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2026 Minivan Camper Market Overview Industry © AutoScout24
IT Italy 25.02.2026

2026 Minivan Camper Market Overview

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.

Source: AutoScout24 ITA
Mercedes-Benz unveils Marco Polo Horizon camper van to rival Volkswagen California Industry © Auto Test
DE Germany 07.02.2026

Mercedes-Benz unveils Marco Polo Horizon camper van to rival Volkswagen California

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Marco Polo Horizon camper van as a direct competitor to the Volkswagen California. Key upgrades include a lighter, better-insulated pop-up roof with extra headroom, a redesigned LED lighting system, and magnetic window blinds. The vehicle is fully produced within the Mercedes ecosystem, with final conversion taking place in Germany.

Source: Auto Test SPA
Volkswagen camper vans win awards at Reisemobile des Jahres 2026 Industry © Автоцентр
DE Germany 19.01.2026

Volkswagen camper vans win awards at Reisemobile des Jahres 2026

The Volkswagen California and Grand California models won awards in the German 'Camper of the Year 2026' competition. The California placed first in the compact camper van category with 25.1% of the vote, while the Grand California came second in the camper van with bathroom category, securing 12.7%. The awards were presented at the CMT exhibition in Stuttgart from January 17 to 25.

Source: Автоцентр RUS
VW California Prototype Hides Updates Ahead of Facelift Industry © Carscoops
DE Germany 03.02.2026

VW California Prototype Hides Updates Ahead of Facelift

Volkswagen is preparing an updated version of the California camper van. The prototype, spotted during winter testing in Europe, will feature revised lighting, a new MIB4 infotainment system with ChatGPT, and will comply with Euro 7 standards from November 2026. Powertrains, including a 1.5-liter hybrid with 241 hp, will carry over.

Source: Carscoops HRV
German campers choose favorite models for 2026 Industry © Campingtrend
DE Germany 05.02.2026

German campers choose favorite models for 2026

German publication Promobil has released results of its annual reader survey on favorite recreational vehicles. The Volkswagen California Ocean leads among compact camper vans, while the Niesmann+Bischoff Flair wins the luxury liner category for the eleventh consecutive year. The survey covered 11 categories including motorhomes, caravans, and camper vans across different price segments.

Source: Campingtrend NLD
German camper van Pössl Vanster is half the price of a Volkswagen California Reviews © Autobahn
DE Germany 17.01.2026

German camper van Pössl Vanster is half the price of a Volkswagen California

The German company Pössl has introduced the compact camper van Vanster, based on the Citroën SpaceTourer. The vehicle, which is less than 5 meters long, features a pop-up roof and a modular CampBox system that converts the interior into a double bed and kitchen. The model's base price in 2026 is €44,990, approximately half the cost of a Volkswagen California.

Source: Autobahn NLD
Bilstein Expands Shock Absorber Line for Volkswagen California and Mercedes Sprinter Industry © dvizhok.su
DE Germany 08.01.2026

Bilstein Expands Shock Absorber Line for Volkswagen California and Mercedes Sprinter

Bilstein has introduced new B6 Camper and B6 Camper Advanced shock absorbers for Volkswagen California and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. The models are designed for California T6 and T6.1 vans produced from 2015 and 2019 respectively, as well as for the Mercedes Sprinter B910 from 2021. The company states the new components improve handling, reduce wind-induced sway, and offer extended service life under full load. The Advanced version features a fully mechanical automatic damping adjustment system called DampMatic.

Source: dvizhok.su RUS
This camper's road tax won't double next year (but is that a good thing?) - TopGear Law & Regulations © TopGear
NL Netherlands 06.12.2025

This camper's road tax won't double next year (but is that a good thing?) - TopGear

Dutch road tax rules for campers are changing, with the quarter-rate becoming a half-rate in 2026, but not all vehicles qualify. The new Volkswagen California, based on the Multivan, is not considered a camper by the tax authority due to failing a specific spatial requirement, making it ineligible for the reduced rate. Consequently, it is sold in the Netherlands only as a plug-in hybrid, which currently has a tax discount, though this benefit is also set to expire.

Source: TopGear NLD
Plug in, Adventure On: A Look at Several PHEV Campers Industry © Autovisie
NL Netherlands 23.11.2025

Plug in, Adventure On: A Look at Several PHEV Campers

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) campers offer a compromise for sustainable travel, allowing electric-only driving on campsites and partial trips without constant charging. Key models include the Volkswagen California with up to 95 km electric range, the Ford Transit Custom Nugget with around 45-50 km, and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which can be converted and offers about 85 km of electric range. These vehicles combine internal combustion engines with electric motors, providing a total driving range between approximately 647 km and 844 km according to WLTP standards.

Source: Autovisie NLD
Renault unveils updated Trafic Escapade camper van at Van Life Expo Industry © Campingtrend
FR France 18.11.2025

Renault unveils updated Trafic Escapade camper van at Van Life Expo

Renault has unveiled an updated version of its compact camper van, the Trafic Escapade, at the Van Life Expo in Bordeaux. The model, originally introduced in 2017, features a modular layout with seven seats, two sleeping berths, and a compact kitchen unit with a gas hob and a 5-litre water tank. While Renault positions it as a competitor to the Volkswagen California and Mercedes Marco Polo, its compliance with Dutch tax regulations for camper vans is reportedly uncertain.

Source: Campingtrend NLD

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