Here is the 44th issue, dedicated to the most important trade fair for RV component suppliers and designers, architects, engineers and technicians working for motorhome and caravan manufacturers worldwide. And, of course, it is also the most important trade fair for us. The Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, now in its 63rd edition, has reached a gigantic size: 250,000 square meters, 16 halls, and more than 720 exhibitors. The program of events and initiatives is exceptionally rich, but we would like to highlight two B2B initiatives that we consider particularly useful for our European industry: “CIVD sample pitch - Establish B2B contacts and thus expand the pitch infrastructure” - a special exhibition in the outdoor space between Halls 10 and 17, developed by the Caravaning Industrie Verband (CIVD). Through practical examples, experts and manufacturers will demonstrate how motorhome parks are successfully planned and operated. We believe it is crucial to promote the development of facilities for
Contents
Interviews
• 34 Stefan Koschke CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf
Columns
• 40 Airxcel Revolution in camping kitchens
• 42 AL-KO VTE Full silence, full energy
• 44 AL-KO VT Innovation is a tough business
• 46 Dometic Digital nose
• 48 Eberspächer Heating and cooling innovations
• 50 Fiamma Invest to increase production
• 52 Lippert Innovations for aftermarket and OEMs
• 56 Thetford Sustainability credentials
• 58 Aguti Travelling and sleeping in comfort
Preview
• 26 Salon des Vehicules de Loisirs Paris RV show is coming
Market
campers and caravans. Owners of recreational vehicles should easily find spots in campsites, rest areas, and farms. Without such amenities, this form of tourism risks losing its appeal. Another good idea is the networking evening organized by Messe Düsseldorf, “Travel Industry meets Caravanning: Discover synergies, realize potential!” - where people from the tourism and caravanning industries come together. We are also thrilled to have partnered with Messe Düsseldorf for the production of video reports from Halls 13 and 14 with interviews with key players in the Technology and Components area. We have been producing these video reports for several years, and we are pleased that Caravan Salon Düsseldorf has found Aboutcamp BtoB to be a serious and reliable partner to consolidate its communication projects, which, as we have seen, are increasingly moving towards the business-to-business field. We leave you to read this very rich and informative issue. As usual, it previews many of the innovations and trends that the most important companies in the world of components and accessories for motorhomes and caravans will present at the Caravan Salon.
• 70 Euramax for Mobility Superior protection for the RV
• 72 Vigolungo The new american reality
• 74 FAP Innovation at Caravan Salon
• 76 Filippi 1971 A world of possibilities
Guide
• 28 Caravan Salon Düsseldorf Annual highlight of the RV community
• 100 South Korea - An RV market you wouldn’t expect
• 78 GOK Compact pressure regulation system
• 80 Indel B A beautiful climate
• 82 MB Trading Steady growth
• 84 Nuova Mapa Tables and beds on the road
• 86 Palomar Custom Sandwich
• 88 Ravago High-quality XPS thermal insulation
• 90 VB-Airsuspension Innovating the air suspension systems
• 92 Vitrifrigo Compressor refrigerators for RVs
• 94 Votronic True quality Made in Germany
Focus
• 96 Hydrogen - part two Conclusions and drivers
News from the world
• 106 Updates from leading markets
Caravan industry in Germany continues to see stable growth
Despite dampened consumer sentiment and a slowing economy, the German caravanning industry has reported a good half-year result overall: with 57,893 new registrations in the first six months, the German leisure vehicle market recorded an increase of 6.6 per cent compared to the same period last year.
New motor caravan registrations have been well above pre-corona levels, however, the caravan segment recorded a slight decline.
The motor caravan segment exceeded the previous year’s result with 45,344 new registrations (+9.3 per cent). New caravan registrations fell slightly by 2 per cent to 12,549 units, but remained stable overall.
A continued high level of interest in caravanning and the improved availability of vehicles give the industry a positive outlook for the start of the world’s leading trade fair CARAVAN
Editorial
Editor in chief: Antonio Mazzucchelli direttore@aboutcamp.eu
Senior editor: Renato Antonini
Art director: Federico Cavina
SALON in Düsseldorf (30 August to 8 September 2024).
The main driver of the positive trend is the motor caravan segment, which achieved an increase of 9.3 per cent with 45,344 new registrations and remains well above the pre-pandemic level. Thanks to improved vehicle availability, demand for larger motor caravan models in particular is on the rise again. The previous shortage of chassis for semi-integrated and fully integrated motor caravans, which impaired production for years, has improved significantly in the recent past.
The caravan segment recorded 12,549 new registrations (-2 per cent) in the first half of the year, just below the previous year’s result, but is settling at a stable level in the long term.
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Overall, the supply situation for customers has improved considerably over the last 12 to 16 months. Models of all types and sizes can once again be produced and delivered relatively reliably, and waiting times for customised vehicles have fallen significantly compared to previous years.
As a result, dealerships now have a very broad range of vehicles again after several years of very limited supply.
Aboutcamp BtoB helps professionals in the caravan/RV and leisure industry around the world keep up to date with all the latest business news and market trends in this sector. It’s the most well informed source of B2B information in the caravan industry, with a unique global perspective and an international team of correspondents delivering daily news online at www.AboutcampBtoB.eu, a bi-monthly e-newsletter, and a high quality print magazine delivered (free) in Europe, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, China, Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile. The Aboutcamp BtoB magazine is published four times a year with features including exclusive interviews with senior management from the industry, reviews of the major exhibitions around the world, and reports about the latest market trends, plus in-depth profiles of OEM suppliers who specifically manufacture components for this sector. With all the recent acquisitions, new technological developments and more and more consumers buying leisure vehicles around the world, Aboutcamp BtoB is essential reading for everyone working in any business related to the caravan industry. While so many flock to the internet, and have an inbox full of emails, Aboutcamp BtoB decided to print a paper magazine so that it gets more noticed, read, appreciated and discussed; so, we wish you happy reading!
On our website is possible to read online the print edition of all Aboutcamp BtoB issues at: www.aboutcampbtob.eu/read-the-magazines Web edition
Aboutcamp BtoB is also a website updated daily with news and information dedicated to RV builders and OEM producers. The website is supported by a professional newsletter sent monthly to the professionals in the RV sector. We also strengthened our presence on LinkedIn, where we manage the business page of the magazine but also the group “Caravanning Professional” which allows us to develop direct and informal relationships with decision-makers in the RV industry.
Registered with the Milan Court on 22 Dec. 2016 at No.310.
Subscription ROC 26927 Printed at Graphicscalve SpA - Vilminore
Fuori
di Scalve (BG) Italy
Elkhart RV Open House: September 23-25
The Elkhart RV Open House, taking place September 2325, 2024, is a must-attend event for anyone in the RV industry. This massive trade show, organized by industry giants Thor Industries and Forest River, both headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, with the participation of other major brands such as Winnebago, Rev Group, and around 30 other RV manufacturers, has become the world’s largest RV dealer show.
The event promises a glimpse into the future of RVing. Attendees can expect to see the latest innovations and technological advancements across all RV categories, from sleek motorhomes and cozy trailers to state-of-the-art camper vans and luxurious fifth-wheels. But the Elkhart RV Open House isn’t just about finished products. It’s a comprehensive event that caters to the
entire RV ecosystem. Suppliers have a platform to showcase their latest RV components, accessories, and aftermarket solutions. This allows manufacturers to source high-quality materials and technologies, further propelling the industry forward. Coinciding with the Elkhart RV Open House is the Hall of Fame RV Supplier Show, including the brand new 36,000-square-foot addition as well as Ingram Hall.
European Caravan Federation publishes its leisure vehicle market analysis for 2023 and Q1 2024
The European Caravan Federation (https://www.e-c-f.com/) has published an analysis of the leisure vehicle market in Europe in 2023 and for the first quarter of 2024 detailing which countries have experienced major changes and the trends in caravan and motorhome sales. Across Europe and the UK as a whole, there was a decrease of 4.2% in total registrations in 2023 compared to 2022. Specifically, caravan registrations declined by 10.9%, while motor caravan registrations saw a slight reduction of 1.0% in 2023.
Registrations January – December 2023
Countries with Major Changes:
Austria: Recorded a 20.7% decrease in total registrations, with a 20.1% drop in caravan registrations and a 20.8% decline in motor caravan registrations.
Belgium: Saw an overall decrease of 9.4%, with caravan registrations down by 21.4% and motor caravan registrations by 6.8%.
Germany: Despite being one of the largest markets, it experienced a slight de-
crease of 0.7% in total registrations. Caravans fell by 10.5%, but motor caravans increased by 3.0%.
France: Total registrations decreased by 1.7%, with a 1.6% increase in caravans and a 2.7% decrease in motor caravans.
Italy: Showed stability with an almost unchanged total registration figure (from 6,487 to 6,484).
United Kingdom: Recorded a 1.1% decrease in total registrations. Caravan registrations declined by 5.0%, while motor caravan registrations increased by 3.3%.
First Quarter of 2024
In the first three months of 2024, the European leisure vehicle market continued to show interesting dynamics, with an overall increase of 2.6% compared to the same period in 2023.
Countries with Significant Performance: France: Registered a 3.6% increase in total registrations, with an 8.8% growth in motor caravans.
Germany: Continues to see growth, with a 4.5% increase in total registrations, driven by a 7.2% rise in motor caravans.
Italy: Showed a significant growth of 12.4%, with a 17.3% increase in motor caravans.
United Kingdom: Registered a 5.8% increase in total registrations. Caravan registrations decreased by 7.3%, while motor caravans showed a significant increase of 20.2%.
Countries with Significant Declines: Austria: Saw a 20.6% decrease in total registrations, with a 14.1% drop in caravans and a 22.0% decline in motor caravans.
Norway: Recorded a 22.9% drop in total registrations, with a 26.6% decrease in caravans and a 19.8% decline in motor caravans.
Switzerland: Showed a 12.4% reduction in total registrations.
From these numbers, Germany, France, and the UK emerge as robust markets with positive growth trends, while countries like Austria and Norway face significant declines. The first quarter of 2024 indicates a slight optimism with overall growth, suggesting a potential recovery in the sector.
Knaus Tabbert supports its partners in optimizing their inventories
Knaus Tabbert has reported that demand for leisure vehicles across its five Group brands (Knaus, Weinsberg, T@B, Tabbert and Morelo) has been solid so far in the 2024 financial year, and in line with expectations. It has seen significantly higher motorhome registration figures than in the previous year, up 9.3% in Germany as of the end of June 2024, confirm the positive development in the sustainable way. The Group brands Knaus, Weinsberg and Morelo recorded an increase in registrations of 12.7%. Order intake is also showing the expected positive momentum again following the presentation of the 2025 model year in mid-June. The order backlog is currently well over half a billion euros. Despite the generally positive market environment for Knaus Tabbert, the significant increase in financing costs of up to 8% – after more than a decade of low interest rates – poses new challenges for the more than 500 dealers. “The second half of 2023 and the course
of 2024 to date have been challenging for dealers due to inflation and the resulting rise in interest rates and the repayments due on inventories.
Although the current inventory levels of our trading partners can be described as comparatively normal, in the current interest rate environment it is necessary to actively support dealers in adjusting their inventories to a lower level,” explains Gerd Adamietzki, CSO of Knaus Tabbert AG. Factory holidays extended at the Jandelsbrunn (DE) and Nagyoroszi (HU) sites In addition to actively supporting the marketing of stock levels with the ‘Champions Deals’ sales initiative for the Knaus, Weinsberg and Tabbert brands, Knaus Tab bert will also extend the regularly scheduled factory holidays in August from three weeks by a total of 8 working days or two weeks.
“Demand from end customers remains at a high level, especially in Germany. Good customer frequency at our dealers, coupled with a temporary reduction in production output, should lead to a reduction in stock levels and thus the enormous interest burden for dealers over the next few months. By sending a clear signal to our trading partners to support them in optimising their inventories, we also accept that we will have to update our own expectations for revenue and the adjusted EBITDA margin in the 2024 financial year despite the prospering end customer business,” says Wolfgang Speck, CEO of Knaus Tabbert AG, explaining the decision taken. Revenue for the 2024 financial year is therefore expected to be in the range of EUR 1.3 billion to EUR 1.4 billion. The forecast for the adjusted EBITDA margin has been updated and is now expected to be in a range of 7.0% to 8.0%.
Eberspaecher Group increased net revenue in 2023 by 10.3% to €3.0 billion
The Eberspaecher Group generated net revenue of EUR 3.0 billion in the 2023 fiscal year, an increase of 10.3% compared to the previous year.
“Operationally, we achieved the turnaround by consistently managing measures last year. In addition, the double-digit percentage growth in net revenue once again proved that we have the right product portfolio,” said Managing Partner Martin Peters, when summarizing the fiscal year.
Most relevant to the RV industry is Eberspaecher’s Climate Control Systems Division which achieved revenue of €714.4 million (prior year: €721.1 million) in 2023, slightly below the prior year’s level. This was due to reduced customer call-offs for electrical high-voltage heaters because electric vehicles are coming onto the market more slowly than expected. It is also due to the weaker retrofit and spare parts business for thermal management solutions in the North American truck market and the German
passenger car aftermarket. Revenue in the area of air conditioning systems for buses increased. Product innovations for climate-friendly heating and cooling for conventional and electric drives in this area were also brought to market maturity. Eberspaecher’s first rooftop air conditioning system with heat pump function, Breezonic, controlled by an app and a touchscreen control for recreational vehicles, was also presented to the public. As part of its approach to shaping a sustainable future, Eberspaecher has a new goal as an integral part of the corporate strategy: the company will become CO2-neutral by 2040, therefore going beyond the previous plan to achieve CO2-neutral production by 2030. Over the past four years, it has been able to reduce its global production-related CO2
Manufacture of furniture and accessories: we are proud to guarantee to our customers flexibility and a high degree of customizability. Fratelli Naldini is one of the Italian companies with the most extensive experience in the RV sector, thanks to 60 years of successful activity.
emissions by 56%. In addition to the targeted reduction in energy consumption, the purchase of green electricity and the in-house use of photovoltaics at many locations have contributed significantly to this. The Group also assumes responsibility along the supply chain by using green steel, for example. The forward-looking sustainability activities were once again confirmed by the non-profit organization CDP in its annual assessment with a “B score”.
Fratelli Naldini Srl
Premium-line
Brand new design switches and sockets
Westacc presents a brand new square design of switches and sockets for the caravanning industry. Besides the complete new design, we have also upgraded the technical parts. For example a soft sound click of the switch. And of course a new USB-C socket with fast charging (PD protocol) is included in the range.
The design department of Westacc has studied the hotel and home trends and translated this into new drawings for the square and slim frame design. Available in the following colours:
USB-C Switch 12V Sockets
Chrome Brushed steel Matt black
The new identity of Challenger: a journey into the future
Over the past two years, Challenger, historical brand of the Trigano Group, has embarked on a journey to transform its brand identity to meet the needs and inspirations of its customers for the next decade. The new logo and visual identity were introduced to celebrate Challenger’s 40th anniversary, a journey that began in 1985 and has seen the brand evolve through various phases up to 2025. Each phase represents an important step in Challenger’s history, which continues to innovate and inspire adventurers worldwide. Romain Girard, Marketing Manager at Trigano VDL, emphasized that the design and marketing teams have worked intensely to understand how time and precious moments have become increasingly important to RV owners.
“Two years ago we started to work on the brand identity 100% internally with design and marketing teams focusing on customers needs and inspirations for the next 10 years. We identified that time and valuable moments become more and more precious for our owners” Romain stated.
The new Challenger logo is a key element of this transformation. On one hand, the logo features a very graphic “C” that can be interpreted as an open window to new adventures with Challenger. On the other hand, the two “L” letters in Challenger resemble the pause symbol, inviting customers to take a break in their lives to enjoy a good time with a Challenger motorhome. Innovation, which has always been at the heart of Challenger’s DNA, continues to guide the brand towards new adventures and freedom. The idea of taking a break, also expressed through the new motto “Pausez-vous. Have a break. Have a Challenger,” represents an invitation to live unique and precious moments.
New Manufacturing World congress
Mercedes-Benz’s Chairperson of the Board of Management, Ola Källenius, opened the New Manufacturing World congress, on June 11 at Böblingen, with a speech about the transformation taking place throughout the automotive industry. The New Manufacturing World congress was attended by over 400 guests including automotive and plant manufacturers, suppliers and software companies. It featured 40 speakers who talked about innovative production techniques such as meacasting, flexible production and cyber security.
In his opening speech, Ola Källenius spoke about the strategic direction of Mercedes: “Digital, efficient, sustainable and flexible: the setup of our plants at Mercedes-Benz enables us to react quickly to the market and build the perfect Mercedes for every customer. For example, we are able to offer vehicles with a fully electric drivetrain and an electrified high-tech combustion engine in parallel until the 2030s. The star on our cars is our promise: A Mercedes is a Mercedes – regardless of its drivetrain.“
Dr. Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, an automotive expert, said: “The megatrend of megacasting will dominate the future of production. It allows the manufacture of large and complex aluminum vehicle parts in a single casting process.“ In contrast with conventional methods, which involved producing numerous smaller parts and then fitting them together, megacasting enables these components to be manufactured in a single step.
Towing with Electric? A blogger’s test with a Knaus Yaseo
Marie-Kristin Wricke, a blogger specializing in e-mobility, has reported on her journey from Lake Chiemsee in southern Germany through alpine scenery to Lake Garda in Italy, testing the new Knaus Yaseo 340 PX caravan towed by a Kia EV6 electric car. Knaus designed the Yaseo 340 PX to be all-electric and with a reduced frontal area to lessen the impact on an electric car’s range while towing and sponsored Marie-Kristin to see how this innovative combination would perform on the road. During the trip, a charging routine emerged: every 150 km, Marie-Kristin stopped to recharge the Kia EV6. Each charging stop lasted about 20 minutes, enough time for a short break and to enjoy the surrounding scenery. Despite the need for frequent stops,
the relatively short charging time allowed for a pleasant and stress-free travel rhythm.
Upon reaching Lake Garda, Marie-Kristin found great interest and curiosity from fellow campers about her electric car and caravan. The combination of the Knaus Yaseo with the electric car sparked numerous questions and demonstrated the growing interest towards sustainable travel solutions. After her trip, Marie-Kristin confirmed that caravanning with an electric car is not only possible but also extremely enjoyable. The Knaus Yaseo proved to be a reliable and efficient travel companion, showing that sustainable vacations are a tangible reality.
by
Trigano: 10.8% growth in third quarter 2023/24 driven by RVs
Trigano’s report for the third quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year shows a positive performance, with sales increasing by 10.8% reaching a total of €1,146.2 million. This growth was primarily driven by the recreational vehicles sector, especially motorhomes, which saw a sales increase of 20.3%.
Motorhomes: Deliveries to distribution networks remained strong during the third quarter, with volume growth around 10%. Favorable price/mix effects further boosted sales growth to 16% at constant scope and exchange rates.
Other Recreational Vehicles: sales of other leisure vehicles were affected by a decrease in demand, particularly for caravans (-30.9%), mobile homes (-25.5%) and, to a lesser extent, accessories for leisure vehicles (-3.7%).
Trailers: sales showed resilience with an 8.0% increase in volume, but remained stable (-0.6%) due to an unfavorable product mix.
Other Leisure Equipment: the overall economic situation in Europe weighed on performance, with sales dropping by 9.9%. Additionally, sales of garden and camping equipment were negatively impacted by unfavorable weather conditions in France.
