This issue of Aboutcamp BtoB offers a wide-ranging look at the global RV industry through the lens of its three most influential markets: North America, Europe, and Australia. Each region reveals different challenges and trajectories.
From a European perspective, the publication of the 2024 full-year registration data confirms a slow and uneven recovery. While motorised RVs have started to regain momentum, caravans continue to decline, and manufacturers must still deal with the consequences of overstocking and shifting demand. The European Caravan Federation (ECF) and the recent MELVI 2025 meeting in Bern highlighted the importance of long-term planning, transparency in the supply chain, and a stronger culture of agility and innovation across the sector.
RV shipments in the United States rose by 13.9% in Q1 2025, and the industry is preparing for a busy summer season, with 44 million Americans planning to go RVing. Craig Kirby, President and CEO of the RV Industry Association, explained us how the U.S. market continues to invest in new products and technologies, while promoting RVing as a lifestyle deeply connected to wellbeing and outdoor freedom. Daniel Sahlberg of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia explains in our interview that 2023 was a record
Contents
Interviews
• 34 Bernhard Kibler Dethleffs
• 16 Jayco Australia Jayco’s first half-century
• 38 Daniel Sahlberg CIV
• 20 MELVI 2025 30th meeting of the European industry
• 30 Europe 2024-2025
RV registrations and analysis
• 70 F acts and figures - RVIA
RV owner demographic profile
• 76 interzum 2025
Sustainable visions and innovation
• 84 Milan Design Week Milan lights up with creativity
year in terms of economic impact — with over $27 billion AUD in annual contribution and more than 900,000 registered RVs across the country. While production volumes have normalised after the pandemic boom, consumer demand remains strong and widespread, especially in regional areas. Government institutions increasingly recognise the sector’s value, both economically and culturally. As Sahlberg reminds us, caravanning in Australia is not just a leisure activity — it’s a way of life deeply rooted in national identity.
Alongside a wide range of content, this issue features exclusive interviews with top executives from key industry players, including Lippert, Dethleffs and Airxcel. We also take you inside two major trade events — Milan Design Week and interzum 2025 — where the spotlight was on the future of materials, design, and sustainability. These themes are increasingly central for anyone working in product development, R&D, or strategic sourcing in our industry.
Our international editorial team also brings you a deep dive into the off-road and 4WD segment, and confirms the series dedicated to the history of Europe’s most influential RV manufacturers — an editorial journey that connects past, present and future.
As always, Aboutcamp BtoB aims to provide context, clarity and inspiration for decision-makers across the global RV industry. Enjoy the read.
Antonio Mazzucchelli
• 44 Ryan Smith Lippert
Columns
• 54 Decor In Printing CP2L debuts at interzum 2025
• 50 Anthony Wollschlager Airxcel
• 56 Truma The CombiNeo and RV heating in Europe
• 58 Filippi 1971 Tailored quality solutions
• 60 Bartolacci Design Human and technological resources
• 88 4WD campervans Capitalising on adventure
• 74 Craig Kirby RVIA
• 62 Euramax Welcome aboard - Robert Dous
• 64 Maller
Global vision, green growth
• 66 Vetroresina
Laminates for mobile clinics
• 68 Westacc
Onboard electrical solutions
• 94 Hobby From garage operation to global market leader
Antonio Filosa appointed as new Stellantis CEO
Major global vehicle manufacturer Stellantis N.V. has announced that Antonio Filosa is to be appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer. A 25-year veteran of the company and currently its Chief Operating Officer, Antonio has been unanimously selected as the company’s new CEO by its board of directors following an extensive search process of internal and external candidates. An extraordinary shareholder meeting is due to be held soon, during which Antonio will be elected to the board to serve as an executive director of Stellantis. In the meantime, he has been granted CEO powers effective 23 June, at which time he will also announce a new leadership team.
John Elkann, who will continue in his role as Stellantis Executive Chairman, said: “Antonio’s deep understanding of our company, including its people who he views as our core strength, and of our industry equip him perfectly for the role of Chief Executive Officer in this next and crucial phase of Stellantis’ development.
Editorial
Editor in chief: Antonio Mazzucchelli direttore@aboutcamp.eu
Senior editor: Renato Antonini
Art director: Federico Cavina
Editorial team: Paolo Galvani - Terry Owen
“I have worked closely with Antonio over the past six months during which time his responsibilities have increased, and his strong and effective leadership spanning both North and South America at a moment of unprecedented challenge have confirmed the excellent qualities he brings to the role. Together with the entire board, I look forward to working with him.”
“We unanimously welcome Antonio’s appointment as our new Chief Executive Officer,” added Stellantis Vice Chairman Robert Peugeot. “His track record of successful leadership during his many years with our company speaks for itself and this, together with his deep knowledge of our business and of the complex dynamics facing our industry, make him the natural choice to become Stellantis’ next CEO.”
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tis, Antonio has led the company in both North and South America. During his time as Chief Operating Officer of South America, he took the FIAT brand to the market-leading position and then significantly grew the Peugeot, Citroën, Ram, and Jeep brands. Stellantis owns many major automotive brands, including several commercial vehicle companies that are hugely significant to the caravan and motorhome industry such as Fiat Professional.
Aboutcamp BtoB helps professionals in the caravan/RV and leisure industry around the world keep up to date with all the latest business news and market trends in this sector. It’s the most well informed source of B2B information in the caravan industry, with a unique global perspective and an international team of correspondents delivering daily news online at www.AboutcampBtoB.eu, a bi-monthly e-newsletter, and a high quality print magazine delivered (free) in Europe, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, China, Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile. The Aboutcamp BtoB magazine is published four times a year with features including exclusive interviews with senior management from the industry, reviews of the major exhibitions around the world, and reports about the latest market trends, plus in-depth profiles of OEM suppliers who specifically manufacture components for this sector. With all the recent acquisitions, new technological developments and more and more consumers buying leisure vehicles around the world, Aboutcamp BtoB is essential reading for everyone working in any business related to the caravan industry. While so many flock to the internet, and have an inbox full of emails, Aboutcamp BtoB decided to print a paper magazine so that it gets more noticed, read, appreciated and discussed; so, we wish you happy reading!
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Aboutcamp BtoB is also a website updated daily with news and information dedicated to RV builders and OEM producers. The website is supported by a professional newsletter sent monthly to the professionals in the RV sector. We also strengthened our presence on LinkedIn, where we manage the business page of the magazine but also the group “Caravanning Professional” which allows us to develop direct and informal relationships with decision-makers in the RV industry.
On our website is possible to read online the print edition of all Aboutcamp BtoB issues at: www.aboutcampbtob.eu/read-the-magazines
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Mixed results for German caravanning industry in first quarter of 2025
New data from the German Caravaning Industry Association (CIVD) has revealed that 21,630 new leisure vehicles were registered in Germany for the first three months of the year in 2025. This figure is a 12.9 per cent decrease on the same period in 2024, with the breakdown showing 4,741 new caravan registrations (5.7 per cent down on 2024) and 16,889 new motorhome registrations (down 14.7 per cent on 2024). CIVD claims the overall decline is mainly due to a fall in commercial registrations, with the registration of rental vehicles by the caravanning trade delayed in part thanks to the late dates of Easter. In an official release, it was also suggested that some of the younger companies in the rental sector have invested less in their rental pools this spring. Despite these declining figures, CIVD reports that there are still encouraging developments in the German caravanning industry including numerous well-attended spring trade fairs throughout the country and that consumer demand remains at a very high
Camper Caravan Show in Poland reports visitor and exhibitor growth
The largest caravanning fair in Poland, the Camper Caravan Show, reported an increase in visitor and exhibitor numbers when hosting its 10th anniversary edition from 21 to 23 March this year. The show, which takes place at Ptak Warsaw Expo, attracted 30,320 visitors (about 3 per cent up on 2024) and 177 different exhibitors (about 10 per cent up on 2024). It occupied a floorspace of some 50,000 sqm. Around 11 per cent of the visitors to the show were from international markets representing 15 different countries. The show attracts a blend of visitors including caravan industry professionals, camping enthusiasts, owners and management of camper rental companies, participants of camping rallies, and entrepreneurs in the caravanning sector.
level. In March, new registrations of caravans and motorhomes by private customers exceeded March 2024’s figure by more than 4 per cent. In the first three months of the year, a total of over 39,000 used caravans and motor caravans changed hands, once again reaching the very high level of registrations in the previous year.
CIVD Managing Director Daniel Onggowinarso said: “The decline in new commercial registrations in the first quarter did not come as a surprise, as the industry had already expected a slow start due to the late Easter date, among other things.
“At the same time, the good registration figures in the private market, the high demand in the used segment and the great visitor interest at the spring trade fairs show that caravanning continues to be highly relevant for German
holidaymakers.
“Against the backdrop of the current economic and political uncertainties, this development is a positive signal at the start of the year, underlining the continued attractiveness of the industry and caravanning as a form of holiday.”
Another positive indication for the German industry was revealed in April this year as CIVD reported that for the first time the number of leisure vehicles registered in the country has exceeded the one million mark.
Adria celebrates manufacturing milestones in 60th anniversary year
Slovenian leisure vehicle manufacturer Adria is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with two significant manufacturing milestones. The company recently recorded the production and sale of its 55,000th campervan and its 100,000th motorhome and took time to celebrate the achievements at its facility in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. Not only does the year 2025 represent the 60th anniversary of the company, but it also marks 20 years since the construction of the Novo Mesto factory, 20 years since the development of its iconic Action caravan, and 20 years since the launch of its first integrated
motorhome, the Vision. A statement by Adria on its website said: “Let us recall –although the Adriatik brand, under which we initially marketed the motorhome segment, was registered back in 1968, due to challenging economic conditions, motorhome production started several years later. Between 1986 and 1992, production took place in Deinze, Belgium, and the start of motorhome production in Novo mesto began in 1998, while the start of van production in the Novo Mesto factory dates back to 1995. It is also interesting to note that over 725,000 recreational vehicles – caravans, motorhomes, and vans – have been produced and sold under the Adria brand in 60 years.”
Adria has been running a series of articles celebrating iconic models from its long history on its official website, and it is expected to celebrate the anniversary in a special way at this year’s Caravan Salon Düsseldorf from 29 August to 7 September.
Trigano Group: first half of 2025 financial year
The Trigano Group has released the results for the first half (September-February) of its 2025 financial year, reporting sales of €1,675 million and recurring operating income of €144.1 million. The leisure vehicle market endured a sudden switch in early 2024 from a shortage to a surplus of chassis in the context of the transition from the Euro 6d to the Euro 6e standard, which led to overstocking of motorhomes across the industry. Trigano reduced its motorhome production from the beginning of the financial year in order to enable inventory levels to stabilise as soon as possible. A total of 21,458 motorhomes were delivered to external and internal distributors, a decrease of 19.1 per cent compared to firsthalf 2023/2024. Thanks to higher sales by the integrated distribution network, the overall decline in sales volumes over the first six months of the financial year was limited to 17.1 per cent. Accordingly, sales for first-half 2024/2025 came to €1,675 million, down 16.5 per cent yearon-year at constant scope and exchange
rates (like for like). Margins were affected by the reduction in sales, the destocking policy in place at manufacturing facilities and distribution networks, and the realignment of prices for 2025 products, aimed at capturing market share. As the leisure vehicle distribution business is highly seasonal, its contribution to firsthalf results are not significant and has a dilutive effect on margins. Results for the first half of the financial year also saw a fall in productivity and lower absorption of overheads and fixed production costs due to smaller volumes of leisure vehicles manufactured. In order to ensure that the business remains on a sound footing and ready to take advantage of the upturn, staff reductions at constant scope were limited to 7.2 per cent of the total workforce. Consolidated recurring operating income for firsthalf 2024/2025 was €144.1 million, representing 8.6 per cent of sales (12.8 per cent in 2023/2024). Taking into account corporate income tax of €36.6 million and net financial expense of €1.5 mil-
lion, net income for first-half 2024/2025 came out at €105.7 million, or €5.47 per share (down 41.4 per cent). As a result, Trigano’s consolidated shareholders’ equity increased to €1,988.8 million at February 28, 2025.
The end of destocking operations and more favourable seasonal trends mean that Trigano could expect margin growth in the second half of the financial year. Trigano is continuing to reduce working capital and has already seen a significant improvement in its cash position. The solid cash flow generated during the financial year will enable Trigano to pursue its growth strategy in the European leisure vehicle markets.
Mercedes-Benz celebrates 5 millionth Sprinter van
German automotive giant Mercedes-Benz recently celebrated the production and delivery of its five millionth Sprinter van during the year in which the model is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The five millionth van that helped the company achieve this landmark milestone was an all-electric eSprinter delivered to one of Mercedes-Benz’s fleet customers, logistics company FedEx. The van was assembled at its facility in Charleston, South Carolina, United States – a plant which has played a vi-
tal role in the Sprinter’s growth in North America for the past 20 years.
“The global production of five million Sprinter vans and the celebration of the model’s 30th anniversary is a testament to its enduring success,” said Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
The Sprinter made its debut in 1995 and replaced the Mercedes TN (T1) series – it quickly became a benchmark not only in the world of commercial vehicles but also among recreational vehicle manufacturers and converters. Brands such as Hymer, Thor Motor Coach, and Carthago currently offer motorhomes and campervans on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter base, with many other smaller campervan producers also utilising this reliable vehicle. As well as being produced in the United States, the Sprinter and the eSprinter are produced in Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde in Germany.
Annual report shows LAMILUX holds ground
Skylights and composites manufacturing expert LAMILUX Heinrich Strunz Group has published its annual report for 2024 – a year in which the German company claims to have held its ground in a challenging environment. Despite challenges including a 0.2 per cent shrinking of the German economy, rising energy costs, and cautious consumer behaviour, LAMILUX reported a sales increase of 0.9 per cent to €357 million for 2024. Included within this were record sales in the skylight systems segment. Another noteworthy statistic from 2024 was that LAMILUX increased the total number of its employees from 1,276 to 1,335, including 91 trainees. The company places a strong emphasis on professional and personal development for its employees and runs a successful Education for Excellence (E4E) programme.
Knaus Tabbert reveals financial results for first quarter of 2025
German leisure vehicle manufacturer Knaus Tabbert AG has released its revenue and earnings figures for the first quarter of the 2025 financial year. The company recorded a 21.5 per cent decline in consolidated turnover to €295.6 million in the first three months of the 2025 financial year compared to €376.7 million in the same period in the previous year. This decrease has been mainly attributed to the interruption in production and reduced production volume compared to the previous period last year – the company underwent a comprehensive programme to adjust costs at the end of 2024 including a production break.
In an official release, Knaus Tabbert stated that: “this development is in line with the expected return to a normalised demand and sales trend. Significant revenue also results from the reduction of vehicle inventories that were already produced in the 2024 financial year and before.”
are expected to take effect over the course of the 2025 financial year.
Inventories of finished goods and work in progress (change in inventories) decreased by €55.5 million in the first three months of 2025 (previous year: increase of €9.1 million). Adjusted EBITDA in the first three months of 2025 decreased disproportionately to revenue by 78 per cent to €8.5 million due to the extended production shutdown at the beginning of the year and a lower total operating performance (previous year: €38.8 million). As a result, the adjusted EBITDA margin of 2.9 per cent was below the previous year’s figure of 10.3 per cent. The effects of the implemented and planned measures, including those to adjust the cost base,
The company provided more context in the official press release, stating: “At the end of the 2024 financial year, a comprehensive program was launched to adjust costs and production capacities across the entire Group to the expected normalised market demand. This organisational and structural realignment is intended to position Knaus Tabbert in such a way that the company can continue to assert itself as a leading manufacturer of leisure vehicles in a normalized market environment. This also includes a significant adjustment of the cost base in the 2025 financial year. The most important cost measures include the implementation of efficiency measures in production, the adjustment of headcount and the number of temporary workers as well as the use of short-time work, savings in other operating expenses and the optimization of the product portfolio.”
Knaus Tabbert generated a positive operating cash flow of EUR 16.6 million from operating activities in the first three months of 2025, compared to EUR 6.0 million in the same period of the previous year.
As at the balance sheet date of March 31, 2025, Knaus Tabbert had an order backlog of around €341 million. The order backlog currently covers a good 30 per cent of annual revenue. Knaus Tabbert also expects orders for the new model year, which are traditionally received in the second and third quarter of the financial year.
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Stellantis partners with Qinomic on electric retrofit system for vans
Owners of combustion engine-powered light commercial vehicles will soon be able to convert them to electric power thanks to a new retrofitting system launched by French high-tech company Qinomic in partnership with Stellantis Pro One, the business division of Stellantis dedicated to commercial vehicles. The project, which started about two and a half years ago, was developed in collaboration with Stellantis’ circular economy business unit SUSTAINera, and will allow owners of combustion-powered LCVs to convert them to electric power instead of buying new ones. This new technology will initially be available in France on mid-sized Stellantis Pro One vans such as the Fiat Professional Scudo, Opel Vivaro, Peugeot Expert, and Citroen Jumpy. The partnership is described as ‘win-win’ by Stellantis Pro One and
will see Qinomic purchase the original components necessary for the conversion (over 200, mainly related to the battery and electric motor) directly from Stellantis, while Stellantis will recover the thermal components mainly related to the engine, gearbox, tank and exhaust system. These components, depending on their condition and mileage, will be directed to SUSTAINera’s Circular Economy Hub in Mirafiori, Turin, Italy and destined for new use or remanufacturing.
‘The future drives us’ say Eberspächer management on 160th anniversary
On the eve of the company’s 160th anniversary, the Managing Partner and CEO of German automotive systems and components supplier Eberspächer say that the future is what drives them forward. Martin Peters and Jörg Steins have been reflecting on the impressive milestone, which will be achieved in July 2025, with both keen to reflect on the lessons of the past to help inform the decisions of the future.
Managing Partner Martin Peters said: “[The anniversary] naturally fills me with pride that we, as a family business, can look back on such a long tradition. And I am grateful that I am the fifth generation of the family to have been able to help shape this history for a quarter of a century. At the same time, I bear great responsibility for the many employees worldwide. Even in the current challenging times, I am happy to accept this responsibility on a daily basis. Because my job is to lead the company successfully into the future”. The future of the company looks set to be a more lean, competitive, and sustainable one according to Jörg Steins,
who became Eberspächer CEO in December 2024. “My aim is to set up a lean and sustainably competitive company. Here, an important milestone is to do away with silo thinking and work cross-divisional,” he said. “We also need to tap into the Asian market, particularly the Chinese market, much more intensively. We consciously place responsibility in the individual regions and demand binding action from everyone. And when I think of technologies, openness to different forms of drive is and remains central. We have to earn money with products for the classic drive types and offer convincing solutions for alternative technologies.”
Erwin Hymer Group to expand portfolio with new brand CORIGON
The Erwin Hymer Group (EHG) has announced that it is expanding its portfolio in the summer of 2025 with the launch of a new motorhome and campervan brand called CORIGON. The brand is aimed at new motorhome buyers and will sit in the lower price segment of the EHG accordingly. It will consist of semi-integrated motorhomes and campervans that will combine proven quality with a particularly attractive price-performance ratio. The name of the brand – CORIGON – is made up of the two English words ‘core’ and ‘go’, which EHG says makes the brand stand out ‘for a pragmatic but modern approach: maximum functionality, proven layouts and reliable standards for carefree travelling’. In an official release, EHG said that the CORIGON brand will focus on the following areas:
• Conquering new market segments: CORIGON appeals to price-sensitive customers who have not yet found a suitable solution.
• Optimised vehicle concepts: The models are based on proven series but are adapted to the requirements of the best-price segment in order to offer optimum value for money.
• Effective utilisation of synergies: The brand benefits from the development and production capacities of the Erwin Hymer Group in order to realise high-quality vehicles that are also very attractively priced.
• Targeted expansion of the sales network: The launch of CORIGON will be accompanied by a strategic expansion of the dealer network, which will be tailored to the needs of the respective European markets.
51% visitor growth at China’s All in Caravaning Show
One of China’s major exhibitions dedicated to leisure vehicles, All in Caravaning (AIC), recorded an impressive 51 per cent visitor growth at its 2025 event when it took place in Beijing earlier this month. As well as attracting 18,268 visitors to its new venue the Beijing Shougang Convention and Exhibition Center, AIC 2025 also boasted one of its most international events ever with 365 of those visitors from 41 different countries including Germany, the UAE, the United States, Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Japan, South Africa, France, Dubai, Mongolia, Malaysia, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. The show is known as the ‘daughter show’ of Germany’s Caravan Salon Düsseldorf and is organised and supported by Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, which is one of the Asian subsidiaries of Messe Düsseldorf for Asia (MDfA).
and professional exhibition platform for China’s RV and camping industry,” said Stefan Koschke, Global Head of Caravaning and Outdoor.
As well as the positive visitor numbers, AIC covered a total indoor and
promising future collaborations.
“Caravanning is increasingly regarded not merely as a leisure pursuit, but as an expression of a quality-conscious and independent travel culture,” said Daniel Onggowinarso, Managing Director of Caravaning Industrie Verband e.V. (CIVD), who attended the event.
“Over the past 14 years, AIC has been dedicated to creating an international
outdoor exhibition area of 27,000 sqm (290,625 sq ft) and housed 100 different domestic and international exhibitors, each showcasing their latest innovations. Organisers claim that around 90 per cent of those exhibitors received on-site orders and secured
Two expert-level conferences were held concurrently with the exhibition, featuring high-level discussions on industry trends. At the Seminar on European Legal Requirements for RVs and Related Products, Mr. Tim Rüttgers, a technical expert from CIVD, gave a systematic overview of the latest German certification standards and shared relevant regulations and market trends to help companies mitigate export risks, as they attempt to break into the European market.
From customer requests to the tailored production of camper roofs, side panels and various components .
We look forward to your attendance at HALL 13, STAND 13D14
News from the world NORTH AMERICA
April RV shipments break 35,000 in United States
The latest data from the United States RV Industry Association has revealed that RV shipments in the country are up 13.9 per cent for the first quarter of 2025 when compared to last year. Some 97,848 units have been shipped in the country from January through to March, with towable RVs leading the charge registering 88,530 shipments, while motorhomes registered 9,318 shipments.
In the month of April 2025, there were 35,375 new RV units shipped in the United States, according to the latest data released by the country’s RV Industry Association (RVIA).
This figure represents a 3.4 per cent increase on April last year and means that in the first four months of 2025, there have been 133,223 units shipped in the US, which is 10.9 per cent up on the same period in 2024.
“With summer travel season kicking
off and 44 million Americans planning to go RVing this summer, RV manufacturers and suppliers are dedicated to meeting the needs of these customers with new and innovative products,” said RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby.
“New units headed to dealer lots across the country provide buyers many options and allow people one of the truly great ways to experience the physical and mental benefits of the outdoors.”
As is usual in the American market, towable RVs led the way in these figures with 31,982 shipments, while motorhomes recorded 3,393, and park model RVs recorded 415.
LCI Industries reports Q1 financial results
Leading supplier of recreation and transportation market components LCI Industries has reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2025 with operational flexibility, strategic diversification, and effective cost management being the main drivers of the company’s profitable growth. Net sales for Q1 reached $1 billion, which is 8 per cent up year-on-year, while the operating profit for the company was recorded at 7.8 per cent, which is up from 6 per cent in the same period in 2024. The report also showed an adjusted EBITDA of $110.9 million, or 10.6 per cent of net sales, in the first quarter, up 23% year-over-year.
LCI Industries President and Chief Executive Officer, Jason Lippert, said: “We delivered strong first quarter results, exceeding expectations despite ongoing macroeconomic headwinds. We continued to leverage
Paolo Galvani
both our innovative product portfolio and our distinct competitive advantages to capture content growth and market share across multiple product categories. This success, along with our steadfast focus on execution, effective cost management, and operational flexibility, enabled us to achieve both top and bottom line growth.”
The increase in year-over-year net sales for the first quarter of 2025 was primarily driven by a $65.2 million increase in net sales of the OEM Segment compared to the same period of 2024. In April 2025, consolidated net sales were approximately $392 million, up 3 per cent from April 2024, primarily due to increases in Adjacent Industries OEM sales of 8 per cent and RV OEM sales of 7 per cent, partially offset by a decrease in international sales of 13 per cent.
LCI Industries Group President – North America, Ryan Smith, added: “Our team’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence continues to drive LCI Industries forward, even as we navigate a complex macro environment.
