34 injured in camper crash on A9 motorway in Thuringia

Phoenix Manufaktur from Aschbach presented the new Star 7200 RSL at the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf. The motorhome is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519 CDI with a 140 kW (190 hp) engine, 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It measures 7.70 m in length, has a gross vehicle weight of 5,500 kg and a payload of 740 kg. The interior features a rear lounge seating area (2.20×1.76 m), a kitchen with a 100-litre refrigerator, a separate bathroom with shower, two longitudinal single beds in the alcove (2.00×0.82 m each) and a 2.20 m deep garage. The starting price is €225,900.

On July 24, 2026, a motorhome in Bad Salzungen leaked a large amount of fluid while driving. The driver did not notice the leak despite attempts by a photographer to alert him. The trail extended from a railway crossing through several streets to an industrial area.

German manufacturer Vario Mobil has introduced the Perfect 1200 QS Platinum, priced from €2.2 million. The 12-metre motorhome, based on a Mercedes Actros 2553 LLL, features four slide-outs expanding living space to 35 m² and a rear garage that can accommodate a classic car such as a Mercedes SL Pagode. The vehicle will debut at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.

As part of the CARAVANING long-term test, a Hobby De Luxe 460 UFe caravan was equipped with E-Trailer sensors for gas level, nose weight, and tyre pressure. The system also alerts via app if a roof window is left open. The Basic starter kit costs €250, gas sensor €130 (adapter €50), E-Load system €290, E-Pressure tyre sensors €130 per pair, and E-Switch window sensors €90 per pair. Accuracy of the nose weight measurement was questioned during testing.

Westfalia unveiled the Columbus Liner at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, based on a 6.36 m Fiat Ducato. Instead of extra sleeping berths, the focus is on the roof: a pop-up tent with mosquito net creates a 'Sky Lounge' accessible via the rear king-size bed. An optional SkyBar coffee machine is available. The model offers 4 seats and 2–4 berths, a kitchen with induction hob and 90-litre compressor fridge, plus a heated double floor. Prices start at €83,900 and go up to around €115,000.

A motorhome crashed into the end of a traffic jam on the A9 motorway in Thuringia on Saturday evening, causing a pile-up that injured more than 30 people. Police in Schleifreisen reported that nine vehicles were damaged, including two minibuses carrying a children's group of 11 children with high support needs and eight carers. Two more children were in the motorhome. The initial accident was caused by a trailer with a horse overturning due to excessive speed; the horse was unharmed. Estimated property damage is 375,000 euros.