Sales for the first nine months of the financial year showed an overall increase of 15.4%, reaching €3.1 billion.
Prospects for the end of the 2024 season remain positive, with motorhome deliveries expected to increase significantly while maintaining quality margins. The motorhome market in Europe continues to be buoyant, with growth close to 10% since the start of the season.
The normalization of chassis deliveries by car manufacturers has allowed for the satisfaction of demand and the replenishment of
manufacturers’ and distribution networks’ stocks, in some cases beyond what is necessary. The market’s positive trend is expected to help regulate this situation in the coming months.
Presentations of the new motorhome and caravan ranges to European dealer networks have begun and will continue until mid-July, with customers responding positively to product developments aimed at increasing competitiveness in a highly competitive market.
Hymer ML-T motorhome wins Red Dot Design Award
Hymer has been awarded the Red Dot Award 2024 in the “Product Design” category for its popular ML-T model range, which it recently made a number of updates to the design of. With over 20,000 submissions, the Red Dot Design Award is one of the largest design competitions in the world. It is divided into three disciplines: Product Design, Brands & Communication Design and Design Concept.
“Outstanding vehicle design is a key component of our brand philosophy. One of Hymer’s greatest ambitions is to continue creating a buzz in this area. Receiving a Red Dot Award in recognition of our efforts encourages us to continue pursuing our aim and shows us that the result of our hard work is being appreciated in the way that we had envisioned,” says Christian Bauer, President of Hymer GmbH & Co.
“With the new edition of the ML-T, we have translated a digitally connected travel experience into a design that perfectly reflects this level of modern and effortless comfort. In my opinion, curved edges, fleece and leather components, a tiled kitchen wall as well as matt black fittings and a harmonious lighting concept are among the many small details that make the motorhome so stylish,” says Dominik Hepe, Head of Product Management Motorhomes at Hymer GmbH & Co. KG.
Mikael Blomqvist, CEO of Kabe AB, joined the ECF Board
At its annual meeting held in March 2024, The European Caravan Federation (ECF) elected Mikael Blomqvist, CEO of Kabe AB, as a representative of the Swedish Caravan and Motorhome Industry Association (HRF), to its Board of Directors – the first person from the Nordic region to be part of ECF’s board. “I am happy and grateful for the trust that the European trade associations have placed in me,” says Mikael Blomqvist. “European cooperation is important for our industry to have fair conditions to operate.”
X250 wins German Innovation Award 2024
The new Challenger X250 motorhome, a brand owned by Trigano, has won a prestigious German Innovation Award 2024 in the transport category from the German Design Council. A unique feature of the interior of the Challenger X250 is a Smart Dressing Room (SDR). It uses the space in the
garage for either storage when travelling or cleverly adds an extra room when living in the motorhome. There is a wardrobe which lowers electronically from the roof of the garage to become a room that you can step in to from the motorhome. The X250 also has a bold and distinctive exterior with extensive black
Knaus Tabbert announces the new Cleanflex toilet system
The annual Knaus Tabbert press conference included the world premiere of two new campervan model ranges, the Knaus Cascan and the Weinsberg X-Pedition, plus a new Cleanflex toilet system that does away with the traditional cassette. Cleanflex is a waterless toilet system that saves on water, space and weight. Knaus says it makes disposal much more convenient, while also offering greater self-sufficiency. It will be offered in all models where this is technically possible from 2025 onwards (but, for technical reasons, not on models with bench toilets). The Cleanflex system leaves a hygienic, fresh toilet after each and every use. Every time the toilet is used, the system autonomously welds a film bag into position with a heated wire that is powered by a battery. This can handle organic waste, nappies or sanitary products. Any contents are then
stored in a drawer for disposal with typical household waste without any smell whatsoever. Knaus says it can remain there for several day without issues. An indicator always provides information about the supply of film left available. Replacement cartridges do not take up much space. Depending on requirements, the user can choose from three different types of film. Alongside hi-tech films that are produced in several layers, there is also a version which can be composted to make Cleanflex one of the most environmentally friendly solutions in its field. There are several other benefits: as no flushing is required, the supply of fresh water on board can be used less and as there is no need for a fixed cassette, the Cleanflex toilet can be easily be moved into a niche when not in use.
Il Salone del Camper 2024
Scheduled from September 14 to 22, 2024, at the Fiere di Parma, Il Salone del Camper this year reaches its 15th edition, reaffirming itself as a leading event in the sector, first in Italy and second in Europe, thanks to the participation of the most important Italian and international brands. The core of the event is the area dedicated to Campers and Caravans, enriched by three complementary sections: Camping Accessories, dedicated to everything needed to make camping a comfortable and enjoyable experience; Routes and Destinations, focused on tourism offerings to discover itineraries, destinations, and new experiential visions through a carefully selected range of guides and
decals and body trim to make it stand out in the market. The body is the same width as the cab, making it as easy to drive as a panel van conversion.
SFC Energy: new chair on supervisory board
At its recent AGM, SFC Energy AG, a provider of hydrogen and methanol fuel cells for stationary and mobile hybrid power solutions, appointed Mrs Sinha Haldea as Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board. In addition, Dr Andreas Blaschke was elected to the Supervisory Board and Gerhard Schempp was re-elected. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Hubertus Krossa, stepped down at the end of the Annual General Meeting after 10 years on the Supervisory Board. Mrs Sunaina Sinha Haldea (Global Head of Private Capital Advisory at Raymond James Financial, Inc., London) is the first woman to be in this top position at SFC Energy. The Management Board outlined the latest developments in the current financial year, including the best first quarter in the company’s history. “Our start to the year once again shows record figures in terms of sales and profitability. This sustainable earnings performance is a clear differentiation for SFC Energy in our sector,” says Dr Peter Podesser.
publications; and lastly, the Shopping Area, a true mini-fair featuring all the essentials for outdoor travel.
An unmissable event for outdoor vacation enthusiasts and camper lifestyle lovers, Il Salone del Camper is the most important trade fair event in Italy and the second in Europe, with over 100,000 visitors, more than 110,000 square meters of exhibition space, over 300 exhibitors, and 600 recreational vehicles on display and accessible. It also features 13 different areas for events and experiential activities, more than 500 accredited journalists and bloggers, and over 50,000 vehicles parked at the fair.
Thor Industries: net sales of $2.8 billion in third quarter fiscal 2024 results
Consolidated net sales for Thor Industries in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 ended 30 April were $2.80 billion, compared to $2.93 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Consolidated gross profit margin in the same period was 15.1%, an increase of 30 basis points when compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Net income attributable to THOR Industries, Inc. and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 were $114.5 million and $2.13, respectively, compared to $120.7 million and $2.24, respectively, for the third quarter of fiscal 2023.
“We are proud of our teams’ performance as they have executed our variable cost model and driven operating efficiencies and enabled THOR to perform relatively well in a difficult market. Indicators of the long-term prospects for our industry remain very positive; accordingly, we remain very confident in the long-term outlook for our industry and for THOR,” offered Bob Martin, President and CEO of THOR Industries.
North American Towable RV net sales were down 4.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the prior-year period, driven by a 15.1% increase in unit shipments offset by a 19.8% decrease in the overall net price per unit. North American Towable RV gross profit margin was 12.9% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, compared to 12.8% in the prior-year period. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily driven by a decrease in the material cost percentage due to the combined favorable impacts of lower discounting, cost-saving initiatives and product mix changes.
North American Motorized RV net sales decreased 18.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the prior-year period. The decrease was primarily due to a 20.0% reduction in unit shipments, as current dealer and consumer demand has softened in comparison to the prior-year period, offset by a 1.3% increase in net sales due to changes in product
mix and net price per unit.
European RV net sales increased 7.4% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to the prior-year period, driven by a 1.5% decrease in unit shipments and an 8.9% increase in the overall net price per unit due to the total combined impact of changes in product mix and price. The overall net price per unit increase of 8.9% includes no impact from foreign currency exchange rate changes as rates were consistent for the two periods.
“As anticipated, our third quarter of fiscal year 2024 experienced a similar inflection as compared to our third quarter of fiscal year 2023 as seasonality provided a boost to our top and bottom lines. On a year-over-year basis, our fiscal third quarter saw a consolidated net sales decline of 4.4% while net income before taxes decreased just 20 basis points as a percentage of sales,” said Todd Woelfer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
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The 5th Istanbul Caravan and Equipment Fair will be in December 2024
As the largest caravan fair in Turkey, the Karavanist Fair continues to grow, reflecting the increasing popularity and demand for caravanning and outdoor lifestyle products. The 5th edition is anticipated to draw even more visitors and exhibitors, further solidifying Istanbul’s role as a key hub for the caravanning and outdoor industries. Aboutcamp BtoB reported about the 4th Istanbul Caravan and Equipment, Tiny House, Outdoor, and Camping Equipment Fair, also known as the Karavanist Fair 2024, in the issue 42. It took place from January 6-14, 2024, at the Istanbul Tüyap Fair and Congress Center. This event was organized by Tüyap Exhibitions Group in cooperation with the Caravan Manufacturers and Suppliers Association (KAİTED) and supported by the National Camping Caravanning Federation (UKKF). The fair brought together enthusiasts and professionals from the caravanning, camping, and outdoor activities sectors. The Karavanist Fair 2024 offered a unique experience to its visitors, showcasing the latest in caravanning, camping, and outdoor equipment across its expansive 40,000 square meters of exhibition space. The fair featured eight halls filled with exhibitors presenting a wide range of products, from state-of-the-art caravans and tiny houses to cutting-edge camping gear and outdoor equipment.
The event was a significant platform for industry professionals to network, share innovations, and discover new products. It also catered to nature enthusiasts, providing them with the latest trends and technologies to enhance their outdoor experiences. The fair underscored Turkey’s growing interest and investment in the caravanning and outdoor sectors, reflecting a broader global trend towards sustainable and adventurous travel.
Looking Ahead: the 5th Istanbul Caravan and Equipment Fair
Building on the success of the 4th edition, the Istanbul 5th Caravan and Equipment, Tiny House, Outdoor, and Camping Materials Fair is already scheduled. The upcoming fair will take place from December 14-22, 2024, at the same venue, the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul. This edition promises to be even larger, with a net area encompassing halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11, totaling 70,000 square meters.
Go RVing 2023 Annual Report
Against its mission statement to grow and expand the RV market by attracting new customers to RVing, highlights of the Go RVing 2023 Annual Report include achieving 1.5 billion total impressions, 5.5 million visitors to the Go RVing website and $150 million in earned media during the year. It also hosted 13 experiential events with nearly 100,000 tours of RVs. Its revenue for the year was $17,596,164 against expenses of $26,942,950. In 2023, Go RVing continued to showcase what it means to “Go on a Real Vacation” through a comprehensive campaign that reached consumers through web, social, video, audio, events, and more. The “Go on a Real Vacation” campaign introduced millions of Americans to the freedom of RV travel and consistently driving forward the positive benefits of RVing. Nearly three decades since the program first began, Go RVing continues to be a marketing and consumer awareness thought-leader, introducing millions of Americans to the freedom and control of RV travel and building a desire for the adventures that await. A cornerstone of Go RVing over the last three years has been to actively build a repository of data about preferences and habits of new owners, prospective owners, and emerging segments of the population who might become RVers in the future. The more that is known about those who are likely to become RV buyers, the more targeted and impactful marketing messages can be. Partnering with Ipsos, the global leader in market research, Go RVing developed a comprehensive look at the buying process customers go through for their first-time and repeat RV purchases. Recognizing the key differences between Towable and Motorhome buyers, segmented reports for those specific buying groups were developed. One of the biggest takeaways from the study was the positive impact of time spent outdoors, especially during childhood. It’s why Go RVing continues to focus on families with children in the home.
New Senior Vice President R&D at AL-KO VT
Dr Klaus Wilhelm will (again) lead the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group’s global research and development as well as product manage ment activities from July 1, 2024. For Klaus Wilhelm, the new role is also a return to his former employer and thus to many familiar topics and, not least, colleagues: with a doctorate in mechanical engineering, he was a key driver of various successful new product developments in the vehicle technology segment as Senior Vice President Development here between 2006 and 2016. His lasting successes include the introduction of the HY4 hydraulic levelling support system and the MAMMUT maneuvering system. With a doctorate in mechanical engineering, he was developing and deploying business strategies for different product areas in
mobile hydraulics at Bosch Rexroth AG. In recent years he has taken over global responsibility for revenue and result with focus on sales and R&D for external gear pumps. His predecessor at AL-KO Vehicle Technology, Dr Georg Rixecker, has left the company to pursue new professional goals.
Harald Hiller, President & CEO AL-KO Vehicle Technology, commented: “My colleagues and I are delighted to have Dr Wilhelm back at our company. I know him to be an enthusiastic and motivating innovator. I particularly appreciate his courageous assertiveness and his high level of expertise.” He continues: “Our good ideas and their rapid implementation are decisive competitive factors for us. Together with his team, Klaus Wilhelm will focus even more on this.”
Marius Berlemann: new MD at Messe Düsseldorf
Messe Düsseldorf’s operative managing director, Erhard Wienkamp, retires on 31st July after 30 years working at the exhibition and event venue. His successor is Marius Berlemann, 38, who starts on 1st August. The new operative managing director has worked at Messe Düsseldorf for 13 years, most recently served as General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai and Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf China. In his 30 years at Messe Düsseldorf, Erhard Wienkamp has made a significant contribution to the company’s current level of internationality. He has worked in various functions since 1993 and succeeded Hans Werner Reinhard as operative managing director in January 2020.
Dr. Stephan Keller, Lord Mayor of the state capital Düsseldorf and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe Düsseldorf, is grateful for Erhard Wienkamp: “The trade shows that Erhard Wienkamp is responsible for are heavyweights in their industry, bringing people from all over the world to Düsseldorf year after year and not only enriching the international flair of our city but also promoting the regional economy.”
Wolfram N. Diener, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, emphasized Erhard Wienkamp’ s immense contribution to the company’s success: “Erhard Wienkamp didn’t wait for the world to come to Düsseldorf, he went out into the world and carried the reputation of Messe Düsseldorf and the entire city to other countries and continents. His work has shaped the company like no one else’s.”
Erhard Wienkamp looks back on his time at Messe Düsseldorf with pride and gratitude: “It’s been an honor to be part of such a dynamic and dedicated team, one that has always strived to set the highest standards in the trade show industry.
I’m confident that my successor, with his extensive experience and commitment, will continue to propel Messe Düsseldorf forward. I wish him and the entire team nothing but success for the future.”
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Aboutcamp BtoB partner of “interzum forum italy” 1st edition
The first edition of interzum forum italy took place in Bergamo, marked by a strong international presence. It was a successful debut for the new biennial event dedicated to professionals in the furniture and interior design subcontracting sector. interzum forum italy 2024 attracted 4,820 visitors from 52 countries (with 20% of attendees coming from abroad) and featured 216 exhibitors from 24 countries (with an international participation rate of 36%), filling the two halls of the Bergamo exhibition center. The location, centrally situated in the heart of the Bergamo and Brianza districts, North of Italy, proved to be a strategic choice due to its excellent connectivity, making it accessible from all over Europe.
Thomas Rosolia, Koelnmesse Italia’s CEO and the event’s organizer stated: “The premiere of the interzum forum italy has exceeded all expectations. We
were thrilled by the high number of visitors and also the quality was high and accorded perfectly with the event’s target goals. On the strength of event feedback, we are already working on the 2026 edition.” There were three stages - Trend Talk, Trend Stage and Product Stage – featuring 30 events and 60 speakers. We directly participated in the trend talk titled “Lifestyle Trendsetting: New Spaces for Living, Working, and Traveling” on June 6. It was a point of pride for the publications of our publishing house that Renato Antonini, editor-in-chief of Aboutcamp BtoB, took part. Antonini highlighted the profound changes taking place in the recreational vehicle sector, focusing on the interior design of campers and caravans. Innovations include new shapes and surfaces, integration with artificial lighting, and the use of new materials. Antonini also discussed new user segments and
alternative uses of leisure vehicles. With the advent of new technologies and the possibility of remote work, more and more people are using campers and caravans as mobile offices. Additionally, these vehicles have become popular among athletes, providing a base during competitions and the ability to transport equipment. Today, camper manufacturers show a greater willingness to experiment with new approaches, such as using expandable living spaces, extendable walls, and pop-up roofs. Camper vans and mini-vans are also gaining market share, requiring specific furniture and components for more compact vehicles. Transformable furniture, once considered a thing of the past, is making a comeback. Materials used for vertical and horizontal surfaces are evolving, following the latest trends in the furniture sector, and lighting is taking on an aesthetic as well as a functional role.
P review SALON DES VEHICULES DE LOISIRS
Paris RV show is coming
The Salon des Vehicules de Loisirs (RV show) in France will be held from 21 to 29 September at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center Words editorial staff
This famous show has been held at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Le Bourget since 1966, but this year, due to the Olympic events taking place around Paris, it will be held at the Parc des Expositions Paris-Nord Villepinte. Due to its longevity and strong attendance, this show remains the largest showcase of its kind in France. For nine days, motorhomes, vans, mobile homes, caravans, trailers, equipment, and accessories will be exhibited, along with representatives from the specialised press, associations related to the sector, and credit and insurance organizations. Unlimited car parking, a dedicated area for visitors’ motorhomes, a test centre, and a used vehicle sales area will complement the exhibition halls.
We spoke to Frédéric Ragot, Communication Manager at Uni VDL, to better understand what awaits us at this year’s Paris event.
Aboutcamp BtoB − After an excellent 2023 show, what are the expectations for the 2024 edition of the Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs, and what new features can visitors expect?
Frédéric Ragot − After a very successful 2023 show, we have high expectations for the 2024 edition of the Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs, which will take
place from 21 to 29 September. Our main objective is to continue to offer an enriching and diversified experience to all our visitors, whether they are leisure vehicle enthusiasts or newcomers discovering this world, through the largest showcase in France. For this year’s show, we are delighted to confirm the presence of all the major manufacturers who will be presenting their latest models and innovations. Visitors will have the opportunity to preview the trends and technologies that will shape the leisure vehicle market of tomorrow. We also have a test centre, allowing visitors to try out a wide range of motorhomes on-site. This hands-on experience will help everyone make informed choices tailored to their needs. In addition, we will be organising a series of conferences led by experts. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics, from new technologies to practical advice on how to get the most out of your leisure vehicle, as well as must-see travel destinations. The Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs 2024 promises to be an exceptional event, rich in discoveries and opportunities for exchange. We look forward to welcoming our visitors and sharing the latest developments in the LDV market with them.
Aboutcamp BtoB − What were the main
logistical challenges involved in organising the show on the new site, and how were they overcome?
Frédéric Ragot − Organising a show at the Paris Villepinte Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs presents unique logistical challenges, not least because this is only our second time at this venue. This temporary change of venue, prior to our planned return to Le Bourget next year, requires rapid and efficient adaptation to ensure the success of the event. One of the main challenges was to ensure the smooth flow of visitors and exhibitors in a different space. Thanks to rigorous planning and close collaboration with the exhibition centre teams, we have set up signposted routes, strategically located information points and reinforced signage to guide participants. Another crucial aspect is the management of infrastructure specific to leisure vehicles, which require adapted exhibition spaces. We worked closely with the site to optimise the layout of the halls, taking into account the dimensions and technical requirements of the different types of vehicles on display. Last but not least, accessibility and visitor comfort have been a key concern. Shuttle buses have been provided from the car parks, and detailed information on access and parking has been widely distributed. We have also increased catering capacity to ensure a pleasant experience for all participants.