“Backed by a strong culture of innovation, quality, and service, we are executing with discipline across our operations and remain focused on delivering sustainable growth in 2025 and beyond. I wish to offer a sincere thank you for our teams who continue to perform and lead well in this tough environment!”
www.cta-europe.com info@cta-europe.com
ISOFIX
News from the world NORTH AMERICA
Winnebago Industries reports second quarter fiscal 2025 results
Leading American RV company Winnebago Industries has reported its second quarter results (December-February) for its 2025 fiscal year. The company reported net revenues of US$620.2 million, a decrease of 11.8 per cent compared to $703.6 million in the second quarter of last year. This was driven by a reduction in average selling price per unit related to product mix, partially offset by targeted price increases. Volume growth in the towable RV and marine
segments was offset by volume reductions in the motorhome RV segment, as dealers continue their efforts to reduce field inventories in this segment in an effort to combat higher interest rates. Gross profit was $83.1 million, a decrease of 21.1 per cent compared to $105.3 million in the second quarter of last year. Gross profit margin decreased 160 basis points in the quarter to 13.4 per cent as a result of deleverage associated with product mix, partially offset by operational efficiencies. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $22.8 million, a decrease of 54.2%, compared to $49.8 million in the second quarter of last year.
Winnebago Industries President and CEO, Michael Happe, said: “Winnebago Industries continues to demonstrate solid performance in our strategic markets, leveraging product differentiation and sharper affordability options to maintain healthy market share in our core premium and mid-range RV segments. We’re expanding our RV brand portfolio
New RV Hall of Fame President aims ‘to be impactful in positive way’
The new President of the RV/MH Hall of Fame, Daryll A. Milnikel, says he hopes to ‘be impactful in a positive way’ following his recent appointment to the position. With a background of serving the United States Marine Corps with distinction in several roles including recruitment, human resources, transportation, and security operations, Daryll also has experience in the private sector, leading product design and portfolio management initiatives for commercial and group insurance carriers, including G.E.H.A. and Humana. Speaking to Aboutcamp BtoB about his appointment, Daryll said: “My personal mindset when stepping into any job is to be impactful in a positive way, leaving the organization in a better state than it was in when I came on board and that goal is the same here with the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum, Northern Indiana Event Center. I am working very
closely with our amazing board and our staff to design and implement procedures and business practices that will help us ensure the organization lives on for generations to come and continues to champion that story.
“I have big shoes to fill following Darryl Searer the previous President. What Darryl was able to do with the organization is astounding and I hope to not only continue that but also build on that legacy.”
The RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museums is a not-for-profit organisation and displays a multi-million dollar collection in its modern facility in Elkhart, Indiana, USA.
with new products across diverse price points, while maintaining our commitment to profitability. This strategic approach allows us to capitalise on market opportunities and positions us for sustainable financial performance as the market recovers. Our most recent example of this is the introduction of Grand Design’s Class C Lineage Series M, which has been enthusiastically received in the marketplace and highlights the demand for the brand’s innovative motorised RVs. With the latest launch of our new Lineage Class Super C motorhome, the Lineage brand is on a trajectory to achieve its $100 million-plus revenue target in fiscal 2025.”
Winnebago Industries also reported that in Q2 its operating income was $7.8 million, a decrease of 78.0 per cent compared to $35.4 million in the second quarter of last year. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $22.8 million, a decrease of 54.2 per cent, compared to $49.8 million in the second quarter of last year.
Production begins on electric Pebble Flow
Production is underway on an eye-catching, all-electric caravan.
The Pebble Flow, designed by California-based start-up Pebble, combines advanced technology with a user-centred design that has been heavily informed by a community of new and seasoned RV users alike. Besides its futuristic looks, the Pebble Flow boasts being able to support off-grid adventures thanks to a 45kWh LFP battery and the continuous charging it receives from a 1.1kW solar array. It features a system called Magic Hitch, that allows it to hitch to the tow vehicle at the push of a button and also features a dual-motor system that it calls Easy Tow with Active Tow Assist that reduces the strain on the towing vehicle.
N ews Jayco 50th anniversary
Jayco’s first half-century
Jayco Australia proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone—50 years of innovation, growth, and leadership in the RV industry. To honour this golden anniversary, Jayco hosted a series of unforgettable events, bringing together Staff, Jayco Dealers, Suppliers, and International Guests
The celebrations began on 7 March with the annual Dealer Conference Awards, attended by over 250 local and international guests.
The awards night recognises the achievements of Jayco dealerships and industry partners across Australia and New Zealand, celebrating excellence with a range of prestigious honours. In a touching moment, Jayco dealers united to honour Gerry Ryan with a large bronze Blue Jay sculpture. Former Jayco Australia Chairman Wilbur Bontrager then presented Gerry, with the esteemed Founders Award—recognising 50 years in business and his outstanding leadership in building Jayco into the industry leader it is today.
The 50th anniversary evening
The following evening, Jayco marked a major milestone—50 years in the business—with a celebration to match. Over 700 guests, including Jayco Dealers, Staff and Suppliers, gathered at Crown Palladium to reflect on the rich history and toast to the future of Australia’s leading RV brand.
The evening began with a show-stopping performance by Alinta Chidzey, who plays Satine in the Australian stage production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The production has won 10 Tony Awards, and the performance set the perfect tone for a night of celebration. Guests were then treated to a special musical performance led by John Foreman OAM, the renowned musical director, pianist, and composer known for
his work on some of Australia’s biggest entertainment events.
Jayco founder Gerry Ryan took a moment to share his story, reflecting on how Jayco grew from a small backyard operation in Cranbourne in 1975 to an industry leader producing over ten
thousand caravans and motorhomes each year. He spoke about the early days—working out of a shed in Cranbourne, building the first prototype camper. With just eight employees, they began producing one camper per day. Over the years, Jayco’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service has helped it become a truly trusted RV brand.
Wilbur Bontrager and his family were also in attendance to celebrate. His father, Lloyd Bontrager, played a significant role in shaping Gerry Ryan’s during journey. Wilbur’s presence at the event highlighted the decades-long friendship and enduring support between Jayco USA and Australia. Also joining from the USA was Tom Faludy, a long-time friend and advisor to Gerry Ryan for over 30 years.
As part of the celebration, a special documentary aired, showcasing Jayco’s incredible story. The film highlighted the company’s evolution, featuring past and present dealers, the growth of dealerships, and the dedicated staff who have been instrumental in Jayco’s success. It was a moving tribute, bringing everyone together to celebrate the legacy of Australia’s leading RV brand. The celebrations wrapped up on a high note, with Gerry himself joining his
band for a live performance that had everyone on their feet, singing along and dancing, bringing an unforgettable night of memories to a perfect close. It was a night of looking back, celebrating the present, and gearing up for the future—just like Jayco has always done.
A Sunday of sports
The celebrations continued into Sunday, as international guests were treated to a classic game of rugby league. They watched the Melbourne Storm— of which Gerry Ryan is a board member —secure an impressive 56–18 victory, continuing their incredible record of never losing a season opener in over 20 years. The day was made even more special with interviews from former players. Guests also enjoyed a traditional “Aussie BBQ”, bringing the weekend to a relaxed and festive close.
Jayco’s 50th anniversary was more than just a celebration—it was a powerful reminder of the people, partnerships, and passion that have driven the brand’s success for five decades. From recognising dealer achievements to honouring its founder, and from spectacular entertainment to heartfelt tributes, the weekend was filled with gratitude, pride, and anticipation for what lies ahead.
News from the world AUSTRALIA
Three days of industry insight and opportunity
The Caravan Industry National Conference, held from 14 to 16 May 2025 at the RACV Royal Pines resort in the Gold Coast, brought together more than 1,000 professionals from all industry areas. Organised by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, the yearly event connects the entire industry with a jam-packed program of strategic discussion, expert insights and networking.
A record 120 exhibitors participated, showcasing a diverse range of products and services spanning the entire industry value chain. Furthermore, the conference program featured over 50 keynote and specialist speakers, who delivered a compelling combination of future-focused strategies, operational best practices, and inspirational case studies designed to support sustainable business growth. The cherry on top was the Gala Dinner and presentation of the 2025 Caravan Industry Awards on Friday night.
As a yearly tradition, the 10th edition of the State of the Industry Report was officially launched during the ever-popular Research Breakfast, providing a comprehensive overview of the sector’s substantial $27 billion annual contribution to the Australian economy. The breakfast, hosted by Peter Clay, offered delegates a high-level summary of the report’s key findings and emerging market trends. Peter further highlighted that ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty could drive more Australians toward domestic travel, with caravanning and camping poised to remain a reliable and appealing escape.
Powering the future of off-grid travel
Electrification has become one of the most significant conversations across the global RV and outdoor industries, and Australia is positioned to lead the way. Australia’s vast and varied landscape, combined with its strong culture of off-grid and long-distance travel, has made self-contained living a necessity rather than a luxury. From the outback to the coast, caravans and RVs are often expected to operate independently of powered infrastructure, driving demand for solar
Headline statistics included:
• Caravan and camping travellers booked 57.1 million nights across Australia in 2024
• This activity generated $10.6 billion in visitor expenditure
• 91 per cent of all caravan and camping trips occurred in regional Australia
• 25,185 recreational vehicles were manufactured nationally in 2024
• 908,500 recreational vehicles were registered across the country
Throughout the conference, delegates heard a clear message: the caravan and camping sector is evolving rapidly in response to global economic uncertainty, climate pressures, and tightening regulatory frameworks, among other factors.
integration, battery innovation, and energy-efficient systems.
While global trends around sustainability and going green continue to build momentum, the Australian industry has long been advancing electrification out of practical need. The nature of travel Down Under — where many follow the sun and venture far beyond traditional campsites — has pushed manufacturers to design products that perform reliably in extreme and remote conditions.
As a result, Australia has developed some of the most forward-thinking and technologically capable RVs in the world. Electrification is not a new concept in this market; it’s an ongoing evolution. The conditions and expectations of Australian travellers have helped position the local industry as a global leader in off-grid capability and energy in-
novation.
One of the pioneers driving this evolution is OzXCorp, an Australian technology company at the forefront of RV electrification. Known for its fully integrated DCX power systems, OzXCorp has redefined what’s possible in off-grid travel by combining advanced lithium battery technology, intelligent energy management, and solar optimisation. Its innovations have enabled manufacturers to build caravans that operate independently for extended periods, even in the most remote environments.
Other standout Australian businesses driving innovation in RV electrification include Redarc Electronics, a leader in rugged, high-performance charging and energy management systems; and BMPRO, which delivers smart battery management and control technologies tailored specifically for caravanning. These companies continue to set benchmarks for reliability, efficiency, and user-friendly design in remote travel applications.
Peter Clay
The 2025 Victorian Caravan & Camping Supershow
Firmly established as the premier showcase for the industry, the 2025 Victorian Caravan & Camping Supershow confidently upholds its reputation as the largest and most comprehensive event of its kind in Australia. As the organisers recently removed the word “Touring” from its title, the Caravan & Camping Supershow now places a clear and exclusive focus on all things caravan and camping, reflecting the evolving interests of its audience and the continued growth of these core sectors. Held at the iconic Melbourne Showgrounds, the Supershow occupies the largest footprint of any caravan and camping exhibition in the country. The 2025 edition (February 19-23) covered over 60,000sqm of exhibition space, counted over 240 exhibitors and had a massive AU$150 million worth of products on display, including 1,100 RVs and 50,000 Parts and Accessories.
Caravan Industry Victoria does not only host the biggest caravan show in the country, they also want it to be the best. Caravan Industry Victoria is committed to showcasing only the highest-quality products
and businesses in the industry. This means that exhibitors must be accredited members of the Caravan Industry Victoria to participate. To become a member, businesses are required to have operated for at least 12 months and undergo a rigorous onboarding process. This process includes a documentation check, asset verification, a comprehensive product audit, and a full business audit. The journey from application to approval typically spans 18 to 24 months. In some cases, product audits can take up to four years to pass, and not all applicants succeed. This high standard ensures that every exhibitor at the Supershow represents the very best the industry has to offer. From cutting-edge RVs and camper trailers to accessories and off-grid technologies, visitors can explore products that have been vetted for quality, safety, and compliance. It’s this dedication to excellence that makes the Victorian Supershow not only the largest, but also one of the most trusted and respected events on the national caravan and camping calendar. Despite broader economic uncertainty and post-pandemic market adjustments, the Australian caravan and camping industry continues to demonstrate resilience. Attendance at the 2025 Victorian Caravan & Camping Supershow remained strong and largely in line with the previous year. Overall visitor numbers were down just 2%, with a significant single-day drop due to extreme weather on Saturday led to a 20% decline in foot traffic for that day alone. Without this factor, the event was on track for another solid year of attendance.
From May 15 to 17, 2025, the European Caravan Federation (ECF) hosted its annual event in Bern, Switzerland, in collaboration with caravaningsuisse – the Swiss Caravanning Industry Association, which welcomed participants on site and supported the organisation of the event
Aboutcamp BtoB had the pleasure of attending as a guest during the 30th Meeting of the European Leisure Vehicle Industry (MELVI) , a key moment for open discussion and strategic insights into the state and future of the sector. The event also included the 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM), during which the latest available market data was presented. Particularly interesting was the trend in the motor caravan registrations by conversion type. The figures reveal a shift back toward traditional motorhome formats. In 2024, the semi-integrated motorcaravan regained its leadership as the most registered vehicle type in Europe, capturing 35% of the market. Camper vans equipped with toilets followed closely at 33%, confirming their sustained popularity but showing signs of stabilisation after years of rapid growth. By contrast, compact vans without toilets saw their market share decline to 15%, reflecting a growing demand for more fully equipped, comfortable
travel options. A-Class motorhomes held steady at 10%, while Alcove models maintained a niche but consistent presence at 4%.
The MELVI hosted six high-profile speakers. In the following pages, we focus on the presentations we believe are most relevant to our readers — those by Hubert Brandl (CEO of Niesmann+Bischoff), Yannick
caravaningsuisse
Founded in 1963 during the first Schweizer Caravan Salon in Zurich, caravaningsuisse is the national association representing Swiss companies involved in the sale, rental, service, and distribution of leisure vehicles and camping accessories. A founding member of the European Caravan Federation (1964), it co-organizes the Suisse Caravan Salon in Bern — Switzerland’s leading national RV and camping exhibition. The association also promotes professional training and oversees technical certifications, such as the gas inspector qualification.
Words Antonio Mazzucchelli, photo Enrico Bona
Vöringher (Managing Di rector of Vöringher GmbH & Co), and Reto Ruchti (Co-owner and Managing Director of Ruchti AG).
The contributions from the other industry professionals were also highly valuable and insightful. Three speakers who offered diverse insights into the evolving landscape of camping, technology, and tourism. From artificial intelligence to future literacy and sustainable tourism, their voices reflected both challenges and opportunities for the industry.
Andy Abgottspon
Andy Abgottspon
AI Expert and Entrepreneur
Andy Abgottspon explored how artificial intelligence is already transforming the RV industry. With practical examples, he showed how AI boosts productivity in research, design, and customer service. From creating trip itineraries to generating visual content, he urged industry leaders to embrace AI’s potential with curiosity, optimism, and a willingness to experiment.
Raphael Gielgen
Trendscout, Vitra
Raphael Gielgen, half German and half Spanish, lives between a Bavarian farm and the future. As Trendscout for Vitra, he studies the forces shaping the next five years: from AI to demographic shifts and green transition. With instinct and curiosity, he explores ecosystems beyond the RV industry, urging companies to develop “future literacy” and challenge assumptions to stay relevant in a fast-changing world.
Oliver Gruetzner
Head of Tourism & Leisure, TCS Touring Club Switzerland
Oliver Gruetzner, Head of Tourism & Leisure at TCS, shared the story of how the Swiss club became a national leader in camping with 26 sites. He highlighted challenges such as land restrictions, climate impact, and rising costs, while emphasizing the importance of preserving the analog essence of camping.
For Gruetzner, collaboration between vehicle producers and campsite operators is key to keeping the dream of freedom and nature alive.
Raphael Gielgen
Oliver Gruetzner
Report MELVI 2025
How Niesmann+Bischoff reinvented itself
MELVI opened with a keynote speech by Hubert Brandl. Recently appointed Chairman of the Management Board at Bürstner and continuing as Managing Director of Niesmann+Bischoff, Brandl shared the journey of transformation undertaken at Niesmann+Bischoff over the past five years
In his presentation, titled “Niesmann +Bischoff 2020-2025, The transformation of a traditional industrial company into a successful startup”, Brandl reflected on two pivotal events in 2020 that reshaped the company: the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the launch of the iSmove, a new model that quickly became a commercial success despite the absence of trade shows. These developments sparked strategic reflections at Niesmann+Bischoff: what would they do if they could start over? And how could they prepare for the post-COVID era? The result was a bold decision to drastically reduce portfolio complexity. In 2020, the company offered 32 layouts across 4 model ranges, with 436 construction variants. Today, that has been
streamlined to just 3 model ranges, 6 layouts, and 8 construction variants—yet production has more than doubled from under 400 to over 800 units annually. Importantly, more than half of the current orders come directly from end customers, not dealers, reflecting increased market confidence and demand predictability.
The startup mindset: less is more
This simplification strategy had a ripple effect across every area of the company. In development and design, the focus shifted from creating multiple layouts to investing in unique selling propositions (USPs) for a few high-impact models—resulting in 11 patents and two design registrations in just
five years. In purchasing, fewer variants meant larger volumes per component, enabling economies of scale. As an example, decorative film purchasing costs dropped by 6% due to increased batch sizes. In production, simplification led to a 18% reduction in cycle time for the iSmove, as employees gained efficiency through repetition. Quality and productivity also improved significantly. Sales and marketing benefited from the leaner portfolio as well. At the last Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, the company showcased just six vehicles—its entire product range—on a compact stand. Rather than focusing on aggressive selling, Niesmann +Bischoff took the unconventional step of offering only consultancy during the show. This hands-off approach created
a more relaxed experience for visitors and strengthened the role of dealerships in closing deals, aligning perfectly with the new brand philosophy. After-sales service also saw advantages: with fewer models and variants, training became more focused, allowing service teams to improve consistency and reliability.
From “Corona boom” to “Corona blues”
But Brandl also acknowledged the post-pandemic challenges: the reopening of international travel, the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, and exploding material costs. Faced with this new landscape—what he called the shift from “Corona Boom” to “Corona Blues”— Niesmann+Bischoff made two strategic decisions. First, they committed to maintaining attractive market prices despite cost pressures. Second, they adopted a conservative production policy: always manufacturing slightly fewer units than the market demands. This avoids overstocking and protects brand value by preventing dealers from offering deep discounts that undercut previous customers’ purchases. A slide titled “Trust in a brand is the most important prerequisite for sustainable success” summed up this philosophy. When customers see their vehicle drop in value due to heavy discounting, they lose confidence. By keeping dealer inventories low and price levels stable, Niesmann+Bischoff has maintained both margin integrity and customer trust.
A dealer network that works
Brandl emphasized the importance of healthy dealer relationships. Low inventory and long delivery times—when managed correctly—can result in high turnover and strong margins. The ideal scenario, according to Brandl, is when dealers have a turnover frequency of five, needing to offer no more than a 5% discount. At present, Niesmann+Bischoff’s dealer network is operating close to this “target state,” with low stock levels and strong customer demand. Brandl’s conclusion was simple but powerful: “If you succeed in making your customers and dealers happy, you can no longer resist becoming happy yourself.”
Bürstner: applying the lessons
While the main focus of the speech was on Niesmann+Bischoff, Brandl briefly addressed his new role at Bürstner. Without revealing details, he posed a telling question: “What would you do if you had the experience of Niesmann+Bischoff?”
A short video hinted at a strategic evolution underway at Bürstner, with more to be revealed at the upcoming Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.
During his presentation at MELVI 2025, Hubert Brandl illustrates how reducing product variants enabled strategic purchasing efficiencies at Niesmann+Bischoff—highlighting a 6% cost saving achieved by ordering decorative film in larger quantities.
The chart illustrates how stock levels and turnover frequency at dealerships affect discounting practices. In the current scenario (“Actual state”), dealers hold excess stock and are forced to offer discounts of up to 20% to move vehicles. The goal (“Target state”) is a system where stock turns over more frequently—ideally five times a year—which allows for smaller inventories and only minimal discounts (around 5%). This strategy helps protect brand value, maintain healthy margins, and ensure a more predictable, sustainable business model for all stakeholders.
The chart compares two trajectories: in the “Actual state,” prices rose sharply between 2020 and 2025, followed by heavy retailer discounting (up to 20%), which risks undermining perceived product value. The “Target state” envisions more stable pricing, fewer discounts, and greater alignment between brand value and customer expectations—reinforcing long-term brand loyalty.
A wake-up call for the European RV industry
Yannick Vöhringer—Managing Director of the German supplier Vöhringer GmbH—opened his speech at MELVI 2025 with a clear goal: to challenge the current mindset of the European leisure vehicle industry
Speaking as a system supplier with deep ties to RV manufacturing, he urged both OEMs and suppliers to rethink structural rigidity, innovation cycles, and market complacency. His analysis drew strong parallels with the recent evolution—and disruption—of the automotive sector, highlighting how agility, rather than tradition, will define the future of RV manufacturing in Europe.
Status quo:
Growth driven by a single market Vöhringer began with an analysis of the market’s stagnation outside Germany. Despite repeated references to the “success” of the European RV industry, he noted that this growth has been largely driven by the German market alone. Other European countries, he argued, have not meaningfully contributed to expansion over the past 15 years. The implication is serious: the industry is
dangerously dependent on a single domestic market, with limited prospects for organic growth elsewhere.
Moreover, Vöhringer pointed out that all new entrants in the OEM segment have been European startups—no major disruptions from other industries or continents have occurred yet. As a result, the current industry logic assumes growth will only come from consolidation or market share shifts between existing players, not from genuine market expansion.
Three disruptive threats
He then presented three potential external threats:
1. Chinese Manufacturers – Once rudimentary, Chinese RV production has undergone a rapid transformation. What Vöhringer once saw as amateurish in 2016 has evolved into a sophisticated and competitive sector. Helped,
ironically, by earlier European collaboration, Chinese manufacturers have now adapted to EU standards and are closing the gap quickly.
2. Automotive Industry Players – With deep financial resources and massive engineering capabilities, automotive OEMs could scale up RV production rapidly. Their ability to mobilize design, talent, and factory capacity makes them a credible threat.
3. Unknown Tech Disruptors – Just as Tesla disrupted the automotive landscape, a tech-based or construction-driven startup could unexpectedly reshape the RV market, leveraging software, connectivity, or new usage models.
Parallels with the automotive industry
To emphasize how industries can fall behind, Vöhringer cited the example of Europe’s slow response to EVs. Ger-
man manufacturers, weighed down by rigid processes and legacy structures, were outpaced by Chinese rivals—able to design new vehicles in 3 years instead of 5, and execute design tweaks in days, not weeks.
He warned that the RV sector shares many of the same weaknesses: slow decision-making, resistance to change, short-term focus, and an insular mindset. Drawing a Venn diagram, he showed how RV and auto sectors overlap in structural rigidity—and could therefore fall into similar traps.
The case for agility
Agility, Vöhringer stressed, is not a buzzword—it’s a survival mechanism. He defined agility through three pillars: speed, adaptability, and modularity. This mindset requires fast product cycles, cross-functional teams, customer-centric design, and strong digital integration. “Do we really need 400 layouts?” he asked, echoing the speech of Hubert Brandl earlier that day. “Are customers willing to pay for that complexity?”
He also showed that agility directly affects cost. According to survey data, the top reason why consumers abandon an RV purchase is price—highlighting the need for leaner development processes and simplified production.
A hidden cost: Voluntary bureaucracy
Beyond the usual suspects (material, labor, and government costs), Vöhringer criticized what he called “voluntary bureaucracy”. Excessive internal testing, endless documentation, and redundant quality reports slow down innovation and inflate costs—often without adding value for the final customer. “Fear of failing,” he said, “shouldn’t paralyze progress. The Chinese learned by doing—fail fast, learn faster.”
Conclusion: a call to action Vöhringer closed with a SWOT analysis. The RV industry, he said, has real strengths—craftsmanship, strong brands, and loyal customers—but suffers from slow innovation and poor digital maturity. To face looming threats from China, automotive giants, or unexpected disruptors, the industry must build agile cultures, set longterm goals, and embrace collaboration beyond traditional boundaries. His final remark was clear: “Agility is not optional. If we wait two more years, we’re already too late.”
Parallels to the automotive industry
Using automotive industry data, Vöhringer illustrates how China has overtaken traditional car-producing nations through rapid growth and adaptability. He warns that the RV industry may be on a similar path of disruption if it fails to respond swiftly.
Parallels to the automotive industry
A graph showing the rise of China as a global innovation leader in the automotive sector. While Europe and the U.S. have lost ground since 2017, China’s innovation share grew rapidly— underlining the pace at which competitive advantage can shift.
Why agility matters (price is crucial) Survey results show price as the number one reason consumers cancel an RV purchase. Vöhringer uses this data to argue that agility isn’t just about speed—it’s crucial to cost control and long-term competitiveness.
A closing SWOT analysis of the European RV industry: strong craftsmanship and loyal customers on one side; slow innovation, low digital maturity, and disruptive threats on the other. The path forward? Strategic alliances, agile transformation, and a sharp focus on customer value.
