The Caravan-Salon has opened in Düsseldorf and runs until September 6. The exhibition features a record number of new products from motorhome and camper manufacturers, including roof tents, technical equipment, and accessories. Special attention is given to DIY vehicle conversions: on an old postal vehicle, visitors can learn to install windows and lay electrical wiring.
Trends include all-wheel-drive models, self-sufficiency, and electric vehicles. The Kabe Imperial Ri 830 Traq 4×4 became the first fully integrated motorhome with Mercedes' Torque-on-Demand system, while Volkswagen presented the electric camper ID California Cruise with a range of up to 455 km. The trend toward expedition vehicles, which are larger, taller, and often all-wheel-drive, continues.
The innovations are showcased despite a 3.3% drop in German sales from January to July. The show also features a model with a roof terrace, a mirror screen, and two of the most expensive campers with a combined value of around 5 million euros.
Experts highlight five key market trends: cheaper entry-level models, growing self-sufficiency, camping without special vehicles, slow adoption of electric drives, and camping becoming a separate tourism industry. Manufacturers offer more compact and lighter caravans, as well as models without a fixed toilet. In the luxury segment, demand is rising for lithium batteries, solar panels, and inverters for long off-grid living. Solutions for using a regular car with a roof tent are emerging. Electric vehicles remain a niche product, but Volkswagen presented an electric version of the California. According to CIVD, the turnover of caravanning in Germany reaches almost 23 billion euros per year, and the number of overnight stays at campsites in 2025 was 44.7 million, up 4.2% year-on-year.
