ARI Motors unveils electric camper van ARI 458 Pro from €25,530

Tabbert has unveiled the new Vivaldi 550 E 2,3 caravan at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. The main feature is a hidden kitchen: under the worktop, a movable platform holds a hybrid hob with two gas burners and one induction zone. After cooking, the hob retracts, leaving a flat surface. The caravan also includes a swivelling washbasin in the bathroom that frees up space for a shower, and an option to replace the cassette toilet with a composting toilet. The model is 7.91 m long and 2.3 m wide, designed for two people, with a U-shaped lounge at the rear and two single beds at the front. Kerb weight is 1,516 kg, maximum weight 1,800 kg. Price starts at €38,990.

A couple from near Ingolstadt won festival tickets for Parookaville with a 'Deluxe Bell' camping package worth €2,000 for three days. The package includes a tent for two with camp beds, bedding, chairs, electricity, and access to a wellness area with whirlpools and saunas. The couple praised the clean toilets and showers and the stress-free setup, but said they need to save for a return visit as €2,000 is almost the cost of a family holiday.

Fritz Berger, a camping equipment retailer, will lease space in the former Hellweg DIY store in Werl. The store, with about 1,000 square meters of sales area, is planned to open for the 2027 season. It will fill a gap between Berger's existing stores in Witten and Paderborn, each 45–60 minutes away. The store will employ 6–8 staff and stock camping furniture, awnings, household and outdoor items, technology, gas supplies, and vehicle accessories.

Caravan sales are declining while motorhomes gain popularity. Key reasons: difficulty obtaining BE license (€1000–1500), psychological barrier to towing, lack of storage space, and price increases of up to 30% for caravans without major improvements. Motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes can be driven with a B license and can park on public roads indefinitely.

Germany has 35 low-emission zones (Umweltzonen) requiring a green vignette costing €10–€20. On motorways, motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes have no speed limit; heavier ones are limited to 100 km/h. Overnight parking on public land is allowed without deploying external equipment. The country offers 2,751 motorhome stops and 2,242 campsites according to Park4night.

Auto & Motor Experte GmbH will start operations on March 2 in Schortens. Owner Torsten Engler invites to an open house on February 28. The workshop employs two masters, two aspiring masters, a journeyman and a body builder. It features a 6-ton lift for motorhomes, a safety system calibration system and EV repair capability. Dekra inspection is available daily.