The importance of the dealer network in a changing market
At a time of profound transition in the European leisure vehicle industry, Reto Ruchti—an experienced Swiss dealer and industry figure—offered a grounded, pragmatic perspective at the ECF meeting
Reto Ruchti spoke not only as the VP of Caravaningsuisse but as someone who has personally signed over 3,500 customer contracts, he delivered a sharp, honest reflection on the evolving role of dealers, structural imbalances, and the urgent need for forward-looking decisions, especially concerning electrification and overproduction.
Dealer realities in Switzerland
Operating from the Bernese Oberland, Ruchti explained that in Switzerland, dealers can only succeed through quality—never by price. With high labor and location costs, Swiss companies are structurally disadvantaged in any price competition. The key, then, is service. At Ruchti, that means a full delivery explanation including digital tools, a two-year nationwide pick-up and return service for warranty repairs, and a single point
of contact for all technical claims— whether they concern the base vehicle or the conversion. This level of customer focus is more than a philosophy—it’s a necessity. And yet, the industry itself makes things harder. In recent years, two of Ruchti’s key metrics have come under pressure: inventory turnover and the ability to resell rental vehicles at cost. Behind both lies a deeper systemic issue: overproduction.
The trap of overproduction
Slide after slide painted a worrying picture. Dealers and manufacturers alike are sitting on unsold vehicles. Why? Ruchti traced it to a shift in the business model after 2008. Before the crisis, the manufacturer carried much of the market risk. Dealers ordered a limited showroom set and retained flexibility in ordering. Today, the dealer who orders the most—taking on the most risk—gets
the best conditions. This led to massive overordering. And when market demand fell in 2023, many dealers, especially in Switzerland, found themselves with excess stock. In Switzerland, the import date is critical, and no special permits are granted after the fact. For instance, if an emissions standard such as Euro 6d expires on August 31, 2024, the vehicle must be imported into Switzerland by that date. Once imported on time, the vehicle can remain in stock indefinitely without needing to be registered. However, if it passes through customs after the expiration date, it can never be registered in Switzerland. There are no transitional periods. This situation can be quite risky. It is not uncommon for Swiss trading partners to import vehicles too late, only to discover that they can no longer be registered. If, by the time this is realized, the national exemption permits in countries like Germany or France have
For Ruchti, the job is considered complete only when three conditions are met: the customer receives a flawless vehicle; they feel confident operating all its features; and—most importantly—they remain convinced, even years later, that they chose the right partner. Long-term satisfaction outweighs initial delivery.
A modern car typically requires only a single app, like myAudi, for basic interaction. In contrast, today’s motorhomes come equipped with a multitude of systems and technologies, each requiring a separate app—up to 14 apps might be needed for a full handover. This complexity highlights the irreplaceable role of dealers in training and supporting customers.
also expired, the vehicle may not be eligible for registration anywhere in the EU. The only current exception might be the UK—but then, the vehicle would have the steering wheel on the wrong side.
Salary pressures and the Euro problem
Another central point of Ruchti’s presentation focused on the massive divergence in salary structures between Switzerland and its EU neighbors. He demonstrated how, in 1998, Swiss salaries were about 20% higher than in Germany. By 2025, that gap has ballooned to 134%, driven both by nominal increases and the euro’s steady depreciation against the Swiss franc. This makes pricing parity across markets impossible and further challenges the margin structure for Swiss dealers.
Why we still need dealers
Despite the growing interest in direct online sales, Ruchti made a compelling case for the irreplaceable role of dealers. A camper van or motorhome is not a car—it’s more complex, more customized, and more prone to small defects out of the factory. Customers don’t want to pick up a vehicle via app—they want to sit inside it, feel the space, and get hands-on instruction. Modern RVs can include up to 15 separate apps—far more than any car. Moreover, the dealer is the one who handles reconditioning, repairs, and customer education. A dealer’s job is only done, Ruchti said, when three things happen:
1. The customer receives a flawless vehicle.
2. They fully understand its technical features.
3. Two years later, they are still happy with their purchase and their dealer.
What’s next:
Demographics, regulation and electric powertrains
Ruchti sees a positive outlook for motorhome sales in the short term, driven by retiring baby boomers, digital nomadism, and the rise of flexible remote work. But the future of caravans looks bleaker. Towing with electric vehicles remains a challenge—each 150 km leg of a caravan trip requires unhitching, charging, and rehitching, easily adding five hours to a holiday journey. He gives a vivid example — a trip from Bad Waldsee to Barcelona with a caravan towed by an electric car. Even if the car has a claimed range of 400 km, real conditions force recharging every 150 km. That translates to eight stops, each requiring the caravan to be unhitched because charging stations often can’t accommodate the full length. With each stop
Before 2008, the relationship between dealers and manufacturers was balanced. Dealers ordered showroom sets for display, enjoyed ordering flexibility, had to meet seasonal sales targets, and shared market risks with manufacturers. It was a cooperative and adaptable model.
After the 2008 financial crisis, the model shifted. Dealers who committed early to large seasonal orders were rewarded. But this created financial strain, with banks imposing tighter credit limits and stocking costs rising by up to 30%. Risk was transferred disproportionately to dealers.
Electrification brings a significant weight penalty.
taking at least 40 minutes, the journey accumulates more than five hours of charging time. This scenario underlines the practical limits of electric mobility for caravan owners and raises concerns about the long-term viability of towable RVs in the context of electrification. Electrification itself poses weight problems. While a diesel powertrain weighs around 380 kg, an equivalent electric setup comes in at over 1,000 kg. Fortunately, the new 4.25-tonne B license rule from 2028 gives back 750 kg of payload, balancing most of the weight penalty. But beyond 2035, when combustion engines are phased out in the EU, things become murkier. Without further regulatory relief, innovation and margins may both be at risk.
Final message: act now
Ruchti concluded with a call to action: don’t wait. Strategic cooperation and long-term thinking are vital, and the industry must push for practical solutions—like extending the B license to 5 tonnes by 2035. Dealers remain the essential link between brands and customers. Their survival—and the sustainability of the industry as a whole—depends on learning from the past, adapting fast, and keeping the end customer firmly in focus.
Panel discussion at MELVI 2025: rebuilding trust and balance in the RV industry
The final session of the MELVI 2025 gathering in Bern brought together three prominent figures of the European leisure vehicle industry: Hubert Brandl (CEO of Niesmann+Bischoff), Yannick Vöringher (Managing Director of Vöringher GmbH & Co.), and Reto Ruchti (Co-owner and Managing Director of Ruchti AG). The discussion, moderated by Bernd Löher (President of the CIVD and Managing Director of Hobby), offered a candid reflection on the current challenges and responsibilities shared among OEMs, suppliers, and dealers
The conversation began with a fundamental question: how should the triangle of suppliers, manufacturers, and dealers collaborate to ensure the industry’s long-term prosperity? All three panelists agreed that cooperation and mutual understanding are essential, and the final customer must remain at the center. Ruchti emphasized the importance of managing customer expectations realistically, particularly among high-end clients who may anticipate domestic-level quality inside a moving vehicle. Brandl added that manufacturers must work closely with suppliers to ensure quality and pricing are in line with market needs, creating products that are both desir-
able and deliverable.
Vöringher stressed the need to maintain a spirit of cooperation even among competitors and expressed concern about a widespread tendency to repeat past mistakes – notably, overproduction. Despite early warnings at trade fairs like CMT, when the suppliers were starting to be worried about the situation, the industry collectively pushed volumes based on inflated expectations, which has now led to overstock and stagnation. Ruchti illustrated this imbalance by pointing to the oversaturation of dealerships, where a limited customer base is now being divided among too many retailers. “Adding more dealers doesn’t mean selling more
units,” he warned, calling for smarter territorial planning.
Brandl was blunt in his assessment: the industry failed to acknowledge the signs of an impending crisis. Rising material costs, inflation, and global instability pointed toward a slowdown, but the war in Ukraine and euphoria post-COVID led to inflated pricing and excess inventory.
“We must develop a better sensitivity to societal signals,” he said.
The panel then shifted to the topic of innovation. All agreed that manufacturers should lead on product design, in partnership with suppliers, while taking feedback from suppliers and dealers. However, Vöringher noted the slow im-
plementation of innovative products, citing an example of a lightweight board his company has shown at three editions of Caravan Salon with little adoption. He urged for faster cycles and a “fail fast, learn fast” mindset.
Discussing product life cycles, Brandl and Ruchti aligned on a preferred rhythm of five to six years for new models, with small updates at the mid-point. Brandl emphasized that the innovation cycle should not be too fast, as this could frustrate consumers if their purchase feels outdated only a year later. “The customer wants stability, not change for the sake of change,” he affirmed. Vöringher, however, pointed out that innovations
can quickly create added value for end consumers and should be leveraged to make camping more appealing already today.
When asked about the risk of Chinese manufacturers entering the European market, the panel had mixed reactions. Brandl and Ruchti showed limited concern, citing differences in weight regulations, product complexity, and aftersales support. However, Vöringher referenced the Australian market, where Chinese brands quickly gained significant market share, warning that complacency could be dangerous, so to be aware of it.
To conclude, Bernd Löher summarized the key takeaways: the importance of openness, honesty, and realism from
That quote, he suggested, resonates well with the current situation of the industry — one that has gone through a storm, and must now understand the reasons behind it. Why did this overstock crisis occur?
In Feuillet’s view, it largely stems from a lack of coordination, flawed forecasting, and a series of mistakes. But many of these errors were driven by something unfamiliar to the leisure vehicle sector: shortages. Reflecting on his own childhood in post-World War II France, Feuillet recalled how his mother kept large supplies of soap, pasta, oil and other essentials, having learned to prepare for possible future crises. Even when he questioned why they had to use such old supplies, she would remind him that difficult times could
all parties moving forward. He pointed to the need for better alignment with the product life cycle – avoiding both over-engineering and overly rapid innovation – to give dealers time to sell existing stock and allow customers to adapt. Most crucially, he stressed the customer journey: from the first website visit to the in-store experience, product delivery, and aftersales service, everything must be seamless. The message was clear: the path ahead is straightforward, the need is just to execute, without fear of the future.
The panel closed on a note of pragmatic optimism: the industry has all the tools it needs to succeed, but it must learn to listen, collaborate, and adapt – together.
Closing remarks by François Feuillet, President of the ECF
To conclude the day, François Feuillet delivered a closing speech summarizing the key reflections after a full day of presentations and discussions. He began by quoting the author and motivational speaker, Vivian Greene: “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain.”
always return. She had lived through the storm — and had learned how to dance through it.
The same, he argued, must apply to today’s fragmented industry. Coordination is difficult when stakeholders — suppliers, manufacturers, dealers, campsites — all pursue different interests.
Feuillet raised the topic of innovation: should a company share innovation with its suppliers, or keep it in-house?
He pointed out that fear of being copied might be holding back progress, as companies hesitate to reveal their developments. This led him to ask a deeper question: is the core problem in this industry one of structural fragmentation? If coordination is such a challenge, should all actors operate under a single roof? Or can the industry find new ways to cooperate effectively across independent entities?
He returned to the role of dealerships — some claim there are too many. But Feuillet strongly contested that view. A market grows when the customer has access to good service nearby — a local, often family-owned dealership, rather than a large showroom hundreds of kilometers away. Experience shows that opening dealerships in smaller towns leads to higher sales of motor caravans in those regions. The presence of a trusted local dealer boosts consumer confidence and accessibility.
In closing, Feuillet called for more joint efforts — partnerships, joint ventures, and fresh thinking — to ensure the industry is better prepared for future storms. Because storms, he reminded everyone, will come again. What matters is learning how to face them. What matters is learning how to dance.
Europe 2024–2025: RV markets between resilience and retrenchment
The European RV market rebounded in 2024, driven by motorhomes, while caravans kept declining. Early 2025 data shows a slowdown, with mixed signals across countries
The data for 2024 is generally positive, but it reveals differences between various markets as well as among the different types of RVs. The publication of the 2024 registration data by the ECF (European Caravan Federation) calls for some reflection. First and foremost, motorized RVs (motorhomes and camper vans) show a clear sign of recovery (+9.5%) compared to the stagnation in 2023 and the decline since 2022. In contrast, the downward trend for caravans continues, though moderately, with a –4.7% drop compared to 2023. The gap between motorized and towable vehicles is widening significantly: 160,342 vs. 60,865 units. This trend is also confirmed in Germany and France, where motorized RVs are growing
(+9.1% and +10.3% respectively), while caravans remain relatively stable. Germany continues to be the largest European market, with almost 75,000 new motorhomes registered in 2024 alone. The UK market amplifies this pattern, showing a +35% increase in motorized RVs and a –13.3% decline in caravans. Although these figures still await official approval by the NCC, they are final 2024 data provided by ECF, not estimates. They clearly illustrate a shift in consumer preference. In contrast, Switzerland and Belgium — markets that had already reached high levels in previous years — are now experiencing a mild decline in motorized RV registrations (–6.6% and –2.4%, respectively). This may be due to market saturation, economic caution, or a delayed fleet renewal cycle. Southern Europe presents a mixed picture. Italy registered an impressive +19.4% growth in
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motorized RVs, a sign of both recovery and expanding domestic interest in RV travel. Spain, while stable in motorized vehicles, saw a decline in caravan registrations (–6.0%). Portugal’s numbers are modest but improving, especially on the motorhome front (+10.2%). In Northern Europe, the situation is more
nuanced. Sweden and Norway continue to decline overall, especially in the caravan segment (–16.4% and –22.8%), whereas Denmark shows a steep drop across both categories. Finland shows stability, while Poland emerges as a new growth market, especially for motorhomes (+22.2%).
F ocus on EUROPEAN MARKET
Q1 2025: a cautious start to the year
The first months of 2025 paint a less optimistic picture. According to the latest available figures, the overall European RV market recorded a –5.0% decline compared to the same period in 2024. Touring caravans fell sharply (–10.3%), continuing their structural downturn, while motorized vehicles showed a softer but still negative trend (–3.1%). Germany, the leading market, saw declines across the board: –6.0% for motorhomes and –5.4% for caravans. France maintained a more stable outlook, with a 3.1% growth in motorized RVs slightly offsetting a –3.7% dip in caravans. The UK experienced a notable contraction (–13.8% overall), particularly in caravan registrations (–29.3%). Conversely, Italy stood out for its impressive +31.6% growth in motorhomes, confirming strong domestic demand despite a 24.3% drop in caravan sales. Among the smaller markets, the Netherlands (+5.8%) reported solid overall growth, with motorhomes leading the way. Sweden also surprised with a +69.9% increase in motorized vehicles. Some countries are not doing as well: Switzerland (–33.1% motorhomes), Austria (–28.0%), and Norway (–12.7%).
Dethleffs is a stable brand
The caravanning market is undergoing change: public interest remains high, but manufacturers are struggling with post-pandemic overproduction, and dealers are facing other challenges. Dethleffs CEO Bernhard Kibler shares his insights on how to navigate the current market
Words: Peter Hirtschulz photo: Dethleffs
The caravanning market is on the move – and at every level. Public enthusiasm for this form of vacation continues to grow steadily. However, following the pandemic-fuelled boom years, manufacturers are now grappling with the aftermath, including issues such as overproduction. Dealers, on the other hand, are facing overcrowded lots due to market saturation, intense price competition, and new customer expectations. Aboutcamp BtoB spoke with Bernhard Kibler, CEO of Dethleffs, to get his views on this situation.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Mr. Kibler, how does Dethleffs currently assess the overall situation in the caravanning market?
Bernhard Kibler − We’ve just come through a truly crazy time and are now dealing with the consequences. For a short period, extreme demand met a significantly reduced supply due to various supply chain issues. Prices skyrocketed as a result, and with much delay, everything that had been ordered during the boom was eventually produced. Now we’re facing high inventories and normal demand. This logically leads to price reductions. It’s a challenging situation at the moment, but I don’t think it’s cause for pessimism. Dethleffs is a stable brand. Generally speaking, we’re definitely not in a crisis – customers are still visiting dealers in large numbers, trade fairs are seeing record attendances, and demand is still there. Sales are happening, and inventories are gradually declining. It’s particularly encouraging that nearly all manufacturers have reduced or are reducing their production volumes, which is helping to gradually bring the situation under control.
Aboutcamp BtoB − What are Dethleffs’ expectations for the motorhome market?
Bernhard Kibler − The motorhome market will remain at a high level, as this form of travel has now become mainstream and camping is becoming increasingly trendy, especially among young people. Moreover, it’s worth noting that private registrations - meaning all registrations excluding short-term ones and rentalsare still increasing. This means that the overall registration level remains very high, and the share of private registrations continues to grow. After a consolidation phase, motorhomes, including campervans, are expected to remain at a high level and continue to grow in the long term.
Aboutcamp BtoB − And what about caravans?
Bernhard Kibler − Due to changes in towing vehicles and the growth of the mobile homes market, we shouldn’t expect growth in the caravan segment. On the contrary, we’ll need to adjust to a lower market level and intensify our efforts to develop new concepts with lighter caravans.
Aboutcamp BtoB − On the topic of quality: there are currently many complaints in the industry about a lack of quality. Is qualitative growth the new priority over quantitative growth?
Bernhard Kibler − It would be dishonest to claim that the forced, frequent ramping up and down of production, combined with absolute chaos in material supply, hasn’t left its mark on delivery quality. However, specifically at Dethleffs, I haven’t noticed a significant increase in complaints, warranty claims, or a sharp rise in warranty costs. We have very good retail partners with whom we work closely in the service area, so we’ve got things well under control. That said, one should never be satisfied in this area, which is why we constant-
ly use market feedback to optimise our quality.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Dethleffs has traditionally been strongly shaped by caravans. How do you forecast the share of caravans and motorhomes within the
Dethleffs Globetrail 640
I nterview with BERNHARD KIBLER
company over the next few years of market consolidation?
Bernhard Kibler − Good question. At the moment, making forecasts is generally very difficult. But one thing is obvious: the share of caravans will decline, and after the current consolidation phase, motorhomes will rise slightly again.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Dethleffs has invested heavily in the urban vehicle and mini-van segment with models like Crosscamp. Buyer interest in these vehicles currently seems to be quite weak. What’s the situation at Dethleffs?
Bernhard Kibler − There is still buyer interest. In this segment, all manufacturers flooded the market during the boom period. Once inventories return to normal levels, we’ll also reach a lower but
more stable production level again. With Crosscamp, we have a dealer network that is very experienced in this segment, and we’re receiving feedback from them that this segment continues to make sense. That’s why we’ll be presenting our new Crosscamp programme to our dealers at the dealer meeting in July and will launch a new urban vehicle this summer.
Aboutcamp BtoB − How does Dethleffs view the state of e-mobility for motorhomes and caravans, especially in light of the driving license extension to 4.25 tons?
Bernhard Kibler − First of all, I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the implementation of the driving license extension. It’s an important step for our industry. At Dethleffs and Cross-
camp, we’ve already carried out several developments in this area and even offered electric vehicles. However, the price difference is still much too high, and the range is still lacking. We can see that a lot is still happening, and we are working very closely with Erwin Hymer Group and the OEMs in this field. There is a great deal of work being done behind the scenes. For us, one thing is certain: e-mobility will increase – it’s only a matter of time.
Aboutcamp BtoB − The market is undergoing major changes, and the customer journey and consumer behaviour are shifting due to digitalisation. Doesn’t this mean that – despite a strong dealer network – we also need to think about additional sales channels and trade options?
Bernhard Kibler − Currently, I observe that many dealers are extremely focused on bargain hunting and, in doing so, lose all sense of brand loyalty. They seem to forget that we can only overcome the challenges of the future together. We need to reestablish a sustainable and reasonably predictable overall supply chain—from the supplier to us manufacturers, to the dealers, and fi-
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Dethleffs Globebus Active T
nally to the customer. Otherwise, it will become very difficult for all of us. And most importantly, we manufacturers will be forced to reconsider our distribution channels. I also don’t think it’s right for us to keep blaming each other for overproduction. It’s really quite simple: during the super boom phase, both manufacturers and dealers were extremely euphoric. Now it’s time to untangle this situation and start looking forward again. When it comes to distribution channels and the customer journey, I still firmly believe that we still need our dealers and their sales and service stations and that we must find ways together to adapt to
the customer journey. But the ultimate goal must be: we must not lose a single customer along their journey.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Some customers are experiencing a ‘service desert’ in caravan retail with long wait times for service work. What can manufacturers do about this?
Bernhard Kibler − As mentioned earlier, we need to continuously work on quality, optimise spare parts supply, improve systems and data flow, and provide training for workshops. At the same time, we must critically assess the variety in our product range, since every single component has an impact all the way through to service.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Full dealer lots, demanding customers, and high prices – how is Dethleffs supporting its retail partners who are facing these challenges?
Bernhard Kibler − Dethleffs was one of the first manufacturers to strongly support dealers in reducing their inventory. We will continue to do so until stock levels return to normal. In addition, we support them with targeted marketing activities that are also heavily subsidised financially.
Aboutcamp BtoB − With which new motorhomes/caravans are Dethleffs aiming to succeed in the upcoming season?
Bernhard Kibler − In the caravan segment, we recently launched our new Camper, Nomad, and Beduin models on the market. To offer customers an attractive price-performance ratio, we are now introducing highly attractive Active special models with ready-togo equipment and appealing designs across all segments. In the premium segment, we will offer our Family models in both the integrated and alcove categories – large vehicles with top-tier equipment at family-friendly prices.
As already mentioned, we see great potential for ourselves in the crossover segment. Our semi-integrated Globebus Performance 4x4 models based on the VW Crafter are now arriving at dealerships. Customer interest and demand are encouragingly high, and we will therefore continue to expand this line. We also see particularly high potential in our young, rebellious, and progressive brand Crosscamp. I’m especially excited that Crosscamp will be launching with a completely new urban camper, new camper vans, and even some very sporty semi-integrated models. All of them will be priced in the entry-level segment, allowing us to truly reach our target audience with super cool and appealing designs at attractive prices. Stay tuned!
Dethleffs XLA Family
Dethleffs GmbH & Co. KG - Isny im Allgäu
Dethleffs Globebus Performance 4x4
I nterview with DANIEL SAHLBERG
Victoria isn’t just Australia’s caravan manufacturing hub, it’s the beating heart of a $3.5 billion industry. With over 20 years of experience, Daniel Sahlberg reflects on the sector’s evolution, current challenges, and the initiatives that are driving growth, innovation, and higher standards across the state.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Could you tell us a bit about your journey and background? How did you become involved in the caravan and RV industry, and what led you to your current role as CEO of Caravan Industry Victoria?
Daniel Sahlberg − My journey in the caravan industry began back in 2004,
Leading the road ahead
From factory floors to industry leadership, Daniel Sahlberg - CEO of Caravan Industry Victoria - brings a wealth of experience to Australia’s caravan industry. In this interview, Daniel reveals how his team is setting new standards in compliance, training and consumer engagement, ensuring Victoria keeps leading by example
when I started at Windsor Caravans in the planning and drafting department. It was a hands-on introduction to manufacturing, and I was quickly thrown into the deep end when several colleagues left to start a new venture. It was very much a sink-or-swim moment, one that ultimately shaped the way I approach challenges throughout my career. I stayed at Windsor for nearly eight years. It was a corporate environment, but with a strong manufacturing base. The company had a plant in Western Australia, and when Fleetwood, the parent company, decided to shift operations there, I was one of only two people offered a role in the new location, but I chose to
stay in Victoria. Remarkably, within two hours of the Windsor shutdown being announced, I received a job offer from the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVM Australia), which focused on industry compliance. The opportunity came about after a meeting six months earlier where I’d voiced some strong opinions, something that evidently stayed with the CEO. He told me, “You had a lot to say. Now come and fix it.”
I eventually accepted the role and went on to create the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Accreditation Program (RVMAP). It quickly became clear that many in the industry lacked awareness
Words: Irene Viergever
around compliance and standards. That spurred me to focus heavily on training and education, reshaping how the industry approached regulation. From there, I transitioned to the Caravan Industry Victoria (CIV), where I led industry development. I was responsible for establishing a training college and launching the Service Safe accreditation program for service and repair professionals. I also contributed to technical compliance, membership services, and conducted audits at major industry shows across Victoria. In 2018, I moved into event management at CIV, eventually becoming General Manager of Operations, and later stepping into my current role as CEO. It’s been a journey marked by adaptability and continuous learning.
Aboutcamp BtoB − The caravan and RV industry in Victoria is known for its strong presence, with 90% of Australia’s manufacturing based here. Could you provide an overview of the current state of the market and its economic impact on the region?
Daniel Sahlberg − Victoria stands as the powerhouse of Australia’s caravan and RV industry, with a staggering 93% of all caravans and recreational vehicles in the country being manufactured right here in the state. The most recent economic impact assessment highlights just how significant this sector is to Victoria’s economy. The caravan trade sector alone contributes $3.5 billion annually and supports approximately 12,500 jobs. That figure represents around 20% of all caravan-related employment across the entire country, an impressive statistic that underscores the state’s vital role
not just in manufacturing, but in driving innovation, employment, and economic growth for the industry nationwide.
Aboutcamp BtoB − As the industry evolves, what key trends do you see shaping the future of the caravan and RV market in Victoria and across Australia?
