European Innovation Award 2023: trendsetting innovations in the caravanning industry

The top trends in 2023 for camping buses, vans, motorhomes and caravans are now published - including great design concepts, smart apps and a stylish box that brings not only a kitchen but also a whole bed on board. Once a year, the media brands Reisemobil International, Camping, Cars & Caravans and CamperVans bring together the concentrated expertise of European caravanning editorial teams and honor the latest innovations in the industry.

For the thirteenth time, developers of vehicle and camping accessories submitted their innovative products for the coming season. The expert jury of the European Innovation Awards, chief editors of 17 trade magazines from 15 European countries, chose between more than 145 new products and had plenty to do, especially in the crowded category “Technology & Connectivity”.

After a two-year break, all European Innovation Awards were now presented again at a festive awards ceremony at the CMT, the world’s largest public trade fair for leisure and tourism, in Stuttgart.

The editors-in-chief of Reisemobil international, Camping, Cars & Car-

Category Company Product

Interior design

Niesmann+Bischoff GmbH The new Flair

Exterior design Hymer GmbH & Co. KG Hymer Venture S

Technology Knaus Tabbert AG Knaus Azur

Layout LMC Caravan GmbH & Co. KG LMC Style 400 F

Safety Niesmann+Bischoff GmbH The new Flair

Vehicle equipment KABE AB Smart Level Control

Innovative vehicle related equipment QUQUQ GmbH & Co. KG BusBox-4 for the ID.Buzz

Sustainability & Environment Bosswerk GmbH & Co. KG Bosswerk Powerstation

Audience focus Adria Mobil Adria Altea

Marketing and PR campaign

Hobby-Wohnwagenwerk GmbH Maxia Van

Innovative startup mobile emotion GmbH camigo - real-time parking space reservation

Overall concept Camper Bürstner GmbH & Co. KG Lyseo Gallery TD

Overall concept Caravan Hymer GmbH & Co. KG New Eriba Touring generation

Overall concept Van Knaus Tabbert AG Knaus Tourer CUV

Overall concept 4x4 Camper Van - Sunlight GmbH Sunlight Cliff 4x4

Overall concept equipment SAWIKO - AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group TRIGO-VAN - bicycle carrier for panel vans

Bloggers favourite QUQUQ GmbH & Co. KG BusBox-4 for the ID.Buzz avans and CamperVans magazines congratulated the award winners. Jan Phillip Lehmker, moderator, magician, inspired the audience with his magic show in keeping with the theme of innovations.

“Our awards help fuel the innovative spirit of the caravanning industry,” said Simon Ribnitzky, editor in-chief of Reisemobil International. “Whether in terms of safety, sustainability or comfort, the large number of high-caliber submissions confirm the reputation of the international jury of experts. In the end, our readers will also benefit from the competition for the best ideas when they soon use these products in their everyday camping life.”

The European Innovation Award honors the most innovative products from 17 categories in the caravanning industry. It is represented by DoldeMedien Verlag, a growing media company at the creative media location Römerkastell in Stuttgart. With its magazines “Reisemobil International”, “Camping, Cars & Caravans” and “CamperVans”, DoldeMedien Verlag has been a specialist in all topics relating to mobile vacations for more than 30 years.

Carthago celebrates 10th anniversary of opening of ‘Carthago City’

Cathago, the premium, independent motorhome brand from Germany, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of moving from its old company location in Schmalegg to its new headquarters in Carthago City located in Aulendorf in southern Germany.

The opening of its new location was celebrated in 2013 with numerous visitors and a grand opening ceremony. Carthago City extends over around 100,000 m² and combines its mod- ern headquarters with a large sales showroom, rental station ‘Test & Rest’, service centre with attached spare parts warehouse and production facility. Even 10 years after its opening, the location is hard to beat throughout Europe. Carthago encourages visitors to Carthago City. It has a parking area for guests in their motorhomes and offers test drives and factory tours (by appointment).

LCI Industries reports fourth quarter and full year financial results

“In fiscal 2022, we achieved record net sales while expanding margins, a testament to our experienced leadership team, enhanced operations, and flexible cost structure. Though we faced headwinds, primarily in the fourth quarter as OEMs implemented production shutdowns, the diversification of our businesses and actions to flex staffing helped mitigate the impact on earnings. We expect these efforts will limit margin pressure as we move through 2023, but we did incur severance-related and inventory reserve costs in the fourth quarter. Despite persistent macro-economic headwinds, we remain confident for the future as millions of campers continue to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle,” commented Jason Lippert, LCI Industries’ President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Our team’s deep industry knowledge and experience navigating fluctuating production schedules will guide us in 2023, during which we anticipate production levels will normalize. Although we expect strong organic growth within RV, we believe this down cycle will be different than the last as our marine, adjacent and aftermarket markets continue to support our diversification strategy,” Lippert con- tinued. “I would like to thank all our Lippert team members for the hard work and dedication they showed throughout the year, driving our business forward. I am excited for the growth opportunities ahead, as we leverage our culture and innovations to deliver value for our customers and shareholders.”

Consolidated net sales for the full year 2022 were $5.2 billion, an increase of 16% from full year 2021 net sales of $4.5 billion. Net income for the full year 2022 was $395.0 million, or $15.48 per diluted share, compared to net income of $287.7 million, or $11.32 per diluted share, for the full year 2021. EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $682.2 million, compared to EBITDA of $510.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter of 2022 were $894.3 million, a decrease of 26 percent from 2021 fourth quarter net sales of $1.2 billion. Net loss in the fourth quarter of 2022 was $17.1 million, or $(0.68) per diluted share, compared to net income of $82.3 million, or $3.22 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2021.

EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2022 was $10.2 million, compared to EBITDA of $146.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.