Westfalia unveils “Jules Verne” special anniversary model
Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, 27/08 – 04/09/2011
Westfalia launches a new model to mark this year’s 60th anniversary of the camper van: Today’s world première unveiling of the “Jules Verne” marked the start of this year’s Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. As original creator of the camper van, Westfalia is also marking its anniversary with a limited anniversary edition of the new model: the “Edition 60” of the Jules Verne comes with luxury fittings and has exactly what it takes to become a collector’s item.
Westfalia is breaking entirely new ground with the Jules Verne: the anniversary model is the first camper in the van segment to be equipped with two built-in single beds. The vehicle is also equipped with a toilet, which can be conveniently stored underneath one of the beds. With its latest innovation, Westfalia is offering a home on the move to the growing number of couples on the go.
The Jules Verne is great for longer trips, and is equally convenient for short city breaks or weekend visits to friends, children or grandchildren. For in spite of its compact design, the Jules Verne is equipped to the full: the integrated kitchen unit is equipped with a hotplate, a refrigerator and a sink, and the roller-shutter cabinet provides enough storage space for all kitchenware. Thanks to this, the vehicle’s interior is ready for use without the need for modification. Despite the benefits for everyday use of having a low overhead clearance of under 2 metres, the well-known and distinctive Westfalia roof pop-up provides a comfortable standing headroom of 2.20 metres. The Mercedes Vito provides the base vehicle for the model. It leaves the factory with two floor plans as a 3 seater and a 5 seater. With the start of the Caravan Salon the model goes on sale, and shipment is due to proceed from the 4th quarter of 2011 onwards.
Strictly limited: the special edition version Jules Verne Edition 60
In order to mark the 60th anniversary of the camper van, Westfalia has also produced an additional anniversary edition of the Jules Verne: the “Jules Verne Edition 60” is limited to just 60 units worldwide. “The Edition 60 is a vehicle for those who are on the lookout for that something special, including when it comes to their leisure time on the move.” said Westfalia’s new CEO Mike Reuer at the unveiling of the model today in Düsseldorf. “A collector’s item, which connects the charm of a bygone era with modern mobility and an air of luxury.”
The Jules Verne “Edition 60” is equipped with a set of exclusive additional features: Among these is a special blue-white “Westfalia Edition 60” finish effect, which is reminiscent of the standard two-tone finish of the “original camper van”. It also includes high-quality leather upholstery, a navigation system or parking sensors. The Jules Verne Edition 60 is manufactured based on the luxurious Mercedes Viano. The Edition 60 is also now on sale, with shipment due to proceed from the 4th quarter of 2011 onwards.
60 Years of the camper van
When Westfalia launched the world’s first camper van in 1951, the so-called “Camping Box” was more than just a van fitted with integrated camping facilities. It was the birth of a new kind of vehicle. Like no other vehicle before it, the Westfalia camper van has affected the approach to life of whole generations of people. The Camping Box and its successor models opened up the possibility for independent, individual and spontaneous travel. A concept which Westfalia went on to continuously further develop, for instance with the first sanitary compartment to have hot water (1977 in the James Cook), or the removable cool box with combined hot-water and underfloor heating system that is accessible from two sides (2010 in the Columbus). With its newly developed space and function concept utilised in the Jules Verne, Westfalia is once again breaking new ground and marking the beginning of a new era in motorhome design and construction.
Westfalia continues to rely on its tried-and-tested two-pillar strategy: alongside fitting out vehicles for OEM partners Ford, Mercedes and Opel, it is constantly pursuing development of its in-house production models: hence the Jules Verne is now the seventh in Westfalia’s series of in-house production models. In addition to this, the Columbus model has also been given a makeover. The first in-house production model based on the Fiat Ducato now satisfies the Euro 5 stage emission standard and comes with a refined set of features. Sales have also seen continued reinforcement. A goal has been set to create a nationwide dealer network, covering the whole of Germany by the end of the year. This is an approach which has already started paying off: sales figures since the beginning of this year have seen a significant increase compared with those of the same period last year.
About Westfalia
Westfalia is one of the leading motorhome manufacturers in Europe. Besides manufacturing motorhomes and recreational vehicles for international automobile marques such as Mercedes, Opel, and Ford, the premium manufacturer has for three years now been focusing increasingly on developing its own models under the Westfalia name. Particularly through its implementation of the legendary Westfalia quality standards and by ensuring the high intrinsic value of their products, the company has made a name for itself throughout various branches of industry. A hallmark of all Westfalia models – from the “James Cook” to the “Sven Hedin”, from the “Michelangelo” to the “Big Nugget” – is furthermore their car-like properties as are reflected by their compliance with the highest safety standards and the absolute suitability of the vehicles for everyday use.