Daniel Sahlberg − Australia has long been recognised for its innovation within the caravan and RV sector. What sets it apart is the country’s vast diversity in climate, terrain, and travel culture, which differs greatly from the rest of the world. Australia, and particularly Victoria, has earned a reputation for pioneering offroad technologies. The rugged terrain and varying conditions across the country have demanded unique, durable solutions. Reflecting on the past two decades, the transformation is clear: where once small 14–15-foot pop-top caravans with minimal equipment dominated the market, today we see larger, feature-rich caravans designed for off-grid travel and adventure. The rise in free camping and the desire for self-sufficiency have pushed manufacturers to embrace self-contained living. In many ways, the caravan and RV sector has been ahead of the curve in adapting to electrification and energy-efficient technologies. The very nature of Australian caravanning demands innovation in areas like solar integration, battery storage, and lightweight construction and Australian manufacturers continue to lead in this space. Another significant change shaping the future of the industry is the shift in the path to market. The digital age is redefining how consumers engage with
The Caravan Industry Victoria (CIV) is the Australian association representing entrepreneurs involved in the manufacturing of caravans, recreational vehicles (RVs), accessories, and related technology in the state of Victoria, which accounts for 90 percent of all caravan manufacturing in Australia. Founded in 1952, CIV represents over 250 brands.
brands, how products are sold, and how service is delivered. This transformation is prompting manufacturers and dealers to rethink their roles and embrace new technology and digital platforms to stay competitive.
Aboutcamp BtoB − CIV operates several consumer events, including the Victorian Caravan, Camping Supershow. How do these events contribute to the growth of the industry, and what new initiatives are you planning to further enhance their impact?
Daniel Sahlberg − In Victoria, consumer events play a vital role in the growth and evolution of the caravan and camping industry. We currently run four major shows across the state, with the flagship event being the Victorian Caravan & Camping Supershow, now officially rebranded to drop the word “touring” and focus purely on caravanning and camping. This event is the largest of its kind in Victoria, boasting the most extensive exhibition footprint in the sector. It brings
I nterview with DANIEL SAHLBERG
together everything the industry has to offer in one place, giving consumers the opportunity to explore, compare, and dream. Whether it’s the latest RV models, aftermarket accessories, tourism destinations, or emerging technologies, the show offers a comprehensive look at the lifestyle. These shows are more than just product showcases; they’re about inspiring people to embrace the freedom and adventure that caravanning and camping offer. It’s about making dreams reality. One of our key features is the RV Master Stage, launched several years ago. It supports our industry accreditation program, which focuses on five key pillars of manufacturing standards. The stage itself is designed to help consumers become masters of the RV lifestyle through expert talks and practical advice. We’ve also developed immersive, experience-based areas such as the Adventure Zone, an off-road track where visitors can see how caravans and vehicles handle different terrains. It’s a practical demonstration of off-grid capability and towing performance, giving people the confidence to explore beyond sealed roads. In 2023, we introduced the Off-Grid Campground, a space dedicated to educating consumers about free camping and self-contained living. That concept evolved further this year into the Let’s Start Caravan & Camping Area, inspired by what we saw at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. This feature is all about breaking down barriers for newcomers. It demystifies the terminology, showcases entry-level products, and guides people on how to get started with the lifestyle. With a passionate new team on board, we’re continuously developing fresh ideas to expand the show’s appeal and relevance. Ultimately, these consumer events are about more than sales. They are about building connections, educating future travellers, and fuelling a love for the open road. The lifestyle attraction will remain a key focus for Caravan Industry Victoria as we con-
tinue to shape the next chapter of caravanning in our beautiful state.
Aboutcamp BtoB − The RV Master Manufacturer Accreditation Program is a significant leap forward for the industry. Could you explain how this program is setting new standards for RV manufacturers and what it means for both the industry and consumers?
Daniel Sahlberg − Initiated in 2017-2018, the RV Master Manufacturers Accreditation Program represents one of the most significant steps the Victorian caravan manufacturing industry has taken to date. It was developed in direct response to manufacturers’ desire for a consistent, high benchmark. Not just in regulatory areas, but across all aspects of business operations. What sets this program apart is that it’s not just imposed, it was designed with and for the manufacturers themselves. Empowered by industry leaders, the program is comprehensive, going beyond product compliance to assess a manufacturer’s entire operation. The accreditation evaluates five key pillars of a business: Business systems, Human resources, Quality Management, Customer Service, and Compliance. Financial transparency is now a formal part of the process. Manufacturers must demonstrate they are viable, responsible businesses. But the program also digs deeper, assessing adherence
to consumer law, fair work obligations, tax compliance, and other areas that directly impact not only safety and quality, but also customer confidence. A major focus of the accreditation is customer service and warranty support. The program doesn’t just check boxes, it aims to foster genuine improvement across the sector. Each business is independently audited by professionals in their respective fields and receives a star rating from one to five, reflecting their performance across all five pillars. This rating is then made public, helping consumers make more informed decisions and encouraging transparency across the industry. Importantly, the system also shines a light on businesses not participating in the program, prompting consumers to ask, “Why not?” This kind of visibility is helping reshape the competitive landscape, not by regulation alone, but through trust, quality, and accountability. For businesses, the rating is a journey. Those starting at three or three-and-ahalf stars are supported in striving for four and five stars in the future. In an industry that has long called for stronger oversight and clearer standards, Victoria is taking the lead. Rather than wait for government regulation, the state’s manufacturers have chosen to set the bar themselves. And in doing so, they are setting a national benchmark for quality, transparency, and consumer confidence.
Above: Caravan Industry Victoria RV Master Manufacturer Accreditation program
Left: Daniel Sahlberg speaks at the CIV’s Trade Expo
Next page: the Victorian Caravan & Camping Supershow
Aboutcamp BtoB − How do you envision the growth of CIV’s Trade Expo, and what role do international partnerships and suppliers play in your plans for expanding this event?
Daniel Sahlberg − The Trade Expo is something of a passion project for me, born from my early days working at Windsor Caravans. Back then, suppliers would occasionally visit to showcase new products, but access to innovation was inconsistent. Sometimes those updates would make it through purchasing; other times, they’d be missed entirely. It wasn’t always a priority in a corporate environment like Windsor’s, where supplier engagement was largely handled at a group level. But I vividly remember attending public caravan shows as someone working in drafting and design and thinking, “Where did they get that from?” or “How come we didn’t know about this?” It was clear there was a disconnect between manufacturers and the evolving supply chain, and that disconnect was holding back innovation. With Victoria being the manufacturing heartland of Australia’s RV industry, I saw an opportunity. Why not create a dedicated platform to bring the supply chain, and potential new suppliers, directly to manufacturers? That idea became the Trade Expo: a central, industry-only event designed to foster innovation and accelerate product development. Much like our consumer shows, the expo provides a one-stop space for manufacturers, dealers, and service and repair professionals to explore the latest products and technologies. It’s a chance to see what’s new, what’s coming, and what’s possible. All in one place. But the vision doesn’t stop at Victoria. We invited industry colleagues from around the country to bring their dealers and teams
to the event, so they too can access this wealth of insight and product potential. Long-term, the goal is to grow the expo nationally and even internationally. There’s significant opportunity for global manufacturers to participate, bringing their components, materials, and ideas to Australia’s shores. It’s not just about exporting finished products; it’s about importing innovation and adapting it to our standards, our conditions, and our needs. At its core, the Trade Expo is another industry improvement initiative. One that fuels progress, fosters collaboration, and ultimately benefits the end consumer.
Aboutcamp BtoB − In terms of product development, what are the main differences between the Australian caravan and RV market compared to the European and American markets?
Daniel Sahlberg − When it comes to product development, there are clear differences between the Australian, European, and American RV markets. Having travelled to both regions recently, those distinctions have become even more apparent. In Australia, innovation, technology, and advanced construction methods are at the forefront, largely driven by the unique and often extreme conditions of the country. From searing heat to freezing cold, RVs here need to be built to endure. Traditionally, Australians have followed the sun, but more recently, there’s been a shift toward free camping and off-grid travel. Our vast and varied terrain, combined with rougher roads and wide open spaces, demands a different kind of product. A product designed for resilience and true self-sufficiency. Another key factor is scale. Australia’s population, while growing, remains relatively small
compared to Europe or the U.S. That means our RV production isn’t focused on mass output, but rather on building for purpose, tailored to where and how Australians travel. With over 900,000 caravan and RV registrations in a country of 26–27 million people, it’s clear that this lifestyle is deeply embedded in our culture. In contrast, European RVs are typically sleek, clean, and efficient. Ideal for the well-maintained roads and more temperate climates found across the continent. European travellers also tend to spend more time inside the van than Australians, which influences both layout and design priorities. The American market, how I see it, is all about scale: bigger and bolder. The U.S. is the largest producer of RVs globally, and that size is reflected in the vehicles themselves. However, there are noticeable differences in construction methods and material expectations. Without speaking critically, it’s fair to say that Australian consumers demand a higher level of durability: thicker panels, stronger builds, and an overall higher expectation of quality, shaped by both our conditions and our culture.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Your proximity to China certainly facilitates the importation of low-cost products, such as tent trailers and off-road trailers. Are there mechanisms in place to protect ‘Made in Australia’ products from being overshadowed by these imports?
Daniel Sahlberg − One of the most complex challenges facing Australia’s RV industry today is the proximity of China and the impact of low-cost imported products. It’s a delicate topic, and one that demands a nuanced understanding of trade, regulation, and consumer behaviour. Australia has had a free trade
I nterview with DANIEL SAHLBERG
agreement with China since 2015, which presents both opportunities and challenges. While tariffs might seem like a natural mechanism to manage imports, the broader relationship between the two countries, and our reliance on China for many other goods and services, makes implementing such measures difficult. That said, Australia has unique conditions, a unique environment, and a unique consumer. Our roads, climate, and expectations differ greatly from other markets. Australian consumers are also less inclined to wait. Once they decide to buy, they want the product now. This makes customization, innovation, and speed to market essential. Where we face a real issue is in regulation. Australia has existing standards for gas, electrical, and safety compliance, but imported products often enter the market without inspection. That gap is significant. These standards exist for good reason: to protect consumers in a country with uniquely demanding conditions. The solution isn’t simple, but part of it lies in education. We need to help consumers understand the value of Australian-made products. In my view, we produce the best, most innovative caravans and RVs in the world. They are designed for our lifestyle, our climate, and our expectations. And that innovation comes from here.
Aboutcamp BtoB − What are the synergies and differences between Caravan Industry Victoria (CIV) and the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), and how do these two bodies collaborate to support the industry?
Daniel Sahlberg − Our industry relies on collaboration across the country. These collaborations include all states and the national body and we all work together. Australia is a large country and while our population may not be as big as other nations, it is spread out over great distances, with different needs, climates, times, and people. Despite these differences, there has been strong collaboration in our approach. We are constantly exploring new ways to work together. There is a shared passion for compliance, for the lifestyle, for promoting caravan shows, and for showcasing products across the country. This shared passion is what creates synergy within the industry. Of course, each state has its own challenges and strengths. Victoria is home to manufacturing and the supply chain, while other states are more focused on tourism, retail, or lifestyle. It is a combination of both, and we aim to work together by recognising each others strengths and finding ways to collab-
orate more effectively. People often say we should centralise everything under one model, but the reality is that each state operates under its own regulatory framework. Australia is a federated system, and each state has different processes and requirements. This is why it is essential to have the right people in each state who can understand the local situation and support businesses accordingly. For example, it is much colder in Victoria right now compared to Queensland, Western Australia, or New South Wales. The climate, the conditions, and the people vary, and you need to be present in each region to truly understand those differences and deliver the services that are needed. This applies not only to consumers, which is what the industry is ultimately about, but also to our members and businesses. You have to be there for them, and you need to be present.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Looking ahead, what are your key priorities for CIV over the next 3-5 years, and how do you plan to continue fostering innovation and growth within the Victorian caravan and RV industry?
Daniel Sahlberg − Over the next three to five years, we are focusing on four key areas of our organisation: events, membership, training, and lifestyle promotion. The first area is events. This includes both consumer events and industry events. We want to continue expanding our portfolio of shows and reach more people in more locations. In Victoria, especially after the COVID lockdowns, people tend to stay local. Many no longer want to travel across the city, especially with tolls, and prefer going outwards rather than in. We are adjusting our approach to reflect this shift and meet
people where they are. We also want to expand our industry offerings, including the Trade Expo mentioned earlier. Additionally, we aim to continue promoting excellence through our Hall of Fame and Industry Awards. This year we’ve had a record number of entries, with 11 manufacturers nominating for Manufacturer of the Year, which shows strong industry engagement. The second focus is our membership area, which we are now actively developing. This includes accreditation, industry development, membership services, and membership support. With a new team in place, we are working to engage more closely with businesses, help them grow, and integrate them into programs that drive the industry forward. Our third pillar is training. We operate the National Caravan Industry Training College (NCITC), a registered training organisation (RTO). NCITC is about upskilling the workforce, creating career pathways, and bringing more people into the sector. We also want to invest in consumer education, helping people learn how to use products properly, as well as expanding product training opportunities across the board. The fourth focus is lifestyle and industry promotion. This involves communicating with consumers about what our products offer and where the lifestyle can take them. It is about building that emotional connection and raising awareness of the value caravanning and camping brings. In summary, our four pillars are events and shows, membership services and accreditation, training and workforce development, and lifestyle and industry promotion. We will continue to grow each of these areas to support and strengthen the caravan industry in the years ahead.
Daniel Sahlberg (right) in conversation with our editor-in-chief Antonio Mazzucchelli at the latest Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf
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Leadership, longevity, and long-term vision
Lippert is a name synonymous with innovation, responsibility, and leadership in the global RV industry. We speak exclusively to the company’s Group President for North America, Ryan Smith, to find out how it achieves its vision of helping its customers not only to compete but to lead
Words: Antonio Mazzucchelli
As a kid growing up in Goshen, Indiana – right in the heart of RV country – Ryan Smith was immersed early in a lifestyle that would eventually shape his professional path. Surrounded by friends and family working in the RV business, he developed a deep appreciation for an industry that brings people together and fuels their passion for exploration. After college, he began his career from the ground up, managing logistics and driving trucks – a hands-on start that gave him a solid foundation in
how the industry truly operates. Over the years, Ryan took on leadership roles in Sales and Operations, playing a key role in executing a diversification strategy that expanded Lippert’s reach beyond RVs into sectors like marine, building products, transportation, hospitality, and agriculture. Today, after more than 18 years at the company, he serves as Group President for North America, driven by a commitment to empowering teams and enhancing the travel experience for customers across multiple
industries. In this exclusive interview, Ryan shares insights into the company’s M&A strategy, how Lippert maintains a people-first culture even as it grows, and why its values remain the compass for navigating challenging market environments.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Since you have been Group President North America at Lippert, what have been the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?
Ryan Smith − Well, facing the challenges of Covid were difficult on everyone, especially our front-line team members. While RV sales were booming, there came along a different, new set of problems that we had to face. Through that particular time, team was everything. A lot of our Lippert families were facing sickness and hardships in a personal way, and we had to be very strong as a leadership team to highlight our empathy, compassion and caring for our team member’s health in a way that we hadn’t envisioned before.
Out of that, we have an entire wellness division of our culture and leadership development team solely dedicated to helping team members set and achieve new health milestones and mental health strategies to keep them healthy and safe in our care.
Now, we’re facing different headwinds this year. The tariff negotiations have put the whole industry into unknown territory. But like always, we lean on our core values to help us navigate uncharted waters. We are having open, honest conversations with consumers, dealers and OEMs to bring forward solutions together that benefit the whole sales pipeline. We’re funding projects and parts of the business that will benefit during this time.
We pride ourselves on our resourcefulness and agility. We are using this time to our advantage instead of making decisions out of fear. This is the trying time where we see many of our competitors make mistakes and we’ve been preparing for these rainy days for many years. We’re excited to see where the winds of this challenge will take our company –we always come out of these opportunities changed and better for them!
Aboutcamp BtoB − And, equally, what have been the biggest successes, or the things you have been most proud of?
Ryan Smith − In the last six years, Lippert has been at the forefront of safety technology in the RV market. We’ve decided that “enough is enough” when it comes to challenges that RVers face on the road and the risks that they encounter we decided to tackle head-on. We’ve put dedicated industry experts and years of R&D behind some key initial launches of Anti-Lock Braking systems for RVs and upgraded Touring Coil Suspension systems. ABS is becoming and industry non-negotiable and we hope to see some life-critical legislation at the federal level around mandatory ABS on any towable trailer, like we see in the auto segment. This would go a long way
in reducing preventable road accidents involving RVs we see now. Touring Coil Suspension, or TCS, is also adding comfort, safety and reliability to towing an RV that we haven’t had in this industry before. Again, taking a page from the automotive industry and applying it to our segment – we see the safety and lifespan of the RV when it’s being towed those long miles. No longer are the cabinets falling apart and the glasstop ranges shattering from vibrations in the road. We’re actually improving the longevity of the units and that’s making a safer, longer lasting experience for life on the road for our customers.
I am proud of these teams that have worked tirelessly to bring this technology into the RV market.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Acquisition is clearly an important part of Lippert’s overall strategy and growth plans. What is your role in acquisition selection and integration for Lippert? How do you identify acquisitions that will complement the portfolio and how does the process work?
Ryan Smith − Acquisition has long been a key pillar of Lippert’s growth strategy, not merely to expand our footprint, but to deepen and strengthen our core capabilities. My role in the process starts with a clear focus on strategic fit. We’re not acquiring for the sake of scale – we’re acquiring to support and empower what we already do best, which is delivering exceptional products, systems, and service experiences to our OEM and aftermarket customers.
When we evaluate potential acquisitions, we look closely at cultural alignment, operational synergy, and long-term value creation. We ask: Does this company strengthen one of our core competencies, like innovation, customer service, or manufacturing excellence? Does it enhance our ability to serve new or adjacent markets such as marine, building products, or transportation? And importantly, can we help them grow with the resources and culture we’ve built at Lippert?
Once an acquisition is identified as a strong fit, we engage closely throughout the integration process. We bring in cross-functional teams from across the business (operations, HR, IT, finance, and marketing) to ensure a smooth and strategic transition. Deep down, integration is about people, values, and vision alignment. We work hard to retain what made the company successful while leveraging Lippert’s scale and support to unlock even more potential.
Ultimately, our acquisition strategy is about creating a more capable, more responsive, and more innovative Lippert – one that can serve our customers better than anyone else in the market. The recent acquisition of Freedman Seating Co. (now Freedman by Lippert) is a terrific example of a “right-fit” company that enhances both of our capabilities and culture. It’s a win-win for both of us.
Aboutcamp BtoB
− Which sectors of the RV market do you see the most potential in and why? Both in terms of the OEM market and also the aftermarket?
Ryan Smith − We’re seeing strong potential in several areas across both OEM and aftermarket segments, driven by changing consumer expectations, demographic shifts, and the increasing desire for more tech-forward, sustainable travel.
On the OEM side, compact and mid-size RVs like travel trailers and camper vans continue to show strong momentum. Younger buyers and first-time RVers are looking for affordability, flexibility, and versatility. That’s fuelling innovation around lightweight materials, multi-functional design, and integrated smart systems. We’re also seeing growth in electrified systems, solar integration, and battery tech as more OEMs prioritise off-grid capability and energy efficiency. Another exciting space is premium RVs – luxury units designed for extended living or full-time travel. These customers expect residential-grade comfort and cutting-edge technology, which aligns perfectly with Lippert’s strength in interiors, slide-outs, chassis, climate systems, and smart connectivity.
In the aftermarket, two big trends are driving opportunity: personalisation and self-sufficiency. Customers want to upgrade and personalise their RVs with improved suspension, stabilisation, climate control, and convenience features, especially as they spend more time on the road. We’re also seeing strong demand for solar kits, battery solutions, smart controls, and water management systems, as RVers pursue longer, more remote trips.
The aftermarket lifestyle segment is growing too – from entry-level accessories to upscale outdoor gear. As the RV lifestyle becomes more mainstream, people want to accessorise their rigs in the same way they do their homes.
In both OEM and aftermarket, the common denominator is this: people want smarter, more capable, and more comfortable experiences, and Lippert
I nterview with RYAN SMITH
Global Company, Local Impact
Lippert operates on a global scale, yet remains deeply rooted in shared core values that transcend borders. As one unified team, the company creates meaningful change in local communities— demonstrating how business can serve as a powerful force for good in the world.
is uniquely positioned to deliver across the full spectrum.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Electrification and digital technology are big topics in the RV industry at present, how are you approaching those at Lippert with both your OEM and aftermarket customers?
Ryan Smith − At Lippert, we see electrification and digital innovation not as distant trends, but as immediate opportunities to create better experiences for RVers and better solutions for our OEM and aftermarket partners.
We’re approaching this in two ways: by developing smart, integrated sys tems, and by simplifying com plexity for our customers. On the OEM side, that means building plat forms that allow different components such as stabilisation, climate control, power, and connectivity to work together seamlessly.
We’re investing heavily in connected technology and system-wide integration to give OEMs a plug-and-play experience that reduces install time and increases reliability.
ed – toward cleaner, quieter, and more self-sufficient RV living. Ultimately, our goal is to make technology invisible when it needs to be and empowering when it doesn’t. We’re not just keeping up with these trends; we’re helping define them.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Of course, it is a fast-moving topic, but what have been the effects of the recently implemented tariffs by the Trump administration on Lippert? How do you see things panning out?
For aftermarket customers, we know the challenge is often navigating that complexity after the fact. That’s why we’re focused on backward-compatible solutions, mobile-first diagnostics, and intuitive user interfaces. We want customers to feel empowered, not overwhelmed, when interacting with their RV systems.
And across both segments, electrification is a clear priority. From battery management to solar-ready systems and more efficient power components, we’re designing products that align with where the market is head-
Ryan Smith − We approach this problem, like we did in 2016 when similar models were instituted at the federal level and during other times of economic crisis – by putting our customer’s first.
In response to these challenges, Lippert is actively seeking ways to mitigate the impact. We’re exploring alternative sourcing options, investing in domestic manufacturing capabilities, and working closely with our supply chain partners to navigate this complex environment. Our goal is to continue delivering high-quality products and services to our customers while adapting to the evolving trade landscape.
Looking ahead, we hope for a more stable and predictable trade policy environment that supports the growth and sustainability of the RV and automotive industries.
Aboutcamp BtoB − A lot of efforts have been made in the industry to attract new, younger people to work within it – what is Lippert’s approach?
Ryan Smith − At Lippert, we view attracting younger talent as both a vital
priority and an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our industry. Our approach begins with culture. Today’s emerging workforce wants more than just a job – they’re looking for purpose, growth, and a workplace where they feel valued. That’s why we’ve built a culture centred around servant leadership, professional development, and community impact.
We’re creating real career pathways by partnering with local schools and colleges, investing in technical training, and launching leadership programs that help young professionals grow with us. We’re also modernising our recruitment efforts, using digital tools and platforms to connect with candidates where they are and showing them the innovation that’s transforming the RV and manufacturing space. We’ve started an entire arm of our business dedicated to training and supporting the trades programs across the country. To help young professionals know the value of these skilled trades. One of the most compelling aspects for younger employees is our commitment to social impact. Through our community service initiatives – like contributing over 100,000 volunteer hours each year – team members can see the difference they’re making, both on and off the job. As for the broader industry, we’re seeing positive momentum, but there’s still work to be done. We need to continue evolving the narrative around manufacturing and outdoor recreation, highlighting the innovation, purpose, and lifestyle opportunities available. At Lippert, we’re proud to lead the way and help set a new standard for what a modern, meaningful career in this industry and trades in general in the United States can look like.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Lippert has been recognised for its strong community and wellness programs. Why are local
communities so important to Lippert, and can you share some of the ways you’re making a positive impact in the areas where you operate?
Ryan Smith − Local communities are fundamental to Lippert’s identity and mission. We believe that true success is measured not just by business achievements but by the positive impact it creates in the areas where it operates. This philosophy is embodied in Lippert’s commitment to using business as a force for good, a principle that drives our community engagement initiatives.
One of the ways Lippert contributes to local communities is through its Lippert Cares program. Since its inception, Lippert team members have volunteered over one million hours, supporting more than 2,000 non-profit organisations. These efforts are not only about giving back but also about fostering a culture of empathy and social responsibility within the company.
In addition to volunteerism, Lippert makes substantial financial contributions to community development. We donate $2 million annually to various non-profits, further demonstrating its dedication to societal well-being. Moreover, initiatives like the seRV With Purpose platform encourage RV travellers to engage in volunteer opportunities during their
journeys, extending Lippert’s community impact beyond its immediate operational areas.
Through these comprehensive efforts, Lippert not only strengthens the communities it serves but also reinforces its commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Sustainability is becoming more and more important across the RV and outdoor industry. What steps is Lippert taking to reduce its environmental impact, and how are you helping customers do the same through your products?
