"Enjoy home, anywhere" - this is the idea of caravanning. One of the world's largest trade fairs dedicated to this industry begins. From August 24 (press day) to September 2. you can see the current offer of mobile tourism.
After the fair in Düsseldorf, you can see that campers and caravans are no longer a niche in the automotive industry. The touring vehicle market is growing year by year, which is reflected in the most important industry event. Over 600 exhibitors participate in the 57th Caravan Salon 2018 in Düsseldorf. On a huge area of 214,000 square meters, in 13 halls, you can see stands of more than 130 brands of caravans and motorhomes - a total of more than 2,100 recreational vehicles , from tiny trailers to luxury buses included in the price of the residence. The organizers expect over 200,000 visitors from all over the world.
The industry is pleased with the eighth record year in a row. In 2017, more than 40,000 motorhomes were registered in Germany. In the first half of 2018, there were already 31,000. No wonder that new producers are entering the market, and well-known brands are expanding their offer.
The undisputed leader is still Fiat Ducato with over 60% share in the motorhome market. The twin models of Citroën and Peugeot are just behind it. New competitors, such as Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter and its twin brother - MAN TGE , raise the stakes.
California Dreamin '
At the fair, it is definitely worth paying attention to the Volkswagen California XXL , which will be manufactured in the Polish factory in Września. This is the official premiere of the production version (finally!) Of the car.
Volkswagen built its flagship touring vehicle not on the basis of the Transporter, but the larger Crafter . Compared to the previous California, the new one is a giant! The length of the car (from bumper to bumper) is 5,986 mm. But already counting above the line drawn by the door handles, the length of the body is 6,238 mm. The width of the car is 2,424 mm and the height is 2,900 mm.
Mercedes and Hymer
Hymer, a motorhome manufacturer from Bad Waldsee in the south of Germany, in cooperation with Mercedes, will show new versions of the popular Hymer ML-T and HymerCar Grand Canyon S models, based on the new Sprinter. The new products will be available at dealers from September 2018.
A gem will also appear at the Mercedes stand. The Concept F-Cell is a semi-integrated motorhome powered by electricity generated by fuel cells. Thanks to three hydrogen tanks, the car can travel up to 300 kilometers on one refueling. We will drive an additional 30 km thanks to the battery-electric drive and lithium-ion batteries.
It is great that such an innovative vehicle was designed as a motorhome - perhaps thanks to this, caravanning will gain an ecological face in the near future. To meet nature, we will drive cars that do not pollute the air. The Concept F-Cell based on the Sprinter is set to complete the existing electrified vehicle range, which also includes the eVito and eSprinter .
Karmann, Bürstner and Dethleffs
The Karmann company will show Danny - a new campervan in two versions: 490 and 530. The new vehicle is built on the Fiat Talento chassis. Danny succeeds the Colibri which was built on the basis of Renault Trafic.
Bürstner will introduce the new Ixeo T. It is a segment of semi-integrated upper middle class cars. The series with an elegant and sporty exterior convinces with its spaciousness.
Dethleffs will present the Pulse series. The new line of cars is more dynamic - both inside and out. The interior is spacious, bright and natural. The Pulse series is something between the Trend and the Magic Edition, and therefore the basic and middle class. It is to replace the Advantage line and it is Pulse that is ultimately to become a pioneer of the company's future model strategy.
In the world of caravans
It is also worth paying attention to caravans. This is where the new version of Dethleffs Coco stands out. This trailer combines light construction with an original line and multi-functionality. The name Coco comes from the English term "cocoon" which refers to the feeling of comfort and peace. In 2019, the manufacturer will prepare only 100 pieces.
For 2019, Adria will present three new solutions for the development of space in trailers. Its Alpina 753 UK can accommodate up to eight people. In Adora 673 PK we find two separate rooms, and Altea 502 UL is a compact caravan for five people.
Polish accents
Caravan Salon 2018 will also feature representatives of the caravanning industry from Poland. The Globe Traveler brand will have its stand. We will be able to see Voyager X, Voyager XS, Voyager Z, Voyager ZS, Pathfinder Z (bicycle) there.
It is also worth paying attention to the Active ZS , an agile motorhome, which, although it is 35 cm lower than its companions, will accommodate everything you need during a trip. This model is also optionally available with an additional bed, so we can have up to 3 places to sleep in it. The standard box door has been replaced with a lightweight composite wall, which provides additional usable space. An ergonomic bathroom is located in the center of the car, and a large number of cabinets and storage compartments, and a generous garage provide plenty of storage space.
There are minor changes to the existing models. They will include new bathroom and kitchen faucets , changed door embossing and new lamps.
In hall 15, stand D31, another Polish company - Easycamper (known in Germany as WaveCamper ) - will be presenting vehicles based on Volkswagen T5 and T6 and Volkswagen Crafter / MAN TGE. Once again, Poles will embarrass their German competitors with clever ideas for the development of space in small motorhomes. Last year, the company's stand attracted crowds - will it be so this time?
Admission and tickets
Caravan-Salon will be open from August 25 to September 2, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Day tickets are available at the box office for 18 euros. It is cheaper on the Internet, at caravan-salon.de (15 euros), in addition, tickets bought online will be valid for two days.
We will publish current photos from the fair on Facebook: F acebook.com/CampRestCom .
A lawyer who loves traveling. Always with a book on the go. I collect memories of the color, taste and smell of every place I visit.
