German camper van manufacturer Westfalen-Mobil is cutting jobs. The company based in Rheda-Wiedenbrück announced the elimination of 130 positions.

Bluetti introduces the Elite 300 portable power station to the European market. The device offers a 3014 Wh capacity in a compact form factor comparable to 2-kWh models and weighs 26.3 kg. The introductory price is €1499, with an 8% discount for WinFuture readers using a promo code valid until June 30, 2026.

Knott has tested aerodynamic underbody paneling for travel trailers. The tests showed a 15% reduction in drag force, which theoretically lowers the tow vehicle's fuel consumption. The patented system could become available for series production and retrofitting existing caravans.

German manufacturer Kuckoo Camper has introduced the new Max mini travel trailer. The model features a GRP sandwich construction, starts at 17,017 euros, and has a curb weight from 420 kg, making it suitable for electric tow vehicles. The concept is modular, lacking a built-in kitchen, bathroom, and heating system.

Following the insolvency of agricultural machinery manufacturer August Bruns, the caravan dealership Wohnwagen Bruns has also filed for insolvency. The distributor, based in Cloppenburg for over 50 years, continues operations under an insolvency administrator. The procedure is impacted by declining orders post-pandemic and increased financing costs.

Camping tourism in Germany continues to grow while other segments stagnate. In 2025, campsites recorded 44.7 million overnight stays, a 4.2% increase from 2024, marking the fourth consecutive record year. The strongest growth was seen in winter months, particularly December (+18.5%).

Hymer has expanded its CrossTrail line with a version based on the Grand Canyon S 700 motorhome. The nearly 7-meter model on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis features enhanced protection, all-terrain tires, and additional lighting. The edition is aimed at travel on unpaved roads.

Mercedes-Benz has updated the compact Marco Polo camper van for the 2026 model year. The vehicle features a higher and better-insulated roof, an enhanced lighting system, and a revised infotainment system with app control. For the first time, the camper conversion is fully handled in-house at the Mercedes-Benz Vans plant in Ludwigsfelde, Germany.

Reiter Engineering presented the Orca camper van at the CMT 2026 show, based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. The carbon fiber body increases payload capacity to 1,600 kg and volume to 24.3 cubic meters while reducing curb weight. The vehicle maintains a 3,500 kg GVWR, allowing it to be driven with a standard car license in the EU.

German engineering firm Reiter Engineering presented the Orca base model camper van at the CMT 2026 travel and leisure fair. The carbon fibre body reduces weight by about 600 kg to under 1800 kg, increasing payload capacity to 1600 kg and cargo volume to 24.3 m³. The gross vehicle weight remains 3.5 tonnes, allowing it to be driven with a standard car (Class B) licence in the EU.

The 2026 camper van market is split into two segments: affordable entry-level models and off-road versions for adventure travel. Budget options include the Bürstner Papillon from €39,999 and the Forster Livin'up Pro, while off-road models feature the Adria Supertwin 4x4 on a Mercedes Sprinter base and the Hymer Grand Canyon S 700 CrossTrail. New layouts are also introduced, such as the Carado CV 541 Pro with a separated cab and rear seating group.

Automotive group Stellantis has issued a recall for several van models popular as bases for compact motorhomes. The recall affects approximately 24,200 vehicles, including the Fiat Ducato, Citroën Jumper, Peugeot Boxer, and Opel Movano, manufactured between November 2024 and July 2025. The cause is defective fuel return lines that may leak and pose a fire risk.

The caravan manufacturer Fendt Caravan from Mertingen has introduced a new, more affordable line called Next. The models represent a shift towards more modest offerings compared to the company's premium segment. The line has been in production for about a year and includes family models.

Stuff Bubble has developed modular furniture based on inflatable tubes for converting vans. A kitchen weighing around 9 kg and a bed with adjustable zones reduce overall weight and eliminate the need for a rigid frame. The products premiered at the CMT trade show in Stuttgart.