Ryan Smith − At Lippert, sustainability isn’t just a box we check, it’s part of who we are. We’re aligned with globally recognised standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), and we actively back that alignment with action. From using high-quality recycled materials in our packaging to embracing lean manufacturing practices that reduce waste and maximise efficiency, we’re taking real steps to shrink our environmental footprint.
But sustainability for us goes beyond the environment, it’s about building
stronger communities, too. In 2017, we launched a bold initiative: to give back over 100,000 volunteer hours every year. Since then, our team has donated more than 1,000,000 hours, partnering with over 2,000 nonprofits across a wide range of causes.
When our people come together to serve, they build community projects and build each other up. Volunteering has become a cornerstone of our culture, fostering teamwork, empathy, and a deep sense of belonging across the organisation.
On top of that, we invest $2 million annually in organisations that are making real change. For us, giving back is more than philanthropy, it’s a reflection of our mission to leave the world better than we found it. Purpose drives everything we do, and we’re proud to be a company where impact is measured in people and progress, as well as profit.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Lippert invests heavily in training and customer experience. How do these investments translate into competitive advantage, and what’s your strategy for supporting dealers and partners as aftermarket complexity increases?
Ryan Smith − Great question, and one that gets to the heart of how we think
Ryan Smith in his natural habitat: with his teams
I nterview with RYAN SMITH
about long-term value at Lippert. Investment in training and customer experience is a strategic commitment by our company. As products and technologies in the RV and adjacent industries become more complex, we see a clear opportunity to differentiate ourselves by being the easiest partner to work with, both on the OEM and aftermarket side. We’re building this competitive advantage in a four key ways: First, is worldclass training. We’ve expanded our training infrastructure to ensure dealers, technicians, and partners have the knowledge and confidence to support customers effectively. That includes both in-person and digital training platforms that are intuitive, scalable, and aligned with the real-world challenges our partners face. We train on products, systems, integration, and problem-solving.
Second is customer experience as a growth engine. We’ve centralised and elevated customer experience as a business function. That means faster support, more personalised service, and smarter systems to handle issues before they escalate. Our CX team captures insights that feed product development, service improvements, and better tools for the field.
Third is dealer and partner enablement. We’re leaning into programs that equip our dealer network and aftermarket partners to thrive. That means easier access to parts, better diagnostics and support, and real-time updates as our product
portfolio evolves. We’re simplifying complexity by being more transparent, more proactive, and more available. Fourth is technology that connects. We’re also investing in connected technology and tools that make it easier to diagnose, service, and even prevent issues. That’s a win for customers and a huge advantage for dealers who want to increase service efficiency and trust. At the end of the day, our strategy is simple: when we make our partners more successful, we win together. And in a marketplace where complexity is growing, the companies that can deliver clarity, support, and confidence will be the ones that rise to the top.
Aboutcamp BtoB − In both the automotive and RV sectors, we’re seeing manufacturers increasingly come together under large groups, gaining strength through consolidation. What are the main advantages for your customers in working with a large multinational group like yours?
Ryan Smith − That’s a great observation, and it’s true: consolidation is reshaping both the RV and automotive sectors. At Lippert, being part of a large, multinational group is about the strategic advantages that scale allows us to pass on to our customers.
Our size and structure translates into real value for the people we serve because we operate across multiple categories, so we can deliver fully integrated solu-
tions that are engineered to work together from the start. That means better performance, easier installs, and fewer headaches for OEMs, dealers, and consumers.
Our global footprint gives us tremendous agility when it comes to sourcing materials, navigating disruptions, and maintaining consistency in quality and delivery. Especially in today’s environment, that reliability is a major advantage for our partners.
We’re able to invest heavily in R&D across our business units, with teams sharing insights and technologies across RV, marine, automotive, building products, and more. That cross-pollination speeds up innovation and allows us to bring smarter, more refined products to market faster.
With dedicated customer experience, training, and technical support teams, we offer resources that smaller suppliers simply can’t.
Our size allows us to lead the way in areas like sustainability, community engagement, and workforce development. From using recycled materials in packaging to investing over 1 million volunteer hours into our communities, we’re showing that big business can still be a force for good.
Working with Lippert means access to an ecosystem, not just a catalogue. We bring breadth, depth, and a long-term vision that helps our customers not only to compete, but to lead.
Lippert volunteerism, driven by the dedication of Lippert team members, stands as a testament to profound community impact
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An unwavering commitment to innovation
After being appointed President and CEO of Airxcel in November 2023, Anthony Wollschlager has continued to lead its stable of reputable RV brands with distinction. In this exclusive interview, Anthony gives us his views on the past, present, and future of the RV industry and on how Airxcel aims to continue to elevate the RV experience for all
Words: David Guest
Alot has happened since the last time we spoke with Anthony Wollschlager. It was Spring 2023, and Anthony was reflecting on an eventful first 18 months as Group President of Airxcel, having successfully helped the company to achieve growth across many of its brands during the uncertain times of the immediate post-pandemic world. His leadership in that period earned him a promotion later that year to become President and CEO of the company.
Now, roughly 18 months into that role, Anthony took time out to speak to us in a wide-ranging interview where he reflects on how the company has navigated the curveballs that continue to be thrown at the global RV industry, what Airxcel looks for in its future leaders, how artificial intelligence might affect the way we work, and the changing demographics of RV users and how to effectively service their needs through OEM and after-
market channels.
Anthony’s impressive track record as part of Airxcel’s senior leadership team is matched only by his vision for the future and his determination to ensure the company maintains its position as an RV industry leader through its trustworthy and resilient brands.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Can you give us an overview of how things are at Airxcel? How have the past 12 months been? What challenges have you overcome and what successes have you enjoyed?
Anthony Wollschlager − I’m proud to say that over the past 12 months, the Airxcel family of brands has navigated a landscape marked by market uncertainty with resilience and innovation. Despite the challenges, we have successfully launched new brands and new products for OEMs and the aftermarket that cater to the evolving needs of our customers.
Our commitment to product innovation has been unwavering, and in the past year alone, we have introduced cutting-edge solutions in RV air conditioning, FRP, galley appliances, glass and window treatments, roofing, awnings, and heating systems that enhanced build quality and comfort for our RVers.
In addition to product innovation, we have strategically expanded our brand portfolio with Solace and Forma, ensuring that we meet the diverse demands of our global market. This expansion has been complemented by the strengthening of our leadership team for several brands, both promoting from within and bringing in seasoned professionals who share our vision and drive for excellence. Their expertise has been instrumental in steering Airxcel through these challenging times, allowing us to capitalise on new opportunities and maintain our competitive edge.
The past year has not been without its
hurdles, but our ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment has been a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our team. We have overcome supply chain disruptions and fluctuating market conditions by leveraging our robust infrastructure and industry expertise. These efforts have not only sustained our operations but have also set the stage for continued growth and success in the years to come.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Airxcel recently made numerous new hires and promotions to its leadership teams at various brands including Suburban, Solace, Coleman-Mach and Maxxair. What qualities do you look for in leadership in your companies? Is it hard to find, and how do you find the right talent?
Anthony Wollschlager − At Airxcel, we believe that our employees are the cornerstone of our success. Investing in our people is a top priority because we know that their expertise and dedication drive our company forward. When it comes to leadership, we look for individuals who are not only experts in their respective fields but also exceptional team players. We value leaders who can inspire and collaborate effectively, fostering an environment where innovation and teamwork thrive.
Finding the right talent is crucial, and while it can be challenging, we are committed to seeking out individuals who align with our values and vision. We cast a wide net in our search for talent, looking beyond traditional sources to find diverse and skilled professionals who can contribute to our growth. Whether it’s through industry networks, partnerships, or innovative recruitment strategies, we are dedicated to building a leadership team that reflects our commitment to excellence and our belief in the power of our people.
Aboutcamp BtoB − The company had a solar power system installed at its Wichita facility in October 2024. Can we expect to see more sustainable moves like this from Airxcel? How important is sustainability to the company – and the wider RV industry?
Anthony Wollschlager − The installation of the solar power system at our Wichita facility exemplifies our brands’ commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices. Recognising the RV industry’s impact on the natural world, we lead by example in adopting eco-friendly practices, such as our investment in renewable energy in Wichita, and developing components that allow RV enthusiasts to enjoy their adventures while reducing their environmental impact.
As we move forward, you can expect Airxcel to continue prioritising sustainability in our operations and innovations. We believe that by doing so, we contribute positively to the RV industry and help ensure that future generations can enjoy the great outdoors as much as we do today.
Aboutcamp BtoB − When we last spoke in July 2023, you talked about advances in manufacturing and warehousing technologies. Is this something that is continually evolving at Airxcel? Could artificial intelligence (AI) play a role in taking these advances further?
Anthony Wollschlager − At Airxcel, we are deeply committed to the continuous evolution of our manufacturing and warehousing technologies. Our dedication to innovation is driven by our goal to enhance efficiency, precision, and customer satisfaction.
As for the uses of AI, the possibilities are wide-ranging in our industry from optimising our supply chain management to enhancing quality control processes. Our teams are always considering ways the latest technological advancement can help make our systems smarter, more efficient, and align with our strategic objectives. This not only ensures that we meet the dynamic needs of our customers but also positions us at the forefront of industry advancements.
Aboutcamp BtoB − It’s fair to say markets and supply chains are undergoing a little turbulence at present with outside factors such as global conflicts and tariffs – how do these affect a global business like Airxcel?
I nterview with ANTHONY WOLLSCHLAGER
What is your strategy to manage these issues?
Anthony Wollschlager − The RV industry faces challenges from new tariffs on imported components and goods, increasing costs, and uncertainty. However, this situation allows us to highlight our business model’s strengths. Our domestic manufacturing capabilities not only mitigate the impact of tariffs but also bolster American employment and stabilise our supply chain. Similarly, our operations in Italy are vital in supporting local jobs and enhancing the regional economy. This global strategy with a local focus ensures quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Our agility in addressing these challenges gives us a competitive edge.
Aboutcamp BtoB − A recent study by Go RVing revealed that RVers are getting younger and more diverse – is this something you are seeing in the market? How do you
adapt both the offerings of your brands and their marketing to meet the expectations of a younger demographic?
Anthony Wollschlager − We are witnessing a rise in younger, more diverse RV ownership. And for our brands, connecting with this new RV audience means being consistent in what we offer all RVers: high-quality RV components with tech-savvy design, customer-first service and support on the road, and ongoing educational resources for owners, RV technicians, and builders alike.
For marketing, we engage with the RV community across various platforms, recognizing that both new and seasoned RV owners access content differently, from YouTube and TikTok to Spotify and LinkedIn, we ensure our family of brands is present wherever our customers are engaged.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Vixen Composites recently launched a new more affordable Fiber Reinforced Plastic for RVs. Can you tell us about that innovation?
Anthony Wollschlager − This product was indeed developed in response to the market’s demand for more affordable solutions that do not compromise quality. The FibroSupreme FRP, with its thickness of 0.055”, represents a significant advancement in our FRP offerings, providing an economic choice that maintains the high standards of performance and durability that our customers expect.
Vixen Composites has always been committed to expanding its portfolio to meet diverse customer needs, and FibroSupreme is a testament to that commitment. It is 22 per cent thicker than the standard 0.045” FRP, which helps to conceal seams and imperfections, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of RV exteriors. Additionally, it is 20 per cent stiffer and offers 20 to 30 percent better bending strength than the standard 0.045” FRP, ensuring superior performance under various conditions.
This innovation not only aligns with our goal to deliver high-performance materials at competitive prices but also reinforces our dedication to providing value-driven solutions to the RV industry. FibroSupreme is a strategic addition to Vixen’s product line, designed to meet the evolving needs of RV manufacturers who seek both quality and affordability.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Airxcel has a broad range of coverage when it comes to its brands – where do you see potential for future growth? Are there any sectors you are hoping to expand into or gain strategic growth in?
Anthony Wollschlager − At Airxcel, we see significant potential for future growth by continuing to invest in our expertise and leveraging our decades of experience in the RV industry. Our broad portfolio of brands allows us to meet diverse customer needs, and we are always looking for ways to enhance and expand our offerings. Overall, our focus remains on investing in our core strengths and exploring new avenues that align with our commitment to quality and innovation.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Which product category you are currently operating in has seen the most impressive innovation in recent times? Which do you think has the potential for the most innovation in the future – both in OEM and aftermarket?
Anthony Wollschlager − It’s hard to single out just one product category as the leader in innovation, given the remarkable advancements across many of our brands. From the Velarium Velocity Switch, which redefines aw-
ning speed, to the patent-pending Aqua-Hot Wave 40, our brands’ commitment to innovation is evident. InVision’s kitchen appliance suites and Cleer Vision’s digitally printed tempered glass are also making significant waves in the RV industry, offering unique benefits that cater to builders looking to differentiate their rigs and aftermarket consumers seeking modern style.
Looking ahead, I see immense potential for continued innovation across both OEM and aftermarket sectors. The demand for cutting-edge solutions that enhance comfort, efficiency, and style in RVs is ever-growing. Our focus remains on pushing the boundaries of design and technology, ensuring that Airxcel continues to lead the way in delivering products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our diverse clientele.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Airxcel distributes several of its brands in Europe, including Aqua-Hot, Maxxair, Maxxfan, portable coolers, cooking appliances, and window shades and blinds. What developments can we expect in the European market? Are you planning to expand the offering to include other brands currently available only in the US?
Anthony Wollschlager − Our current offerings in Europe have been well-received, and we are eager to build on this success. As we continue to evaluate market demands and regulatory requirements, we are confident that our expanded offerings hold substantial potential to further strengthen our position in the European market.
Aboutcamp BtoB − With Aqua-Hot, Airxcel is now providing real competition to the leading European manufacturer of combined heating and hot water systems. What challenges have you faced in this segment, and what opportunities do you see for Aqua-Hot in the European market going forward?
Anthony Wollschlager − Our entry into this segment has not been without its challenges. The European market is characterised by stringent regulatory standards and a strong preference for established local brands. However,
In partnership with
Aqua-Hot’s innovative approach to solving RV heating challenges uniquely positions this brand to overcome these hurdles.
Aqua-Hot systems are designed with precision engineering that addresses the specific needs of RV enthusiasts. Their systems not only provide consistent heating and hot water but also enhance the overall RV experience by ensuring optimal performance in diverse climates.
Looking forward, we see significant opportunities for Aqua-Hot in Europe. The growing demand for sustainable and efficient heating solutions aligns perfectly with Aqua-Hot’s product offerings. By leveraging their patent-pending technology and a deep understanding of customer needs, they are poised to expand their market share and establish Aqua-Hot as a preferred choice for European owners seeking superior performance and comfort.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Looking ahead, what are Airxcel’s goals for the next five years? How do you plan to achieve them and what obstacles do you envision having to navigate along the way?
Anthony Wollschlager − At Airxcel, our vision for the next five years is to fully embody our motto, “Better Brands. Better Experiences”. We’ll be expanding our brand portfolio to better serve the diverse needs of our customers, and we are committed to investing in state-of-the-art technology and sustainable practices. By do-
ing so, we aim to elevate the RV experience by enhancing comfort, safety, and fun.
While we are optimistic about the future, we recognise the challenges posed by the current market conditions, including the hesitation of new buyers. However, we are confident in our ability to adapt and thrive amidst these changes. Our focus remains on delivering innovative solutions and maintaining the trust and loyalty of our customers, ensuring that Airxcel continues to lead the industry with resilience and foresight.
About Airxcel
Airxcel began in 1991, when the Coleman Company spun-off their Coleman RV Air Conditioner division to a group of company executives. Since that time, the company has continued to grow through innovative product development, market expansion and strategic acquisitions. Airxcel provides industry-leading products in recreational vehicle heating, cooling, ventilation, cooking, window coverings, interior and exterior sidewall and roofing systems under the brands: Aqua-Hot, CAN, Cleer Vision Doors, Cleer Vision Windows, Cleer Vision Tempered Glass, Coleman-Mach, Dicor Products, Forma, InVision, Maxxair, MCD Innovations, Solace, Suburban, United Shade, Velarium, Vixen Composites. Airxcel is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, and has 14 facilities across the U.S. and Europe.
CP2L by Decor In Printing debuts at interzum 2025
At the interzum 2025 fair in Cologne, Decor In Printing presents itself with a booth that is not just an exhibition, but a sensory and cultural experience. The space is designed as an art gallery, where design, technology, and Italian identity interact in a surprising way, through installations and iconic works reinterpreted using the company’s language
“This booth essentially represents our creative capacity,” explains Matteo Confalonieri, CEO of the company.
“We wanted to create an art gallery with our products because we believe that creativity is also part of our value. We aimed to create an experience, not a commercial showcase, and we received many compliments: the most recurring feedback was that we are completely different from all other booths – in style, in hospitality, and in the way we present our products.”
The goal was not simply to display products, but to engage visitors in an emotional and immersive journey that conveys a vision. Shapes, visual and tactile effects, and perspective games were designed to inspire designers and communicate a sense of elegance, craftsmanship, and the Made in Italy style. The absolute star of the show was the new decorative material officially launched at the Köln fair: CP2L. Designed to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of the caravan and mobile living world, CP2L represents an innovative solution in the field of technical decorative surfaces. As it stands today, CP2L – by its structure and production
Words Antonio Mazzucchelli, photo Enrico Bona
method – is the only alternative to the thermoplastic products traditionally used in the camper sector. It is a continuous lamination that combines the aesthetics of a decorative surface with a high-performance technical substrate, resulting in a product that merges functionality, durability, and beauty.
Several distinctive features make CP2L a unique material. Its high mechanical and chemical resistance makes it ideal for environments subjected to daily stress, such as those typical in recreational vehicles. The surface is designed to endure over time, maintaining its properties even under intense use. Its plastic deformability and elastic memory allow the material to be shaped into three-dimensional forms, creating tactile, textured, and visually engaging surfaces. This flexibility opens new design possibilities for designers and manufacturers, enabling the creation of interiors with strong sensory impact. Its high covering power makes CP2L especially suitable for application on poplar panels or other natural materials with uneven surfaces. These supports are widely used in the caravan sector due to their lightness and sustainability, and CP2L enhances their use without compromising performance.
Developed with the aim of offering the market an advanced technical and aesthetic solution, CP2L integrates easily into existing production processes without the need for structural interventions or complex modifications. This makes it a practical and advantageous choice for manufacturers, who can adopt it quickly within their production flows.
Even the initial presentations of the product to clients generated significant enthusiasm. Requests for samples increased exponentially – even before the official launch at interzum – indicating that CP2L has successfully addressed the needs of a constantly evolving market.
Behind CP2L and the new phase of expansion for the company lies a significant investment plan, initiated in 2022 and already fully operational. Two key facilities are at the core of this transformation:
• A five-color rotogravure printing line, which not only enables traditional printing but also allows for the in-line application of three-dimensional finishes – a crucial feature in the caravan sector, where the tactile quality of the surface is just as important as its visual appeal.
• A new impregnation and coating line
In partnership with
stretching 107 meters, capable of treating up to 250,000 square meters of paper per day. This line imparts specific properties depending on the intended use – from moisture resistance to flame retardant protection – through sustainable, water-based treatments.
These investments have turned Decor In Printing into a company with advanced industrial processes, without compromising its bespoke and personalized approach to decorative printing.
A tailor-made soul with industrial strength
Founded in 2007, with family roots dating back over 70 years, Decor In Printing has successfully adapted to
the evolving market. Where once printers dictated trends, today the creative power lies in the hands of designers and architects – especially in the furniture and recreational vehicle industries. Decor In Printing has built its reputation on flexibility, direct collaboration with clients, and a strong Italian stylistic identity. From the conception of an idea to its realization on decorative paper –through color studies, special effects, textures, and metallic finishes – each project is crafted to measure, like in a design atelier. But to stay competitive, even a boutique must be able to scale. Hence the decision to expand production capacity and to complement its custom-made offerings with a stronger lineup suitable for industrial volumes.
Focus on the caravan world: a strategic commitment
The caravan sector is currently one of the most dynamic areas for Decor In Printing. The reasons are clear: the demand for lightweight, sustainable, durable surfaces with refined design is steadily increasing. For this reason, Decor In Printing is a member of APC (the Italian Association of Caravan and Camper Manufacturers), and has become a reference point in the design and printing of decorative sheets specifically for this industry. “In Italy, there is a player capable of speaking on equal terms with the major international actors in the decorative sector,” emphasizes Matteo Confalonieri, the company’s CEO. “With CP2L, we reaffirm our commitment to grow on the international stage while staying true to our DNA: creativity, artisanal excellence, technology, and a deep design culture”. For Decor In Printing, interzum is not just a trade fair – it marks the beginning of a new chapter: more visible, more ambitious, and more determined to claim its place in the world of decorative surfaces – especially within the caravanning industry.
Matteo Confalonieri
Truma’s CombiNeo set to revolutionise RV heating in Europe
Truma’s latest combi heater is quite a ‘tour de force’, with a Europe-wide launch set for the Caravan Salon at Düsseldorf in August
Undisputed market leader since its launch in 2007, Truma’s trusted Combi heater has finally lost its crown to Truma’s all-new CombiNeo. This premium device promises hot water in just three minutes and endless* showers after eight minutes heating time. What’s more, with the 6E version, this level of performance can be achieved on gas only, making it ideal for off-grid camping. CombiNeo is also significantly smaller and lighter than the standard Combi, further enhancing its appeal.
Ground up redesign, with customer focus
Truma says the CombiNeo is the result of extensive research and feedback from the caravan and motorhome community. Its remarkable performance has been brought about through a ground up redesign. Gone is the space and weight consuming
10-litre water tank of the standard Combi, to be replaced by one almost half the size. Together with the redesigned burner and beefed-up electrics this provides very fast heat up times and, of course, endless* hot water. In this way the CombiNeo has the benefits of both an instantaneous water heater and a storage tank water heater, providing hot water quickly at the push of a button.
Dual fuel
The CombiNeo can be operated on both gas and electricity, with up to 3 kW available in electric mode. (This compares to 1.8 kW on electric versions of the standard Combi.) In gas mode, the CombiNeo 6E delivers up to 6 kW, while in hybrid mode, up to 7 kW can be achieved. The powerful 3kW electric heating capacity covers most of the typical daily needs,
thereby providing the option to use significantly less LPG.
Fully flexible operation
The CombiNeo system is designed to provide space and water heating simultaneously. However, the user has the option to select water heating only, or space heating only, as required. The user can also select between three power options: LPG only, 230V only or hybrid. Depending on the campsite infrastructure, the 230V can be limited to 1, 2 or 3 kW.
Highly efficient and quiet
The CombiNeo offers high burner efficiency by pre-heat ing the combustion air with the waste heat of the exhaust from the double-ducted exhaust sys tem. Furthermore, since the water is heated only when required, much less ener gy is required for keeping unused water warm when compared to conventional tank-based water heat ers. Truma says the electric mode is particularly quiet and also emission-free. There is even a new noise limiting Night Mode.
CI-BUS
connectivity and re mote control
As you might expect Truma’s new heater is fully CI-BUS compatible for connection to centralised control systems via the iNet X Interface”. As standard the CombiNeo is controlled via Tru ma’s iNet X Panel and a smartphone app. The end user can also install Truma’s iNet X Connect module to enable remote control.
Rigorous testing, excellent pedigree
Quality and reliability are hallmarks of Truma products and the CombiNeo is no exception. Truma says the CombiNeo has un-
*Hot water in 3 minutes, hot shower after 8 minutes heating time in gas and hybrid mode with a temperature difference ≤ 25°C (e.g. tank 13°C - shower temperature 38°C) and a water flow rate of 3.5 litres per minute, limited by supply of gas, electricity and water and lifespan of the product. **Control panel, frost control, support, hoses, cable, cowl, fixing material. In partnership with
dergone a wide range of environmental tests. These included installation tests, vibration tests, driving tests, field tests, endurance and robustness tests and climate chamber tests, all of which are obligatory at Truma.
Pre-launch partner
The CombiNeo quietly entered series production in December 2024 in readiness for the Europe-wide launch at the 2025 Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf. With such early availability it made sense for Truma to seek a pre-launch partner and this proved to be renowned British vehicle manufacturer Auto-Sleepers. Their relatively small scale, premium product positioning, and ability to be flexible made them the perfect partner.
Auto-Sleepers MD Geoff Scott said:
“We are delighted to be the exclusive pre-launch partner of Truma for this ground-breaking heater. It will give customers a huge benefit and undoubtedly help to give our products a competitive edge.”
UK debut and European launch
Accordingly, the CombiNeo made its UK debut at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham on 18th February 2025. The Europe-wide product launch will take place at the 2025 Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.
At launch the focus will be on the 6E and 4E models as these are expected to be by far the most popular.
The standard Combi heater remains a brilliant piece of engineering, with nearly two million sold to date. That’s why Truma says it will stay in production as long as customers want it to. However, in today’s world of instant gratification, there are those who don’t expect to wait for results and that’s where the CombiNeo comes in. Its blend of speed, efficiency and compact dimensions make for a package that’s very hard to beat. There is little doubt it will sell in big numbers.
