The Caravan Salon 2026 opened in Düsseldorf on August 28 and runs until September 6, featuring around 800 exhibitors across 250,000 square meters. Highlights include the fully electric Volkswagen ID. California Cruise based on the ID. Buzz, updated Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo and Marco Polo Horizon, and the first electric Ford Transit Custom Nugget by Wavecamper. The European camper market is growing: registrations rose 10% in the first four months of 2026 to 64,406 units, with over 6.5 million campers and caravans in circulation.
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Ford will present an anniversary edition of the Nugget camper at the Düsseldorf show. The special model costs 89,646.65 euros, and a restored 1986 example will also be shown.
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At the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf, manufacturers are showcasing mature models, focusing on weight reduction, electrification, and self-sufficient energy systems. Pure electric campers remain a niche, while hybrids and range extenders become the main choice for long-distance travel. Key highlights: Ford Transit Custom Nugget PHEV with an electric range of about 60 km, the updated VW ID Buzz LWB, and models like Hymer ML-T 580 Crossover 4×4 and VW California T7 Ocean Plug-in-Hybrid 4motion. Manufacturers such as Knaus Tabbert are implementing lightweight technologies to comply with weight limits, and the 48-volt architecture is becoming standard in mid-range and premium classes.
Messe Düsseldorf hosts the international trade fairs CARAVAN SALON and boot. CARAVAN SALON will take place from August 29 to September 6, 2026, and boot from January 23 to 31, 2027. CARAVAN SALON will feature 93 exhibitors with camper vans, including VW Bulli, Ford Nugget, and Mercedes Marco Polo. boot expects around 1,500 companies from nearly 70 countries.
Auto Plus magazine investigated which used campers can realistically surpass 300,000 km. Leading candidates include the Volkswagen California based on the Transporter with TDI engine, the Mercedes Marco Polo based on the Vito, and the Ford Transit Custom Nugget with EcoBlue engine. The more affordable Renault Trafic SpaceNomad is also considered a reliable option. Fiat Ducato and Iveco Daily, used as bases for many motorhomes, can reach this mileage but require attention to injectors, turbo, DPF, and corrosion. Experts advise choosing a vehicle with a full service history and checking the conversion, including roof seals and gas equipment. Annual maintenance budget for a high-mileage vehicle is 1,500–2,500 euros.
Some camper van models, such as the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo, Volkswagen California, Renault Trafic SpaceNomad, Iveco Daily, and Ford Transit Custom Nugget, can exceed 300,000 km with regular maintenance. Key factors for longevity include robust diesel engines and quality construction. Demand for campers in France has grown significantly since the end of pandemic restrictions.
The annual gathering of Ford Nugget camper van owners took place in Kirchzarten (Dreisamtal region). 63 vehicles of this model were present. Campground owner Jens Ziegler said the site is already 70% booked from mid-July to mid-August.
Approximately 280 Ford Nugget motorhomes and 650 people attended the largest gathering of this model in Germany at Lake Gedern. The four-day event featured Switzerland as the guest region. Organizers emphasized that the focus is on exchanging practical tips and ideas for vehicle customization rather than entertainment. This year, Ford provided financial support for the first time, coinciding with the model's 40th anniversary.
In 2026, the Ford Nugget celebrates its 40th anniversary. Based on the Ford Transit and converted by German specialist Westfalia in 1986, the model receives a limited retro edition. The anniversary version features black-and-white stripes, a yacht-style wooden floor, and exclusive badges. The Nugget evolved through several generations: in 2000 the kitchen moved to the center, in 2013 driving dynamics improved, in 2021 Active and Trail variants appeared, and in 2023 all-wheel drive and hybrid powertrain were introduced.
What Car? has published a ranking of the best campervans for 2026, based on hundreds of hours of testing. The top models include the VW Grand California, Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo, VW California, VW Caddy California, and Ford Transit Custom Nugget. In 2025, approximately 215,000 new leisure vehicles were registered across Europe, with the UK accounting for about 12% of that figure.
Ford Nugget, a compact camper van, celebrates its 40th anniversary. The model has evolved from Transit to a modern plug-in hybrid.
Ford is presenting the limited anniversary edition '40 Years of Nugget' at the CMT exhibition in Stuttgart, marking 40 years of the camper van model developed in collaboration with Westfalia. The model has evolved since 1986, adding a hybrid powertrain, an expanded range of variants, while retaining its characteristic interior zoning. The new generation launched in 2023 introduced a plug-in hybrid, a digital control panel, and improved equipment. In 2024, the range expanded with Active and Trail versions, as well as an all-wheel-drive option.
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The Ford Nugget celebrates its 40th anniversary. Launched in 1986 with Westfalia on a Transit base, it evolved from a simple camper to a hybrid while keeping its core concept.
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Roadsurfer unveils Camper Cabin based on Ford Nugget; Volkswagen refreshes Grand California with Dune trim. German prices start at €88,964.
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Alcovia Vans unveiled the Escape 540, a 5.41 m camper on Fiat Ducato with six berths, L-shaped kitchen, and Murphy bed, but no built-in toilet.
The Suisse Caravan Salon in Bern featured two Swiss premieres: the Volkswagen Grand California and the Ford Nugget, both with fixed high roofs. The event also displayed the luxury Morelo Grand Empire motorhome with a compact car garage and Bliss Mobil expedition vehicles on Unimog and Mercedes-Benz Arocs chassis. Despite a sales decline, interest in caravanning remains strong.
The 2026 market features new compact camper vans based on production cars, drivable with a standard car license. Key models include Dacia with the Pack Sleep kit, Volkswagen Caddy California, Ford Transit Custom Nugget, and Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo. Prices and equipment range from basic solutions to versions with integrated kitchens and pop-up roofs.
The market for compact camper vans based on minivans continues to grow in 2026. Key models include the Volkswagen California, Mercedes Marco Polo, Ford Transit Custom Nugget, and Volkswagen Caddy California. These vehicles, built by manufacturers or specialists like Westfalia, offer a balance between daily use and travel, being officially certified as campers.
Ford has introduced the Transit Custom Nugget Plus camper van, developed in collaboration with Westfalia. The model features a pop-up roof that increases interior space by 2.5 cubic meters and is equipped with 2.0-liter diesel engines producing 130 or 180 hp. Sales in Europe will commence in early 2021.
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German company Nugget Schmiede has introduced a fixed high roof for the compact camper van Ford Nugget. The solution, developed in collaboration with Pureflexx, fits the Ford Transit Custom and VW Transporter. The premiere is scheduled for the f.r.e.e. leisure fair in Munich in February 2026.
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