Berlin and Rhein-Erft see surge in motorhomes as car ownership declines

KGM (formerly SsangYong) has launched the updated Musso pickup and its long-wheelbase version Musso Grand in Germany. The vehicle features a 2.2-liter diesel engine producing 202 hp and 441 Nm, a ladder frame, and selectable four-wheel drive with differential lock. Prices start at €40,990 for the standard version and €42,490 for the Musso Grand, positioning it alongside the Isuzu D-Max but below many trims of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

Bürstner has launched the Signature series, a new model line that aims to redefine the design of seven-meter motorhomes. The SFT 7.5 model is based on a Fiat Ducato chassis with an AL-KO low-frame platform and features a 2.2-liter 140 hp turbodiesel engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Interior solutions borrow from more expensive models by Niesmann+Bischoff, part of the same Erwin Hymer Group.

Autobild compared the production all-wheel-drive camper Hymer Grand Canyon S Crossover with the exclusive SAM the Van Iglhaut from a small manufacturer. Both are based on the Mercedes Sprinter but use different AWD systems: Hymer uses the factory system, while SAM features an Iglhaut transfer case with locking differentials. The price difference between the test vehicles exceeded €200,000, with SAM showing significantly better off-road capability and Hymer offering more refined on-road behavior.

The Volkswagen T7 California camper van is built using a small-scale, almost workshop-like production method. The assembly process is not highly automated but involves meticulous manual steps. Despite the handcrafted approach, the vehicle retains a full factory warranty, setting it apart from many aftermarket conversions.

German motorhome manufacturer LMC Caravan in Sassenberg has announced the dismissal of 106 employees. 88 workers will leave the company by July 31, 2026, and another 18 by January 31, 2027. Affected employees have the option to join a transfer company for retraining and job search support. The layoffs are attributed to a sustained decline in demand for caravans and motorhomes, particularly traditional travel trailers, which a temporary pandemic-era camping boom failed to reverse.

Organizers of the Bulli-Festival on the island of Fehmann have decided to relocate the event from the south beach to a field in the northern part of the island. Many participants stated they would not attend the new location due to the lack of beach access.