German camper van manufacturer Westfalen-Mobil GmbH is cutting 130 out of 320 permanent positions in Rheda-Wiedenbrück. The decision follows a 30% order reduction from a major customer and a difficult market situation after the "post-Covid" boom.

Following the end of its partnership with Mercedes-Benz, Westfalia offers the Jules Verne camper based on the Vito van. The model features a full wet bathroom with toilet and shower, absent in the Marco Polo, and employs a split-room layout. Its base price is €74,180, undercutting the Marco Polo.

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.

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled an upgraded version of its Marco Polo camper van ahead of the imminent launch of a new electric model. Developed with partner Westfalia, the van features a roof raised by 10 cm, improved insulation for the pop-top section, and refined interior details like cabinets and sink. A simplified version without built-in furniture, but retaining the pop-top roof and side awning, is also available.

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.

Mercedes-Benz is moving production of the Marco Polo camper van from contractor Westfalia to its own plant in Ludwigsfelde. The updated model features a new electrically operated pop-up roof, an enhanced control system via display and app, and a Horizon version without a kitchen to lower the entry price. The company confirmed plans for a fully electric version by the end of the decade.

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a facelifted version of the Marco Polo camper van based on the V-Class. Key updates include a 10 cm higher pop-up roof, a new ambient lighting system, and a more efficient refrigerator. Production has been fully moved to Mercedes' Ludwigsfelde plant following the end of the partnership with Westfalia.

Ford Pro and Westfalia have released a limited '40 Years of Nugget' edition of the camper van. The model revives the original 1986 black and white design, is powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine (170 hp), and starts at around €89,650 in Germany. It debuted at the CMT 2026 tourism and camping show in Stuttgart.

A long-term test report has been published for a Volkswagen T3 Syncro camper van with a Westfalia pop-top roof. The owner used the vehicle for over five years, highlighting its reliability, all-wheel drive capability, and comprehensive camping equipment. The model received an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5.

Westfalia Americas has unveiled the Wave for 2, a camper van designed specifically for couples. The model debuted at the Florida RV Supershow, is built on an extended Ram Promaster 3500 chassis with a 276 hp V6 engine. The interior features only two seats, allowing for a larger galley with a full-size sink. It starts at around $140,000.

At the Florida RV Supershow, Westfalia introduced the Wave For 2 camper van, designed for two occupants. Based on the extended Ram Promaster 159 EXT chassis, it can sleep up to three people and starts at $153,000, positioning it as the brand's most affordable model since its 2024 North American relaunch.

Interest in classic motorhome and caravan models remains strong in 2025. Notable examples include the GMC Vandura, famous from the 'A-Team' TV series, the first all-wheel-drive Volkswagen T3 Syncro, and models from Adria, LMC, and the Mercedes Sprinter with a Westfalia conversion. Many of these vehicles now have historic vehicle status (H-plate) and are considered collector's items.

Mercedes-Benz is bringing all production of the Marco Polo camper van in-house for the 2026 model year, ending its long-standing partnership with Westfalia. Key updates feature a new lightweight pop-up roof with more headroom and a skylight, alongside an enhanced MBAC smart control system. The updated models will debut at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf in August 2026.

European manufacturers have unveiled new models for the 2026 motorhome and camper van market. Key trends include narrower, more maneuverable motorhomes like the Pilote Atlas A630G/A690GJ, and camper vans with enhanced off-grid capabilities, such as the Westfalia Kipling. In the Overland segment, the Alphavan Off Grid 4×4, based on a Mercedes Sprinter with all-wheel drive, starts at 260,000 euros.

The article presents an overview of the small camper segment for 2026, highlighting their growing popularity due to lower costs and urban practicality compared to larger models. It lists key models including the Volkswagen California (5.17m long, with 4MOTION option), Mercedes Marco Polo, Ford Transit Custom Nugget (with 170 HP diesel engine), and Volkswagen Caddy California (available with a camper package for ~€4,800). These vehicles, typically around five meters in length, are noted for their dual usability as daily drivers and weekend travel accommodations.

Mercedes-Benz has moved the production of the Marco Polo camper van from Westfalia to its own plant in Ludwigsfelde. The manufacturer states this will improve quality, flexibility, and reduce delivery times. The updated 2026 model, debuted at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, features a new lightweight aluminum pop-up roof, an upgraded multimedia system with app control, and several practical enhancements.

Production of the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo camper van has been relocated from the Westfalia plant in Gotha to a facility in Ludwigsfelde, Germany. The model received a new electrically operated pop-up roof with increased height, updated lighting and an awning, as well as a modernized infotainment system controllable via a smartphone.