What Motorhome Summer 2022

Season 2022 might have been blighted by delivery delays and poor chassis availability but that hasn’t stopped manufacturers from developing some exciting new models. I was especially impressed when I became the first journalist ever to try a Coachman motorhome – the Travel Master looked good at its NEC show debut but it was only after a couple of days of real use that I appreciated just what a luxurious ’van this is to live in. Another model that easily exceeded my expectations was the Ford Nugget Plus, which proved to be so much more than just a Nugget with a loo. On the other hand, I just knew Murvi’s latest campervan would be great – they always are. Then, with an eye on increasing prices across the market, I…

German manufacturer, Hobby, has signed an agreement with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles that lays the foundations for a long-term collaboration between the two companies. The partnership will see a new Hobby campervan, based on the Volkswagen Crafter, launched at the Caravan Salon 2022 in Düsseldorf later this year. Lars Krause, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Management Board Member for Sales and Marketing, says, “Over the past several years, we have seen a constant growing trend in respect of our campervans. That applies not just to our California models, but to the whole industry. ‘Vanlife’ has become a genuine lifestyle. We are therefore delighted to start our partnership with Hobby, as we are certain that our Crafter is an ideal base vehicle for their motorhomes.” Bernd Löher, MD of Hobby, adds, “The cooperation with…

Ford has taken another major step in the electrification of its range as the first details of the all-new, all-electric E-Transit Custom have been revealed. Following closely behind the all-electric E-Transit, which went into production in March – and the first of four further all-electric commercial vehicles Ford Pro will introduce by 2024 – the E-Transit Custom is designed to set a new benchmark in Europe’s one-tonne van segment. The all-electric successor to Europe’s best-selling van and the UK’s best-selling vehicle will be supported by Ford Pro software, charging, service and financing solutions via one comprehensive platform to help reduce running costs. It will be a key component in Ford’s commitment to reach zero emissions for all Ford vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint by…

Europe’s largest motorhome show, Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, will be even larger this year after its organisers confirmed an extra three halls have been added. The show, which takes place from 26 August to 4 September, will be presenting ranges of new motorhomes, campervans, caravans, tents and accessories from some 600 exhibitors across 250,000 square metres in 16 halls. This year, the first Friday of the show will be the Preview Day. Alongside media representatives and trade visitors, exhibitors will also be able to invite end-users, permitting them to explore the showground on that first day in a quiet atmosphere. One-day weekend tickets cost €18, while one-day tickets on working days are €16. Afternoon tickets (2pm – 6pm) are also available from Monday to Friday at €10 and Preview Day tickets…

Hymer has opened its own chassis production facility at its factory in Bad Waldsee, Germany. Following two years of construction, the new Super Light Chassis (SLC) production hall, which officially opened on 12 May, enables Hymer to start mass-producing its own chassis, making it the first motorhome manufacturer to do so. Aside from the drive unit (from Mercedes-Benz or Fiat), Hymer will now supply leisure vehicles that come from a single source, enabling it to respond more flexibly to the current market situation, emerging trends in technology and its customers’ needs, and making the manufacturer less dependent on external suppliers. The SLC hall covers an area of 3,100 square metres and includes a production line and adjoining logistics area. Christian Bauer, President of Hymer GmbH & Co KG, says, “Hymer…

Erwin Hymer Centre Travel world first welcomed the Hymer brand to its dealership in 2012, before becoming an exclusive Erwin Hymer Group dealer in 2015, and then achieving Erwin Hymer Centre status in 2018. Its first Hymer customers, Alan and Gillian Cunnington, bought an Exsis-i 674 from the Stafford-based dealership in 2012, and are still enjoying their motorhome a decade on. Alan, from Ludlow, Shropshire, says, “We had hired motorhomes in the past while in New Zealand and Canada and decided to take the leap and buy one. We looked at dozens at various shows before we went to Travel world and met Managing Director, Ross Edwards. “We saw the Exsis-i and it was the exact spec we wanted and could be replated to 3,500kg. The next day we bought…