CombiNeo 6E
CombiNeo 4E
Tailored quality solutions meet the industrial production
New investments allow an increased capacity in the production of postforming doors, while the presence at Fit Your Camper shows interest also for the after-market
In order to promote the changes taking place in the RV sector, new ideas are needed, but also suppliers able to support manufacturers with quality and customised products: this is why Filippi 1971 has launched new investments to be ready to meet the demands of the market. In recent weeks, for example, the production department at the Berbenno site (Italy) has been strengthened with the introduction of a new machine for postforming. The doors made with a postforming process do not present the straight edge of the lower edges, instead they have a rounded shape on the corners for a more refined look. This is because the coating of the panel does not stop on the front but continues without interruption on the thickness of the door (which is usually between 12 and 16 mm). This is also done with the
rounding of the edges, either to better adapt the coating or give the door an upgraded aspect. The result is very pleasant from an aesthetic point of view, but it also offers advantages in terms of the strength of the door, precisely because joints and connections to the edge are eliminated. Postforming is usually reserved for high end and medium-high level vehicle furniture. Until now, Filippi 1971 could offer its customers a limited production of postforming doors, while now it is ready to supply the market with bulk productions if required.
“With the expansion of the production of postforming doors we have set ourselves a precise objective: to supply a high-quality product at a more affordable price, with the possibility of producing thousands of units in series. We want to be even closer to our
Words Renato Antonini
partners – explains Francesca Filippi, International Sales Manager at Filippi 1971 – providing solutions that can raise the quality and image of vehicles at affordable cost, at a time when the RV industry is facing a challenging season. It is from this industrial sector that 70% of our revenue comes: this is therefore the commitment to be closer to vehicle manufacturers, also with the support of our experienced consulting in the development of new products and co-engineering operations”.
With the postforming processes, Filippi 1971 is able to produce cabinet doors of different types: flat, curved or folding doors, in different surface materials from papers to Alkorcells®, from HPLs to PET foils. Maximum variety of colors and textures, therefore, even with contrasting color and metal inserts. It is also possible to carry out spe-
Customized postforming cabinet doors
Customized folding cabinet door
a ribbed effect. All doors can be made in full plywood or in a lightweight version with customizable internal construction with different core materials. In addition to the latest machine for postforming doors, the joinery department has been further strengthened, allowing Filippi 1971 to produce special pieces of furniture with a certain complexity of realization that require special skills and production flexibility.
Filippi 1971 at Fit Your Camper 2025
After last year’s positive experience, Filippi 1971 also took part in the 2025
edition of Fit Your Camper. The second edition of the Italian fair dedicated to accessories was held from 3rd to 6th April, still at the exhibition center of Lariofiere in Erba. After its debut in 2024 this show has achieved an even greater success this year: the public responded positively to the proposal of an event entirely dedicated to accessories, because the accessories are a fundamental part of the “camper world”, and this not only on the Italian market. Filippi 1971 has understood this right from the start and has invested in this fair. “For the company it was an important event, - explains Viola Filippi, Events and Marketing Manager at Filippi 1971 - and this for two reasons. On the one hand it allowed us to enjoy B2B meetings during the days dedicated to operators, customers and
possible professional partners, on the other we could be known by the wide public”.
Let’s not forget that Filippi 1971 does not address itself solely to OEMs, because a part of its production is dedicated to distributors engaged in the after-market. Currently, the distributors are supplied with panels to repair damaged vehicles or restore the older ones: we are talking about panels for wall cladding and for furniture elements. But there are also other products, already finished, ready to use, dedicated to the after-market, among which the VitteEr chopping boards and kitchen sink covers, shower boards, shelves of various types and splashbacks in VittEr (3 mm thick), even with digital printing. Being food-grade, fire-retardant, waterproof and formaldehyde-free, VittEr proves to be a very versatile product that combines greatly with the skills of Filippi 1971 joinery shop for a wide range of customizable products.
service for both commodity products for the carcass and wall panelling and special design pieces in the signature VittEr® material, Filippi 1971 will be able to exhibit at the Trade Expo Show in Essendon Fields in July 2025 where new door materials and designs will be displayed in a professional yet cozy B2B environment.
Filippi 1971 joins the Caravan Industry Association of Victoria
Good news from Down Under. The Australian branch Filippi 1971 Pty Ltd has been admitted to the Caravan Industry Association of Victoria: a great achievement for the company who has been actively very close to all RV manufacturers based in Victoria ever since the branch based in Epping was opened in 2021. Providing just-in-time
The Filippi 1971 Booth at Fit Your Camper 2025
Vitter chopping boards
From left to right: Francesca Filippi, Viola Filippi, Alice Traina
Human and technological resources
The company’s consolidation program progresses in several areas with investments in machinery, technology and human resources
Words Renato Antonini
Celebrations at Bartolacci Design for the company’s 20th anniversary have kicked off in the headquarters near Florence. Present on the market since 2005, the company has continued to grow over time diversifying product types and investments in various areas, from human resources to production technologies. Last year, the available space was expanded by about 15% and new machinery was added. The renewal process is continuing into 2025. The company has grown constantly since 2015 when the construction of Plexiglas elements for the interior decoration of motorhomes, camper vans and caravans was started to complement the well-established production of lighting fixtures (spotlights, ceiling lights and LED strips). The new products are small to medium-sized details that can be customized with the RV manufacturer’s logo and combined with impressive light points.
Claudio Paolini
Elena Ciani
Andrea Bartolacci
Lapo Bartolacci
New people
The team determines the success of a company and Bartolacci Design can rely on many professionals with specific skills in different areas. Human resources have been bolstered recently to manage growth in the various markets better. Claudio Paolini is the new sales manager and is returning to the company after several years. He knows the RV industry well and will be the key person for commercial matters in all of Bartolacci Design’s future challenges, liaising with the vehicle manufacturers’ purchasing managers.
“I am happy that Claudio Paolini, whose business skills I know and appreciate, is back with us” , said Andrea Bartolacci, owner of Bartolacci Design. “Our growth over the past years and the goal of expanding even further makes it essential for us to have a well-organized team that knows how to talk to customers in the right way and understand their needs. This is fundamental during the various stages of the production cycle, as well as in the aftermarket”. The company has professional figures responsible for managing rela -
tions with German and UK manufacturers, including customer service management and all aftermarket procedures.
Elena Ciani, with her invaluable experience, will take care of the commercial back office and is always ready to support the requests of various clients with her expertise.
Software engineer Lapo Bartolacci is the new arrival in the compa ny. He is the owner’s second generation and will act as Chief Technology Officer.
As the company’s CTO, he will be responsible for innovation and development, overseeing new product research and coordinating and implementing IT activities to optimize production and improve respect for deadlines.
Davide Bambi, head of the technical department, joined Bartolacci Design last year and has proven to be especially strategic. He has significant experience in the luxury industry and
has taken part in developing products for showcases and showrooms, especially in the textiles and fashion field. Ready to interface with the technical departments of RV manufacturers, he will work with Lapo Bartolacci to identify new products and product lines. The engineering department can work alongside customers’ designers, taking part in developing complex products, such as shower doors, for instance.
New machinery and equipment
The new machinery delivered last year to increase and differentiate production includes a CNC pantograph and a thermoforming machine, as well as a machine for automatic cutting of LED strips, wiring equipment, and a multipole wire cutter-stripper. An industrial, 3D resin printer has been installed more recently. It is a modular printing system, with a central unit that can manage up to 24 peripheral printers. One has been activated for the time being and it can be used in different ways. It is great for fast prototyping but is also suitable for the production of small-size parts. It can manage production runs of several hundred parts, providing an interesting alternative to resin mold production for small-part manufacturing runs. Creating a resin mold is an expensive and time-consuming affair but time is slashed with the 3D printer. It is a viable system for producing small quantities fast. The 3D printer installed by Bartolacci Design has a 34x14x7 cm working chamber suitable for making small objects, including shelves, brackets and construction details of showers, as well as the spotlight casing. After the printing, the parts are placed in a curing oven.
“The adoption of the new 3D printer expands the potential of the production department and prototype section being able to make objects in a wide range of resin-based materials, including those resistant to high temperatures” , explained Lapo Bartolacci, CTO of Bartolacci Design. “Our goal is to deliver quick answers to customers during prototyping and afterwards during production”.
Davide Bambi
news EURAMAX FOR MOBILITY
Welcome aboard
We spoke with Robert Dous, the new Vice President of Sales at Euramax, about the company’s future, the importance of being customer-driven, and his passion for RVs
Words Editorial Staff
The new Vice President of Sales, 58-year-old Robert Dous, introduced himself by saying, ‘I just love the freedom of camping with my RV.’ He has earned his stripes in sales over the years, having worked across a variety of industries—from personal care and coffee machines to plastics and metals. He has spent over 30 years in the latter, selling both semi-finished materials and machinery.
Aboutcamp BtoB − How was your work experience prior to joining Euramax?
Robert Dous − I have gained broad industry experience over the years. Like many, I learned working with metals from the beginning, as a metal worker apprentice, and later a mechanical engineer. These experiences have helped me to become a hands-on and down to earth Vice President of Sales.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Can you tell us about your passion for RVs and camping? Is it something that comes in handy in this industry?
Robert Dous − For me, traveling with my RV feels like a reset. Once I start driving, I enter a different world - one of total freedom. I can decide where to go and what to do at any moment. I love staying in remote places, surrounded by nature. Any chance I get,
I head out with my RV - whether it’s just for a weekend or a longer holiday. Whenever I visit Euramax’s factory in Roermond, I bring my RV and camp on site. I’m definitely an RV enthusiast.
Aboutcamp BtoB − So was it your love for RVs that brought you to Euramax?
Robert Dous − I chose an aluminium RV for myself as well, because of the innovative nature of the material. I always camp in nature. A light-weight vehicle is essential, because it leaves more room for necessities like extra batteries and water storage. Also, aluminium is a protection against lightning. When I camp on top of a mountain, it gives me a feeling of security.
Aboutcamp BtoB − What is your relationship with your customers?
Robert Dous − I’ve worked across many different industries and companies, including the plastic industry. Because of this diverse background I have gained an inside-out knowledge of both materials, metals and plastic. Having worked in the machinery business for years has also helped me understand manufacturing processes. That makes it easier to connect with customers. Whenever I visit them, I have a general sense of what’s going on on their production floor, and it’s easier to understand their needs and pains. I know the drill – I understand them and empathise with their challenges.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Based on your observations so far, what are the key trends that you see in the industry?
Robert Dous − One trend I’ve noticed, and also experienced myself, is the growing need for lightweight vehicles. Self-sufficiency is becoming increasingly important to people when camping. They’re looking for smaller, lighter vehicles that offer greater flexibility. The lighter the RV, the higher the payload capacity, which means more room
for essential items when traveling in nature. This is a trend where Euramax is leading the way with its innovative lightweight aluminium solutions - one of the reasons I joined the company. I’m genuinely passionate about the product we offer. It might seem like a sheet of lightweight aluminium, but I love seeing how our customers use and transform the product. What spoke to me is that it helps the industry to reduce weight, be more sustainable and thus work towards a better future.
About Euramax for Mobility
Euramax for Mobility is a leading, global supplier of coated aluminium, also known as the Green Metal, for the mobility sector. They have been a loyal partner to the RV industry for over 50 years, supplying many of the leading RV brands worldwide. Euramax for Mobility offers a wide range of light-weight aluminium alloys and performance coatings. Their products are light, fully circular, highly durable and give your vehicle an automotive surface quality. Discover what Euramax can do for you on: euramaxcladding.com
Aboutcamp BtoB − As Vice President of Sales at one of Europe’s leading producers of coated aluminium, do you also recognize challenges within the industry?
Robert Dous − We have a great task for the future to ensure that RVs remain affordable for the consumer. Cost-efficiency is a big topic. We try to contribute to the solution by creating a more efficient production process, by increasing the speed of our production, and by investing in automation. RV’s are expensive enough as they are, we try to cut costs wherever possible. Another important way we try to contribute is through product development. Our StrongLite alloy, for example, allows customers to reduce their material use. Another example is our highly scratch-resistant SuperiorCoat system, which reduced the costs of scrap and repairs in the production process. It is these types of developments that I want to continue focusing on.
Aboutcamp BtoB − How can Euramax remain competitive in a changing market?
Robert Dous − We want to remain at the forefront of the industry. In general we pursue this goal by never standing still, and by always listening to our customers. I feel like it’s our responsibility to understand their needs and challenges and plans for the future. They expect us to create new solutions based on that. I believe it’s our great strength that we are very customer service oriented. For me, it’s essential to meet clients, walk the floor and talk to them. And I know it helps our business greatly.
A reliable partner
Finally, when asking Robert about what he hopes to achieve at Euramax, his answer was loud and clear. “I want people to say that both myself and Euramax are known in the RV industry as a reliable partner, who understands the customer’s and industry’s challenges and needs. If people recognise us for that, I’ll know we as Euramax are fully on our customer’s side.”
Global vision, green growth
The company is investing in a new global project, which will boost production and product performance with a focus on environmental sustainability
Maller has grown a lot in recent years and its expansion is far from over. Development started in 2017 when it was acquired by the Sandei Group. In only four years, turnover had increased from 1 million to 31 million Euros. Maller works in the wood sector, with a very specific focus on melamine-faced panels, which are fundamental in the construction of motorhomes, caravans, and camper vans. Not by chance, about 60% of the entire turnover comes from the RV business. With a production potential of 9,000 melamine-faced panels daily, Maller plays an important role in supplying the RV sector. There are four plants in the factory, three of which are dedicated to melamine-facing and one to CPL lami -
nate application. The synergy with Industria Compensati Colorno, another Sandei Group company that transforms lumber into raw panels finished by Maller, proved strategic for growth.
“Maller is a time-honored company that has been in business for more than 50 years. It gained a new impetus and underwent strong development when it was acquired by our industrial group” , explained Elisabetta Sandei, CEO of Maller and Industria Compensati Colorno. “My family has been operating in the wood industry since the 1960s, and we believe that controlling the entire production chain is very important for our customers and ourselves. We directly control the purchase of trees, their planting,
Words Renato Antonini, photo Enrico Bona
Roberto Bigoni
and logging. Then, we move on to producing raw backing panels, purchasing decorative paper, and finally, making melamine-faced panels. This makes us a reliable partner. We are not affected by market fluctuations very much and we have direct control over final product quality”.
New projects to grow further
Increase productivity while also improving quality: this is the goal that Maller is pursuing with an important new project set to be officially launched in a few months. The Sandei Group is developing an expansion plan aimed at leveraging new supply opportunities offered by the global market, selecting specific types of wood that can complement the traditional poplar.
“We were looking for new sources to expand supply options and provide products with better performance at the same time” , said Roberto Bigoni,
Maller’s International Sales Manager.
“We turned to Southeast Asia to select particular tree species. This new project will allow us to increase the panel quality and expand the range of customer offerings. We still have some work left but we are well on our way. It is an ambi tious project. I think it will be made official within 18 months”.
The new project aims to expand Maller and Industria Compen sati Colorno’s glob al market. When it becomes operational, Maller will be able to ex pand its reach in the RV industry with improved pro duction capacity and new product ranges to offer in the international market. In addition to the more specific RV sector, specifically motorhomes and caravans, attention will turn to the mobile home sector, in which some industry groups already involved in the RV sector are investing.
“Until now, our production capacity did not allow us to go beyond the RV and naval sectors, besides a few exceptions, but with the investments made in the near future we will have the potential to expand supplies to other areas and the mobile home sector is promising” , Roberto Bigoni concluded.
Green vision
The theme of environmental sustainability is an additional development and innovation driver. Over the next 18 months, nearly all of the investments that Maller and Industria Compensati Colorno will make will be the result of choices for which environmental sustainability is a key consideration.
“The issue of environmental sustainability is an important matter that touches us closely” , said Roberto Bigoni. “We believe in it and work
to improve the sustainability of our companies and products. Together with our customers, we build a habitat for people. Whole families will spend a good part of their time inside their motorhomes and caravans and it is important to create healthy environments with a sustainable production process. It is an ethical issue. The global movement for environmental sustainability is a wave that has finally started and I hope it will not stop. Today, without using poplar, we can have stable, strong and lightweight precomposites that come from Southeast Asia, are certified and are 100% green. The topic of environmental sustainability today is often abused, even at the political level, and this can harm businesses. We continue on our plans working hard to achieve true and meaningful environmental sustainability”.
Human resources and international relations
To manage their recent growth and anticipate future growth, Maller and Industria Compensati Colorno have invested in human resources, machinery, and facilities. The work of Cristian Balsamo, Quality Director of Maller and Industria Compensati Colorno with Andrea Rizzi, Italy Sales Manager of Maller and Industria Compensati Colorno has been particularly valuable. A team of multilingual professionals have been assigned to Roberto Bigoni to take care of international relations. For Maller, strengthening relationships with customers and suppliers in the international arena is very important. For this, trained personnel with language skills are needed. To provide the best service, the company must be able to anticipate customers’ problems by providing quick and easy solutions. “We want to create transparent, clear, honest and constructive relationships with our partners. Maller has grown a lot in recent years but it is still firmly in the hands of the founding family and that is why human relationships are still so important” , explained Roberto Bigoni, Maller’s International Sales Manager. “More than 80% of Maller’s sales are abroad so perfect knowledge of the markets is crucial”.
Elisabetta Sandei
Laminates for mobile clinics
The wide range of laminates made by Vetroresina S.p.A. caters to RV manufacturers as well as mobile medical unit makers
Words
There is no shortage of experience at Vetroresina S.p.A. With 56 years in business and renovated factories in Italy and America, the company can produce large quantities keeping the quality as high as ever. Particularly noteworthy are the
supplies to the RV market and the transport vehicle market (isothermal containers), but Vetroresina S.p.A.’s laminates are appreciated in other sectors that are certainly less developed, but no less promising. Take mobile medical units, for instance,
designed to bring healthcare services to locations without hospitals or diagnostic centers. This is a key area and Vetroresina S.p.A. has long understood this. In many parts of the world, medical diagnosis and treatment can only be provided using specially
Renato Antonini, photo Vetroresina and courtesy of CVS Veicoli Speciali
V-streme
Vetroskin Delta Decor
equipped vehicles (vans, trucks and trailers) that can bring the excellence of advanced medical instruments at sometimes a considerable distance from the main healthcare facility. Applications are not just in developing countries, like in some parts of Africa, because mobile medical units are a winning solution in many countries in Europe or North America. Vetroresina S.p.A. is headquartered in Italy and some parts of the country lack specialized health service facilities and the cost of travel for seeking healthcare is a well-known issue. The expenditure can be high for families and burdens the National Health Service. Homing in on these needs, Vetroresina S.p.A. has designed targeted solu tions for the manufacturers of mobile medical units dedicated to highly professional diagnos tic activities.
“We are increasing ly expanding and differentiating the range exploiting the potential of our renovated production plant in Italy and our well-developed R&D de partment”, said Fabrizio Baglioni, Commercial Di rector of Vetroresina S.p.A. are promoting new products for outdoor and indoor use. The interactions between the RV sector and other policy areas are exciting. The supply of specific laminates for mobile medical units goes in this direction”. More in detail, many laminates have been optimized for use in these contexts. These products must have special characteristics in terms of hygiene, cleanliness, and movement safety for healthcare personnel and patients alike. Hygienic coatings of the walls and floor allow excellent performance of medical activities, operating in maximum comfort and compliance with current regulations. In other words, these coatings guarantee the same standard of care found in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and diagnostic centers on the mobile medical unit. The mobile units move around while remaining in contact with the main facility often taking advantage of satellite links. Of course, they are vehicles and so the coating materials must be able to withstand the bending and torsion stresses associated with road travel, not to mention the inevitable temperature swings. Vetroresina S.p.A.’s experience in supplying laminates to the RV industry proves
In partnership with
invaluable in its area. Various types of mobile medical units can be set up: mobile blood banks, radiology clinics, mobile gynecological and mammog raphy/senology screening clinics, dental clinics and pediatric clinics, as well as polydiagnostic clinics and occupational medicine health services.
Laminates
for mobile medical units
Vetroresina S.p.A. enters the special field of mobile medical units by providing dedicated products that are hygienic, durable, and lightweight, as well as aesthetically appre ciable. Three laminates are designed specifically for these applications: Vetroskin Delta Decor, Vetroshield and V-streme.
1.3 mm thick and weighs 1.9 kg/sqm. The glass content is 21%, the indicative hardness is 40-45 °Barcol.
Vetroshield - The second laminate called Vetroshield is designed for walls. It has a 3D surface that is always protected by a hygienic gelcoat. This laminate has excellent scratch and wear resistance and is already widely used for clean rooms and meat and fish processing facilities with excellent results. The G600 version of Vetroshield is 1.9 mm thick and weighs 2.4 kg/sqm. The glass content is 25%, the indicative hardness is 5055 °Barcol.
Vetroskin Delta DecorThis laminate uses digital printing to create aesthetically pleasing effects. It can be used to recreate an en vironment very similar to a traditional medical office by being able to easily change the color of the digitally printed laminate. The 3D tex tural embossing allows it to retain sanitizing foams to increase effectiveness. It is also a non-slip product, rated R12 for floor use. More in detail, the G400 version of Vetroskin Delta is
V-streme - This anti-slip laminate can be used as flooring in toilets and technical compartments. It has a similar finish to aluminum sheets and the protective gelcoat offers excellent chemical resistance. It is available in a variety of colors of the customer’s choice. The anti-slip G600 version of V-streme has a nominal thickness of 2.0 mm and weighs 2.4 kg/sqm. The glass content is 25%, the indicative hardness is 40-45 °Barcol.
A legacy of innovation in onboard electrical solutions
Celebrating 25 years in business, Westacc has evolved from a familyfounded company into a leading European supplier of onboard electrical systems for the RV industry. With deep roots in the sector and a highly customizable product range, Westacc is ready to meet the future challenges of electrification and mobile living
Words Enrico Bona, photo Westacc
Westacc’s journey starts in the year 1985, when two brothers, Jan and Wim Batist, found the company under the name Haba, combining their complementary visions and entrepreneurial drive. From the beginning, the company is rooted in the leisure vehicle industry, supplying practical electrical components to a growing market of motorhome and caravan manufacturers. Over time, the two brothers divide their focus: one takes on the OEM segment, while the other concentrates on retail. This strategic split allows for greater specialization and sustained growth. From this evolution, Westacc emerges as a dedicated brand, specializing in technical equipment for onboard electrical installations.
The company quickly gains recognition for the reliability and precision of
its products. Its strength lies not only in technical expertise, but also in its ability to listen to customers and transform their needs into durable, efficient, and tailor-made solutions. In the year 2000 Westacc is officially born, and a turning point comes in 2015, when Tim Batist, son of one of the founders, Jan Batist, takes over the leadership of the company. With a fresh vision and a strong commitment to innovation, Tim leads Westacc into a new era of development. Under his guidance, the company sharpens its focus on in-house production, rigorous quality control, and the creation of high-performance components for the RV and marine sectors.
A comprehensive partner for onboard electrical systems
Today, Westacc, based in Maasland in
The Netherlands, is a market leader in the production of fuse boxes and a full range of electrical products essential for onboard systems—serving a wide range of OEM customers across the world. With a passionate team and a strong R&D department, Westacc not only manufactures components, but also supports customers with technical consultancy, product customization, and the integration of the latest technologies. The story of Westacc is one of family heritage, technical excellence, and continuous innovation—25 years of powering comfort, safety, and functionality on the road.
Westacc stands as a trusted partner for numerous brands in the caravan and camper industries, offering a wide range of technical components that combine precision engineering with practical de-
sign. With its experience in the RV sector, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions, with all products manufactured and assembled in-house to ensure the highest standards.
Westacc’s product portfolio covers virtually every electrical need on board. From fuse boxes and in- and outlets to a wide array of electrical accessories—such as USB sockets, switches and worldwide sockets—the company offers comprehensive solutions tailored to the demands of modern mobile living. In addition, Westacc supplies advanced energy products such as inverters, battery chargers, and solar panels, ensuring reliable power across all conditions.
Lighting is another key focus area for Westacc, with a dedicated line of indoor and outdoor LED products. The range includes recessed and surface-mounted spotlights, door and ceiling lights, light bars, and flexible LED strips—all available in multiple sizes and lumen options. These lighting solutions are designed not only for performance and durability but also to enhance the comfort and ambience of every interior.
Westacc’s products also stand out for their high degree of customizability. Thanks to attentive customer listening and the ability to translate specific needs into long-lasting, reliable solutions, every component can be tailored to meet unique project requirements. This collaborative approach ensures that Westacc not only supplies products, but also delivers added value in terms of system optimization and long-term performance. As Tim Batist, who has led the company since 2015, explains: “We are a market leader in the production of fuse boxes and interior lighting for the RV industry. Starting from these single components, our product range now covers every aspect of a vehicle’s electrical installation. Our main investment has always been in research and development. Over the years, we’ve built the skills and the team capable of tackling any technological challenge presented by our clients. We can support them not only by supplying components, but also by offering comprehensive design consultancy—acting as specialists when their internal know-how doesn’t cover the finer details.”
tion of electric empowerment, driving the adoption of larger and more powerful batteries. Westacc sees this as one of the most important technological challenges ahead.