Aboutcamp BtoB − The Paris Air Show has been temporarily moved from Le Bourget to Villepinte. When will it return to its historic location and what can we expect from the new Le Bourget site?
Frédéric Ragot − The Paris International Motor Show will return to its historic location at Le Bourget next year. For the last two years, we have had the pleasure of exhibiting at Villepinte, as the Le Bourget site has been mobilised for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Parc des Expositions du Bourget has undergone a major renovation, including significant improvements to Hall 3. These renovations will bring substantial benefits to our show in the future, offering modernised and optimised infrastructures for our exhibitors and visitors. We’re looking forward to returning to this renovated setting, which promises an even more modern and rewarding experience.
Aboutcamp BtoB − As well as motorhomes, caravans and accessories, what other sectors are represented at your show?
Frédéric Ragot − Our show welcomes a host of other sectors representing the entire outdoor leisure ecosystem. Our event brings together not only manufacturers and distributors but also a wide range of key players such as trade federations, accessory suppliers, vehicle rental companies, specialist fitters and mobile home manufacturers. This wide range of exhibitors allows visitors to discover all the facets of the sector, get sound advice, and benefit from a variety of offers to meet their needs and desires for freedom and mobility.
Aboutcamp BtoB − In terms of tourist destinations, do you have a sufficient number of campsites? Do you have any contacts or agreements with the FNHPA (Fédération Nationale de l’Hôtellerie de Plein Air)?
Frédéric Ragot − France has a very satisfactory number of campsites (7,460 sites for 857,451 pitches). France stands out as Europe’s number one destination for campsites, with a diverse offer ranging from top-ofthe-range campsites to more traditional, natural sites. We are in regular contact with the Fédération Nationale de l’Hôtellerie de Plein Air. These kinds of partnerships help to enhance the attractiveness and quality of our outdoor accommodation facilities. The UNI VDL union, of which we are a member, also works closely with the FNHPA to promote and develop the camping sector in France.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Do you have any side events planned for the show, or is it just a vehicle and equipment exhibition?
Frédéric Ragot − The Paris Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs is more than just an exhibition of vehicles and equipment. We aim to create an unmissable annual event for leisure vehicle enthusiasts and professionals alike. In addition to the many exhibition stands, we will be offering a range of activities and entertainment. Conferences and workshops will be organised to provide visitors with information on the latest innovations and market trends. What’s more, the test centre will give visitors the chance to try out different models of converted motorhomes and vans in real-life driving conditions. We are also organising evening events, where leisure vehicle enthusiasts can meet and talk to experts and other enthusiasts. We aim to make the show a convivial and rewarding event for all participants.
P review CARAVAN SALON DÜSSELDORF
Annual highlight of the caravanning community
The whole world of mobile leisure in 16 halls and on the outdoor space
Caravanning stands for self-determined and independent travelling and fulfils people’s longing for freedom and individuality like no other form of holiday. From 30 August (Preview Day) to 8 September 2024 the entire caravanning community will meet for its annual highlight at CARAVAN SALON. In 16 halls and on the outdoor space all facets of the world of mobile leisure will be presented. Over 700 exhibitors will be presenting motorhomes, caravans, campervans as well as accessories and the matching tourism offers, thereby ensuring an unparalleled brand and product diversity on 250,000 square metres. “We’re very proud we’ve beaten last year’s record figures yet again and can announce
a new record for rented space. Our halls and the outdoor premises are fully booked which for our visitors above all means even more product diversity and choice. This underlines CARAVAN SALON’s top position among leisure trade fairs worldwide meaning it should be a firm fixture in all caravanning enthusiasts’ diaries,” says Director Stefan Koschke.
Complete market overview and currently trending themes
CARAVAN SALON DÜSSELDORF is the world’s biggest platform for industry experts who can exchange ideas and make contacts here. At the same time, it stages mobile holidays for everyone by showcasing products and informing and entertaining
its visitors. As usual, mobile leisure fans can expect CARAVAN SALON to deliver the latest state-of-theart technology and developments in caravanning, a complete market overview and information on the current trend themes. “The possibilities in Düsseldorf are virtually unlimited. Whether newcomers or passionate camping fans – they will all find the matching vehicles or complementary accessories with us. The choice is unrivalled and unique with an offering that’s unmatched the world over,” adds Stefan Koschke.
New hall layout
To give visitors an even better overview of the ranges on offer, hall layout has changed slightly this year. Hall 7
Hall 13: plan with exhibitors
A. Linnepe GmbH
A. Müller GmbH
Accusysteme TransWatt GmbH
ACQUATRAVEL SRL
ACRYFORM d.o.o.
Alde Deutschland GmbH
ALDEN Deutschland GmbH
Alois Kober GmbH
ALU-LINE
APLAST D.O.O.
ARB Europe s.r.o.
ASN Autositze Nobis Angelika Nobis
Audio Design GmbH
AUDIOTEC FISCHER GmbH
Audiotechnik Dietz Vertriebs-GmbH
AusJ Hot Water Solutions Pty. Ltd.
Baldacci S.R.L.
BARTOLACCI DESIGN SRL
Batterieschmiede GmbH
batterium GmbH
Berr GmbH
BioToi GmbH
Blase GmbH & Co. KG
Brianza Plastica S.p.A.
Brunner S.r.l.
Bulltron Danny Rehbock
Bus-Boxx GmbH & Co. KG
Busbiker Europe BV
Camos Europe GmbH
CampBoks GmbH
Camperboards GmbH
campofactum - Peter Völker
Can S.R.L. Airxcel Europe
CAP
Caratec GmbH
CaraVan Held Klaudia Held
Castagnari S.r.l.
Changzhou Joel Plastic Co., Ltd.
Clesana AG
COCHET SAS
Comet-Pumpen
CTA S.r.l.
D.G.N. SrL
Deka Kleben & Dichten GmbH
Die Maß-Schneider
Dimatec S.p.A.
DONGJIN ELECTRIC & PRECISION CO., LTD.
DriveDressy GmbH
Dynavin GmbH
Dynavin GmbH
E-T-A Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH
E-Trailer B.V.
Eberspächer
Emergoplus GmbH
EMKA Beschlagteile GmbH & Co. KG
EMUK GmbH & Co. KG
Estorfer Kunststoffbetrieb GmbH
F.A.P. s.r.l.
FASP AUTOMOTIVE SEATS Srl
Fiamma S.p.A.
Fibrosan Cam Takviyeli Polyester A.S.
FILIPPI 1971 s.r.l
Flamefield Ltd.
Freebird Coated Aluminium BV
Fujian Aidi Electric Co., Ltd.
GARMIN Europe Ltd.
GES International Srl
GIMPEX OTOMOTIV SANAYI VE TICARET A.Ş.
Gruppo Sigel Italia Srl SB
GuG GmbH
H. D. Knorz Vertriebs-GmbH
Haba B.V.
hegotec GmbH
Heidersdorfer Produktions- und Vertriebs GmbH
HEOSolution GmbH
Horrex Horren B.V.
Hünerkopf GmbH & Co. KG
IDEATERMICA SRL
Indel B S.p.A.
inomatic GmbH
Integrated Gas Technologies ApS
ISI Umwelttechnik GmbH
JEHNERT Sound Design GmbH
Jopindo GmbH
JVCKENWOOD Deutschland GmbH
KGM DESARROLLOS S.L K´FOAM STORE
KOMPLAST srl.
Kuckoo Camper GmbH & Co. KG
LAMILUX Composites GmbH
LAPI PLAST SRL
Lavanda outdoor&camp Co., Ltd
Lilie GmbH & Co. KG
Lilie GmbH & Co. KG
LIONTRON GmbH & Co. KG
Longkou Yongan Vehicle Window Co., Ltd.
Maller S.r.l.
MAS Elektronik AG
Megasat Werke GmbH
Milenco Limited
Mobil-Safe GmbH
Moscatelli s.r.l.
MPK Metall
Multi-Mover Europe BV
NETA ELEKTRONIK CIHAZLAR
Nobilpan S.p.A.
NRF S.r.l.
Ofolux S.r.l.
OKB Sp. z o.o.
OPTIMAL RADOSŁAW PRYBA
OPTIPLAN GmbH
Osculati S.r.l.
PALOMAR SRL
Paola Minguzzi
pepe4ideas GmbH
Perfect Van GmbH
Phaesun GmbH
Pioneer Electronics Deutschland
Pioneer Electronics Deutschland
PLASNOR, S.L.
Plastoform d.o.o.
PROSTOR bvba BR-Systems
Ranger RV Supplies Pty. Ltd.
Ravago Building Solutions Germany GmbH
Red Rock Adventures GmbH
C51
Reimo Reisemobil-Center GmbH
Reisch Tech GmbH
Renogy New Energy Co.,Ltd
RENOLIT SE
Revotion GmbH
RKB - REITZ electronic AG
Roto d.o.o.
Sand Profile GmbH
Sanel Sanayi Elektronigi.A.S.
Sanube GmbH
Satco-Europe GmbH
Scalabros Srl
Scheer Heizsysteme & Produktionstechnik GmbH
Schmitz Reisemobile GmbH
SCOPEMA SARL
SEK KFZ Sound engineering Köln UG
Senoplast Klepsch & Co. GmbH
SFC Energy AG
SGUINZI PIETRO SPA
Shangqiu Jishun Auto Parts Co.,LTD
Ship-Car S.r.l.
SHR-Hydraulik Systemhydraulik Reinhardt
Silberform Aktiengesellschaft
SMV-Metall GmbH
SOLARA GmbH
Solbio BV
SOLERA-THERMOFORM GROUP SPA
SR Mecatronic srl
STS Oberholz GmbH & Co. KG
Super B Lithium Power B.V.
SURTECO GmbH
TBB Power(XIAMEN) Co.,Ltd
TELECO GmbH
TELECO GmbH ten Haaft GmbH thyssenkrupp Bilstein GmbH
Titan Technology GmbH
top group srl
Toptron Gastechnik GmbH & Co. KG
Trabuioinnovazioni di Trabuio Domenico travelBOXX GmbH & Co.KG
UMEFA Metaalwarenfabriek BV
VADAC BV
VB - Airsuspension B.V. Verendus GmbH VETRORESINA S.p.A. Victron Energy B.V. Vitrifrigo Srl Vöhringer GmbH & Co. KG
Voos Oto Aksesuar San. Ve Tic. Ltd. Sti. VOTRONIC Elektronik-Systeme GmbH Webasto Roof & Components SE Weih-tec Robert Buck Wentronic Solutions GmbH Westacc Group b.v. Widebird b.v. Wooody bv ZADI S.p.A. Zambelli-technik spol.sr.o. ZURRSCHIENEN.COM Transportsysteme GmbH Zwaardvis (LandeMarine BV)
P review CARAVAN SALON DÜSSELDORF
will become the centre for national and international regions, destinations and, of course, campsite and RV pitches under the motto “Travel & Nature”. The “Travel & Nature CONNECTED” stage will entertain visitors with an exciting mix of entertainment and presentations revolving around destinations and leisure activities.
This makes room for a larger “Equipment & Outdoor” offering in Hall 3. Next to roof-top tents, pop-up caravans, folding and trailer tents as well as tents and awnings, equipment and accessories related to the outdoor and camping experience will attract visitors here. The “Starter World” for all beginners and newcomers who
Hall 14: plan with exhibitors
appreciate initial help and advice on the many caravan-related topics, will move to the outdoor space (between Halls 10 and 17) and, hence, to the heart of the event.
Caravanning is synonymous with quality of life, freedom and choice “More and more people want to go
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P review CARAVAN SALON DÜSSELDORF
on holiday with a caravan or motorhome. This development has been evident for over a decade and has not even lost momentum under the current difficult circumstances. Quite on the contrary: the longing for nature and recreation is on the rise and has given enormous significance to mobile holidays in our society. Caravanning is not only considered a leisure activity but also a symbol of quality of life, freedom and choice,” explains Daniel Onggowinarso, General Manager of the Caravanning Industry Association (CIVD). “As the world-leading trade fair CARAVAN SALON brings together the entire spectrum of our sector in one place, which is why there’s something new to be discovered in Düsseldorf for both caravanning newcomers and seasoned camping enthusiasts,” adds Daniel Onggowinarso.
Dialogue platform for professionals / Extended B2B conference agenda
However, CARAVAN SALON no longer only focuses on products and services but has also developed into a key dialogue platform and networking space over the past few years.
“Due to strong demand we will be further expanding the conference area for professionals and experts. In addition to the proven formats “Symposium Natur.Tourismus.Zukunft” (Symposium Nature.Tourism.Future), “Deutscher Stellplatztag” (German Pitch Day) and “Fachforum Wandern” (Expert Forum Hiking) we will be holding the “Camping Destination Day” for the first time now. Here various examples and best practices will be shared to illustrate the development stages on the path towards innovative caravanning destinations. Trade fairs are ideal places to organise conferences, studies and symposia, and we very much welcome that CARAVAN SALON has developed into a lively forum for the exchange with political and tourism decision makers,” comments Stefan Koschke. The extensive B2B programme is rounded off by two new evening events: the Innovation Stage and the ‘Travel Industry meets Caravaning’ networking platform.
Starter World and Self-Conversion Adventure
To make a visit to the trade fair an experience for the whole family Messe Düsseldorf has, needless to say, once again put together an entertainment
programme revolving around mobile leisure. The most popular items on the agenda include the Dream Tour Cinema, the European Outdoor Film Tour (EOFT), the e-bike concourse and a large fun and games programme for kids.
For all beginners the “Starter World” on the outdoor space will flag up what to watch for prior to purchasing or renting motorhomes and caravans. Unbiased advice is key here. The varied stage line-up focuses on many attractive topics for motorhome or caravan trips in addition to the basics. Experts will be happy to answer questions and provide oneon-one advice.
At the “Self-Conversion Adventure” on the outdoor premises in front of
Halls 13 and 14 there will be practical tips for refitting or converting vehicles into motorhomes for individualists and hobbyists. Various daily lectures for beginner, advanced and professional attendees will address all the topics of interest for converters and DIY-fans.
Caravan Center with 3,500 pitches
At the Caravan Center (large Car Park P1) a visit to the trade fair becomes a real experience. After all, this, Europe’s largest RV park with 3,500 serviced and unserviced pitches during CARAVAN SALON runtime, caters to just about every wish. During CARAVAN SALON we plan for between 60,000 and 70,000 overnight stays.
CARAVAN SALON DÜSSELDORF
The caravanning industry’s engine room
This year marks the 30th anniversary of CARAVAN SALON in Düsseldorf. When the pioneers of the Düsseldorf Salon laid the foundations for the show in 1994, their dream was to create something big. In its current dimensions with over 700 exhibitors on more than 250,000 square metres for around 250,000 visitors from 65 countries, it’s fair to say that dream been achieved. Now the aim is to maintain the high standard and keep the CARAVAN SALON attractive
Staging the show successfully every year requires a lot of creative ideas and initiatives. Aboutcamp BtoB spoke with Stefan Koschke, Director of the Salon, to discover how the team keeps the event fresh.
Aboutcamp BtoB − CARAVAN SALON has always attracted a global audience of exhibitors and visitors. How do you ensure that the event remains innovative and attractive year after
year, especially in a rapidly developing industry such as open-air tourism?
Stefan Koschke − We have developed a great trade fair concept over the past few years and attach particular importance to the high quality of the programme. Our task is to further develop the event in line with the market. The most important part of this is intensive dialogue and close exchange with all those involved – and this job we do very successfully. Of course, the
close co-operation with our conceptual sponsor CIVD e. V. is also a guarantee that we cover all the important topics for the industry today. CARAVAN SALON is already by far the most important meeting place for the global industry. Nevertheless, this year we are once again significantly expanding our B2B programme and ensuring the necessary exchange between the caravanning industry and political and tourism decision-makers. And last but
Words editorial staff
not least, our area of innovations and their future opportunities also plays a major role.
Aboutcamp BtoB − The 2023 edition of CARAVAN SALON recorded a remarkable turnout of 254,000 visitors from 65 countries. What strategies do you use to attract such a diverse and international audience to the event, and how do you plan to build on this success for future editions?
Stefan Koschke − We have a broad PR and marketing concept with which we reach the caravanning community in Germany, Europe and the rest of the world. We use an extensive marketing mix, which we re-adjust every year and try out new marketing methods. Knowing and addressing the current and future target groups is key here. Of course, new media and social networks are also becoming increasingly important for us – we are investing considerable resources in this area and will continue to expand this in the future.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Given the positive feedback from manufacturers and dealers about the promising customer meetings and numerous sales deals at CARAVAN SALON 2023, what specific features or aspects of the trade fair do you think contribute most to this high level of satisfaction and commercial success?
Stefan Koschke − CARAVAN SALON has always been the place where manufacturers exclusively present their world firsts, premieres and innovations to the public. The opportunities in Düsseldorf are virtually unlimited. Whether you are a newcomer or already an enthusiastic camper, everyone can find the right vehicle or relevant accessories here. This selection is unrivalled and unique, there is no comparable offer anywhere in the world. However, our trade fair is not only a stage for new products but also an emotional meeting place. We offer our visitors a clear, basic structure with a clear organisation, quick orientation and, of course, we always ensure that entertainment and fun are not neglected.
Aboutcamp BtoB − The Preview Day on August 30th offers a unique, exclusive experience for B2B visitors. Can you elaborate on the benefits of attending the Preview Day and how it enhances the overall experience for both professionals and potential buyers?
Stefan Koschke − On the one hand, the Preview Day is particularly suitable for interested parties who want to see the industry’s new products and innovations directly and examine them live. Thanks to the limited ticket contingent, a more relaxed show experience is possible. The exclusive atmosphere allows visitors to compare their favourite models without time pressure and is particularly recommended for visitors with specific buying intentions. This day is also very valuable for specialists and experts, as the Preview Day is increasingly perceived as a networking area and dialogue platform. The message here must be: if you’re not here, you’ve missed something important!
Aboutcamp BtoB − Hall 7 is dedicated to tourism and showcases various destinations and campsites. How did the idea for this hall come about and what are you most looking forward to visitors experiencing in this new addition to CARAVAN SALON?
Stefan Koschke − In Düsseldorf, caravanning can be experienced in its complete form, from the vehicle and the right equipment to the dream destination. The separate hall for the Travel & Nature area fulfils the wishes of many visitors and exhibitors because it leads to better clarity for the visitor. Hall 7 is the trade fair’s travel market and the highlight for all outdoor fans. Visitors can book their active holidays directly here or find out about new destinations near and far – the offer ranges from popular destinations in North Rhine-Westphalia to southern Europe. We are upgrading the tourism sector once again and giving providers from this segment a new home.
Aboutcamp BtoB − The “Technology & Components” area in Halls 13 and 14 showcases high-quality technical accessories. Considering that Messe Düsseldorf also participates in the organisation of All in Caravanning (AIC) in China and Camping & Picnic Fair in South Korea, what synergies do you see between these events in terms of innovation and technological development in the caravanning sector?
Stefan Koschke − Trade fairs are and will remain indispensable, as they are venues where new developments, innovative approaches and current trends can be presented to both top decision-makers from companies and the public. They are the driving force behind an industry. Even though the markets and consumers in Europe and
Asia may seem very different, we naturally benefit from the wealth of experience of the CARAVAN SALON as the world’s most important innovation platform at the AIC in China and our trade fair participation in South Korea. Many good ideas and synergies have already emerged from this, particularly in the Technology & Components segment, which we will continue to develop further.
