I nterview with CHRISTIAN BAUER

parts of our workforce. However, we are proud that we have been able to manage any problems occurring very well so far.

Aboutcamp BtoB: Have you implemented precise plans for the lack of chassis? Have you opted for a greater differentiation of the mechanical bases?

Christian Bauer : No, we are very well positioned with our current business partners (first and foremost Mercedes-Benz) and will continue to maintain a very transparent and trusting exchange.

Aboutcamp BtoB: The increase in production costs has pushed up the final price of the products: are they too high for your customers?

Christian Bauer : As in most industries and areas of life, there have been price increases in the last years, some of which we had to pass on to customers. This has not affected the

Hymer at a glance

demand for our products, however.

Aboutcamp BtoB: Do you think that, from now on, motorized RVs will have to be a luxury product, for a more limited clientele?

Christian Bauer : RVs are not fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and therefore purchasing decisions will always be well-considered. We see ourselves as a manufacturer of emotional goods for passionate enthusiasts who do not subordinate everything to price. Then again, purchasing a RV has also proven to be a stable value investment in recent years.

Aboutcamp BtoB: Is it to emphasize that Hymer will increasingly address customers with high spending power that very high-level motorhomes and camp -

Hymer started its business in 1957 and became known for its caravans, but in 1961 it already produced its first motorized RV. Then, in 1971, the first model of the successful Hymermobil motorhome series was launched, which became part of the history of caravanning in Europe. In 1978 the PUAL construction technique was introduced, which has now become PUAL 2.0, consisting of sandwich panels with double aluminum sheets and polyurethane foam between them.

The company (Hymer GmbH & Co. KG) is based in Bad ervans have been created, such as the Venture S and four-wheel drive campervans?

Christian Bauer : Hymer’s claim derives from seeing ourselves as an innovative premium brand. That’s what our customers appreciate and know us for. As we follow the wishes and expectations of our customers, not just a highlight product like the Ven ture S, vehicles from all categories are steadily becoming more comprehensive and comfortable.

Waldsee (Baden Württemberg, Germany).

Hymer is one of the many brands of the Erwin Hymer Group with a widespread network of over 300 sales and service points. The Hymer GmbH & Co KG products range from motorhomes to campervans, alongside the Eriba branded caravans.

Aboutcamp BtoB: Has there been significant growth in the campervan market segment for Hymer as well? How much do these products represent of your total sales today? Have you implemented specific programs for this type of vehicle?

Christian Bauer : Hymer’s campervan segment has been growing continuously for many years. Today, we can point to a broad portfolio with many special models that also serve the increasing demand for all-wheel drive.

Aboutcamp BtoB: Many say that the campervan brings new customers to the RV world: is this the same for Hymer?

Christian Bauer : Yes, of course. Campervans usually appeal to a younger, more active target group who want to pursue their hobbies independently and are not primarily enthusiastic campers. Nevertheless, campervans naturally also offer the most cost efficient entry into the camping and caravanning world.

Aboutcamp BtoB: Hymer still maintains various ranges of caravans: how important is this type of product to you? Are production and commercial efforts proportionate to market sales?

Christian Bauer : With our Eriba brand, which is becoming increasingly independent, we are clearly committed to the caravanning segment. A look at the many vehicles with cult status, such as the Eriba Touring, shows the importance the brand has had in the industry’s history as well as today.

Aboutcamp BtoB: What is the sales ratio between the domestic market and exports for Hymer? Which markets are you most involved in? What changes have there been in the last period?

Christian Bauer : As a traditional German manufacturer, the German-speaking market is naturally very important to us. But we are well represented in all European core markets, such as England, France and the Netherlands, and are also steadily expanding our presence in East Europe, especially in Poland and the Czech Republic.

Aboutcamp BtoB: What evolution has Hymer encountered in the Eastern European markets and what changes will there be due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

Christian Bauer : Ukraine and Russia have never been primary markets for our business. But, of course, the consequences of the conflict have also affected us in terms of current supply chain challenges.