Outwell to Showcase 2027 Innovations and First Roof Tents at CARAVAN SALON

Vöhringer, Motive Development and CityFreighter will present the CityFreighter Evolve prototype at the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf. The 6.95-metre motorhome is built on a dedicated electric platform and features a 128 kWh battery, achieving over 400 km of real-world range while keeping weight below 3.5 tonnes thanks to lightweight AIRPLY panels. It offers four berths, a kitchen, a toilet and a heat pump. DC fast charging from 10 to 80% takes about 20 minutes at up to 200 kW. Under new EU rules, from 26 November 2029 such motorhomes up to 4.25 tonnes may be driven with a category B licence, subject to additional training.

Journalist Martin Vaculík tested the Volkswagen Grand California 600 based on the Crafter and noted that operating its functions requires technical knowledge. He praised the 2024 update (gearshift under the steering wheel, electronic parking brake) but criticized the inconvenient access to gas cylinders and the inaccurate gas level indicator. He also mentioned that engine issues concern models built before 2021, and for full comfort recommends installing a LiFePO auxiliary battery and an inverter.

At the campsite of the Obstwiesenfestival 2026 in Dornstadt, several people suffered from itchy skin rashes. A camper criticizes the organizers for not warning attendees. The organizers have not yet responded.

At the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf, 12 new accessories for motorhomes and campers are being showcased. These include the Omnia Stovetop Pizza Oven for €99, the removable Perfect Van ReSi sink, enlarged versions of the Boxio XL toilet and washbasin, the GOK Caramatic GasControl electronic gas shut-off, the Truma iNet X Panel 2 control panel, combined charging devices Ective SBI20 and SBC50, the WM aquatec UV-aid+ water purification system, the Reich easydriver LevelDrive maneuvering and leveling system, the Thitronik CampLock fingerprint lock, the Fritz Berger SkyLodge 160 roof tent for €1,599, keeeper storage boxes, and the Atera front windshield sunshade for the Mercedes Sprinter VS30.

Following a WOCHENBLATT report highlighting a discrepancy between the mayor's advice and actual parking rules, the municipality of Grünendeich quickly removed two signs that prohibited motorhomes from parking at alternative lots. Motorhome drivers can now use these lots at the standard car rate of €1.20 per half hour, making short stops at the Lühe ferry terminal more affordable.

Germany has become Europe's leading caravanning nation, with the industry generating €43 billion in revenue and employing 120,000 people. In 2025, 44.7 million overnight stays were recorded at 9,200 campsites, double the figure from 2005. Since 2020, motorhome parking fees have risen 32.2% and campsite charges 28.7%, outpacing inflation (21.9%). The Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf is scheduled for August 28 to September 6.