German motorhome supplier CMS Reisemobile files for bankruptcy

Schafhäutle Reisemobile, founded in 1989 and based in Kirchheim am Neckar, filed for insolvency in late April 2026. The main insolvency proceedings were opened on June 26. Insolvency administrator Sebastian Mielke stated that preparations for closure are underway, although an investor search continues. The crisis is attributed to declining demand after the pandemic boom and the withdrawal of financing by two banks. The company employed 19 people at the time of filing.

Production of the VW California motorhome at the Lindener Hafen plant will cease on July 10. The facility, opened in 2004, is moving to the main Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge site in Stöcken. Not all of the more than 160 employees will relocate. The Volkswagen Group Services site at Lagerstraße 2 may also be closing.

The German Camping Club is hosting an international caravan rally in Karpfham, Bavaria, since July 12. Some 600 caravans and motorhomes have arrived from China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and other nations. The last such event in Germany took place in 2000 in Lechbruck.

Germany's Federal Fiscal Court (BFH) ruled that profits from selling a second home can be tax-free if the property was used exclusively for personal purposes in the year of sale and the two preceding years. The status as primary residence is irrelevant; actual owner-occupancy without rental is decisive. The court also changed its stance on interest-free installments: if the contract clearly states each payment goes entirely toward the purchase price, no taxable capital gains arise.

German brand Woshup, specializing in care products for motorhomes and caravans, has introduced a line of 15 cleaners featuring XTRA-SKIN technology. Originally developed for rail transport, the technology reduces water usage by up to 40% and leaves a protective film that makes dirt easier to remove. The products are available through distributors Frankana, Movera, and Fritz Berger, as well as at 400 retailers in six countries.

Fiat has reintroduced the 160 hp diesel engine for the Ducato, aimed at camper vans. It is available with a manual (380 Nm) or automatic (400 Nm) gearbox and meets Euro 6e standards. The price difference with the 180 hp version (automatic only, 450 Nm) can reach several thousand euros. The 160 hp engine is considered more economical and reliable, while the 180 hp is better for heavy loads.