The constant rise in demand for caravans and motorhomes has prompted many manufacturers to expand their product portfolios. For these additional products there are also more and more layouts and configuration options.

These developments benefit customers, explains Daniel Onggowinarso, General Manager of the Caravaning Industrie Verband e. V. (CIVD): “Caravanning stands for individuality. Motorhomes and caravans adapt to the plans and needs of the holiday-makers – not the other way round. This is why our industry offers the constantly growing caravanning fan community a hitherto unseen product variety and a plethora of design options. Nowhere else is this so clear to see than at the CARAVAN SALON.”

Wide selection of base vehicles

Since the demand for RVs has been growing for years now, there are also more and more brands entering the market for base vehicles. This is why Fiat Ducato – leading the market so far – and the Citroën and Peugeot models of the same construction – have long been joined by Ford, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes, Renault and Volkswagen. “The wider range of chassis offers not only more options for customers but also provides manufacturers with added design freedom,” reports Daniel Onggowinarso.

Trend towards compact motorhomes continues

Be it fully or partially integrated motorhomes, alcove models or campervans: demand for all types of motorhomes is at a record high. Campervans, however, play a special role accounting for the fastest growing segment. One in two new motorhomes are now campervans. What customers appreciate about the more compact vehicles is that they are easier to drive and also suitable for everyday use thanks to their size. Statistics disclose a special effect caused by disrupted supply chains: on account of the scarcity of vehicle chassis for classic motorhome types, the ultra-compact models among the campervans – as a rule without a wet room due to their size – currently still feature more prominently among new registrations: there are slightly more base vehicles available for them by comparison.

Innovative lightweight construction solutions for weight savings

The many popular vehicle features available also come with greater weight. Furthermore, even the base vehicles of motorhomes are getting heavier and heavier due to legal, safety-critical provisions. At the same time, drivers who obtained their passenger car driving licence after 1999 are only allowed to steer vehicles up to a maximum weight of 3.5 tons. The same permissible total weight applies to passenger car-caravan combinations. So the task is to stay below this weight limit. To keep both caravans and mobile homes agile despite their many extra features, manufacturers constantly break new ground in engineering recreational vehicles. This is also why the CIVD with its European umbrella organisation ECF in Brussels advocates raising the permissible total weight to 4.25 tons.

Interior design: even more comfortable, variable and sustainable 

Demanding customers also expect more comfort and extras when it comes to vehicle interiors – which should be modern, bright and high-quality. Here, manufacturers bridge the gap between high-end components and sustainability aspects. More and more recycled and recyclable materials are used for upholstery, for example. Furthermore, more variable layouts and adaptable interior concepts are an advancing trend. Height-adjustable beds, fold-down components in the bathroom or convertible seating make for an even more effective use of the space available and provide extra room. Controlling on-board equipment by smartphone has long been an industry standard. Filling gauges can be checked remotely while heating and air-conditioning can be controlled before returning to the vehicle.

pic: Messe Düsseldorf / C. Tillmann