Italian motorhome brands to go on sale in the UK

Motorhomes built by the Italian manufacturer, PLA, are again on sale in the UK. The company’s GiottiLine motorhomes are also being sold here after new Cheshire-based dealer, Wincham Leisure, started to import the two marques

Wincham is currently building a new showroom, which is expected to open in March, and establishing the dealership and new rental service – motorhome2go and campervan2go– from its base in Congleton.

GiottiLine is PLA’s flagship brand and has A-class, low-profile and overcabs within its range. However, only the low-profile and overcab Therry lines will be sold here. All will be based on the six-speed Peugeot Boxer in right-hand drive and will be on a 3.5-tonne chassis.

It is expected that later in 2018 an option to have an automatic gearbox based on the Fiat Ducato will be available.

PLA meanwhile makes only low-profiles and overcab coachbuilts under its own name comprising two ranges – Happy and Mister. However, in the UK these ranges will be named Chianti and Ruffina respectively.

The Chianti, which sits as a mid-range line, will be available for rent and sold direct to the public alongside the GiottiLine while the entry-level Ruffina range will mainly be for rental, although will also be available to buy from new.

The GiottiLine and Chianti ranges are already on sale, while right-hand-drive Ruffina models will not arrive in the UK until March.

The first motorhomes to go on sale are the PLA 570s and 580s and GiottiLine T38 and T37. Prices start at £41,611 for PLA models and £50,587 for GiottiLines, with Lux Packs (cab air-conditioning, passenger airbag, cruise control, ESP plus Hill Holder plus Hill Descent, plus lots more, depending on model).

In addition, the UK-specification standard features will include reversing camera, oven, removable carpets and a 4m wind-out awning.

The dealer is also hoping to open a site with 15 overnight pitches so those buying and renting can stay nearby.