From scrap heap to motorhome: stories from the Ape meeting in Schermbeck-Uefte

On Saturday, a collision occurred between a Suzuki car and a motorhome in the municipality of Waldsassen. The motorhome driver fled the scene. Police are seeking witnesses and information about a brown motorhome.

At the Düsseldorf trade fair, motorhomes range from a few thousand euros to over two million. Social media drives demand, especially among young families. A budget option is roof tents starting at 2,000 euros.

Weinsberg has unveiled updates for its CaraBus camper line, including new floor plans, a larger wet cell, a "double cradle" function on the seat bench, and expanded equipment aligned with GSR II. The 600 ME model now offers an optional drop-down bed. All versions feature a new one-piece roof lining made of a foamed four-layer PU panel that improves sound and thermal insulation and is ten kilograms lighter.

Camping is becoming more individual: on roads to the Baltic Sea and the Mecklenburg Lake District, not only classic motorhomes but also converted vans, roof tents, and trailers that hardly look like holiday accommodation are increasingly common. Examples include Dana and Moritz, who bought a 2006 Opel Vivaro for 6,000 euros and invested another 4,000–5,000 euros in its conversion, and Danny from near Hamburg, who turned an old truck cab on a trailer into a mobile dwelling for 50–100 euros. Manufacturers such as Campnetic offer magnetic accessories for flexible setup without drilling.

AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group will debut its new global brand identity, AL-KO VT, at CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf 2026. Eight brands, including E&P, SAWIKO, de Haan, Winterhoff, ALKO VTE, CBE, Nordelettronica, and Toptron, will gradually be consolidated under the AL-KO VT name. Additionally, CERMA and Fluid-Press will move under the SAFIM brand, while Brink remains the dedicated towbar brand. The company states that products and services will remain unchanged, and the consolidation aims to simplify the portfolio and increase international recognition.

Carthago has unveiled its 2027 model year with refreshed design and enhanced comfort. The new models feature a hexagonal motif at the rear, LED lighting, and a black roof spoiler. Inside, there is new furniture, increased fresh water capacity up to 310-320 liters, and an extended off-grid package with a 400 Ah lithium battery.