Serious accident on A23 near Wacken: SUV driver flees after collision

Following a dangerous near-miss on a road in Uckermark, the columnist calls for mandatory driving aptitude tests for motorhome and caravan owners, especially seniors. She argues that handling such vehicles requires special skills that may decline with age.

Bürstner has placed a 138-liter compressor refrigerator (with a 12-liter freezer compartment) in the lower part of the kitchen unit of its Signature SMT 7.4 model based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This layout frees up space but requires bending to access items. The optional Premium kitchen includes an electrically adjustable shelf, a pull-out cutting board, and a mineral worktop. The German starting price is €93,999 including VAT for the base version; the cost of a fully equipped vehicle has not been announced. With a full 200-liter water tank, the curb weight increases by 180 kg, potentially exceeding the 3.5-tonne limit for a standard B driving license.

Carthago has unveiled the new C2-Tourer I 146 FF-RB-LE, an integrated motorhome based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, featuring the brand's first face-to-face seating arrangement. The 7.30-meter model is available with a gross weight of 3.5 tons (lightweight) or 4.2 tons (comfort). The opposing longitudinal benches, made possible by a foldable and sliding table and the omission of an L-shaped sofa, provide ample walk-through space; they can be converted into four forward-facing seats with seatbelts. The L-shaped kitchen includes an additional work surface and a 133-liter refrigerator. For model year 2027, Carthago introduces the new "Imperia" interior style with ash Casino surfaces, matte white overhead cabinets, and a floating countertop, along with a digital on-board management system featuring a 7-inch touch panel and smartphone app.

Manufacturers offer compact motorhomes from 5.99 to 6.60 meters long, which are easier to park and maneuver in urban areas. In Spain, the number of motorhomes and campervans has tripled in 10 years. Models include the Bürstner B66 594 (from €79,380), Carado V132 (from €53,790), Pilote P600P (from €69,500), and Knaus Van TI 550 MF (from €70,690).

Westfalia has launched a limited-edition Sven Hedin 50 Years Edition to mark the model's 50th anniversary. Based on the MAN TGE, the special edition features exclusive paint colors (light ivory, pure grey, grey white), retro stripes, and brown upholstery. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 163 hp, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Equipment includes a 100-liter fresh water tank, two 100-Ah lithium batteries, and a 120-W solar panel. Pricing starts at €99,990 in Europe; US availability is not planned.

At the Wacken Open Air festival in 2026, ‘glamping’ — comfortable camping — is gaining popularity. Many long-time festival attendees have reached retirement age and can afford more comfortable accommodation.