Looking ahead: powering the future of mobility
Electricity is becoming increasingly central to the future of mobility—and never before has it represented such a defining challenge for both the automotive and recreational vehicle industries. European regulations continue to push in the direc-
“However, our segment—onboard electrical installations—has always been fast-evolving, and we believe it never will stand still. Westacc is fully equipped, both technologically and in terms of expertise, to remain at the forefront of innovation. For us, the real challenge has always been to maintain the highest level of know-how, which we achieve through ongoing training and continuous development within our R&D team” adds Roy Klasen, Commercial Director of Westacc.
As a small, but powerful and agile company, Westacc is uniquely positioned to support partners with large-scale needs and complex projects. In an industry driven by rapid technological shifts and rising expectations, Westacc is committed to staying agile, knowledgeable, and close to its customers—ready to light the way for the next generation of RV experiences.
Tim Batist concludes: “We want to preserve our identity as a family business—even in our client relationships—so we can keep the communication chain short and provide solutions quickly. In this sense, the expertise of our team, their long-term dedication, and their responsiveness are the true keys to our success.”
The R&D department
Roy Klasen and Tim Batist
F acts and figures RV INDUSTRY
RV owner demographic profile
A survey by Go RVing outlines the identity of RV owners: who they are, where they live, what motivates them to purchase, and what the buying process looks like
Who are RV owners? After a first survey conducted in 2021, Go RVing returns to the topic: the new survey draws a portrait of these users, defining an interesting owner’s profile that also proves useful for those wishing to make appropriate comparisons with other macro-markets, such as the European one.
The Go RVing 2025 RV Owner Demographic Profile and Industry Insights delves into the evolving landscape of RV ownership in the United States. The study, conducted by IPSOS, offers a comprehensive analysis of cur-
rent and former RV owners, as well as those intending to purchase an RV in the near future.
The first piece of data is particularly significant: 8.1 million American households currently own an RV. This represents 6.7% of households that own any type of vehicle. In other words, if we consider the 121.6 million American households that own a vehicle, 6.7% of them own an RV. It is also interesting to note that 13.9% of households that own a vehicle are interested in purchasing an RV within the next five years – this equals 16.9 million potential buyers.
The Go RVing program is the consumer-facing voice of the RV industry. The mission is to inspire potential RVers, spark curiosity and raise awareness about the benefits and accessibility of RVing through rich, authentic and diverse storytelling.
Owners profile
The analysis conducted by Go RVing outlines a profile of RV owners: a fairly clear picture emerges, even though reality is quite diverse. First of all, we find that First Time Owners represent 36% of the total, while the average age is 49 years (15% are 1834 years old, 46% are 35-54, and 39% are over 55). The majority of owners are married (67%), and young families (under 45 years old and with children under 18) make up 31%, while families with children under 18 in the home account for 43%.
There is a fairly even distribution of residential areas, although urban dwellers represent only 25% of the total. In detail: 34% suburban, 29% countryside/rural, 25% urban, 13%
small city/large town.
The level of education is generally high: 48% are college graduates. 50% of owners are employed fulltime, while 24% are retired. 88% of respondents own their home, and generally enjoy a good income: more than half (53%) of RV owners have an average annual income over $75,000 (specifically: 23% less than $50,000, 43% between $50,000-$100,000, 34% over $100,000).
Has anything changed compared to the 2021 survey? In part, yes: First Time Owners increased from 31% to 36%, young families with children grew from 27% to 31%, while the average age decreased from 53 to 49 years.
Words Renato Antonini
F acts and figures RV INDUSTRY
Which type of RV do you currently own?
Regarding the type of RV owned, the survey broadly aligns with U.S. market sales data (the total adds up to more than 100% for various reasons: for instance, a person may own more than one RV). As is well known, the ratio between trailers/caravans and motorized RVs (motorhomes, camper vans, etc.) is reversed compared to Europe. The survey among RV owners shows that conventional travel trailers still play a key role (65%), and in general, towable units are by far more widespread than motorized RVs. Another interesting figure is how long respondents have owned their vehicle: 22% for 0-2 years, 33% for 3-5 years, 20% for 6-10 years, 14% for 11-20 years, 11% for more than 20 years.
There are significant differences between motorhomes and towables: 66% of motorhome owners have owned their RV for less than 5 years, whereas this percentage drops to 53% among towable owners.
Buying process
The data on the buying process is particularly interesting. For example: 47% of RV owners surveyed purchased with a financing option (private or dealer financing), while 45% purchased with cash.
The most common sources of information during the purchase process are dealer websites (41%) and manufacturer/brand websites (37%). As for hands-on experience with RVs, half of respondents (51%) mention dealers, but information from other people (42%) is also very important.
Financing option used
Sources used to gather RV info during buying process
Median number of days RV is used
The survey shows that, on average, respondents use their RV for 30 days per year, an increase compared to the 20 days per year reported in the 2021 survey.
Of course, there are significant differences among user categories: 61% of users use their RV for 20 days/year (half of their vacation time, with the other half spent in other ways), 20% use it for 50 days/year (64% of their vacation time), and 8% use their RV for 94 days/year. There are also user groups who make intensive use of their RV, even as a primary residence: 5% for 150-180 days/year and 6% for 365 days/year.
Important motivators to RV ownership
Median of total RV trips per year and distance
Some user categories use their RV to make many trips per year, while others take only a few due to time constraints. On average, RV owners take 9 trips per year.
Despite some demographic changes, the motivations behind RV ownership remain “established” and consistent with those expressed in the recent past. At the top of the list is the RV’s ability to provide a “traveling home” for relaxing in places other than one’s usual residence, allowing pleasant contact with nature and the discovery of natural beauty. Not to be underestimated: 43% mention the ability to bring pets on vacation without restrictions. 30 days
What comes with you?
What gear is most frequently transported? What do people take on their road trips?
At the top of the list are bicycles (33%) and e-bikes (11%), along with two- and fourwheeled vehicles such as motorcycles (14%), ATVs, and even cars.
Hobbies while RVing
The analysis of hobbies practiced while using RVs (multiple responses allowed) highlights some activities tied to North American culture and territory, which don’t find as much correspondence in the European context: 47% go fishing and 30% engage in water recreational activities. The percentage of those who go hiking is also significant (44%), as is the number who attend music festivals (19%).
F acts and figures RV INDUSTRY
RVIA’s perspective on the survey results
We asked Craig Kirby, President and CEO of RVIA, for his interpretation of the GO RVing survey on RV users
RV production in the United States is significant, and while the RV Owner Demographic Profile survey reveals a high level of interest in vacations involving motorhomes, camper vans, and trailers/caravans, it also highlights a very diverse user base. American manufacturers must provide concrete, immediate responses to this audience, along with solid prospects for the future. To delve deeper into these topics, we spoke with Craig Kirby, who has been leading the RV Industry Association— the manufacturers’ trade association—since 2019.
Aboutcamp BtoB − What conclusions can be drawn from the user profile that emerges from the survey?
Craig Kirby − One of the biggest takeaways from the demographic study is that today’s RV owners are younger, more diverse, and have more young children in their households. This is a continuation of a trend that was present prior to the pandemic but was accelerated during the pandemic when the median age of a first-time buyer dropped from 41 to 32. We expect this trend to continue, especially when we look at the RV intender data that is even younger and even more diverse. The changing demographics and widening pool of RV customers results from the concerted efforts by our manufacturer and supplier members to build products that are attractive for a wide variety of customers. There truly is an RV for every lifestyle and budget. And Go RVing, our industry marketing arm, is deliberate in reach-
ing new audiences with authentic messaging about the benefits of RVing to grow the potential customer base.
One of the biggest benefits of capturing these younger consumers is that they have a longer time to spend in the industry. Retired people are always going to be a core part of our consumer base, our hope is that by targeting young er customers is that they will be lifelong RVers.
Today’s RVers are also using their RVs a median of 30 days a year—a 50% increase over just 4 years ago. This is important because lack of use is one of the main reasons people give for leaving RVing. In fact, our survey showed 86% of owners are using their RVs as much or more than they expected.
The demographic profile also shows that for 22% of current RV own-
ing households, there is at least one person who works remotely. And of those remote workers, over half have worked from their RV. For those with increased work flexibility, RVing offers a great way to travel and still have the comforts of a remote office.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Some considerations about the type of RV owned
Craig Kirby − The demographic study really shines a light on the fact that there is no one “typical” RVer. The demographics (age, income, geographic location) vary significantly, as do the psychographics (attitudes, values, interests). Which is why we look at not only the overall “RV owner,” but also the different segment of owners. From Snowbirds, Casual Campers, and Family Campers to the Escapists and Adventure Seekers, what each of these groups of owners are looking to get out of RVing is different. These differences, along with the intended usage, play key roles in determining which type of RV a customer ultimately purchases.
We have seen a significant shift to towable units, with motorized making up between 10-15% of RV shipments over the past 20 years. Motorized is still a very important part of the industry and many current RV owners state their intention to purchase a motorized unit in the future.
Aboutcamp BtoB − How do you assess the data relating to the buying process?
Craig Kirby − The biggest takeaway from the buying process data is just how important dealer and manufacturer websites are. By the time a customer has made it to an RV dealer’s lot or to an RV show, it is highly likely they have already done the bulk of their research and made judgments about the type and brand of RV they are looking for. It is critical that information is comprehensive and easy to find online.
Working with trusted influencers and content creators also goes a long way
in building familiarity and trust with future customers.
Word of mouth will never go out of style. The best advocates for our industry and lifestyle are satisfied customers sharing their RVing passion with friends and family. Which is why the industry has been working so hard across all segments (campgrounds, dealers, and manufacturers), to take care of our customers.
Aboutcamp BtoB − How do you evaluate the data related to “Important motivators to RV ownership”? How
Our study shows that 66% of RV owners bring at least one recreational product with them. A slight increase over 62% of owner who said the same in our 2021 study. Top of the list of recreational products are bicycles (33%), kayaks (16%), and ATVs (15%). E-bikes are fast-growing accessories as well with 11% of owners bringing one along on RV trips.
Specially designed storage for kayaks as well as indoor e-bike charging stations are just a couple of examples of how RV manufacturers are actively tailoring their designs to accommo-
Sustainable visions and global innovation:
interzum 2025 inspires the future of design
With 60,000 trade visitors from 148 countries and over 1,600 exhibitors, interzum 2025 confirmed its leadership as the top international fair for furniture production and interior design. The editorial teams of Aboutcamp BtoB and Mobile Home Business explored the latest innovations with potential applications for the open-air tourism sector—and now look ahead to the 2026 edition of interzum forum italy in Bergamo
Words Antonio Mazzucchelli, photo Enrico Bona
With 1,616 exhibiting companies from 57 countries and an estimated 60,000 trade visitors from 148 nations (77% of whom came from abroad), interzum 2025 reaffirmed its role as the
world’s leading trade fair for the furniture production and interior design industries. Spanning a gross exhibition space of 176,000 square metres, the event hosted a globally influential audience, making Cologne the
epicenter of innovation for four days. The editorial teams of Aboutcamp BtoB and Mobile Home Business were present at this vibrant edition to identify solutions, materials, and technologies relevant to the world
of open-air tourism. From modular interiors for RVs to sustainable components for mobile homes and glamping structures, the fair was rich in inspiration for professionals designing tomorrow’s outdoor accommodations.
This year’s core theme—“Rethinking Resources: Circular and Bio-based Solutions”—echoed powerfully throughout the show, shaping exhibits, conferences, and conversations. Many companies showcased recyclable or bio-based materials, new processes for reusing industrial waste, and smart solutions to reduce environmental impact. From recycled foam to fiber recovery systems for MDF and HDF, sustainability was the common thread connecting sectors and innovations.
The interzum 2025 fair also featured three key exhibition areas—Function & Components, Materials & Nature, and Textile & Machinery—each
filled with new products and forward-looking design ideas. The interzum Trend Forums and Trend Stage provided additional value, offering deep dives into topics such as biocircular materials, digital product passports, and eco-conscious furniture design. These sessions resonated with visitors from across industries, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable transformation.
A standout moment was the interzum award 2025, which honored 66 groundbreaking projects—including twelve “Best of the Best”—selected from 146 entries submitted by 80 companies across 23 countries. The special category “Rethinking Resources” underscored the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation.
Cologne once again demonstrated its importance as a hub for the global design and manufacturing community. But the journey doesn’t stop here.
Looking ahead, the spotlight now turns to interzum forum italy, where Aboutcamp BtoB is proud to be an official media partner. The second edition will take place on June 4–5, 2026, at the Bergamo Exhibition Centre. The first edition in 2023 exceeded expectations, attracting 4,820 visitors from 52 countries (20% international) and 216 exhibitors from 24 countries, with an impressive 36% international exhibitor rate.
The strategic location in Bergamo— at the crossroads of the Lombardy design districts and easily accessible from across Europe—proved ideal for fostering efficient networking and productive B2B meetings. Visitors came from Italy, Germany, Poland, Spain, France, Belgium, the UK, Serbia, Turkey, and Switzerland, confirming the fair’s broad appeal and international reach.
With its focused format, dynamic atmosphere, and high-value content, interzum forum italy 2026 promises
to be a must-attend event for those shaping the future of design, furniture, and outdoor living.
Save the date: June 4–5, 2026, in Bergamo!
IGEL
Interessengemeinschaft
Leichtbau
Sebastian Plate, Managing Director of IGEL – Interessengemeinschaft Leichtbau e.V., presents the association’s efforts to promote the use of lightweight materials across different sectors, from furniture manufacturing to the caravan and mechanical industries. IGEL brings together a broad network of partner companies across Germany and Europe, united by the goal of advancing lightweight construction through innovation and collaboration.
At the fair, IGEL showcases a caravan equipped with robotics to demonstrate the practical applications of over 50 different lightweight materials provided by its members. These include highly innovative solutions ranging from ultra-light plastic composites to aluminium-based panels and advanced sandwich materials like Liso Core, developed in Austria. The installation highlights not only functional integration—such as doors that
open via robotic arms—but also the diversity of textures and surface finishes now available in lightweight formats.
While the caravan and transport sectors have long recognized the benefits of weight reduction, Plate stresses that IGEL is actively working to bring these materials to the forefront of the furniture industry, where potential remains largely untapped. Through its online platform, IGEL provides an extensive materials database with technical specifications, including weight and load capacity. The association also organizes regular member meetings and technical workshops—like the upcoming two-day event at Würth in Künzelsau—to foster deeper knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Plate reports strong visitor interest at Interzum, particularly from companies across Europe keen to explore these solutions. “It’s been a busy and exciting day,” he says. “We’re seeing a lot of traffic at the booth, and people are truly curious about how these lightweight materials can be applied in their own products.”
IGEL’s role, he explains, is not only to connect suppliers and manufacturers but also to educate the industry on what’s now technically possible—pushing boundaries while reducing environmental impact.
Andreas Kanz, Senior Market & Strategy Manager Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Henkel presents its adhesive technologies for lightweight furniture and interior constructions. Andreas Kanz, responsible for Henkel’s furniture and building components business in Germany, explains how the company plays a key role in enabling innovative panel solutions. While Henkel does not produce panels itself, it supports manufacturers by offering adhesives and technical expertise tailored to weight reduction and structural performance. The booth features a practical comparison: a traditional chipboard panel versus lightweight panels of similar size using honeycomb cores. These cores are bonded with Henkel adhesives—ensuring stability, durability, and clean finishing on all surfaces. In lightweight construction, as Kanz says, “what you really have is air and adhesive”—a smart, engineered solution that combines performance with reduced material use. Henkel’s commitment to collaborative innovation reinforces its role as a strategic partner for the future of sustainable furniture design.
Sergio Schmid, Product Manager at Lamello Lamello showcases its latest innovation in connector systems: the LCP 16, a highly versatile solution designed specifically for lightweight panels. Sergio Schmid, Product Manager at Lamello, explains that the LCP 16 is available in three sizes—11 mm, 17 mm, and 22 mm—making it adaptable to various panel thicknesses. It can be combined with Lamello’s mainstay product, the Clamex, to create nearly invisible joints, requiring only a simple drill hole. One of the key advantages is that it eliminates the need for additional wooden edges, offering a clean and efficient solution for a wide range of applications. From caravans to ship interiors and furniture manufacturing, the LCP 16 opens up new possibilities in lightweight construction. As a member of the eJULE network, Lamello continues to drive innovation in precision joining technologies, with a strong focus on ease of use, aesthetic quality, and structural reliability.
David Wolf,
Head of BECHER InoART
InoART by BECHER showcases two innovative materials rooted in circular design: Re-Sign and Paper Stone. As explained by David Wolf, Re-Sign is produced from recycled textile waste—primarily denim fibers—which are pressed into durable laminated sheets suitable for wall cladding, cabinetry, and interior components. Paper Stone, on the other hand, is made from recycled paper combined with a petrol-free resin, making it water-resistant and ideal for worktops in kitchens and bathrooms, including applications in the caravan sector. Both materials reflect the company’s commitment to sustainability and design versatility. By transforming waste into high-performance surfaces, InoART provides a compelling alternative to conventional panel materials, blending eco-conscious innovation with practical usability across various interior settings.
Uwe
Hempelmann,
Technical Sales Manager Somaform
At Interzum, Somaform—represented by Uwe Hempelmann— presents its innovative lightweight solutions for the caravan industry. Based in Marienfeld, Germany, the company specializes in ultra-light panels using honeycomb cores with MDF layers, which are over 50% lighter than standard plywood. Among the highlights is a foldable drawer system made from these lightweight boards, as well as a clever U-shaped sandwich panel with integrated metal, designed to stabilize glasses in moving vehicles—ideal for caravans, boats, or cars. Somaform also showcases a molded shower door made entirely from polypropylene honeycomb, fully water-resistant and wood-free, making it perfect for wet areas in mobile living environments. With these durable, lightweight, and versatile products, Somaform offers sustainable alternatives to traditional wood-based components, meeting the specific needs of modern caravan construction.
Awarded products 2025
Global Textile Alliance
Global Textile Alliance introduces Morganic, a groundbreaking certification program focused on transforming latex production through an impact-driven model. Unlike traditional audit-based systems, Morganic is built on three core pillars: economic fairness for farmers, environmental biodiversity, and full digital traceability from farm to retailer. Born from an academic project launched in southern Thailand in 2019, Morganic empowers farmers to diversify crops—such as honey or coffee—within rubber plantations, enhancing both income and ecological health. Local agronomists support the transition from monoculture to biodiverse farming, offering hands-on guidance. Now officially endorsed by the Thai government, the program is scaling up, with potential expansion into Latin America and West Africa. Morganic-certified latex is already used in mattresses by Novaya, but the label is open to other manufacturers, offering a credible and transparent sustainability standard for the entire industry.
OWI
At Interzum, Häfele showcases its cutting-edge vision for urban living through a micro-apartment concept that turns just 18 square meters into a dynamic, multifunctional space. The core innovation is a magnetic sliding wall system that allows users to effortlessly move 500 kg modules by hand, reconfiguring the space as needed. With a simple gesture, the apartment transforms from a kitchen and dining area into a bedroom or workspace. Each module includes foldout furniture such as a 140 cm bed, a table for four, and a fully equipped kitchen—all of which disappear into the wall when not in use. This smart design leverages every centimeter, proving that small-scale living doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or functionality. By activating only the zones in use, Häfele doubles the perceived space while promoting sustainability and efficiency. It’s a compelling solution for modern cities, where flexibility and intelligent use of space are key.
Vita
German company OWI presents an innovative material that redefines what’s pos sible in furniture de sign. Co-founder and Head of Design Christoph Tschocke introduces a new timber fiber composite, developed to combine the strength of plywood with the flexibility of plastics. Unlike conven tional plywood, this material can be pressed into complex 3D shapes using existing machinery, allowing for structurally load-bearing components like seat shells. The result is both functional and aesthetic—surfaces can be customized with natural veneers such as oak or cherry for high-end finishes. Winner of the “Best of the Best” Interzum award, this material opens new design horizons while offering a potential eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Though cost remains a consideration, OWI’s development signals a promising future for sustainable, customizable, and structurally reliable furniture components.
The Vita Group (UK) showcases its commitment to sustainable innovation through the Vita Advanced Mattress, a result of strategic collaboration with Covestro and Evonik. This cutting-edge product incorporates 100% re-polyol technology and biocircular mass balance materials, achieving 65% recycled content and reducing carbon emissions by 70%. Designed to prove that foam can be a fully circular material, the mattress maintains premium durability while supporting a closed-loop recycling model. With around 40 million mattresses sent to landfill annually in Europe, Vita sees a major opportunity to transform waste into value. The product is backed by mass balance certification and full supply chain traceability, reinforcing transparency and countering greenwashing. By combining science, collaboration, and verified sustainability, The Vita Group is setting a new benchmark for the future of polyurethane in the bedding industry.
Hafele
Prof. Dr. Sascha Peters: biocircular materials for
the future of interior design
At Interzum, Prof. Dr. Sascha Peters, founder of the Berlin-based materials and technology agency HAUTE INNOVATION, presents a forward-thinking exhibition dedicated to biocircular materials—solutions that merge technological performance with biological recyclability. “Too often,” he explains, “industries focus solely on repair and recycling, but fail to rethink the material itself.”
His approach emphasizes natural resources processed into advanced materials that can seamlessly return to the environment after use. Among the standout innovations is PaperShell, developed in Sweden and Finland. Starting from kraft paper, manufacturers reintroduce hemicellulose—extracted from wood pulp—and compress the mixture into highly durable shell components. These items, once used in furniture, can be returned to nature through pyrolysis, creating biochar that enriches soil while storing carbon.
Another highlight is the VEPA Hemp Chair, which uses fast-growing hemp fibers combined with the world’s only biocircular thermoset resin from startup Plantics. Completely free of synthetic chemicals, the material is fully biodegradable and carbon-efficient. Prof. Peters notes, “If used to replace aluminum in products like traffic signs or camper interiors, it could cut CO₂ emissions by up to 99%.”
The exhibition also features banana fi-
ICDLI - the European Association of HPL Manufacturers
Sven Weyer, General Secretary of ICDLI—the European Association of HPL Manufacturers—outlined the association’s role in uniting the entire high-pressure laminate value chain. Based in Frankfurt, ICDLI focuses on key industry topics such as chemical regulations, technical performance, and sustainability. Through dedicated working groups in technology and marketing, member companies collaborate on innovation and standards. ICDLI also fosters networking through annual events: the digital HPL Manufacturer Meeting in June and the flagship HPL Summit each October, this year in Marseille. These gatherings provide a platform for expert dialogue on regulatory, environmental, and promotional strategies. As Weyer explained, the association’s mission is to bring together expertise across Europe, strengthening collaboration and value creation within the HPL industry.
ber textiles by Austrian brand Equestrian, woven from banana leaves discarded during harvest. Coated with beeswax for weather resistance, the fabric is used in backpacks and camper upholstery. In a collaboration facilitated by HAUTE INNOVATION, Equestrian now supplies banana tex for a 1-person bicycle camper, paired with ultra-light wood foam—a 100% wooden structure developed from Fraunhofer research, now produced in northern Germany. Through these examples, Prof. Peters underscores the growing importance of biobased, carbon-storing, and naturally circular materials in industries ranging from furniture to mobile living. His vision is not just ecological—it’s systemic, pointing to a new material economy where innovation and nature work in unison. Particularly eye-catching was the compact bicycle camper, designed for one adult or two children, with a total weight of just 80 kilograms. Developed by a German manufacturer and specifically targeted at cycling enthusiasts, this ultra-light mobile home is towable even by a regular bike—though ideally suited for e-bikes. The camper showcases a powerful fusion of biocircular materials: the interior upholstery is made from banana tex, a textile woven from banana leaves and coated with beeswax, while structural elements incorporate wood foam, offering high stiffness at minimal weight. The entire concept exemplifies the future of sustainable nomadic living, where mobility, functionality, and ecological responsibility go hand in hand. By bringing together natural fibers and bio-based composites, the camper offers not only comfort and durability, but a near-zero-emission alternative for outdoor exploration— perfectly aligned with HAUTE INNOVATION’s philosophy of regenerative design.
DECORATIONS FOR LEISURE VEHICLES
M.B. Trading is a leader supplier for RVs decorative stickers in Europe.
Milan lights up with creativity
The city of Milan reclaimed its title as the world’s capital of design this month as it hosted prestigious events Salone del Mobile.Milano and the Milan Design Week (also known as Fuorisalone) from 8 to 13 April. These two distinct yet complementary events attracted thousands of professionals, companies, and enthusiasts from all over the globe. Together, they not only showcased the excellence of Italian design but also highlighted its ability to engage with diverse sectors, including the world of caravanning
While the Salone del Mobile is primarily a B2B trade fair, the Fuorisalone offers a more cultural and creative experience, representing the more experimental and social side of design. It features artistic installations, product launches, parties, talks, exhibitions in showrooms, historic buildings, and pop-up spaces open to the public.
