Stellantis accused of manipulating diesel motorhomes in the Netherlands

A Dutch consumer organization has filed a lawsuit against Stellantis, alleging that thousands of motorhomes with Fiat Ducato diesel engines, produced between 2009 and 2019, may have been equipped with illegal software to manipulate emission data. The plaintiffs claim this means the vehicles may not comply with Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards. Stellantis strongly denies all allegations, stating its technology complied with all applicable regulations at the time.

The number of motorhomes in the Netherlands increased by 170% from 2010 to 2023, reaching 208,374 units by September 2025. Growth is driven both by youth (a 105% increase among those under 25 from 2020 to 2023) and older adults valuing practicality. As of January 1, 2026, the motor vehicle tax for motorhomes has been raised from 25% to 50% of the standard passenger car rate, but sales of used models continue to grow.

VANcreators, a company that converted Volkswagen vans into campers, has gone bankrupt. According to 52 affected customers, the company sold campers that were never delivered despite substantial down payments, or delivered them late and with defects. The total debt amounts to approximately 2.5 million euros. As of April 1, operations are being continued by a new company, BTC Builders, which did not assume the obligations of its predecessor.

German company Rhön Camp has introduced the The Seeker motorhome based on the Mercedes Sprinter. The vehicle is equipped with a 5G router, an EcoFlow Power Kit with a 2 kWh battery and a 4000 W inverter, and a Trelino dry toilet. The base price in Germany is 134,990 euros.

Two used Mercedes-Benz 508D campers exempt from road tax due to their age are available in the Netherlands. The 1974 model is listed for €14,500, while the 1985 version costs €19,500. Both vehicles are in good technical condition but are not suitable for high mountain passes.

A motorhome completely burned out at a gas station in Amersfoort. The fire started in the engine compartment at 12:55, the vehicle was engulfed in flames five minutes later, and the fire was extinguished by 13:10. There were no injuries, the cause is under investigation.