Burstner unveils new Signature SMT 7.5 motorhome at Dusseldorf show

German startup Stuff Bubble, founded in spring 2025, has developed inflatable furniture for camper vans that can turn a standard van into a camper in three minutes. Volkswagen has chosen the furniture for its California Beach at the Caravan show in Düsseldorf, running until September 6. The kitchen with inflatable supports costs between €1,250 and €1,800, the bed €800, and the awning €349. The company also plans to release an inflatable pop-up roof.

At the Caravan Salon 2026, Action Mobil presented its flagship Global XRS 7400 Leopard 2.0, built on a MAN 33.510 6x6 chassis with 510 hp. The show model is priced at around €2.2 million, with the base version starting at €1.4 million. The motorhome features a 920 Ah lithium-ion battery, a 2,100 W solar array, 500 liters of fresh water, and a 10 kW diesel heating system. Each unit is handcrafted in Saalfelden, Austria.

German company First Camper, based near Hildesheim, has introduced a range of mini caravans with a gross weight of up to 750 kg, towable with a standard B-class driving license. The lineup includes six models, from the tiny Nano Camper to the 4.61-meter Medi Camper. All models can be rented before purchase and are also available as empty shells for self-conversion. Prices start at 4,899 euros for an empty trailer and reach approximately 15,000 euros for a fully equipped Medi Camper.

Berlin-based FIDIBUS, founded by psychologist Aurelia Dobroschke, specializes in custom camper van conversions. The Juna and Lykke models feature natural materials like oak and birch, as well as ceramics and steel. A notable innovation is an invisible sound system that vibrates the wooden ceiling panels. A full conversion with a new vehicle starts at 100,000 euros.

Waltraud, an 80-year-old from Ludwigshafen, after 40 years of work receives a pension of about 1,050 euros, half of which goes to rent. She bought a 25-square-meter tiny house on wheels for 10,000 euros and is moving to a campsite. Transport cost 1,300 euros, covered by her daughter and son-in-law. Because her pension exceeds the threshold by 10 euros, she cannot claim social benefits.

Daniel Biermann, a 38-year-old roofer from Halle, has patented a living box for camping and plans to start his own business. The idea came to him during a family vacation. He received many positive responses and support from friends. Biermann approaches the venture with caution, mindful of his family responsibilities.