Test of VW California eHybrid 4Motion: hybrid camper with all-wheel drive

Japanese company LAC Mobile has started sales of the new LIBERTY52REi motorhome based on the Toyota Camroad. The model features a rear entrance and a forward-facing galley, enabling a U-shaped dinette. A prototype was first shown at the Japan Camping Car Show 2026 in January 2026, generating strong demand for production. The motorhome sleeps five, comes with a standard 420W solar panel, and starts at 15.958 million yen.

JP STAR (Moon Star Export) presented the HAPPY1+City Turbo concept at TOKYO OUTDOOR SHOW 2026 in Makuhari. Based on the Daihatsu Atrai with a turbo engine, the camper features an electric pop-up roof that keeps overall height around 2 m, allowing access to multi-storey car parks. Standard equipment includes an EcoFlow power system, solar panel, and Dometic air conditioner. Pricing and launch date have not been announced.

Japanese publication Financial Field analyzed whether buying a motorhome for 6 million yen (approx. $40,000) is cost-effective. At a business hotel rate of 15,000 yen per night, that amount covers 400 nights. Annual maintenance costs of about 300,000 yen add another 20 nights per year. Over five years, total expenses reach 7.5 million yen, equivalent to 500 hotel nights. The article concludes that a motorhome is not a money-saver but offers benefits such as pet-friendly travel, flexible overnight locations, and emergency use.

Elm Stay Takaoka, a hotel made of 20 trailer homes, will open on July 3 on the grounds of Iruka Kotsu bus company in Takaoka. Rooms of 16 sq m cost from 5,500 yen per night.

Kyokuto Kaihatsu Kogyo has released a detachable body vehicle, the 'front-hook roll-off full trailer', enabling container exchange from the front. Compared to the conventional model, the working space during loading and unloading is reduced by approximately 60%, improving operability in confined sites. The price excluding tax is 8.76 million yen for the tractor (excluding chassis) and 13.1 million yen for the trailer. The company aims to sell 15 sets annually.

A Japanese company unveiled a camper based on the Daihatsu Atray with a mountain cabin-style interior. The model features a convertible layout and sleeping space. Prices start at 2 million yen (approx. $13,300).