CARAVAN SALON 2026: Caravanning grows in importance for economy and tourism

Volkswagen presented the ID. California Cruise, its first electric camper based on the ID.Buzz Pro, at the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf. The model is available with short and long wheelbases, features a sleeping area measuring 2.03 m by 1.20 m, climate control that can run for up to 48 hours, and V2L capability with up to 3.6 kW output. European pricing starts at 60,761 euros, with first deliveries expected in early 2027.

Volkswagen introduced the ID. California Cruise, the first electric camper in the California family, based on the ID. Buzz Pro. It is available in short and long wheelbase versions, featuring a fold-out bed, vehicle-to-load capability up to 2,000 watts, and a battery maintenance system that can operate up to 48 hours. Sales begin in early 2027, with prices starting at €60,761 in Germany. The model will not be sold in the US.

In Rheinhessen, Germany, wineries are offering motorhome parking spots. Weingut Gehring in Nierstein has a site with views of Frankfurt, from which the RheinTerrassenWeg trail is accessible. Meyerhof in Flonheim provides a choice between a bread roll service and a breakfast buffet, and hosts wine weekends with tastings and dinner. Burghof Oswald in Guntersblum has set up three spots in its garden, near the historic center.

Volkswagen has shown a fully electric version of the California camper, built on the ID.Buzz electric van. The new model, called ID.California Cruise, features a 120 cm wide bed for two with a newly developed mattress, ventilation grilles in the front side windows, blackout curtains for windows and panoramic roof, plus two camping chairs and a table. Unlike larger motorhomes, it lacks a kitchen and toilet, but includes a control unit for lighting and comfort functions, and V2L capability to power external devices. Sales begin later this autumn, with deliveries early next year; prices are not yet announced.

The CHIP editorial team will attend the world's largest trade fair for recreational vehicles in Düsseldorf. A live ticker will be available on the website from Monday for two days. The fair, running from August 28 to September 6, will feature over 830 exhibitors across nearly 250,000 square meters. New themed areas include rooftop tents and off-road campers. Day tickets start at €18.

The Caravan Salon 2026 opened in Düsseldorf on August 28 and runs until September 6, featuring around 800 exhibitors across 250,000 square meters. Highlights include the fully electric Volkswagen ID. California Cruise based on the ID. Buzz, updated Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo and Marco Polo Horizon, and the first electric Ford Transit Custom Nugget by Wavecamper. The European camper market is growing: registrations rose 10% in the first four months of 2026 to 64,406 units, with over 6.5 million campers and caravans in circulation.