Aboutcamp BtoB − What is the actual status of the waiting list for the Technology & Components area? How big is the demand and how much space is currently available?
Stefan Koschke − The leading trade fair for the caravanning industry is still growing. We will be able to beat last year’s record figures in terms of the amount of space occupied, so we are looking forward to the biggest CARAVAN SALON ever in 2024. Unfortunately, we had to put some new companies that would have liked to be there on the waiting list, especially in the Technology & Components area, which is completely sold out.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Last year there were some motorhomes made in China and many motorhomes made in Turkey. What are the trends this year? Stefan Koschke − Anyone walking through our halls at CARAVAN SALON will quickly realise that, in addition to the traditional manufacturers, there is also an enormous number of exhibitors from countries you might not expect to discover. This wide range and variety of brands, models and layouts are a special added value that visitors can rely on here in Düsseldorf. I don’t want to emphasise a single country here. I recommend a stroll through the halls where there are plenty of exciting vehicles from various manufacturing nations.
As far as general trends are concerned, the continuously growing demand for caravans and motorhomes has led many manufacturers to expand their product portfolios. There are also more and more layouts and configuration options for this increase in products. The variety of caravan models is growing from year to year and the choice of motorhome models has never been greater. The campervan is still the fastest-growing segment. One of the things customers appreciate about compact vehicles is that they are easy to drive and suitable for everyday use.
A man with a mission
Craig Kirby, President and CEO of the RV Industry Association (RVIA), and its dedicated membership are shaping the ways to come through 2024 and beyond 2025
As the leader of a U.S. national RV association with a membership of companies that is 500-plus strong, a voice that represents the industry at the State and Federal Government levels, and various successful technical training and marketing programs, Craig Kirby has a sharp eye for the future. Aboutcamp BtoB recently discussed the present accomplishments as well as the upcoming goals and objectives of the RVIA.
Aboutcamp BtoB − The upward trend in RV shipments reported in the RVIA’s Monthly Shipment Report suggests positive momentum in the industry month over month. Do you see this growth continuing through 2024 and into 2025?
Craig Kirby − For a while, we kept thinking the increase in RV unit shipments was around the corner but the corner kept moving back. There was a belief that interest rates would come down sooner rather than later and inflation would have tamed earlier as well. That didn’t occur. However, the industry is doing remarkably well considering the economic circumstances. We are also in a U.S. Presidential Election year, which impacts all businesses.
What drives the U.S. RV industry forward is an RVer’s desire to be outdoors with family and friends and pursue their passions. I don’t see that changing. More and more people recognize the physical and mental health benefits of spending time with nature. The demographics are also very positive as RVers have become much younger. They are more diverse than ever; many people also work remotely from their RV. So, these aspects, too, help drive the industry forward. Our latest forecast is for 344,000 shipments in 2024. We anticipate interest rate cuts later this year and into 2025. The higher interest rates are causing some consumers to hold off on purchasing a unit and some existing RVers from upgrading due to the higher monthly payment.
Consumers are still attending RV shows. While attendance is not as high as it has been in the past, there is a lot of interest in RVing and pent-up demand. So, if we can get past some
Words Steve Fennell, photos RVIA
of these factors, we’ll see continued growth in the market. Our 2025 forecast projects an approximate 15 percent increase in shipments to 391,400 units.
Aboutcamp BtoB − The availability and quality of campgrounds can influence the attractiveness of RV travel. How is the RVIA advocating improved infrastructure and access to camping facilities?
Craig Kirby − This is a broader issue. I often talk about the industry as a threelegged stool. There are manufacturers and suppliers on one leg, dealers on another leg, and the campgrounds on the third leg. If any one of the legs breaks, then the industry suffers. All three segments need to work together to ensure the RVer has a world-class experience. We recently completed the first Campground Industry Market Analysis. We now have a comprehensive report that details the availability of RV sites and campground amenities at federal, state, municipal and private campgrounds. This has never been collected before in a single report.
The study revealed there are approximately 1.6 million RV sites at campgrounds across the U.S. and we know there are 11.2 million RVs on the road. There’s obviously a shortage of campsites in some areas and we learned there are a number of areas we can work on to enhance the RVers’ experience.
The RVIA was one of the founding members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), which is a collective of outdoor industry organizations (that represent fishing, boating, hiking, archery, etc.) that are working together to improve outdoor recreation. The RVIA Government Affairs team worked closely with ORR to get the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) passed, which provided the most funding to the national and state parks since the 1950s. These funds are being used in part to improve outdated infrastructure and modernize, expand, and establish new campgrounds to meet the needs of today’s RVers.
We also played a role in the EXPLORE Act, which recently passed the United States House of Representatives (in April 2024) and we are hopeful it will pass the United States Senate. The Explore Act will improve the park visitor experience, create rural jobs, and increase access to federal public lands. The legislation will extend federal land shoulder seasons to meet demand and create more RV camping opportunities. It will also bring broadband to front country campgrounds and establish
partnership agreements (such as with private operators to manage public campgrounds) to sustainably modernize federal campgrounds and improve the RV camping experience. Additionally, the legislation will provide technical and financial assistance for outdoor recreation businesses in gateway communities such as private campgrounds, which will allow them to better leverage unprecedented levels of visitation. Through efforts like these, we’re continuing to work to enhance RV experiences at public and private campgrounds.
Another focus is industry unity. Historically, there has been a closer relationship between the manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers than with the campgrounds. We have been working to strengthen that relationship. One recent example is the RVIA formed the RV Campground Coalition, which consists of manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, campground operators, and national and state campground associations. We have met a few times and are now outlining three top priorities to work together on improving RVers’ campground experiences, and highlighting the benefits of the outdoor hospitality industry.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Some other recent news is the RVIA’s Model Year Task Force moved the Voluntary Model Year Introduction Recommended Best Practice dates from July 1 to Aug. 31 to June 1 - June 30 for the 2026 model year. What were some of the reasons for the announcement this year?
Craig Kirby − We believe this is in the
consumer’s best interest so they have an idea when the new units will come out as opposed to being surprised. For the most part, a lot of the manufacturers have been following this voluntary recommended practice.
When this was introduced a few years ago, there was a trial period to determine the best dates. We recently made a slight change by a month, which seems to work best for the customers, dealers, and the industry as a whole. We just made that minor shift but it’s a huge benefit and a positive step to assist the consumer during the buying process. The new date is closer to when motorized product typically changes model year and allows customers a longer shopping window for the latest models during the summer months. The voluntary recommended best practice is for the major model year change to take place in the June 1-30 time period beginning in 2025 for towable products.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Consumer buying trends in the RV industry have shifted noticeably since the onset of COVID-19. What can manufacturers and dealers expect at the upcoming fall and winter RV consumer and trade shows?
Craig Kirby − I think a lot of consumers want to have the ability to go off the grid. Some of the top-selling features now are solar panel systems, larger tires, and lithium batteries that all offer the ability to go remote. The industry is also seeing dedicated spaces to work from your RV. Manufacturers and suppliers are constantly innovating and I am always impressed by what is introduced every model year.
Craig Kirby (right) with RV Industry Association Chair Kevin McArt of Forest River.
I nterview with CRAIG KIRBY
Aboutcamp BtoB − Is the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House an event that can truly meet all the needs of the industry, the distribution network, and the world of components and services? What has been lost along the way compared to the previous Louisville and Salt Lake City events?
Craig Kirby − The reason we no longer have the Louisville or Salt Lake City shows is the value of these events to our members decreased for a number of reasons. We are very cognizant of ensuring the association is focused on areas that provide the most value to our members.
So, it was time for a change, especially with so much industry consolidation. The Elkhart RV Dealer Open House
plays an important role in bringing manufacturers, suppliers and dealers together to develop and maintain strong relationships. The downside is it’s not as centralized as everyone being under the same roof as was the case with the previous events. One thing we learned from COVID-19 is change is always constant and the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House is extremely important and serves a very essential function.
Aboutcamp BtoB − What are some of the emerging safety concerns at the RV manufacturing level and how is the RVIA addressing these concerns for the industry?
Craig Kirby − I am very proud that for our industry safety is not a competitive issue. When COVID-19 first hit, manufacturers, suppliers, and medical personnel got together to see what practices could be developed to bring people back to work safely. Ideas were shared and this was the beginning of the Workplace Safety Task Force. Since then, the RVIA’s Board has elevated the task force into a permanent committee signifying the importance of its work and the fact that improving safety never ends. The Workplace Safety Committee now holds regular meetings to share
safety ideas and conducts numerous seminars to educate the industry on the topic.
Aboutcamp BtoB − The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) awards recognize both individuals and companies making a significant impact in promoting women in the RV industry. What impact have these recognition programs had on the industry, and how do you see them influencing the future landscape of the RV workforce?
Craig Kirby − The RVWA has been active for five years and it has done an amazing job in a relatively short period. It has played an important role in supporting, mentoring, and being an educational resource for women as well as recognizing women who have made excellent contributions to the industry. What I have been excited to see is that they partnered with the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) to create female RV technician classes that have become very popular. We need to train and recruit more techs and it’s fantastic that the RVWA is getting women involved in technician training. The RVWA has great leaders and it has met a need for the industry.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Can you explain some of the recent accomplishments completed by the RVIA as well as some of the challenges to come in 2025?
Craig Kirby − We’re excited that the RVIA is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and it’s impressive to see what the industry has accomplished over that time. The common theme has been how well the industry works together
The RV industry celebrating the association’s 50th anniversary
The RVTI/RVWA all-women tech class
to move forward - from Go RVing and RVTI to Government Affairs and more. We have been so fortunate to have the financial and volunteer support of our members.
What we are accomplishing this year and next year is continuing with our signature programs, which include government affairs, standards, Go RVing, market data and research, and RVTI. That’s where we focus our efforts and we develop corporate goals around those signature programs. One corporate goal that we focused on this year was meeting with at least 50 different members, making sure they understand the resources that we have available. We also explain how Go RVing can be complementary to their marketing programs, the RVTI’s and standards education training options, and how to make the most of the association membership. Additionally, the EXPLORE Act is a very important priority right now as well as the Campground Coalition. The RVTI has done a phenomenal job. They have trained almost 18,000 techs and there are 4,000 active learners a month in skills training programs. In the past two years, the RVTI has recruited more than 2,200 new techs to the industry and there are almost 6,000 certified techs.
Not only does the RVTI recruit and train RV technicians but it provides training to OEMs and suppliers. It has training modules for manufacturing workers, call center operators and warranty administrators. All of this helps make our members more efficient. Our standards team is focused on numerous issues related to electric vehicles and the use of lithium batteries.
Another high priority is reducing Repair Event Cycle Time (RECT), which is the amount of time it takes to repair a unit once it is dropped off at the RV service center. We need to improve in this area as an industry and a lot of resources are being directed to RECT and we are already seeing results. We are working closely with the Dealer Software Management providers to establish parameters to track and improve in this area. The RVTI plays a critical role in ensuring there are properly trained technicians.
I am also a big believer in industry unity and RVIA meets regularly with our industry partner associations both domestically and internationally to share ideas and work together to improve the experience for our members and RV consumers globally.
The Go RVing Experience
Aboutcamp BtoB − In 2023, Go RVing achieved over 1.5 billion total impressions and 5.5 million visitors to their website. What specific strategies did you employ to reach these impressive numbers, and how do you plan to maintain or increase this level of engagement in 2024?
Craig Kirby − Go RVing continues to show what it means to “Go on a Real Vacation,” utilizing social media, online content, video, audio, and influencers, which have played a very positive role. Go RVing is focused on recruiting people who have not really thought about RVing and how the RV lifestyle will
Aboutcamp BtoB − Your partnership with the market insight group Ipsos included a comprehensive study on the RV buying process. What were the key findings and how are these insights influencing your marketing strategies and business decisions?
allow them to pursue their passions. This year, we are partnering with two former Olympians including Shawn Johnson and Shaun White to share their camping experiences with their millions of followers.
Aboutcamp BtoB − Go RVing hosted 13 experiential events in 2023 with nearly 100,000 RV tours. What have been the most significant benefits observed from these events, and how do you plan to enhance them to further increase consumer engagement in 2024?
Craig Kirby − The experiential events are a core part of the Go RVing strategy. We are determining ways to get RVing in front of audiences that may not be specifically thinking about RVing. This year, Go RVing is attending state fairs, an air show, a golf tournament, and a music festival; we’re going all over. Consumers who tour RVs at the events are often exploring a unit for the first time and they learn that RV travel is a lot more affordable and accessible than they imagined.
Craig Kirby − What we learned from the Ipsos study is the consumer would like to see the purchasing process streamlined. This includes any assistance the dealers and manufacturers can provide to help determine the brand, price points, and floor plans that would work best for the consumer’s lifestyle.
The study also revealed that it’s important for the dealer and manufacturer to make follow-up calls with the customer after purchasing an RV. We learned that customers want to hear from the dealer/manufacturer before they experience any issues with the unit. Regarding the marketing strategies, Go RVing does an excellent job of providing information to the consumer about the different types of units and the RV lifestyle. We have tools to help narrow down the product type and from there, individual manufacturers can educate the consumer on their different brands. The study also shows consumers have a strong desire to pursue the RV lifestyle, which bodes well for the long-term health of our industry.
Revolution in camping kitchens with induction hobs and portable fridges
In Düsseldorf, Airxcel will present a series of new products designed to eliminate compromises in camping kitchens. The company’s new portable induction hobs and portable refrigerators will allow campers to cook and store food without compromises in any type of camping set-up, from the most luxurious glamping to the most basic campsite
Cooking is undeniably an art. However, cooking in an outdoor setting is often complicated. Those who love camping frequently have to make compromises, and if they cook away from their vehicle, they must rely on the facilities provided at campgrounds. Airxcel has designed two types of products specifically for those who don’t want to compromise on their outdoor cooking experience. These include the Urban 1+1 and 1+2 induction cooktops, the compact and portable BTS121WP induction cooktop, and new portable compressor refrigerators from the Invision line, designed to offer home refrigerator temperatures within an extremely compact footprint.
A small and mighty portable induction hob
The BTS121WP is more than just a hob: it’s an essential travel companion for all cooking enthusiasts, both indoor and outdoor. With its clean lines and high-quality materials, it integrates seamlessly into any environment – from glamping to home kitchens, and even traditional camping set-ups. Thanks to induction technology, it achieves high temperatures in record time, ensuring precise and even cooking. Energy consumption is not an issue; its efficiency makes it more cost-effective than gas in virtually every setting. After conquering the home cooking scene, induction is becoming an eco-friendly and safe alternative to gas on the
Freezer compartment 10 liters, 1 basket 13 liters, no basket
Selectable temperatures from -22° to 10°, digitally controlled
Removable lid Yes
Power supply 12/24v DC, 100-240v AC
campsite too. Completely free of flames and hot surfaces, it’s the ideal cooking method for high-risk areas where comfort must not be compromised.
The portable induction cooktop is the result of Can’s experience, which has always focused on creating the most functional and original solutions for caravanning and camping. Durable and robust, the BTS121WP is designed to be the perfect adventure companion, but it’s also well-suited for home use as an additional cooking surface.
Urban makes onboard cooking versatile
With a choice of either a gas cooktop and an induction cooktop (model 1+1) or two induction cooktops (model 1+2), the chef can select the cooking system features to best suit their needs with these new releases in the Urban line.
This hybrid solution provides users with the benefits of both induction and gas cooking while ensuring compliance with the safety standards required by certification authorities. To effectively manage heat levels and energy consumption, various power levels are available: 1.0 kW, 1.6 kW, 2.2 kW, or 2.8 kW, with a voltage range from 100V to 250V. This allows for trouble-free use even at campsites where stable voltage and high power are not guaranteed.
As a hybrid design, it offers users all
the advantages of both induction and gas cooking, while meeting global safety certification standards.
Invision: compact and always cool
The Invision refrigerator is the perfect travel companion for avid campers. Thanks to its dual power supply – 12V and 220V –it adapts to every need. While travelling, it draws power from the vehicle’s battery, and when camping, it can be plugged into a 220V outlet. Compact and efficient, it’s also ideal as an additional storage option for supplies in the camper’s compartment. Made with high-quality materials and CFC-free insulation, Invision is an eco-friendly product made to be environmentally conscious.
precise adjustment of the desired internal temperature. This helps optimise the vehicle’s battery life during off-grid stops and minimises noise, which is already very low thanks to the highly insulated materials used.
The refinement of materials and the use of next-generation components ensure reduced energy consumption and high performance, even under the most challenging conditions. The compressor in the Invision line maintains a constant temperature inside the refrigerator and delivers exceptional performance even at 12V, with refrigeration from 10°C to 4°C and freezing down to -22°C. The compartment temperatures are managed by a microcomputer, which, through the dedicated control panel, allows
In addition to managing the temperature, the microcomputer also signals any malfunctions or the inability to reach the desired temperatures (the lower temperatures are achievable in environments up to 32°C, although the temperatures required for normal use can be reached even in warmer conditions). This feature is essential if the refrigerator is used to store medicines.
The portable refrigerators in the Invision line are available in a full range, from 25l to 60l, across two models. The 1000581 model features a more compact design, with the lid integrated into the chassis and attached to the short side. The 1000582 model, on the other hand, is larger, with a lid that opens on the long side, making it more convenient to use.
Company news AL-KO VTE
Full silence, full energy
AL-KO Vehicle Technology Electronics introduces the BC122, a battery charger that aims to set a new benchmark for charging batteries in motorhomes, vans and caravans by operating in complete silence. Also new to the market are 140- and 200-watt photovoltaic modules, based on PERC monocrystalline technology, offering superior power, performance and efficiency
Motorhome enthusiasts want freedom and contact with nature, whether they are enjoying a relaxing stopover in the wilderness or staying in a parking area or campsite. There is nothing more relaxing than falling asleep surrounded by the sounds of nature, such as the surf of the sea or the mountain breeze blowing in the trees. However, this experience is sometimes marred by “technology” noises from within the vehicle, and the battery charger cooling system is often a culprit.
BC122
A silent charger for an optimal camping experience
The BC122 from AL-KO VTE eliminates the problem of noise at the root. Its innovative design and state-of-theart components allow for 230V mains charging at 22A with no need for forced ventilation, thus completely eliminating all operating noise. A modern motorhome deserves the latest charging technology, while even traditional vehicles benefit from this safe, compact and high-performance device.
The overall quality of the BC122 is highlighted by its key features:
• Passive dissipation: no fans means that the BC122 is completely silent
• Lightweight and compact design: just 0.8 kg and a small foot-print of 145 x 180 x 65 mm “all-in” make the device perfect for
any type of vehicle, including minivans
• Versatility: the device manages four different charging curves
• Lithium 100% compatible: BC122 is designed to perform best with lithium-ion batteries, remaining 100% compatible with lead-acid, gel and AGM batteries
• Simplified installation: the BC122 case has a flap for protecting connections, without requiring additional enclosures or junction boxes
• Compatibility: BC122 can replace almost any existing charger using the wiring of the original system
• Easily integrated: the new BC122 charger can digitally connect to existing AL-KO VTE systems via the CL-BUS protocol and is prepared for CI-BUS communication to connect to third-party systems.
MF200W and MF140W
Innovation and quality
In a world where adventure and freedom to explore are essential, AL-KO VTE continues to innovate and offer reliable, high-quality energy solutions to motorhome owners. The company announces the expansion of its solar module range with the launch of two new products designed to meet the growing needs of the RV market. The new MF200W and MF140W “Slim” modules offer high power and performance and are easy to install.