The luxury motorhome market is showing a trend towards daily usability. Vehicles previously considered solely for tourism are now increasingly purchased for regular commuting and living.

Prosecutors have launched an investigation following the insolvency of a major motorhome dealer in Wesseling. The probe examines allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and bankruptcy-related offenses. The company is suspected of continuing to sell motorhomes and accept customer payments after filing for insolvency without delivering the vehicles.

German startup Freescape has developed a camper van based on the Ford Tourneo Custom featuring a unique inflatable roof tent. The system creates 2.5 meters of interior headroom, deploys in 6-8 minutes, and includes a 1.4x2 meter sleeping area. Production is set to start mid-year, with the base manual 136 hp model priced from €87,900.

Thule has introduced the new Widesky folding roof tent. It deploys in 30 seconds, weighs 68 kg, and features a mattress that converts into a lounge seat. The tent will be available from April starting at 3,599 euros.

An employee named Angelika Gustavsson, known as 'Erna', has ended her 50-year career at the Hobby caravan factory in Fockbek. She started at the company in 1974 and retired in 2024.

New window winder handles have been introduced for classic Volkswagen vehicles. The two-handle set is designed for VW Beetle models from 1968 to 1974 and T2 Bay camper vans from 1968 to 1979.

The German company Bela Wohnmobile launched the compact camper van Bela Trendy 1, based on a Fiat Doblo, in 2017, priced at 37,000 euros. The 5.16-meter motorhome accommodated up to three people and featured a kitchen, dining area, and bathroom. Only a few hundred units were sold over three years before the company went bankrupt in 2020.

The Spicy special edition of the Weinsberg CaraSuite 650 MEG motorhome premiered at the CMT 2026 show. The 6.99 m long model starts at 73,900 euros and includes a package of options that would cost over 22,000 euros if ordered separately. An 8-speed automatic transmission is part of the standard equipment.

German manufacturer LMC has launched its new E:Dero series of travel trailers with a minimalist approach. The E:Dero 350 D model is 4.49 meters long, starts at €13,490, and has a maximum authorized mass of 750 kg, allowing it to be towed with a standard car license. The base configuration omits a fixed kitchen and bathroom to maximize layout flexibility.

Motorhome manufacturer Hymer has presented a locking diesel fuel cap at The Caravan Club Camper Entry Door Lock design awards. The new product is designed to prevent fuel theft. The competition evaluates innovative solutions for campers and motorhomes.

The motorhome and caravan dealer Skandic & Nordic in Handewitt is shutting down. Following an insolvency filing in December, attempts to rescue the business were unsuccessful, and the company will close at the end of the month, resulting in 18 job losses.

Westfalia has introduced a new James Cook motorhome model. The key feature is a sliding window system designed to increase interior space and improve ventilation.

Insolvency proceedings have been initiated against Wohnwagen Bruns GmbH in Cloppenburg. The business continues to operate, with five employees' salaries secured for three months by the Federal Employment Agency. The provisional insolvency administrator aims to sell the company, which has been trading for over 50 years.

The €35,000-€45,000 segment represents the top category in the used motorhome market, offering wide selection and proven technology. Analysis of listings on Caraworld shows approximately 138 vehicles in this price range, predominantly camper vans and semi-integrated models from 2008-2018. Standard equipment often includes awnings, climate control and reversing cameras, with most vehicles maintained in good condition.

Ford has introduced the Camper Assist program for owners of motorhomes built on its chassis. If the base vehicle has a breakdown, customers can wait for repairs in a four-star hotel for up to five nights, receive a replacement vehicle, or arrange transport to an authorized service center. The program is included in the two-year new vehicle warranty.

German manufacturer Hymer has presented the VisionVenture motorhome concept, built on a four-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform. The two-story design features inflatable walls for the sleeping area and a body painted with temperature-regulating paint. Series production is not planned, but the concept's solutions may be implemented in future Hymer models.