Volkswagen T7 California Camper Van: Small-Scale Production with Factory Warranty

Volkswagen has launched an official retrofit kit for the ID. Buzz, turning it into a camper for short trips. The €2,600 package includes a folding bed with mattress (200×120 cm), blinds, a ventilation grille, and two chairs with a table. The electric van also features a 'Sleep' mode for climate control up to 48 hours and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability delivering 2000 W for external devices.

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.

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.

Hymer has released details of the Grand Canyon S 700 4x4 RSX motorhome. The vehicle is based on the Mercedes Sprinter 4x4. It features all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance.

Pavillounge has introduced a modular dome structure designed as affordable housing for the outskirts of metropolitan areas. The solution comes in two sizes: 60 and 120 square meters, with a price target below 990 euros per square meter. The structure requires no permanent foundation, is intended for year-round use, and can be assembled quickly. The project targets municipalities, companies, and private landowners seeking to create housing without large-scale construction.