The new monocrystalline photovoltaic modules with PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology are an example of advanced engineering and promise superior performance for no-limits outdoor living.
The 200-watt MF200W module is ALKO VTE’s new top-of-the-range mod-
ule, designed for superior performance. Using PERC technology, the module offers maximum energy efficiency and is a perfect match for the growing energy demands of modern vehicles, many of which are equipped with lithium batteries. The aluminium structure is robust and durable, making it the ideal companion for any adventure.
MF200W and MF140W
Words editorial staff
AL-KO VTE presents the Onda Smart System range at the Caravan Salon
AL-KO VTE’s new Bluetooth-controlled devices – the PRM400 solar controller, the BDS200 battery selector and a new-generation shunt – make their debut in Düsseldorf
When a house automatically lowers the shutters at dusk or tells the owner if windows have been left open, we call it a “smart home”. Today, in recreational vehicles, “smart motorhome” is not yet a widespread concept and very few turnkey systems exist in the marketplace. This is why the Onda Smart System, a series of devices with Bluetooth connectivity via a smartphone, was created. This solution is designed primarily for the aftermarket segment and is very easy to integrate directly into a vehicle’s existing system. Onda Smart System now includes three different measuring and control devices:
BDS200 battery management
The Battery Duo System-200 can intelligently manage two 12-volt service batteries of different capacities and ages, during charging and discharging. By continuously monitoring the functionality of each battery, in the event of a failure, the faulty battery is automatically isolated. The device is compatible with the CL-BUS communication standard for seamless integration with other on-board systems. It can be used with lithium and lead-acid batteries (free acid, gel, or AGM), handles a maximum current of 200 amperes (100A per channel), and automatically calculates the remaining autonomy and charge level, as well as checking the battery’s state of health. Everything can be monitored on the Onda Smart System app, thanks to its Bluetooth connection.
The 140-watt MF140W “Slim” module, also with PERC technology, is the ideal solution for smaller vehicle roof spaces. With the same width as the existing 110-watt module (53 centimeters) and a slightly longer length, this module fits perfectly on van roofs and surfaces occupied by roof lights and other accessories. PERC technology ensures that energy efficiency is optimized despite the small size, providing a product that balances performance and practicality.
The unique benefits of PERC technology
PERC technology in photovoltaic mod-
PRM400
solar controller
With the PRM400, AL-KO Vehicle Technology Electronics’ range of solar controllers with MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) technology can handle up to 400 watts of total power. The PRM400 is capable of charging lithium-ion and lead-acid (free acid, gel or AGM) batteries at 12 volts whilst automatically controlling and limiting the energy supplied by the connected photovoltaic modules. It uses MPPT technology, which enables maximum power output from the photovoltaic module in every situation to maximize charging efficiency (more than 20% higher than PWM technology). In addition to the app, information on the operating status can be displayed on an optional panel, and the device also integrates CL-BUS connectivity.
AM500, AM260, and AM150 shunts
These devices can measure electrical current to accurately calculate the consumption and residual charge of any battery, now up to 500 amperes. The AM500 joins the AM260 (260 amps) and AM150 (150 amps) versions. These CL-BUS-compat ible products calculate a battery’s re maining range, as well as indicating its state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH). All three shunts are 100% compatible with the Onda Smart System and its app.
ules is a real breakthrough. It offers better efficiency in converting solar radiation into energy and, at the same time, a lower temperature coefficient, which means better performance.
Monocrystalline modules with PERC technology occupy less space than conventional polycrystalline modules but also provide higher energy efficiency without any increase in weight.
High-transmittance tempered glass is shock-resistant and weatherproof. The module is protected on the back by a white Tedlar sheet to prevent the infiltration of air and moisture, isolate the electrical contacts and prevent rust. The
module frame is made of anodized aluminium and the junction box installed on the back contains the by-pass diodes and cable glands needed for connection.
With a 25-year performance warranty, AL-KO VTE reasserts its commitment to quality and reliability. The new photovoltaic modules are designed to last and give motorhome users a reliable, efficient and durable energy system wherever their road takes them. AL-KO Vehicle Technology Electronics continues to lead the industry towards a sustainable future with products that make every journey an extraordinary experience.
Innovation is a tough business
AL-KO Trailer Control pioneered anti-sway systems and still leads the way
At AL-KO, inspiration for innovation can come from many sources and take many forms. How does a rapidly growing company, with around 3,500 employees at more than 40 locations worldwide, coordinate and encourage innovation?
The stories of the ingenious inventor to whom ideas just fall into place are legendary. “Innovation is a tough business,” says Volker Eckle, responsible for pre-develop-
ment and intellectual property at AL-KO VT. AL-KO invests large sums in test benches and test equipment alone in order to devise improvements one detail at a time. For days on end, new products are shaken, rocked or decelerated until they break before they first see the light of day. Eckle adds: “The close co-operation between our engineers from testing and the experts from design, development and sales is the key to our innovations.”
The long road to the product
Brainstorming, initial idea evaluation, development lists, decision on project start yes/no - this only describes the first phases towards the finished product. “Most ideas only make it as far as the idea pool,” says Lukas Schwehr, Product Manager at AL-KO VT. “And that’s okay, because the ideas are checked regularly. After all, we can’t know how the general conditions will change, and which ideas will eventually prove interesting.”
External factors create new opportunities
The first AL-KO manoeuvring system, the Mammut, is a good example of a product arising from a change in the general situation. “In the past, your neighbours used to come to the park-
Words Editorial Staff, photo AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group
Easier installation inspired the innovation behind the plug-and-play HY4 levelling system
ing space and help move the caravan into the right position,” says Schwehr. In the close-knit, small community of caravanners, this was a common practice. Today, the number of campers has grown considerably, and they are travelling to all regions, in all seasons, so there is not necessarily someone who can lend a hand. Some campers can’t easily get their vehicle into position, even with outside help. “Suddenly the drive for a manoeuvring solution made a lot of sense,” explains Schwehr. “We resolved to do it better than the others.” And the Mammut is still doing that today. After around 15 years on the market, the standout feature is still the M-connection to the chassis, which ensures that full ground clearance is maintained; smooth positioning of the vehicle is already a given.
Exploring new environments
In other cases, changing user interests motivate new developments. As camping grows in popularity among younger people, the adventures imagined by campers has grown too, beyond the traditional camp sites. Some want to travel further afield, which is why AL-KO has engineered the Enduro range of axle systems for caravans and trailers, specifi cally designed for occasional off-road use, to ensure stable handling and minimise damage over potholes or rough terrain. Enduro X was designed for the Australian market and features a robust steel coil spring which can withstand practically any impact, while Enduro G is a European-specific variant and achieves similar results with a rubber spring. The twin side-mounted shock absorb-
ers compensate for roll, even on high bodies, and enable a very high ground clearance. Armanc Amac, Man aging Director AL-KO VT Turkey, explains: “It sim ply feels good to know you have everything you need, without having to shrink away from difficult terrain. Even self-confessed fair-weather drivers sometimes have to bump over fields or short stretches of unpaved side roads. With an Enduro-damped chassis, you can simply take the most direct path instead of time-wasting detours.”
Installation improvements can also drive innovation
Innovation can be driven by customer enquiries, trade fairs, the company’s own market research, creative workshops, opportunities arising from electrification or new materials. “But the question of how we can make work easier for our workshops can also motivate new designs,” says Matthias Ländle, Product Manager for hydraulic levelling systems at AL-KO VT.
The idea of stabilising a motorhome or camper van with additional supports is not new. The conventional hydraulic variant involves a central hydraulic module connected to the support elements via pipes. “It works, no question,” says Ländle. “But not all workshops like working with open pipes and hydraulic fluid.”
The idea of a plug-and-play system, the HY4, was born. “Four self-sufficient hydraulic rams that the workshop only has to screw on and connect electrically.” The weighing system was added as well as part of the innovation process.
“You just have to ask yourself what components you have and what else can be done with them,” adds Ländle.
Ideas to last a lifetime
If the development project is given the go-ahead based on favourable market opportunities, a positive assessment of technical feasibility
and the fact that the desired product fits into the portfolio overall, the next step is pre-development.
Schwehr explains: “Only when there are no nasty surprises here does the actual development phase and the pilot series production begin.” The AL-KO Trailer Control (ATC) was no exception. “It quickly became clear that the idea of a kind of anti-sway automatic system was a good one. The question was more: How can we implement this reliably and simply?” The basic idea: a lateral acceleration sensor monitors the roll. Above a certain threshold the Bowden cables are briefly activated, the trailer vehicle is slowed slightly, the whole tow train is lengthened slightly, and the swaying is stabilised.
Today, practically all towing vehicles have a control system installed. When the ATC was launched around 20 years ago, these were still the exceptions. “Nevertheless, our system is still relevant today,” insists Schwehr. “Our sensor is located directly at the rear of the axle and reacts to even small vibrations, which the sensor in the towing vehicle is not aware. In addition, the towing vehicle systems only activate the front brakes; the vehicle-trailer combination is therefore compressed. This produces significantly inferior results compared to an anti-sway device.”
Beyond state of the art
Somewhere between development and pilot production, ideas are typically registered for protection as a commercial design or a patent. The two most important requirements for this are that the invention must clearly stand out from existing technologies. It should be something that can be characterised as the icing on the cake of what was previously state of the art. And, the invention must be new, i.e. it must not yet have been published. Eckle explains: “That’s why we can’t talk about our current innovations at this point, for example. We could undermine the registration process and thus our own legal protection against unauthorised copies.” All we can say here is that the AL-KO VT laboratories are full of ideas in development and the ideas store can never be full enough.
The creation of the Mammut manoeuvring system is thanks to changing habits
Matthias Ländle
Volker Eckle
Dometic’s “Digital nose”
Motorhome owners and campers know how important it is to ensure good air quality in their vehicle. The exchange of stale air, the formation of condensation and unpleasant odours are just some of the problems that need to be to improve, remedy or avoid. For this purpose, Dometic has recently released the ACC3100 roof ventilation system with advantages that are unique in the industry – available as OEM product or retrofittable accessory
Words Peter Hirtschulz
Aboutcamp BtoB had the opportunity to talk to Dometics “Head of Product & PMO EMEA” Marcus Remmel about the ACC3100 system.
Aboutcamp BtoB: What were your reasons for launching another system on the market in addition to the FanTastic Vent ventilation system already in your range and how does the new ACC3100 system differ from other ventilation units?
Marcus Remmel: With the ACC3100, we have developed a completely new ventilation system for leisure vehicles that eliminates the disadvantages of conven-
tional systems and also brings a whole new level of air quality into the vehicle.
Aboutcamp BtoB: What does that mean in detail?
Marcus Remmel: Up to now, motorhomes and caravans have generally used the principle of forced ventilation. However, these technically necessary “air vents” have various disadvantages. For example, the air exchange is not regulated properly and the energy loss to the outside through these openings and additionally open doors and windows is very high. Of course, there are also solutions for active ventilation. These
conventional fans are able to transport a certain amount of air out of a vehicle in a short time and thus ensure a rapid exchange of air. However, this requires the windows to be opened, as the fans only extract the air and do not supply fresh air. Standing with the window and roof hatch open for a longer period of time is not a good solution either and may be associated with risks (e.g. water ingress during heavy rain and risk of burglary). This limits the efficiency and comfort of many current systems. Another drawback is that conventional fans make a lot of noise and the only intelligence most fans have is a rain sensor.
Aboutcamp BtoB: And the ACC3100 makes everything better?
Marcus Remmel: Yes. In addition to the pure air exchange capability, the ACC3100 has a special sensor system and logic that allows the device to regulate everything independently, from the air quality to the humidity. And all this without having to open windows or doors! The system also works extremely quietly. It also permanently generates an intensive air exchange, as it is equipped with 2 fans that transport air once into
the vehicle and once out of the vehicle. Up to 50m³ are moved per hour with a closed vehicle.
Aboutcamp BtoB: Apart from the pure fan function, what other functions does the ACC3100 have that make the system something special?
Marcus Remmel: The absolutely unique selling point is heat recovery. Inspired by already familiar concepts of air exchange in passive houses, in which the used, warm air is channelled through a static heat exchanger that absorbs and stores the heat energy. The direction of rotation of the fans is then changed to allow fresh air from outside to flow over the heat exchanger and release the heat again. We have reversed the principle for use in leisure vehicles in order to avoid the loud noises associated with chang ing the direction of the air flow. With the ACC3100, the two fans maintain their di rection of rotation and the circular heat exchanger disc moves slowly and quietly from the stale air duct into the flow of fresh air, thus ensur ing heat exchange. In order to achieve op timum heat recovery, our engineers perfectly harmonised the speeds of the fan and heat exchanger during the development phase by carrying out numerous tests. This allows us to achieve the special effect of always having a window open without losing the temperature inside. The ve hicle remains warm or cold as required, with the best air quality. The energy used to heat or cool the vehicle is not wasted, but is retained for much longer, even if you switch off the heating or air conditioning.
Marcus Remmel: In addition to the structurally simple installation in a 40x40cm or 36x36cm opening (for the American market) - with just a 12-volt connection and a low weight of just 7 kilograms - the device can be easily integrated into the CI/ LIN bus and controlled via Bluetooth using an app. This means that the system can also be accessed from outside.
modes in which the device can be operated, The Automatic-Mode regulates the speed of the fans completely independently within a wide range in order to react to the air quality determined by the sensor system with the best possible heat recovery. A so-called VOC sensor, also known as a “digital nose” by the sensor manufacturer, is used to measure and control the air quality. The sensor detects volatile organic compounds in the air, such as carbon dioxide, ammonia derivatives (unpleasant odours) or formaldehyde. Turbo-Mode is designed to maximise air exchange when you first enter the vehicle, regardless of heat recovery and at maximum fan speed. The reduces the noise level to a maximum and allows the fans to operate quietly at a fixed speed
in order to minimise disturbance when reacting to speed changes. All this includes heat recovery. A special feature is the Storage mode, which goes beyond normal camping: it allows the appliance to switch on automatically for 3 hours a day at maximum ventilation level. This ensures that parked and stored vehicles are fully ventilated to reduce the build-up of humidity and prevent mould growth. The low power consumption of 7.6 watts allows this mode to be maintained for weeks and months, even if only the body battery is available. This mode can be extended even further in a free-standing vehicle if a customised solar kit with integrated battery is used as an accessory.
Aboutcamp BtoB: How does the system cope with extreme situations such as showering or cooking?
Marcus Remmel: With its performance and intelligence, the ACC3100 is able to react independently to the respective user behaviour such as cooking, showering and the number of people or pets in the vehicle without the user having to take any action. There are also replaceable filters on both the outside and inside, which significantly reduce the dirt and dust caused by driving without obstructing the air flow too much.
Aboutcamp BtoB: Speaking of accessories, what additional equipment is available to adapt the system even better to the various conditions of use?
Marcus Remmel: In addition to the solar kit with battery already mentioned, the internal air distributor of the device can be upgraded with an LED kit to create a beautiful atmospheric lighting unit. To actively improve the air quality even further, an “ionisation module” for air purification can be installed. Ionisation generates positive and negative ions that reduce bacteria, viruses and mould, attract dust particles in the air, which can then be easily captured by a dust filter, and destroy the structures of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mentioned earlier, thus eliminating odours caused by chemicals or waste.
news EBERSPÄCHER
Heating and cooling innovations for RVs
At the upcoming 2024 Caravan Salon, Eberspaecher will officially launch two new products to help maintain a pleasant climate in an RV. With the new E-Airtronic, the supplier extends the well-known Airtronic range with an electric air heater; while the Breezonic is its first RV air conditioning system with integrated heat pump that it’s introducing onto the market. Both innovations have just gone into production
The Eberspaecher Group supplies different mobility sectors with its thermal management solutions. In the automotive market, for example, Eberspaecher is the global market leader for electric high-voltage heaters. In the RV industry, the company is primarily known for its diesel-powered Airtronic air heater.
E-Airtronic for targeted warmth in campers and caravans
Now, the supplier is launching an electric air heater for camper and caravan onto the market. The new E-Airtronic EHV1 brings 1 kW capacity and is available in 230 V and 110 V versions to suit OEMs worldwide. It can either draw power directly from the battery of an electric
vehicle, from any landline power connection or from a battery system for maximum self-sufficiency. However, the product is suitable for all types of vehicles, including conventional drive types and caravans with a mains power connection.
“We have been receiving fantastic mar ket feedback for our air heaters for years,” said Sabine Guillard, Sales Team Manager RV, Eberspaecher.
“With the E-Airtronic, we are transferring our well-known Airtronic range to new applica tions like e-mo bility and heating of caravans. It is our
Words John Rawlings
first electric heater in the RV sector,” she added.
With its step-less fan the E-Airtronic is especially quiet when in operation. Another key feature of the E-Airtronic is its modular design which offers a wide range of application options – from dif-
ferent outlets and air systems to the integration of an additional coolant heating component. This is particularly suitable for hybrid or conventional vehicles to keep the ideal temperature while driving using engine heat without straining the battery.
“We think that the E-Airtronic is unique. With its compact design it can be mounted anywhere the warmth is needed. In a large RV you can place several heaters in different areas of the interior. With its modular setup, it offers multiple installation options and thus extends the design freedom of the thermal management in the RV,” said Michael Matthias, the Vice President Global R&D.
The E-Airtronic can be used with ducting so OEMs can place the unit in a convenient location of the vehicle. The outlet can be discreetly fitted with a grille to help it blend in with the interior furniture.
Voltage (PTC) 230 V AC / 50 Hz 110 V AC / 50-60 Hz
Voltage (Fan)
Dimensions (L x B x H)
x 185.6 x 139mm
x 198.5 × 139mm Control unit Control via KANBOX (with customer touch screen) or manual control panel (as optional accessory)
An air filter prevents dust from getting inside the system. It can be positioned separately from the heater – connected via air ducting - in a more accessible location. This facilitates changing the filter and servicing.
Efficient Breezonic air conditioning system with heat pump
The Breezonic air conditioning system with an integrated heat pump is an allnew climate control solution from Eberspaecher. With extensive experience in the RV market, the company developed its first full air conditioning system specifically for this segment. The supplier applied its extensive experience from other sectors, particularly from the truck industry, and specialist conversions, such as ambulances, to create a high-performance unit.
There are two versions: the Breezonic Performance HP has 2.4 kW of heating
Refrigerant R32
Dimensions of roof unit (L x B x H) 1.051 x 698 x 250mm
– 100mm
Communication interfaces CI- Bus, RV-C, Bluetooth (app), Infrared (remote control)
Control options Control via app, touch screen control panel on device and via remote control (as optional accessory) TECHNICAL DATA E-AIRTRONIC
and 2.5 kW of cooling available, while the more powerful Performance Plus HP has 3.5 kW of heating and 3.6 kW of cooling performance. The Breezonic provides an operating temperature range of -2°C to + 52°C.
“An advantage of the Breezonic is the strong output performance of up to 3.6 kW of cooling capacity, meaning it is, currently, one of the most powerful units available in the RV market,” says Michael Matthias. “And with its heat pump function, it can also be used for heating in cooler regions and seasons,” he continued.
Another important feature, particularly for the user and any neighbouring campers at night, is that the Breezonic is really quiet when in operation. Eberspaecher uses an inverter compressor to provide a soft start to ramp up the power and to prevent the compressor from suddenly powering up. Intelligent electronics automatically adapt the speed of operation and keep the compressor running at a low speed to hold the temperature stable, rather than regularly going on and off. This makes the system not only really smooth and quiet, but also more efficient, so that it consumes less energy. For customers in Europe, Eberspaecher offers a 230 V Breezonic, while a 110 V version is available for customers in other countries. It is designed to fit on the roof in a standard hatch with sizes of 400 x 400 or 360 x 360 mm, and can easily also be retrofitted as an aftermarket accessory.