Salone del Mobile.Milano: figures, visions, and a global outlook
The 2025 edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano, held at Fiera Milano in Rho, once again confirmed its role as a global benchmark for the design industry. With a total attendance of 302,548 visitors and 68 per cent of them coming from abroad, the Salone maintained steady numbers compared to 2023 – the previous year of the Euroluce biennial – showing remarkable resilience despite a still-uncertain global economic climate. Among the top ten countries represented,
As part of its renewed commitment to creativity and design excellence, Decor In Printing took part in Milan Design Week 2025 with an exclusive event at Studio Nicola Gallizia, a creative landmark in the heart of Milan. The event, titled Decor In Design Odyssey, offered a fully immersive experience into the company’s design philosophy and unique production approach.
Guests were welcomed into a space where inspiration and material innovation meet, following the creative journey from initial concept to finished product. The event highlighted Decor In Printing’s distinctive identity: a boutique mindset with industrial strength, capable of combining artistic customization with large-scale production efficiency.
Rooted in over 70 years of experience in decorative printing, Decor In has evolved from a niche player into a key reference point in the European surface materials market, particularly within the caravanning and mobile interiors sector. The presence of Ludovica Sanpaolesi, General Director of APC (Italian Association of Motorhome and Caravan Manufacturers), further emphasised the company’s growing commitment to the RV industry.
Decor In Printing continues to stand out for its ability to merge design elegance, technological innovation, and
China took the lead, followed by Germany, Spain, Poland, Brazil, Russia, France, the United States, India, and Switzerland. There was also a strong showing from younger generations: over 15,000 students – both Italian and international – attended (+32 per cent compared to 2023), along with 700 young talents from 37 countries who participated in SaloneSatellite, reaffirming its role as a creative incubator and a meeting point between emerging designers and major companies.
The 2,103 exhibitors from 37 countries presented an unmatched offering, enhanced by a rich cultural program that sparked new visions for the future – and future challenges – of design. At the
sustainable materials, values that were on full display during its participation in Milan Design Week 2025 – underlining its role not just as a supplier, but as a creative partner in shaping the future of surface design.
Among the many participants in the 2025 Milan Design Week was Filippi 1971, a company based in Bergamo that has made sustainable innovation the core of its identity. At Baolab’s Milan showroom – transformed for the occasion into a true urban forest – the brand showed VittEr, an innovative, compact multilayer material made of paper, designed for use in furniture, architecture, and the caravanning sector.
Produced entirely in Italy through a short, certified, and sustainable supply chain, VittEr is manufactured using just paper, heat, and pressure – without the use of adhesives or harmful chemicals. The result is a material that is waterproof, fire-resistant, and highly durable against scratches and aggressive chemical detergents. It is also safe for direct contact with food. With full customisation options – ranging from surface colour to internal composition, from finish to digital printing –VittEr allows for coordinated design across various surfaces, including three-dimensional ones, offering both creative freedom and aesthetic consistency. Francesca Filippi, Sales and Marketing Manager at Filippi 1971, commented: “This product is extremely versatile and low-impact. VittEr has been engineered for both interior and exterior design applications, suitable for horizontal and vertical use across various settings – from residential to hospitality, healthcare, and community environments. Its production is powered by energy from renewable sources: environmental sustainability is the driving force behind every new product we develop and is central to our circular business model”.
same time, new business geographies emerged, thanks in part to support from the Agency ICE. The fair welcomed 350 delegates – including investors, buyers, retailers, contractors, and media representatives – from 50 countries, with growing interest from Central Asia and the Gulf countries.
One of this year’s central themes was sustainability, which played a key role throughout the event. The Salone continued its journey toward greater environmental responsibility, further building on its ISO 20121 certification – an international standard for sustainable event management.
Milan Design Week: design spreads across the city
As part of Milan Design Week, a wave of creativity swept through the city with temporary installations and special openings to the public. Several companies from the caravanning sector, such as Filippi 1971, Wingamm, and Decor In Printing, took part. Their presence at Fuorisalone highlights how design today is more universal than ever, capable of influencing and inspiring even fields once considered far removed, like outdoor living.
On the occasion of Milan Design Week, Società Infrastrutture Milano Cortina and Fondazione Milano Cortina pre-
sented an exclusive installation dedicated to the Cortina d’Ampezzo Village, with the support of Crippacampeggio— the winner of the public tender for the construction of the Olympic and Paralympic Village in Cortina d’Ampezzo, in view of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Hosted at the ADI Design Museum, the installation offered a preview of the living experience designed to accommodate athletes: mobile and modular solutions that combine design, functionality, and environmental responsibility. The wheeled mobile homes, reusable and EPD-certified, offer a concrete response to sustainability challenges.
With this entirely Made in Italy project, Crippacampeggio has focused on inclusivity, ensuring accessible hospitality for all, in line with the Olympic values of equality, diversity, and respect. The mobile living units and modular structures guarantee barrier-free accommodation, prioritizing the well-being of each athlete and offering flexible solutions for diverse needs, with 50% of the units being fully accessible.
During Milan Design Week 2025, Wingamm – historic Verona-based brand known for its premium motorhomes –showcased its unique vision of travel at the DesignTech CoFactory. Merging elegance, innovation, and minimalism, Wingamm presented two of its signature models: the Oasi 540.1, the most compact motorhome on the market featuring one of the most spacious dinettes in its class, and the Oasi 610ST/GL, a one-of-a-kind vehicle that combines compact dimensions with a drop-down bed and a large rear garage.
These models were at the heart of an immersive experience that blended design and augmented reality, allowing visitors to virtually “travel” through the landscapes of Lapland and digitally test the performance of the vehicles. This was precisely the message Wingamm aimed to convey: the motorhome as an object of design, where comfort meets Italian craftsmanship, and every detail is thoughtfully crafted to turn travel into a true pleasure.
Wingamm also highlighted the value of its signature fiberglass monocoque structure – a hallmark of advanced insulation – and its patented systems. All of this aligned seamlessly with this year’s overarching theme, Mondi Connessi, which aimed to explore new perspectives on living and mobility. The initiative featured talks, installations,
and experimental projects, reinforcing the idea that even a motorhome can be a true design object, where comfort and craftsmanship converge.
“It was an extraordinary experience that immersed us in a vibrant, future-facing Milan, between design, innovation, and art,” said Lorena Turri, CEO of Wingamm. She added: “Thanks to AR technology, we were also able to offer our visitors an immersive journey through the landscapes of Lapland”.
Capitalising on adventure: the growing market for 4WD campervans
The last few years have seen an explosion in demand for 4WD campers. Here we examine the reasons behind the trend, the market today, and what the future might hold
The rise in demand for camper vehicles shows little sign of abating and with it we are seeing a keen interest in 4WD variants. The reasons
for this are many and varied. Apart from the obvious one of off-road adventure, our research suggests a more mundane desire simply not
to get stuck on slippery ground, is equally important. This includes wet grass, something commonly encountered during travel.
4WD vs AWD
Strictly speaking, four-wheel drive is where the driveshafts powering the front and rear wheels are locked together such that the two axles are forced to rotate at the same average speeds.
On loose ground this is fine but on paved roads it can be a problem because, if you want to turn, the two axles need to rotate at different speeds, and the result can be tyre ‘chirping’ and excessive wear. Traditionally, on such vehicles, 4WD needs to be manually selected and then deselected when firm surfaces return.
All wheel drive (AWD), on the other hand, is designed to be used on
paved roads with no ill effect. True AWD works by employing a differential gearbox between the front and rear axles so they can rotate at different speeds when required. All the wheels are driven all the time, although the torque split may vary according to hardware fitted.
A modern variation of 4WD is where selection is carried out automatically whenever wheel slip is detected on a driven axle (see panel Automatic transfer couplings). Such systems are also often referred to as AWD because they can be driven on paved roads, despite the fact that one set of wheels is only driven when needed. The introduction of hybrid electric vehicles has introduced a further AWD possibility where one pair of wheels can be driven by electric motors whilst the other remain powered by an internal combustion engine.
The Chausson X550 and Challenger X150 ElectriX versions are examples of this. They are converted by the UK headquartered BEDEO Group.
Traditionally 4WD variants have been heavy, expensive, and fuel thirsty, when compared to their 2WD cousins. However, in recent years, advances in technology have gone some way to offsetting these issues and this has led to exciting opportunities for converters keen to add 4WD to their portfolios. Whilst 4WD still adds a degree of
The Fiat Ducato 4x4 Expedition from Stellantis is produced in cooperation with others
Hymer’s Vision Venture camper from 2019 pointed the way forward for this section of the market
The Weinsberg X-Pedition concept from 2024 is now in production
on 4WD
CAMPERVANS
weight, complexity and cost, the most important factor in a campervan is perhaps space. 4WD vehicles inevitably have a little less internal space although modern componentry can help here, as can increasing the ride height of the vehicle, which also aids off-road ability. To this end several base vehicles now have 4WD variants with increased ride height. These include the Ford Transit (optional lift kit), Iveco Daily, Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter and quite a few more.
Early 4WD campers
Ford’s Nugget became available with 4WD in August 2024
The first 4WD campers emerged in the 1970’s and 1980’s with companies such as Volkswagen, Toyota, and Nissan producing camper versions of their 4WD vehicles. These included such vehicles as the Volkswagen T3 Syncro, Toyota Hilux camper conversions (Chinook), and the Nissan Patrol-based camper. Although popular, the relatively small size of these vehicles restricted take up and it wasn’t until more recent years that the market began
Current base vehicle availability
to pick up through the improved availability of larger base vehicles.
Current base vehicle availability
Apart from the significant number of 4WD pickup trucks, there is an increasing range of 4WD panel vans suitable for conversion. Virtually all manufacturers in the 3.5 tonne GVW class now offer 4WD versions of their base models, although some are converted by specialist companies. For example, Stellantis vans are converted by the French company Dangel.
In addition to the 3.5 tonne GVW class there are also a number of smaller 4x4 panel vans that can be made into attractive campers. Examples include the Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Vito, and VW Caddy. You’ll see them listed in the table below.
Virtually all the vehicles listed here make use of automatic transfer couplings combined with advanced electronics to deliver 4WD traction when needed. Several are referred to as AWD (all-wheel drive) because of their ability to be driven on paved roads without driver intervention. (See panel for more details.)
Turkey
Iveco Daily 4x4 conversion by SCV Srl Suzzara, Italy
MAN TGE TGE 4x4 Off-Road
Września, Poland* Mercedes Sprinter All-wheel drive, 9G-TRONIC gearbox Germany and USA
Vito / V class 4MATIC Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Renault Master Produced alongside 2WD versions Batilly, France Stellantis Ducato
4WD versions are available to order, converted by the French company Dangel
Atessa, Italy (Ducato, Jumper, Boxer) Batilly, France (Movano) Luton, UK (Vivaro) Jumper
Września, Poland* Caddy
* This factory produces the MAN TGE 4x4 and Crafter 4MOTION, which share the same platform.
Automatic transfer couplings
If there’s one component that’s really changed the 4WD landscape it has to be the automatic transfer coupling. They are now at the heart of many 4WD conversions, allowing them to be driven equally on paved and unpaved roads without driver intervention.
These couplings take the place of a centre differential in an all-wheeldrive system. As long as the front and rear driveshafts rotate at the same speed the coupling is inactive, so the vehicle remains in 2WD mode. However, when the front and rear driveshafts begin to rotate at different speeds, such as when wheelspin occurs, the coupling transmits power to the remaining wheels. The result is that 4WD is only engaged when abso-
lutely necessary to maintain traction. This improves economy and means the vehicle can be driven on paved roads. This is because there is no tendency for the transmission to get ‘wound up’ when not travelling in a straight line.
Early systems used a viscous coupling between the front and rear driveshafts. Differences in speed caused liquid inside to become extremely viscous, locking the coupling and ensuring power transfer to the remain-
ing wheels. It was a simple solution but slow reaction times mean that today such couplings have almost exclusively been replaced by electrically operated multi-plate clutch mechanisms. These can operate in a fraction of a second. For example, the one used by MAN on their TGE vans has a claimed response time of just 84 mS. Multi plate clutch couplings have been made possible by the advent of modern electronics, enabling wheel slip to be detected very quicky.
Today’s 4WD camper landscape
Today the 4WD market has expanded to include a plethora of independent vehicle converters, whilst some base vehicle manufacturers still offer their own conversions, albeit with the help of others. The demand for custom-built rigs is also surging, with aftermarket conversions providing lift kits, skid plates, and all-season insulation. According to Global Growth Insights the campervan market was
Belowe: Hymer CrossOver
Left: Bürstner Campeo
Carado’s CV590 4x4 Edition 25
F ocus on 4WD CAMPERVANS
valued at 18.86 billion USD in 2023, with a predicted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.84%. Exact figures for the 4WD sector are elusive but it’s safe to say this segment contributes significantly to the overall market value. To get some idea of the market in Europe we did a quick survey of vehicles available from some of the better-known names. It’s by no means exhaustive but it gives a good indication of how competitive the market is becoming and the opportunities that exist.
Adria’s Super Twin concept, based on the Mercedes Sprinter, is expected to enter production in 2025.
Bürstner offer the Campeo 4x4 based on the Citroën Jumper chassis and the Lineo C 4x4, built on the Ford Transit chassis.
The Carado brand has one 4x4 camper van model: the CV590 4x4 EDITION25. It’s built on the Ford Transit chassis.
Chausson ’s X550/650 and Challenger ’s X150/250 ElectriX versions integrate a hybrid powertrain with in-wheel electric motors. This set up allows for AWD and electric-only driving for up to 100 km on the Ducato based recently introduced their first 4x4 camper, the Globebus Performance 4x4. It’s a semi-integrated motorhome built on the VW Crafter chassis
’s own version of a camper van is called the Nugget It’s based on the Transit Custom and designed in collaboration with Westfalia, who carry out the campervan conversion in Germany. It became available with an AWD op-
has the Sprinter based Hymer Venture S and Grand Canyon S CrossOver vehicles.
offer VAN TI Plus series 4WD campers based on the VW Crafter/MAN TGE chassis.
Hymer Crossover
VW’s Grand California is available with 4WD
Knaus VAN TI
Malibu offers a 4x4 camper van called the Genius Performance 4x4. It’s built on a Sprinter chassis.
Mercedes markets the Marco Polo is based on the V class MPV with 4MATIC drive. Conversion is carried out by Westfalia at their factory in Germany. Randger, part of the Trigano group, produces the R560 campervan, based on the Ford Transit.
Stellantis has a range of campers produced in cooperation with French specialist Dangel. An example is the Fiat Ducato 4x4 Expedition, which also has input from Italian companies Olmedo and Tecnoform.
Volkswagen’s Grand California 4Motion is based on the Crafter, and available in two versions - a short wheel base 600 or long wheel base 680. Weinsberg offers a 4WD camper van called the X-Pedition built on a Sprinter chassis.
Westfalia builds various 4WD campers based on vehicles from MAN, Mercedes and VW.
The Future
Helped along by technology improvements, the demand for off-grid travel will continue to grow, and with it the 4WD camper van market. For those concerned about the ecological aspects of going off-road, electric 4WD campers are emerging and, with them, the promise of minimal environmental impact. The availability of a good charging infrastructure remains a problem in many countries, so hybrid
Development of 4WD
The origins of 4WD dates back to the early 20th century when vehicles like the 1903 Spyker 60 HP racing car and the 1908 Latil truck appeared. Designed for military and agricultural use, these systems improved stability and mobility on unpaved roads.
It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that 4WD systems began to appear in consumer vehicles. Inspired by military vehicles, companies like Jeep and Land Rover introduced rugged models tailored for off-road applications. These proved an instant hit with farmers and others, setting the stage for their technology to appear in a wider range of consumer vehicles. These early 4WD systems were entirely mechanical with some relying on manually engaged components, such as locking hubs and transfer boxes.
vehicles are more likely to dominate in the near future.
Efficient water filtration systems are becoming more common, along with waterless toilets, both of these promoting longer off-grid adventures in remote areas best suited to 4WD vehicles. We’re also likely to see more advanced 4WD features and adaptive suspension systems creeping into this market. These features already exist in high end 4WD vehicles, it’s only a
matter of time before they become more affordable.
Conclusion
Whilst it’s true to say that 4WD campers are something of a niche market, it’s one that’s rapidly gaining momentum. Whether for sure-footed weekend getaways or cross-continental expeditions, these capable vehicles are beginning to redefine the way we enjoy our leisure time. It’s a trend that few manufacturers can afford to ignore.
Dethleffs Globebus 4x4 Yukon
Adria’s SuperTwin concept
L ooking back HOBBY
From garage operation to global market leader
The development of Hobby over nearly 60 years can roughly be sketched like this. The pivotal figure in this success story is engineer Harald Striewski, who has steered the fortunes of the largest independent caravan and motorhome manufacturer since its founding and has ensured the company’s future
Turning one’s hobby into a profession sounds simple but is something only few manage to achieve. Harald Striewski accomplished even more. For him, his hobby didn’t just become a profession – it became a calling. It’s the only way to explain why, at an age when others feed ducks or tend roses, he prefers to examine construction drawings – drawings of caravans and motorhomes designed to provide thousands of people with wonderful holidays.
Harald Striewski also dreamed of such a holiday in his own caravan back in 1965. Caravans were already available for purchase at that time, but the young father of a family couldn’t
afford them. His family was not particularly well off, having had to flee their East Prussian homeland under dramatic circumstances shortly before the end of World War II, leaving all their possessions behind. This time of hardship left a lasting mark on the entrepreneur: “That poverty instilled a tremendous drive in me.” In their new home near Rendsburg, he attended elementary school, completed an apprenticeship as a shipbuilder, earned his technical diploma af-
ter work, and eventually studied at the School of Engineering in Kiel. This led to a good job as a shipbuilding engineer at the Kröger Shipyard.
Doing it himself
But he still wanted to go on vacation. With a caravan. And if you can’t buy one, you simply build it yourself. His aunt lent him the money – exactly 3,000 Deutsche Marks. Striewski built his first caravan, but instead of going on vacation with
Harald Striewski, 1967
Above: The Hobby caravan factory in 1971. Right: The current Hobby plant in Fockbek
it, he sold it for 6,000 Marks. The aunt got her money back, and the young engineer immediately built a second caravan. He sold that one too. This provided the funds to build a third caravan and a well-stocked holiday fund. With his wife Ingeborg and son Michael, he set off for the French Côte d’Azur. This caravan wasn’t just the vehicle for a dream vacation for the Striewski family – it also laid the foundation for a flourishing business. The industrious engineer sold the caravan right after the holiday, bought new materials, and continued building caravans after work and on weekends, which were literally snatched from his hands. Word had spread that the Hobby caravan builder delivered high quality. But this soon turned into a serious double burden, prompting Striewski to request a year of unpaid leave from his employer to handle the growing backlog of orders. The request was granted – and, in principle, that leave has lasted to this day. With the slight difference that this “leave” became hard work, and the hobby was no longer a hobby. Since 1967, it has been a brand name that stands for high-quality recreational vehicles at fair prices. When Harald Striewski founded “Hobby Wohnwagenwerk Ing. Harald Striewski” in 1967, the company was a true family business. While Harald built one caravan after another in the garage, his wife Ingeborg sewed curtains and upholstery for the interiors and handled the accounting. That suited the caravan builder just fine, as he admits: “I’m a technician, not a businessman.” Though that might be something of an understatement. Even if he doesn’t enjoy business tasks as much as designing and building, he clearly has a head for business. Otherwise, the company’s rapid rise would be hard to explain.
Innovative strength as the key to success
One year after the company was founded, operations moved from the garage into a small production hall, where
Striewski worked with four employees. He had acquired a plot of land of just over 10,000 square meters on Schafredder Street – the seed of today’s company premises, which is now 26 times that size. Just a year after the move, Hobby was producing one caravan per day. The workforce grew, and so did production. By 1970, 42 employees were building six caravans daily, and only five years after the company was founded, the 5,000th caravan rolled out of the production hall. Not even setbacks could halt the success of Hobby-Wohnwagenwerke: in 1974, the entire company was destroyed by fire. But just one year later, a new assembly hall, sewing room, office complex, and warehouse rose on the 20,000 square meter factory site. Success continued: by 1977, the company’s annual turnover was approaching 100 million DM. In 1979, Hobby produced its 50,000th caravan. In 1983, Hobby could call itself the market leader for the first time. It is therefore no surprise that high-ranking politicians are regular guests at Hobby. Twice – including on the occasion of the company’s 50th anniversary in 2017 – even German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a visit. This success is due in no small part to the spirit of innovation demonstrated by the shipbuilding engineer and his team. For example, the chassis of Hobby caravans are hot-dip galvanized to protect against rust. To enable this, Striewski founded a separate company in nearby Rendsburg. The first cassette toilet in a caravan also resulted from a cooperation between Hobby and Thetford. In 2013, Hobby attracted attention again with the first electronic onboard network for recreational vehicles.
1970: Inside Hobby’s production line
1972: The 5,000th caravan rolls off the line
The successful 500 de Luxe caravan
1992: Generous window area
View of the newly built administration building from 1975
1965: The original Hobby prototype
A land yacht on a tandem axle chassis
In 1998, Hobby acquires Fendt’s caravan division and builds a new plant in Mertingen
The semi-integrated 600 model from 1988: successful entry into the motorhome market
L ooking back HOBBY
And since lightweight construction is becoming increasingly important, Hobby acquired the supplier Formatec in the same year, which has since operated under the name “Formlight GmbH” and supplies lightweight furniture components to the parent company. At Hobby, high vertical integration is a priority.
Entry
into
the motorhome market
However, Hobby didn’t enter the motorhome business in Fockbek until 1984. Striewski’s first motorized creation made a splash right from the start. The boss had been heavily involved in its development and design. And it shows: the vehicle has something of a yachton-wheels feel – not surprising, given Striewski’s professional background. “I wanted to build a car, not a box,” his credo. Unlike most others, the Hobby 600 had elegantly curved sidewalls, metallic paint, and the characteristically tapered windows in the body. It didn’t just sell extremely well – it repeatedly won public awards and became an icon in the motorhome industry. Still, caravans remained important to Striewski, as underlined by the acquisition of premium manufacturer Fendt in 1998. To this day, Hobby still generates nearly two-thirds of its revenue from caravans, but thanks to flexible production lines, the company can adapt to market demands and build either caravans or motorhomes on the same assembly line.
Successful equipment strategy
Hobby’s popularity among customers is also due to its equipment strategy. In the motorhome industry, it is quite common to offer very sparsely equipped base models in order to keep the entry-level price as low as possible. Such vehicles must then be upgraded with various equipment packages to be suitable for holiday use. Hobby takes a different approach. As early as 2016, the company from Fockbek introduced its first semi-integrated models with the “Ontour” suffix, which already included all essential additional features. At CMT 2019, the company presented the Optima Ontour Edition semi-integrated se-
ries with full equipment (even including satellite TV), which, according to Hobby Managing Director Holger Schulz, has developed into a bestseller: “We will continue to diversify this concept.”
Two foundations secure the future of the Hobby Group
Going forward, Hobby-Wohnwagenwerk Ing. Harald Striewski GmbH, along with its subsidiary Fendt-Caravan GmbH, and the management company Striewski KG, including its subsidiaries Formlight GmbH and Rendsburger Feuerverzinkerei GmbH, will become the property of two foundations. These are the Harald Striewski Family Foundation and the charitable Harald Striewski Foundation. Pierre Gilgenast and Anke Bumann –both long-standing confidants of Harald Striewski – have been appointed as the first board members of the newly established foundations. Harald Striewski himself will chair the foundations’ advisory boards, while his son Michael Striewski will serve as a board member. The transfer of company shares is not expected to affect the structure or business operations of the Hobby Group. The leadership of the operating companies remains unchanged: Hans Frindte and Andreas Dirr will continue as managing directors of Fendt Caravan. The management of Hobby GmbH will remain with Bernd Löher and Holger Schulz; Ulrich Benkel is the managing director of Formlight GmbH in Warburg, and Wolfgang Harbeck continues to oversee Rendsburger Feuerverzinkerei. Currently, Hobby produces seven caravan ranges with 49 models and seven motorhome ranges with 20 models.
The classic Hobby 600 is relaunched in 2004
2006/2007: Der Toskana, a family-friendly overcab model
Hobby is still Europe’s market leader in caravans in 2007: The Prestige 720
Noteworthy concept study from 2011 for the new Hobby 600
The first Hobby panel van model: The Hobby Vantana in 2015
The current Hobby models for 2025
Above: Chancellor Merkel visits the Hobby plant in 2017
Below: The current management with Holger Schulz (left) and Bernd Löher
In 2003, Hobby introduces the T-Series on the Ford Transit chassis
