auto mobil: Budget vs. luxury on four wheels

The 65th CARAVAN SALON 2026 took place in Düsseldorf from August 28 to September 6, drawing over 259,000 visitors. A record 834 exhibitors from 41 countries participated. Among the premieres were the Dethleffs C.Core concept with expandable solar panels producing up to 600W and a water recycling system, the all-electric Volkswagen ID. California Cruise based on the ID. Buzz, and the premium Westfalia Columbus Liner with a three-level layout. The next edition, CARAVAN SALON 2027, is scheduled for August 27 to September 5, 2027, in Düsseldorf.

Police in Bavaria are patrolling a nature reserve in the Alps near Oberstdorf to identify illegal camper parking. The operation is conducted by the Allgäu Alpine Task Force. The aim is to combat litter and violations of protected area rules.

At the Caravan Salon trade fair, Kathrein presented new devices for internet and television reception in motorhomes. The lineup includes the 5G router CAR 5G LTE/WLAN (CAR 160) with an integrated eSIM supporting up to seven profiles, priced at 999 euros; the 4G router CAR 4G LTE/WLAN (CAR 150) at 379 euros; the automatic satellite antenna CAP 500M plus with streaming capability without internet; and three Premium-Line televisions in 19, 22 and 24 inches with built-in soundbars. According to a company representative, 4G will remain relevant for at least ten years, and the 5G router is backward compatible.

Promobil compared kitchen areas in seven caravan models designed for couples. The article notes that caravan kitchens generally offer more space than those in motorhomes: almost always a three-burner cooker and a larger sink, with optional gas oven, microwave, and sometimes an extractor hood. The comparison considered worktop size, fridge volume, cutlery drawers, and storage for cookware and spices. The review covers models from budget entry-level to luxury flagship with front kitchen.

At the Caravan-Salon in Düsseldorf, five trends in camping are on display. In the lower price segment, new caravan models are more compact and lighter, while motorhomes forgo some equipment, including fixed bathrooms. In the premium segment, autonomy is growing with higher-capacity lithium batteries, large solar arrays and inverters, and all-wheel-drive expedition motorhomes are booming. For some holidaymakers, motorhomes are being replaced by modular solutions based on ordinary cars, including roof tents. Electric drive remains a niche: Volkswagen is presenting its first fully electric California variant, the ID.California Cruise. According to the European Commission, Europe recorded around 413 million overnight stays at campsites, accounting for 13.4% of all tourist overnight stays in the EU; over ten years, the figure rose by 28.5%.

A motorhome disappeared from a parking lot on Hauptstrasse in Oybin on Wednesday afternoon. Between 13:30 and 15:45, unknown perpetrators took a white Citroen Jumper along with bicycles mounted on the rear carrier and personal items from inside. Damage is estimated at around 65,000 euros. Police have launched a search, including across borders, as such a vehicle could be quickly moved or taken abroad.