A unique selling point of the Breezonic is, that it is user-friendly to operate for OEMs and private customers with a variety of control options. It is compatible with on-board management systems and has its own optional touch screen control panel which can be mounted into a wall. Alternatively, there is a remote control unit available for the user, or it can also be controlled via a stateof-the-art app developed specifically by Eberspaecher. Another feature is the very thin air distribution box with integrated touch screen control display as well as integrated cool and warm white LED dimmer lighting.
Invest to increase production
Fiamma continues investing to be ready for future market challenges with production for OEMs and after-market customers
Words Renato Antonini photo Enrico Bona
For several decades now, Fiamma has been the benchmark in the RV accessories sector with a strong presence on the European market and a consolidated footing in North America as well. The company is not resting on its laurels and is constantly changing. Even now, many transformations are underway. Charles Pozzi, CEO of the company with his cousin John-David Pozzi, tells us more.
Aboutcamp BtoB: Fiamma is approaching an important milestone in 2024...
Charles Pozzi: That’s right. We will be celebrating eighty years in business in 2025. It has been eighty years of growth during which Fiamma has always focused on the RV sector.
Aboutcamp BtoB: The European market is showing signs of slacking. How is Fiamma facing this uncertain situation?
Charles Pozzi: We invested heavily in the parts warehouse during the pandemic and managed to deliver goods on time. We achieved a significant growth in our turnover. Last year, we experienced a slight downturn because we had really grown a lot but also because we had already delivered the goods planned for the beginning of 2023 at the end of 2022. The turnover trend is stable this year. However, compared to the average of recent years, we are very satisfied.
Aboutcamp BtoB: How will part of the profits be reinvested in the company?
Charles Pozzi: We have always invest-
ed in expanding our facilities and purchasing machinery. We are also work ing on a major development plan right now. Operations kicked off in a new 4,000-square-meter wing in 2023. We created a modern warehouse with an in ternal height of 10 meters and a Toy ota management system. By moving the warehouse to the new wing, we freed up space for production activities and installed new machinery. We have increased produc tion and the goal is to double the overall
volume. With regard to awnings – our flagship products – we expect to reach
Aboutcamp BtoB: Have other operations on the facilities been planned?
Charles Pozzi: They have not only been planned... they are already in progress! We have completed the reorganization of the showroom, which is now set up like an exhibition stand, to showcase our products to customers in the best possible way. We also started modernizing and expanding the office area. We are creating additional meeting rooms for customer meetings and training courses.
Aboutcamp BtoB: Will you be hiring new people?
Charles Pozzi: We have already started and overall we expect to increase the workforce by 20%. There will be new shop floor operatives and new employees in various offices. For example, there are now eight engineers working in the new product development department, and we have established a partnership with Milan Polytechnic (University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering). We also have an in-house graphics department, which among other things is involved in constantly updating catalogues for the general public, partners and OEMs. Obviously, training is critical to the growth of the business and we invest heavily in this area.
Aboutcamp BtoB: Fiamma has always been very present in the after-market sector and has invested heavily in communications with end customers. Will you continue along this line?
Charles Pozzi: Sales to end customers through various distributors are still the main part of our work. We communicate with end customers in various ways. For instance, we focused a lot on the product catalogue, written in eight languages, and our social media presence has grown a lot recently. Of course, we continue to invest in trade fairs. However, we are also increasingly developing supplies to OEMs.
In partnership with
Charles Pozzi: We are now ready to supply RV builders with awnings, carry-bikes, roof lights and water pumps.
Aboutcamp BtoB: However, having dedicated products is not enough to fully enter the OEM supplier chain...
Charles Pozzi: That’s right. This is why we are organizing part of our business to offer various services to OEMs. For example, there will be a dedicated catalogue that is clearly differentiated from the one distributed to the general public. Furthermore, we have started to increase the number of people trained to specifically dialogue with manufacturers. We have people stationed in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and of course Italy, but there will also be Fiamma personnel travelling across Europe to support the various OEMs on site. This effort mainly concerns the European market. In North America, most deliveries are ac-
tually already made to OEMs.
Aboutcamp BtoB: What will be the split between production for the end customer and production for OEMs when all operations are up and running?
Charles Pozzi: Our goal is to cover an important slice of our turnover with OEMs, say 30%, and this in the short to medium term.
Aboutcamp BtoB: You have worked hard to ensure your future growth, so... Charles Pozzi: We have no intention of stopping. We never have and never will. As soon as the new warehouse wing was up and running, we started thinking about further expansion. We purchased a parcel of land near the headquarters where we could potentially build a 20,000-square-meter facility. Fiamma looks to the future. When the market picks up, we will be ready to supply the market with high volumes.
Aboutcamp BtoB: How can you support OEMs?
Charles Pozzi: We have invested in facilities, machinery and personnel to increase our production capacity and direct part of our production to serve OEMs. We can create products that are attractively priced and easy to install specifically for RV builders.
Aboutcamp BtoB: Which products are most suitable for OEMs?
Exciting Innovations for aftermarket and OEMs
Lippert announces its presence at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2024 with exciting new products, some ready for production, others still at the concept level
Words Giorgio Carpi
Lippert is preparing to participate for the eighth time at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf and this year announces exciting new products as well. From August 30th to September 8th, 2024, the European team of Lippert will welcome customers, suppliers, and communicators at their stand C05 in Hall 14.
News for OEM partners
Long in demand on the market, Lippert is launching its first door for caravans. Simply Trail, derived from legacy brands and know-how such as Metallarte and RV Doors, today part
of Lippert, is a door characterized by a simple and elegant style, designed to meet the needs of a recreational vehicle such as a caravan, which requires lower costs. On request, it can be enriched with a window with blind designed to increase the daylight in the living area or with other elements, such as a practical container that can be used as a dustbin.
Another important OEM product offered by Lippert, this time for the window blind segment, is the roller blind solutions Altair and Altair Open, respectively with a four-sided closed frame and a three-sided open frame.
Constructed with a lightweight, durable PVC frame and polyester fabric blinds, they have a clutched sliding mechanism that allows for easy opening to any position. The retractable rolled blind helps filter light and provide privacy.
The Caravan Salon will be the opportunity for Lippert to present the new generation of the Elektro Block EBL. The power supply system that carries on the Schaudt tradition springs from a concept with an integrated DC/DC booster for recharging through a smart alternator. The EBL e-SmartWave system that can interface with many other
devices on board the RV, such as A/C systems, so that they can be controlled from a single point using the CI-BUS protocol, is at a stage of design closer to production. The first version of this new EBL, designed to equip high-end vehicles with discrete components, will be offered without a charger (available as a separate device), while the version complete with the charging system will be launched later.
Completing the OEM offer on the Lippert stand will be no shortage of steps, doors and beds.
Aftermarket solutions
For aftermarket solutions, the spot-
In partnership with
light this year will be on the Level9 levelling system. More in detail, it consists of a pair of wedges that, via a dedicated app, allow the vehicle to be levelled without errors perfectly and easily. A prototype will be on show at the Caravan Salon, but marketing is slated to start as the production industrialization phase is complete.
Many accessories, like Furrion cameras, portable refrigerators and the R-Bike carrier, will not fail to draw the attention of end users.
“We are excited to bring innovation to the RV sector with our EBL e-SmartWave, a state-of-the-art system that seamlessly integrates connectivity
and digitization into the electronic architecture of modern vehicles”, said Lorenzo Manni, Managing Director, Caravanning EMEA at Lippert. “We are particularly proud of our Level9, a modern, hybrid aftermarket solution that combines advanced functionality with ease of use, offering superior benefits over traditional levelling systems. Strategically, Lippert is reasserting its role as a technical advisor and partner for innovative solutions. After years of challenges in the industry, we are now focusing on market standardization and technical support, working to reduce costs without compromising quality for our end customers”.
Lippert accelerates innovation with the EBL e-SmartWave Smart, Connected, Secure
Lippert introduces its latest system from the Power-on-Board family at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. The innovative Electroblock EBL e-SmartWave continues the tradition of excellence of German brand Schaudt, which recently joined the Lippert family.
This solution is designed for high-end vehicles, particularly new-generation electric vehicles soon to enter the RV segment, or those using discreet components, such as premium liners or motorhomes. The EBL e-SmartWave is created for smart management of all connected devices and does not include a battery charging system.
Key features
of the EBL e-SmartWave:
• CI-BUS compatibility – This protocol allows the EBL e-SmartWave to communicate with all compatible connected devices, enabling centralized control via a dedicated display or smartphone.
ing and control can be performed remotely. This ecosystem is ideal for both end users and dealers/renters. The fleet management section allows renters to monitor the status of all components interfaced with the EBL e-SmartWave system wherever the vehicle is located, thanks to the GNSS satellite system.
• Firmware updates OTA – The EBL e-SmartWave system supports over-theair (OTA) firmware updates, constantly improving functionality without requiring paid connectivity.
• Cloud-free solution and data transmission via VPN – Information is sent directly to the user’s smartphone or system without being stored in the cloud, thus avoiding data protection regulation (GDPR) issues.
The compatibility with the CI-BUS protocol allows control of all compatible connected devices via an external display that can be installed in a conveniently accessible location and with an app for iOS and Android smartphones. The LPWA connectivity enables the EBL to communicate via a VPN (encrypted and protected) directly with the user’s device, allowing remote monitoring and control of onboard peripherals without installing a modem or router with a data SIM – the EBL e-SmartWave is equipped with its own LPWA SIM. When in proximity, Bluetooth connectivity is used.
“We are bringing a highly innovative Power-on-Board solution to the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf,” said Emilio Gambineri. “This system represents the future of electrical management in recreational vehicles, with a strong focus on home automation and centralised management of peripherals. Our advanced technology and cloud-free solution offer an unparalleled user experience while ensuring maximum data security.”
Company news LIPPERT
Level9: leveling chocks go smart Brilliant, Easy, Uncompromising Quality
Lippert is revolutionizing the world of leveling chocks with the launch of the Level9 system at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. This innovative pair of leveling chocks assisted by a dedicated app marks a breakthrough in the aftermarket, allowing for the perfect leveling of a vehicle in just a few simple steps.
The Level9 chocks are paired with an app for Android and iOS that uses the phone’s gyroscope to simulate a lev el. Once the vehicle is parked, placing the phone on a flat surface will cause the app to automatically sug gest how to adjust the chocks for perfect leveling, saving
RV users precious time when pitching up at the campsite.
How it works
The operation is in two phases. The first involves positioning the chocks in front of or behind the wheels, fixing the two orange steps in one of the nine predefined positions, and driving onto the chocks. At this point, the app measures any imbalance and suggests the best position among the nine available to achieve perfect leveling. Then, simply drive off the chocks, reposition the steps as suggested
Altair and Altair Open retractable blinds
Innovative, Practical, with Closed or Open Frame
Another significant launch from Lippert at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf will be its first retractable window blinds with mosquito screens: Altair and Altair Open. These innovative products will be revealed at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf and offer an advanced and versatile solution for both the OEM and aftermarket segments, combining practicality, quality, and elegance.
Altair
With a closed four-sided frame, the Altair blind is designed to provide complete protection and excellent durability. Made with a robust PVC frame and polyester blackout fabric, Altair uses a friction slide mechanism that allows easy opening and closing, locking the blind and mosquito screen in any desired position. The retractable blind filters light and ensures privacy, serving as a more cost-effective alternative to pleated blinds. The upper housing contains the mosquito screen while the lower housing contains the blind.
Altair Open
Featuring an open three-sided frame, Altair Open offers great installation flex ibility. This version is particularly suitable for aftermarket installations due to its ability to adapt to different sizes. Altair Open is also made from lightweight and durable PVC and uses the same friction slide mechanism for optimal handling of
the opening and closing of the blind and mosquito screen. Both are housed in the upper casing.
Key features of Altair and Altair Open:
• Friction mechanism – Allows the blind to stop at any point without predefined positions, enabling unrivalled light adjustment.
• PVC frame, aluminum handles – The lightweight and durable frame is suitable for installation on flat walls; the handles provide an extraordinary sense of solidity and reliability.
• Customization – The blinds are available in various colors, including white (RAL 9010 Pure White), beige (RAL 1013 Oyster White), and black (RAL 9005 Jet Black), allowing perfect integration with the vehicle’s interior design.
• Affordability – The retractable blinds are more economical compared to
pleated ones, offering excellent value for money.
Benefits
The new Altair and Altair Open blinds are equipped with aluminum handles that feel solid and reliable. The patented fabric management system during rolling ensures easy handling, even when the handle is grasped at a less-than-optimal angle, as often happens when the user is seated sideways to the window. Both versions comply with ECE R21 regulations and can be equipped with fire-retardant fabrics upon request.
“We are thrilled to present the new Altair and Altair Open blinds,” said Emilio Gambineri. “These products meet the growing demand for functional and customizable solutions for RVs. Our attention to detail and technological innovation allows us to offer products that enhance the user experience while maintaining high standards of quality and affordability.”
by the app, and drive back on to be perfectly level.
Made from robust polypropylene, the Level9 chocks also stand out for their compact design: despite being only 55cm long, the maximum levelling compensation reaches an impressive 23.2cm in height, a ratio unmatched by leading competitors. This makes them easy to transport and store.
Level9 is designed in collaboration with Kyle Camping and boasts high-quality German engineering. Subject to rigorous structural
Lippert unveils Simply Trail, its first entry door for caravans Elegant, Lightweight, Versatile
Lippert is launching its first entry door specifically designed for caravans, named Simply Trail. This highly anticipated product, which will premiere at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, marks a significant innovation in the market for RV solutions. Simply Trail stems from the expertise of renowned brands like Metallarte and RV Doors, both now integral parts of the Lippert family. The result is a door featuring a simple yet elegant design, crafted to meet the specific needs of caravans while maintaining lower costs without compromising quality.
Key Features of Simply Trail:
• Elegant and functional design
– The door features an aluminium profile that ensures lightness and a sleeker structure. This not only reduces production and assembly times but also ensures a final product that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
• Versatility – Simply Trail offers variable dimensions in height (from 1,700 to 1,900mm) and width (from 550 to 600mm) to perfectly adapt to customer needs.
analyses and real-world tests, these chocks are designed to ensure durability and long-term resistance. The product is scheduled for commercial release at the beginning of next year, once the production phase is complete.
“At the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, we are presenting a new product that is as simple as it is sophisticated,” said Emilio Gambineri. “This innovation represents a game-changer for all RV owners seeking a simple and reliable solution for leveling their vehicle. The integration with a dedicated app makes the process even more intu itive, ensuring precision and ease of use.”
• Innovation – The door integrates a minimal and unobtrusive thermoformed panel, ideal for fitting various interior caravan designs. The hinges are very thin and semi-concealed, contributing to a slim, lightweight, high-performance, and cost-effective product.
• Accessories and customization – Simply Trail can be enhanced with a window and blind to increase daytime brightness inside the living space or with a practical container usable as a rubbish bin. It can also be complemented with a separately sold mosquito net and customized in terms of color.
“Simply Trail was developed with an innovative approach to the production system, using an aluminium profile that ensures not only lightness but also a significant reduction in assembly times,” said Emilio Gambineri, Director of Product & Project Management, Caravanning Europe at Lippert. “Our goal is to provide a product that combines functionality, elegance, and convenience while maintaining the high-quality standards our customers expect.”
Emilio Gambineri
Thetford boosts its sustainability credentials
Along with hygiene and convenience, sustainability and eco-friendliness are right at the top of Thetford’s priorities. At Caravan Salon Düsseldorf in August, Thetford will showcase two new eco-friendly sanitation products
The first product - which is still at the concept stage - is a separation toilet, sometimes referred to as diverting toilet. Marketing Manager Norbert van Noesel explains: “There is a dedicated group of end-users seeking water-free and additive-free sanitation solutions. This is even though standard cassette toilets use very little water – just 5% of what we use at home - and minimum additives when compared to the cleaning agents and toilet blocks at home.”
Next level separation toilet
In a separation toilet, liquids and solids are kept separate all the way through disposal. This can reduce or eliminate the need for additives and water, though it may present challenges for hygiene and convenience.
Van Noesel: “Market research by MIIOS, a respected German market research agency, specialised in RV, revealed that users of separation toilets are generally less satisfied with hygiene and convenience compared to
users of conventional cassette toilets. To put it simply, there is interest in the concept, yet the market feels the need for a better user experience.”
“We too were not convinced by the hygiene and convenience of the systems already out there and so, as the sanitation market leader, we believe it is time to bring separation toilets to the next level. Our solution has no visual contact with waste, and bad odours will be eliminated from the bathroom by an optional vent kit with
Words Terry Owen
Separation Toilet S220
fan and charcoal filter. An integrated manual valve is used to cover the solids and helps prevent liquids mixing with solid waste.”
When Thetford’s prototype goes into production, it will, initially at least, focus on the widely used C220 and C260 ‘S’ and ‘CS’ toilets. These models, without integrated water tank, represent over 2.5 million of Thetford’s installed toilets.
Full inner and outer bowl
Unlike existing products in the market, Thetford will offer a replacement swivel bowl and cassette kit which includes a new outer bowl as well as a new inner bowl, making an easy fit solution. The existing toilet base and seat and cover can of course be reused.
Separation Kit (SK C220 or SK C260) and full Separation Toilet (S220 or S260)
Next to the aftermarket separation kit, Thetford will offer full separation toilets to OEMs and self-builders. From a convenience stand point, the SK-series and S-series include more unique aspects, such as a level indicator for the 9-litre liquid tank and an optimised bowl, of fering the ergonomically best solution. The bowl can be used in all 180° angles. Both the SK-series and the S-series will be available to the market from June 2025. Pricing has still to be finalised but Thetford promises it will be very competitive.
iNDUS ECO
Chemical Toilet system for ev ery motorhome.”
Convenience and hygiene
The new version, to be called ‘iNDUS ECO’ will require no additives, whilst being light er, less complex and less costly than the standard product. This is achieved by eliminating all additives and the reuse of grey wa ter. The macerating toilet and holding tank with its convenient discharge hose are maintained for ease of use. Simplicity of discharge has always been one of the major attractions of iNDUS technology.
additive free macerator toilet
Thetford’s second new sanitation product is an eco-version of their ground-breaking iNDUS sanitation system that won the Red Dot and European Innovation Awards in 2021. Van Noesel explains: “Whilst iNDUS has been warmly welcomed in the premium segment of the RV market, sharply rising prices and supply issues have made it less attractive to the large mid-segment RV market. Moreover, a strong sustainability trend calls for additive-free opportunities. Based on feedback from the market, we developed iNDUS ECO, the first Zero
The macerator toilet weighs just 7.5 kg and has exceptionally low water usage – comparable to a standard Thetford cassette toilet. The iNDUS ECO toilet does not need to be placed against the wall, offering new layout possibilities for OEMs. Every surface of the toilet is easily accessible, ensuring effortless cleaning. The system pumps wastewater to the remote holding tank and includes a charcoal filter, eliminating the need for toilet additives. To avoid residues remaining in the waste tank, a pump is used to mix the waste four times a day. Additionally, an external water hose connection will be devel-
Thetford’s sanitary eco credentials
oped to periodically flush the
Advantages all round
End users will undoubtedly appreciate the freedom of an additive-free solution, whilst OEM’s will benefit from simpler installation, as well as weight and cost
Besides the sustainability aspect, another advantage of zero additives is that the waste can be discharged into any grey water disposal point, regardless of whether a septic tank is installed. As before, there is no need to hold the discharge device while discharging. You simply place it onto the grid, open the valve, and push the button to activate the discharging process.
