Caravan Salon Düsseldorf: Stellantis presents its “family for families”
Over 600 operators, 250,000 m2 of exhibition space over 16 pavilions (3 more than last year, proof of the increasing interest in this sector): this is the 61st edition of the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, a benchmark event in Europe for manufacturers and buyers of recreational vehicles (RVs).
The Stellantis stand at the German show covers 500 m2 in Hall 16 (D42) and is a multibrand display for the first time ever, including Fiat Professional, Citroën, Peugeot and Opel. An unprecedented decision, based on precise and strategic communications guidelines that reflect the positioning as a “family for families”.
A family of products expanded last year as a result of the merger between the FCA and PSA Groups, offering the opportunity to extend and complement the line-up. Both Fiat Professional and Citroën are indeed traditional players in this sector. For Peugeot, it represents an opportunity to return to a rapidly growing market. It serves as Opel’s debut in the smaller van sector where recent developments have taken place and which now has younger users than on average, with reduced needs for space and more limited purchasing power.
With four distinct brands, Stellantis can now meet every need of families that use RVs and visit the Salon to discover the latest trends and news in a constantly expanding market. This growth actually increased during the pandemic, as a result of greater professional flexibility given by new broadly adopted smart- work habits and of the appeal of taking vacations in single-family households, in quieter locations, and in contact with nature.
Hence the decision to mount a powerfully inspirational stand, recalling the emotive values of freedom, independence and taste for discovery. The predominance of green and brown, the woody hue of the exhibition platforms and the photos of fascinating places create an immediate reference to the relationship with a natural environment to be explored and protected, to maintain it for future generations.
As well as at RV buyers, Stellantis is also showing its broad new range of products to the recreational vehicles manufacturers – demonstrating to offer the widest possible range of models, sizes and propulsions intended for the market and for the road. Stellantis is therefore putting its very latest products on display: four base vehicles intended for conversion, with a full range of ADAS specifications that can even offer latest generation of autonomous driving, as well as the option of a diesel engine or a 100% electric motor.
Furthermore, courtesy also of the 100% electric motor available in the range of Ducato, Stellantis is ready to offer products suitable for the RV market even in terms of demand for BEVs, a technology evolution currently conditioned by the development of the infrastructure required and the interest of individual RV manufacturers.
In any event, work continues in parallel on the evolution of diesel technology, to continue to meet the relevant legislative requirements.
The vehicles on display at the Stellantis brands booth will show a cross-section of the options from which motorhome manufacturers and customers can choose. The Fiat Professional brand is present with a Ducato Chassis Cab L4 in white, representing some of the most frequently chosen configurations and options. Among many contents, the displayed vehicle has a 9-speed automatic transmission, full LED lights, radio nav with 10″ touchscreen, emergency brake, lane assist and traffic sign recognition.
Citroën will show in Düsseldorf a Jumper Temps Libre VAN L2H2 HDI 165 in the color gray metallic. The panel van features some of the equipment most frequently chosen by customers, such as leather steering wheel, full LED lights, and 16″ alloy wheels.
The Opel brand is present on the stand with the fully electric, 5-seater E-Zafira Life. The vehicle in the medium length version, features, among other things, a multifunction steering wheel, xenon headlights, a glazed rear door and automatic climate control.
Also powered purely by electricity is the exhibition vehicle from Peugeot. The E-Rifter in L2 length with 5 seats, painted in blue metallic, has the Allure Pack, which includes, for example, 3 individual seats in the second row, heated seats and automatic climate control. The Mode 2 charging cable needed to charge the battery is also part of the equipment.
Stellantis is taking this broadened and refreshed line-up to confirm its brands’ leadership in the RV sector, considered a strategic field both now and in the future, as emphasized in the “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan that was unveiled last March.
Not only does this plan focus on the acknowledgment from the market with regard to products and volumes, it also deals with customer care and satisfaction. All four brands in the family – each marked by their own distinct character – are working in close contact with motorhome manufacturers and buyers, offering specific services that can both proactively anticipate future market requirements, and closely follow up customers’ needs when it comes to post-sales and customer care.
