstate to be part of the new "Australian made" ranges development and manufacture.
It looks to my untrained eye as though they made the initial run and samples in Australia, shipped some of that initial run to China for copying, then signed up Simon and Jason from All4Adventure to use their "Australian Made" vans and camper, then did a switch to Chinese manufacturing.
The other thing that confuses me... they already bring in
MDC branded "off-road" caravans and hybrids from China. Why would they create a new brand, make all the first year or twos product in Australia, then switch production to China... aren't they just overlapping the MDC vans?
But like I said... happy to be proven wrong.