Off grid time
Thetford believes that the 50-litre capacity of the holding tank will allow users up to seven days off grid before needing to discharge their waste tank. To help with the timing of discharging and finding available locations, the new iNDUS ECO app will be available. It will tell you when the black water tank is full, and powered by Campercontact, it shows over 50,000 available discharge locations in Europe. Samples will be available to OEMs before the end of 2024 with integration being possible in the first half of 2025. Pricing has yet to be confirmed. The first focus will be on OEM installations, but a retrofit aftermarket version is expected as well.
Thetford recognises the need for leading manufacturers to set the example when it comes to sustainability. In this respect, Thetford developed biobased and nature-based additives as well as it’s concentrated additives line, reducing weight, packaging and transport. From season 2025 the bottles of the concentrated additives will be made of recycled plastic. In addition, Thetford’s toilets are highly water-efficient, and additives have been expertly developed to have a minimal impact on the environment.
Norbert van Noesel
Left: iNDUS ECO discharger
iNDUS Eco Toilet
Company news AGUTI
The three-seater sleeping bench S3 reclines into a comfortable bed
Travelling and sleeping in comfort
Seating specialists Aguti bring their know-how and high standards to the camper van market via to an established range of comfortable, ergonomic products for on the way and at the destination
With over 30 years’ experience in the motorhome and camper van seating industry, Aguti has developed a reputation for quality, making the Langenargen-based company a market leader and trusted partner of various OEMs. From its early days as a small operation right through to today’s thriving business as part of AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group, within DEXKO Global Inc, customer requirements have always inspired product development at Aguti, creating a synergy for the benefit of all. Having started out producing innovative seats, frames and fixations for motorhomes, Aguti also has a growing camper van portfolio which has expanded in recent years to offer functionality, comfort and quality in more aspects, not only for customers but at the installation stage as well. With the vast majority of its increasing sales figures going direct to manufacturers, for Aguti, the user ex-
perience in the workshop is equally as important as the experience on the open road.
More comfort in the living area
Aguti’s camper van journey starts at the front, where a vehicle’s original seats can be upgraded with swivel consoles to provide an easy and effective way to transform the living area. With a simple motion, and without opening the door, both driver and passenger seat rotate to create a relaxed dining space around the fold-out table. Aguti has expanded its extensive range of swivel consoles to include new units compatible with the new Volkswagen Crafter and T7 as well as the Renault Trafic and all identical models.
Flexibility and easy installation with MAXRAIL
In the rear, Aguti’s MAXRAIL rail system opens a range of concepts to maximise
space and efficiency, allowing easy installation for different configurations. That flexibility has proved to be a hit with camper van converters, who appreciate the opportunity to express different interior lay-outs. The popular GIS-Light single seat installs easily with MAXRAIL. It has integrated three-point seat belt, separate adjustable headrest, stepless backrest adjustment and anatomically-adapted contact surfaces in the leg and back area for proven comfort on long drives. With armrests, the second-row passenger enjoys the same comfort as those up front.
Sleeping bench options
Naturally, Aguti’s sleeping bench options are fully compatible with MAXRAIL and are offered in different bench widths to provide flexibility and varying lay-out. These include the multi-functional S1 with two adjustable single seats, and S2
Words Editorial Staff, photo Aguti
with two adjustable backrest parts. Both offer a seating and bed function in one and transform with the flick of the wrist. They fold out in two simple steps to create a relaxing two-person bed, which can also be used for sun lounging during the day, or even used as additional luggage space whilst traveling. And with a flexboard, the camper becomes a suite. With demand for camper vans increasing across Europe in recent years, the appetite for new or customised products has grown too. The next addition to the Aguti sleeping bench family will be a triple sleeping bench (S3), offering a larger bed area and yet another option to satisfy an ever-changing market.
As well as options inside the camper van, Aguti offers options for a wide range of different donor vehicles too, providing manufacturers with greater options to meet their customers’ specific needs. The Aguti sleeping bench family is now available for Ford V710, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, PSA K0, Volkswagen T5/T6/ T6.1 and will soon be available also for the Volkswagen New Transporter.
Slide out for more space
Another recent addition to Aguti’s product line is the Slide-Out comfort bench. This brings new levels of comfort to passengers, thanks to a comprehensive range of comfortable configurations and independent adjustments. The seat, including the headrest, slides out by 110 mm for extra width, and each can independently be moved forward by up to 100 mm. The backrest also reclines to a relaxing angle to ensure a comfortable solution for every occupant. The elegant double seat appears as a single unit, thanks to clever integration of functionality and the belt frame. High-quality moulded polyurethane foams provide perfect ergonomic support for all body types and allow manufacturers to customise the cover materials and thread colours with premium stitching for additional sophistication. Various widths and frame heights are available for motorhome manufacturers and fitters.
Company profile
Since January 1, 2020, Aguti has been part of the globally-active and continuously-growing AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group. The group focuses on technology, research, and development in the area of vehicle technology, so Aguti’s products complement an existing range of products and services from AL-KO and its partners with high-quality seating technology, such as individual seats, benches, swivel consoles, substructures, and mountings for vans, motorhomes, or special vehicles. An innovative and powerful team of in-house designers and a development department create innovative products and functional solutions on a daily basis. Annual sales have reached more than 50,000 units to over 20 countries from its modern headquarters at Langenargen, and several production and assembly sites around Europe. Aguti Produktentwicklung & Design GmbH continues to operate under its long-standing company name as a proud member of the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group. As a result, Aguti is also part of DexKo Global Inc., which was formed in 2016 from a merger of Dexter and AL-KO and is the world’s leading manufacturer of axles and chassis components in the light vehicle segment.
Aguti’s bench Slide-Out creates extra width for comfort
GIS-Light with armrests on MAXRAIL rail system
Company news AMA COMPOSITES
Ama Composites was founded in 2004. It has been 20 years since the Italian company entered the market to bring innovation to various sectors, and it is precisely the RV sector where the greatest growth has occurred with unexpected results. AMA Composites created the first advanced solutions for motorhome outfitters as early as 2006, introducing LWRT technology derived from the automotive industry. Other innovative ideas joined this over time. Much has changed but today the goal is the same as ever: to supply cost-effective solutions for making exterior and interior vehicle components to the RV industry. Compared to traditional solutions, the advantages are various: weight
Twenty years of innovation
For two decades, the company has been working to carry across automotive logic to the RV industry, with plug-andplay products, super-insulating materials, and next-generation heating systems
Words Renato Antonini
reduction, ease of assembly on the production line, better appearance, and excellent thermal insulation, in addition to increased overall quality resulting from the industrialization of some production processes.
“When we started this journey, we had a clear vision: to create high-quality products that meet the needs of the market and our customers” , said Marco Corradini, CEO of Ama Composites. “Thanks to the dedication and talent of our team, we were able to turn this vision into reality. Every project, every challenge overcome, and every innovation introduced is proof of our constant commitment to excellence. Over these two decades, AMA Composites has grown and evolved but has never lost sight
of its core values – quality, reliability, and innovation”.
Growth was first and foremost enabled by the dynamic working team, the resourcefulness, and the desire to create something new. The synergies with the AMA Group, of which AMA Composites is a part, also counted a lot. It is an industrial group with headquarters in Italy and subsidiaries worldwide. Today, the AMA Group employs around 600 people and has 20 production facilities.
“Belonging to the AMA Group operating in several business areas means that AMA Composites can be a true full-service provider for the RV world and develop innovative products for interiors and living pod exteriors, including thermal insulation, automo-
Marco Corradini
tive-style aerodynamic undercarriages, and electronic instrumentation” , Marco Corradini added.
Let’s take a closer look at the fields in which AMA Composites has offered truly innovative solutions to the RV industry over the past twenty years.
The merit of AMA Composites was to successfully transfer this technology derived from the automotive sector to a low-volume sector such as the RV industry allowing low investments based on the use of wooden molds and welded sheet metal cutting jigs. Elements made with LWRT technology are much lighter than the same
parts made with conventional thermoforming techniques. Furthermore, it is possible to integrate its surface coating and thermal insulation and insert wiring or heating systems. This means that RV manufacturers can bring pre-assembled, industrially mass-produced, high-quality elements to the assembly line. Assembly time is reduced, there are fewer materials and components to store and handle, and the risk of waste is decreased. LWRT is used to make various parts of motorhomes, such as the rear sleeping area interior lining, and the cab top, as well as the side and rear door finishing panels. It is also used for panels to be installed under the drop-down beds of
motorhomes and campervans. AMA Composites has also created motorhome front ends and large elements to be attached above the chassis cab, including components for popup roofs.
Wiring
AMA Composites can supply even very complex solutions for the electrical and electronic parts of vehicles to the RV industry. This is achieved in synergy with the Wiring Harnesses division of the AMA Group, which has been in the agricultural and construction equipment business for over four decades. The major production plant is located in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and employs 150 people.
Insulation and heating
Over the years, various technologies carried over from the Building & Construction sector have been developed to deliver top-notch performance in thermal insulation and heating with conductive material. These technologies have been used by some AMA Composites customers to insulate and heat target areas of RVs. For several years now, AMA Composites has been offering a high-insulating material the RV industry, such as remarkably thin Aerogel, which is excellent for insulating RV sheet metal where there is little or no space. For heating, on the other hand, AMA Composites has increasingly perfected the JESS electrically conductive heating membrane. It is a very thin multilayer membrane, adaptable to any shape, and can be powered directly with DC power. It can be inserted into the floor, wall, or ceiling and be cut and drilled without any problems.
New automatic press LWRT
news BRIANZA PLASTICA
Grp flat laminates
Elycold
& Elyplan at the Caravan Salon
Brianza Plastica, one of the leading European Company in the production of fiberglass laminates, which are perfectly suitable for the recreational vehicle sector, will take part, also this year, in the Caravan Salon Exhibition in Dusseldorf. With its Elycold and Elyplan range of grp laminates, Brianza Plastica is able to provide the demanding RV market with flat grp laminates that are light, hail and UV resistant, waterproof, and strong impacts resistant
Recently, Brianza Plastica decided to highlight how the company’s products are Made in Italy adding a label on both the packaging and in the sales literature. This is not only for a simple and proud enhancement of origin, but also to emphasize the underlying philosophy common among the greatest names in the Italian craftsmanship and industry.
This label makes Italian country recognizable all over the world for beauty, creativity, expertise and elegance, and Brianza Plastica wants to make itself an ambassador of this philosophy for products in the recreational vehicles’ market. Transferring this concept to both their employees and customers is an integral part of the work they are doing.
On the one hand Brianza Plastica push the concept of the new product development to the extreme, and on the other hand they try to offer their partners unexplored opportunities.
The RV market is the most challenging in this respect because Brianza Plastica laminates are applied to different parts of the vehicles, and each of these applications requires very specific technical and aesthetic characteristics. The fact that their product range has expanded so much in recent years is precisely a snapshot of how Brianza Plastica stands by its partners on current and future projects.
These have been complex years in terms of the cost dynamics of raw materials and transportation, but, working in partnership with customers, they
have managed to contain increases as much as possible without absolutely compromising the product quality.
Also, from the logistical point of view, the lack of and the delays in deliveries of some components have complicated the operations of the entire supply chain quite a bit, but thanks to careful planning the company have managed to respond promptly to sudden changes in our customers’ productions.
“The first half of 2024 was positive, thanks in part to the residual order backlog of 2023, expectations on the second half seem to be on the downside although we are counting on containing thanks to our relationships with partners and the various new products that will be brought to market soon. We hope that Caravan Salon 2024 will,
Words Editorial Staff
as has been the case for a few years now, be a booster for the industry and that volumes will remain at last year’s levels. In any case, we will, as always, be present throughout the fair and invite our partners to our booth 13E88 to discuss news for the coming year,” says Davide Verde, Area Manager grp flat laminates of Brianza Plastica.
“Despite this moment of calm in the market for the reasons just highlighted, there are markets in which we are growing strongly, thanks to the trust of new customers who have tried our quality and service moving then to a constant and growing supply of new models, thus increasing our market shares, especially in the UK and US. New frontiers will now see us increasingly engaged in the Asian markets, which are expanding and renewing more than in the recent past,” concludes Andrea Bollani, Area Manager fiberglass laminates division.
In partnership with
Focus on products
Elycold Std: these grp flat laminates have the polymerization process at ambient temperature. The result is perfect flatness, which is an indispensable feature for the production of very high-quality panels, with very good aesthetics. The excellent dimensional stability of Elycold Std laminates is guaranteed by the use of fiberglass chopped strand mat, which can be combined with woven roving reinforcement, to further improve the mechanical features of the laminate.
Elycold Extra-Glass: it comes in rolls and sheets with gelcoat, and it has increased mechanical performances. Moreover, it is characterized by lightness, given by low specific weight and high mechanical strength, coming from the high percentage of glass content. In this way, all the vehicles which require high impact resistance, weight saving, and high aesthetic features can satisfy all these needs using Elycold Extra-Glass.
Elyplan Design PVC: is specifically studied to give the interiors’ floors of vehicles a unique and natural look. The Elyplan Design PVC grp laminates are created by applying a decorative PVC layer to the fiberglass reinforcement, directly during the production’s process. Thanks to this operation, there is no need for an extra adhesives’ coating: an environmentally friendly solution, which also helps to contain the panels’ weight, that is fundamental to improve fuel efficiency and the overall vehicles’ performance.
Brianza Plastica
Brianza Plastica was founded and started producing fibreglass laminates in Italy in 1962. Over time, it has significantly expanded its market presence and range of products to the RV industry. It supplies fibreglass sheets to manufacturers of campers and trailer, as well as manufacturers of lorries and refrigerated trailers. Its head office is just north of Milan in Italy, but also has four other factories also based in Italy, plus warehouses in Italy, France and USA. It is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of fibreglass laminates, made using both continuous and discontinuous cold technologies.
ElycoldStd
ElycoldExtra-Glass
Davide Verde, Andrea Bollani
Innovation and sustainability in RV wiring harness production
From the headquarters nestled in the Italian hills between Arezzo and Florence, CABLO-MO-
TIVE has laid the foundations to build a dominant position in the production of wiring harnesses for the motorhome world
CABLO-MOTIVE is a leading manufacturer of electrical wiring harnesses and was founded in Castelfranco Piandiscò by Alfredo Ferrini in 2007.
“We originally specialised in wiring harnesses for the construction industry, including tippers and special ve-
hicles and later expanded into the automotive sector,” said Alfredo Ferrini.
“CABLO-MOTIVE entered the motorhome market about 10 years ago and this has become one of the company’s leading sectors. More than 65% of the company’s turnover is now in the motorhome sector, focusing on
wiring harnesses for the accessories and main vehicle systems. “We have entered this sector with the wiring harnesses for the electric steps of Davide Nardini’s Project 2000” , Ferrini continued.
CABLO-MOTIVE is UNI EN ESO 9001:2008-certified and currently
Words and photo Enrico Bona
Alfredo and Matteo Ferrini
maintains a significant presence in several areas. In addition to being a leader in the construction industry with original equipment wiring, the company is also active in the catering sector with industrial kitchens and special vehicle fittings.
Innovation and customisation
CABLO-MOTIVE specialises in producing a wide range of essential wiring harnesses for recreational vehicles. The main products include battery wiring harnesses, headlight wiring harnesses, main floor and service systems, and wiring harnesses for third-party accessories. By diversifying production, CABLO-MOTIVE can meet each customer’s specific needs with prototyping and testing services for all types of production. The company maintains a constantly updated and replenished stock of high-quality electrical components and cables, which allows it to provide timely solutions, reducing waiting times and ensuring maximum efficiency in the services offered to its customers.
Flexibility and quality as a competitive advantage
CABLO-MOTIVE stands out for production flexibility, capable of handling both small and large batches. With a highly specialised workforce of about 50 employees, the company can change production on the lines in less than 24 hours. This capability means that it can respond promptly to customer needs virtually in real-time. In the production process, CABLO-MOTIVE exclusively uses state-of-the-art machinery for cutting and crimping wires which can also perform quality checks directly on the material and apply ink-jet markings on the wirings themselves. After this step, the harnesses are assembled and tested one by one on test benches, ensuring high stan -
dards of quality and reliability of the finished products.
Continuous investment to ensure growth
In 2024, CABLO-MOTIVE took a further step in its growth with an investment of about 2 million Euros for purchasing new precision machinery and the acquisition of new production space.
“We now own about 2,000 square metres of working space. The refurbishment of both production and offices was an integral part of this process. In 2025, we have set ourselves the goal of becoming energy self-sufficient”
This goal is an important step towards corporate sustainability.
A key element for business continuity is the entry of Matteo Ferrini, Alfredo’s son, who is gradually assuming a leading role in the company. Matteo brings with him an innovative vision and a strong commitment to
sustainability, actively participating in decision-making and day-to-day operations. Alfredo Ferrini also emphasised the importance of being well-structured to take on future developments: “To this end, CABLO-MOTIVE is organising a dedicated sales office to follow the international market outside the Italian borders”. In line with its commitment to sustainability, CABLO-MOTIVE is also working on solutions to reduce its environmental impact also using renewable energy and minimising waste: “We have designed packaging systems that will allow us to reduce packaging waste by employing pallets and plastic packaging materials that will be reused again for shipments,” said Alfredo Ferrini during the interview. Finally, CABLO-MOTIVE aims to strengthen its presence in European markets, expanding business opportunities and improving customer service to consolidate its position in the industry.
CABLO
Alfredo Ferrini
New AM and OEM solutions
The Italian company, already an established partner of most European OEMs, is also ready to compete more incisively in the AM sector, with enhanced production capacity and flexibility, new sales managers and a wider product range
Words Renato Antonini
This year CTA will again be at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, but with an even richer, more extensive product assortment, at a time when the company is undergoing the greatest transformation in its history. After the creation of the new headquarters, opened in 2022, CTA is implementing a plan for the reorganization of all its processes with the aim of increasing and diversifying output and expanding its market, offering customers more services while still putting quality and flexibility first.
“CTA has enjoyed constant growth for a number of years,” states CTA Sales&Marketing Manager Ursula Scalia. “Major investments have been made and we’re continuing to work for the future.”
Operations have been further subdivided by splitting the technical department from the R&D section, giving the two sectors their independence and their own specific personnel, while they continue their active collaboration and also interact with the prototypes area. The R&D area evolves new ideas and performs constant research into high-strength yet lightweight materials, while the technical department handles the construction design of products, often customizing them to
individual clients’ needs. The prototypes area, which builds the functional prototype of all CTA products prior to industrialization, also plays a fundamental role. The testing lab has been expanded and equipped with new machinery and CTA can proudly point to partnerships with most European technical certification services: it recently received accreditation from the VCA, the UK authority, to add to those already held, including TUV, Lux Control, ATEEL and Green Kar.
“We’ve also invested in human resources in order to improve services and handle the increase in output,” Ursula Scalia continues, “adding a new Area Manager for southern European OEMs to our sales team, and they’ll shortly be joined
by another area manager for northern Europe. These two executives will work alongside a sales manager specifically handling the After Market segment and a back office team member.”
Latest innovations for OEMs
There are many novelties for OEMs, with solutions designed to make motorized recreational vehicles safer and more comfortable. As the market waits for constructors to launch electrically powered camper vans, CTA has developed its own solutions for seat belts in these vehicles. Last year an idea was presented in the form of a rendering, but now the actual prototype is being displayed: it is a metal seat belt anchoring frame which is not secured to the floor mechanically but with guides and slides through high-strenght structural adhesives. This first version is type-approved for Stellantis group vans but its use will be possible on vehicles on other bases further to type-approval. For current, conventionally powered vehicles, CTA offers an optional Isofix system for the rear seats: it is a new system created by upgrading the one that has already been in production for some years. So far the bar which supported the Isofix anchor points has been fixed, but now it can be mounted at different heights to adapt to the different cushions already used by constructors, eliminating the need to modify the design and production. Together with seat belt frames, CTA now offers an optional L-shaped reinforcing frame which increases seats’ stability and achieves compliance with the new R17 directive for the entire structural assembly.
One of the most sofisticated product in CTA range is the Sleep Dinette, which made its market debut a few years ago. It is now streamlined and rendered more comfortable by the use of new padding materials and the inclusion of
In partnership with
an additional washable cover for configuring the bed. The new Sleep Dinette is type-approved for category K0 vehicles based on Citroën Spacetourer, Citroën Jumpy, Peugeot Traveller, Toyota ProAce II, Opel Vivaro, FIAT Scudo and FIAT Ulisse. There is also an innovation for the Relax Seat System: remote control of movement is maintained for the Premium version, but there is now also a Smart variation with pushbutton operation. In addition, specific wiring can be added to retract the seat automatically when the engine is started.
However, the table supports, already industrialized and ready for mass production, are also a strong new entry in the CTA catalogue. These are telescopic single-leg supports, intended for use as the central support for the table top. Two versions are available, for fixed and sliding table tops. The latter version can be customized to the different constructors’ needs, although some standard sizes are already planned.
Last but not least are the interior ladders, which underwent restyling last year and have now been industrialized to create a range with a number of versions. Adjustable feet are used to increase stability while the plastic treads
components distributors, is still proceeding smoothly. The Smart Kit is the pilot project with which CTA entered the segment a few years ago, making its seat belt anchor frames available for after market applications. This package has now been expanded, as a number of optional solutions are offered in addition to the original kit of metal frame, anchor brackets, instructions and type-approval. For example, the range includes R17 directive compliance, headrest system, Isofix anchor bar and also combination with the Smart Bed system for creating a more comfortable bed. The dinette corner can be completed with a number of cushion kits, for the seats or for conversion into a bed.
The range of articulated TV supports for wall-mounting is another popular after market item. The new TV supports are attractively designed with plastic covers over the hinge points. CTA will be presenting 3 models for 3 different application solutions.
The indoor ladders, offered in a variety of heights suitable for drop-down, cabover and high-level rear beds, are derived from the OEM solutions. The new range of table supports, with telescopic central support suitable for fixed, sliding or rotating table tops, is also available for the after market segment.
enhance convenience and provide a lighter, more streamlined appearance.
Innovations for the After Market segment
The planned extension of the offering for the after market segment, where CTA is now partnering leading accessories and
“Sales to after market distributors have increased sharply,” Ursula Scalia explains to us. “Five years ago they represented 10% of our turnover but today they account for 40%. We’re creating a set of services specifically for the after market segment, starting with packaging options and a web portal specifically for distributors, to simplify procedures for them and offer optimal support; we’ve also added a sales manager specifically for this segment.”
Sales department
DIMATEC
New technologies and advanced performance in RV lighting
The Italian company presents its new product ranges with new advanced solutions for exterior lighting and light clusters focused on innovating and optimizing performance
Dimatec, based in Guanzate near Como in northern Italy, is one of the world leaders in interior and exterior recreational vehicle lighting. For 40 years, Dimatec has been a leading player on the international RV scene and, as every year, will be in the forefront at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf this coming September with its innovations.
Innovations for awning lighting
At the upcoming CSD 2024, Dimatec will be presenting a series of new products with several features in its range for the first time. Some of the most noteworthy innovations are the new exterior light clusters and awning lights implementing signifi cant technological advanc es, like the all-new 40-cm, dimmable veranda light with standard LEDs and a specially developed diffuser to increase luminous efficiency. This new product complements the exist ing versions, which in turn have been
improved with the introduction of 15 and 30-cm COB LED modules to replace the current ones. For customers, these developments mean that power consumption (constant between 5 and 8W) is the same and so is the size of the accessories they install on their vehicles so no modifications are needed. COB technology, in which LED chips are directly mounted and connected on a substrate to form a single lighting module, offers many advantages. These include high light-
Dimatec offers three standard colors – classic white, silver and black – for the external awning light range. Other colors are available on demand.
Innovations in lighting
A large part of Dimatec’s presentation in Düsseldorf will be dedicated to lighting, with a range of innovations that will be available in the 2025 catalogue. The two all-in-one multifunctional light clusters (pictured above) – one version for caravans/trailers
Words and photo Enrico Bona
between the two models is the triangular reflector for the former and the rear fog light for the latter. A second innovation on show at CSD 2024 will be a brand new modular light cluster with brake and tail light functions, as well as all the accessory light bodies. Dimatec has also further developed the 95-mm lights already in its catalogue, introducing a diffuse light effect instead of LED spots.
“The new 380-mm LED bars will also be offered with diffused light, and as with the other innovations, no modifications will be necessary to upgrade making it particularly advantageous for customers”, commented Alex Vohwinkel, OEM Sales Manager at Dimatec S.p.A.
Next-generation
Bi-LED headlights
Dimatec will expand the headlight range with the introduction of next-generation all-in-one biLED main/dipped beam headlights and a fog light, also LED.
“Bi-LED headlights offer a number of advantages over other lighting technologies, including better energy efficiency, lower heat emission, greater durability, and increased visibility and safety”, explained Vohwinkel. “The emitted light is more natural and uniform, very similar to daylight. This has the effect of reducing eye fatigue for the driver and improving the perception of colors and contrasts on the road”.
spotlight range in the catalogue can now be supplied to customers with USB-C charging connections instead of USB-A. Developments in flexible profiles, which will become extremely thin, are also on the way. These new profiles offer a further reduction in size of thickness and width, making them even more flexible, versatile and discreet, once again allowing designers to play with lighting more freely and creatively.
“With these innovations, Dimatec confirms its commitment to researching and developing cutting-edge solutions for the recreational vehicle market, keeping customer satisfaction and optimizing the performance of their products at the center. The Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf will be the perfect opportunity to preview these revolutionary innovations”, concluded Alex Vohwinkel.
Dimatec and Tecnoform team up for furniture kits
Interest in do-it-yourself kits for equipping recreational vehicles has grown significantly in recent years. These kits offer small outfitters the possibility of customizing and optimizing the interior space of their vehicles according to their own needs and preferences. With the advent of innovative and affordable solutions, the complete kit model is a flexible response to the demands of an ever-changing market. At the forthcoming Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Tecnoform will present a furnishing kit for the Mercedes Sprinter, specially designed for recreational vehicle outfitters. This kit includes a sophisticated kitchen block with integrated lighting by Dimatec. Alex Vohwinkel emphasizes the strategic importance of this new product: “We are very focused and motivated on this kit because, as a distributor in Italy, we can offer the lighting for the kitchen block but also the related accessories. The supply will be managed by Frankana in Germany. Tecnoform is a high-profile partner, with whom we established an immediate synergy. We share the same market vision and the same criteria and values with which to approach it”.
Bi-LED technology also offers greater design flexibility, allowing designers to create ever more compact, aerodynamic and aesthetically appealing light clusters.
New
design for interior lighting
Finally, there will also be no shortage of Dimatec innovations in interior lighting at CSD 2024. First of all, every
Alex Vohwinkel
Above and below: modular lighting elements for the rear light clusters
EURAMAX FOR MOBILITY
Superior protection for the home on wheels
Motorhomes and caravans are worth protecting. These vehicles are the pride of their owners and function as a place to call home, no matter where you travel. Euramax for Mobility has devoted itself to developing a stronger coating to fulfill this need for exceptional protection. Now, they can proudly present the result: SuperiorCoat
Words Editorial Staff
Whether it’s a motorhome parked in stunning nature or a caravan at a busy campsite, all recreational vehicles have one thing in common: their owners spend a lot of time in their vehicles and cherish them as their home away from home. At Euramax for Mobility, they believe that a vehicle is so much more
than just a means of transportation. The exterior of the ‘home on wheels’ deserves the best possible care. Vehicles are used to go out on adventures, and adventures don’t always follow the script. Campers and caravans can get scratched, dented, and impacted by the elements. So, why not help your customers protect their vehicle?
Instead of just advising them to be extra careful, leverage the qualities of Euramax new SuperiorCoat. The hardness of SuperiorCoat is four times that of plastic (GRP) alternatives, offering exceptional resistance against scratching and keeping the surface of vehicles in great condition. In addition, SuperiorCoat offers the same ex-
ceptional protection against UV radiation that users of traditional Euramax coatings will be used to, maintaining their colour and gloss for decades. The superior hardness of the paint, combined with long-term colour and gloss retention, will protect the look of your vehicles throughout their lifetime. What doesn’t change are the other benefits of coated aluminium: a fully circular, light weight material with automotive surface quality. For even better durability, SuperiorCoat can also be applied to the StrongLite alloy, a proprietary Euramax alloy, which is 50-80% less prone to dents and hail damage than traditional aluminum alloys.
Peace of mind for all
It’s not just your customers who benefit when SuperiorCoat is applied. Vehicle producers will also recognize that damages can occur during the production process. SuperiorCoat protects the vehicle during assembly, reducing waste and costs associated with production. Being up to four times harder than traditional coatings, SuperiorCoat is simply less susceptible to accidents such as employees
scratching the surface with tools or damages during transport. This protection provides peace of mind for both you as a producer and the future owners of the vehicles you build.
Pencil, pencil on the wall
It is a given that hard coatings typically offer superior resistance to scratching and abrasion, whereas softer coatings are more susceptible to premature wear. Thus, ensuring the appropriate hardness of a coating for its intended application is crucial. But what exactly defines a ‘hard’ coating, and how can hardness be accurately measured? To showcase the outstanding hardness of SuperiorCoat, Euramax relies on rigorous hardness testing methods.
The Wolff-Wilborn test, also known as the pencil hardness test (ASTM D3363 test or the EN13523-4 test in Europe), assesses a coating’s hardness by employing multiple graphite pencils with varying degrees of hardness. The pencils are labeled according to their graphite hardness, with 6B typically being the softest in a set of pencils used in hardness testing. The pencils increase in hardness from 6B to 5B, 4B, and so on, progressing down to a single B. The hardness scale continues with pencils ranging from HB to F, H, 2H, 3H, and culminating with the hardest in the set at 8H and 9H. To assess the coating’s resistance to abrasions and scratches, each pencil is dragged across the surface with consistent pressure at
a 45-degree angle.
The protection of SuperiorCoat provides peace of mind for customers and producers alike.
Pave the way for relaxed journeys
Euramax conducted the Wolff-Wilborn test on their brand-new coating, which demonstrated its clear superiority over GRP in terms of hardness. SuperiorCoat measures a hardness grade of 8H, whereas GRP measures 2H on average. Therefore, SuperiorCoat offers exceptional resistance against scratching and abrasion during the production process, paving the way for more relaxed journeys for your customers.
Euramax for Mobility is a leading, global supplier of coated aluminium, also known as the Green Metal, for the mobility sector. They have been a loyal partner to the RV industry for over 50 years, supplying many of the leading RV brands worldwide. Euramax for Mobility offers a wide range of light weight aluminium alloys and performance coatings. Their products are light, fully circular, highly durable and give your vehicle an automotive surface quality. Discover what Euramax can do for you on euramaxcladding.com
Company Profile
The new American reality of Vigolungo Group
Ready to compete in the U.S. market, E. Vigolungo S.p.A. boasts a century of experience and a well-established connection to the RV industry with the supply of plywood panels for interior furniture
Well-known in the European market, Italian E. Vigolungo S.p.A. has landed in North America with the opening of E. VIGOLUNGO NORTH AMERICA INC. branch office. The Vigolungo family company started as a furniture maker in Piedmont, northern Italy, in the 1920s. The turning point came in the 1960s when a plan was launched for industrial-scale production of poplar plywood panels, with an increasing approach towards industrial applications. In 2023, the company’s turnover was about 44 million Euros, over 60%
of which in RV and nautical furniture sectors. The headquarters and production plant are in Canale, near Cuneo, and the covered area is 20,000 square meters (total area of 90,000 square meters). About 170 employees work there. Around 350-400 tons of logs are processed in Vigolungo plant every day.
“We are specialized in plywood panels for RV sector focusing on two factors: high quality and light weight”, explained Giorgio Piumetti, General Manager in Vigolungo. “We mostly use Italian poplar wood, considered
the best for motorhome and camper van furniture applications. Our panels are remarkable lightweight. They have a light-color, uniform surface, with tolerances and mechanical properties adequate to customer requirements. They are perfect for finishing applications. The higher quality of Vigolungo plywood is the result of decades of work, with the selection of the best plantations, the use of appropriate machinery, and the employment of skilled workers. That’s the reason why our products are also used for furniture in the luxury yacht industry”.
Words Renato Antonini, photo Enrico Bona
The production facility in Canale (Cn) - North of Italy
The development plan In the strategic internationalization vision, the Vigolungo family began working on a development plan in 2020, which was initially managed by Emilio Vigolungo, belonging to the 5th-generation, until his untimely passing in 2023.
Giorgio Piumetti
“I joined the company as General Manager in 2022 with the pleasure to work alongside Emilio Vigolungo for a few months, sharing his ideas and the need to enlarge the company towards new markets” , said Giorgio Piumetti. “E. Vigolungo North America Inc. is the result of this vision. Our strategic development plan had led us to invest in R&D of new products with an implementation of our laboratory, product and sustainability certifications, reorganization of sales and marketing departments, beside bolster HtoH – human to human –relationships with customers. Every section of the company has under-
gone improvement. This process has now been going on for eighteen months and it is still underway”.
Environmental
sustainability
“Sustainability is a must in our vision”, said Elisa Giacotto, company’s R&D, Sustainability, and Certification Manager. “First, we use mostly poplar wood, which is cultivated and not derived from deforestation. We have a clear goal: to be completely energy independent by the end of 2025. We have a 16.5-MW biomass boiler that supplies energy in the form of heat to the production process and to our plant. With the surplus of the produced energy, we supply hot water through a district heating system to neighboring plants and the city of Canale. The boiler is fed with poplar log processing by-products and plywood board processing scraps. Solar panels covering the roof of the entire
plant were installed in 2023, totaling 1.1 MW. By the end of 2025, the latest investment of an in-house produced saturated steam turbine with a capacity of 1.6 MW will be operational, which will ensure our total energy autonomy. Since 2020 we have the Carbon Footprint of Organization (CFO), monitoring CO2 emissions. Keeping this vision, we anticipated the ISPRA directive on Ecodesign, which calls for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), already operational on our VigoPly brand that represents the 75% of our production”.
E. Vigolungo North America Inc. starts its business in July 2023, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as a trading company of E. Vigolungo S.p.A.
Grand Rapids is globally known as The Furniture City, a major hub of home, office and RV furniture component manufacturing, located in the Great Lakes region where the recreational boating industry is highly developed.
“We were already exporting to North America” , explained Chiara Pisano, Country Manager E. Vigolungo North America Inc. “Customers today really appreciate this closeness that translates into a service because we offer them several benefits. Firstly, we can establish a direct HtoH relationship, meeting customers face-to-face in the offices, and analyzing their needs in detail through both standard and tailor-made products. We manage all customs clearance and logistics procedures. We offer Italian-made products that become American, our customers can easily purchase premium high-quality panels, derived from wood species not properly native to Americas, in dollars and without any currency exchange risks. The goal for the next two years is to consolidate a network of customers in which reliability and longterm agreements help mutual partnerships in a winwin strategy”.
From left: Chiara Pisano with Vera, Pietro and Stefano Vigolungo
This year seems to be full of satisfaction for FAP Group, that continues to consolidate its leading position in the recreational vehicles sector with new solutions and strategic partnerships. The company’s attendance at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2024 will be a perfect opportunity to present its latest products, including new garage doors, a wide range of slatted beds, an innovative mosquito screen for the side doors of camper vans. Important agreements with major European manufacturers will also be disclosed.
FAP Group: innovation at Caravan Salon
The Italian company will be exhibiting a wide range of new products at the German trade fair: from new garage doors, slatted beds and to an innovative mosquito screen for camper vans. In the meantime, the company is also extending its partnerships with the major manufacturers of recreational vehicles
New garage/flap doors range
After the company’s success at the last two editions of Caravan Salon with its entrance and driver door, FAP Group continues to expand its product range. The new garage doors, developed and produced with the same technical characteristics and systems as previous FAP’s doors, offer customers visual uniformity with same functionality and reliability. This new product, featuring 100% Italian design, has been developed to meet the needs of the market, granting the same quality and noiseless
Words Paolo Galvani
closing that distinguished FAP Group’s doors range.
“The excellent market response to our doors lead us to develop additional styles, thus providing customers with a complete door range,” says Lapo Ermini, Managing Director of FAP Group. “Our mission has always been to innovate and improve the experience we provide to customers and travelers, thus we are excited to be presenting these new products at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf”.
Another strength of the new range doors is the integration of ACS (Automatic Closing System). The system, connected to the vehicle’s central locking, grants safety, effort-free closing and improving reliability usage for customers.
FAP Group beds range
In light of growing demand, FAP Group will be presenting for the first time a new range of beds at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf. Engineered with solutions to simplify installation, these beds will be available in different versions and sizes to meet a wide range of customer requirements. The stationary beds with slats represent a perfect combination of comfort and functionality, meeting the expectations of those looking for the best in their travelling experience.
Innovative mosquito screen for vans
The side door in camper vans is normally protected from insects by a
FAP’s entrance doors make their debut in the Rapido Group
sliding pleated mosquito screen. The system has the problem that, when closed, it prevents to link externally, the table to the kitch en unit on those van that are set with this option.
FAP Group’s patent pending solution, completely personalized to meet customer requirements, involves a mosquito screen being formed by two different separated parts and a frame installed in the entrance opening. The van entrance is thus protected by a traditional horizontal sliding pleated mosquito screen, while the portion above the kitchen unit is protected by a mosquito screen with vertical movement. The outside part of the unit remains free for installation of the table, while the van opening is sealed by the two screens.
Strategic partnerships
In addition to product innovations, FAP Group has recently made new and important strategic agreements with some of the major European manufacturers of recreational vehicles. With the prestigious German manufacturer Eura Mobil, for example, we have entered into an exclusive partnership involving the engineering,
production and supply of an adapter for diesel and ADBlue refueling on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform.
Another important agreement has been reached with Benimar, a renowned Spanish manufacturer of caravans and vans and part of Gruppo Trigano. Starting from this season, Benimar is using FAP’s Orus Pro range of adapters, fillers and electrical connectors. This range represents a significant advance in the recreational vehicles sector, providing a touch of elegance to the vehicles where they are installed. The current range in cludes diesel and water fillers, adapters for die sel and ADBlue, elec trical inlet sockets and multifunction sockets (230V, TV and USB). This agreement also co incides with Benimar’s 50th anniversary, representing a sig nificant moment for both companies. These new partnerships highlight once more how FAP Group is positioned as a professional and reliable partner for major RV worldwide man-
ational vehicles sector, confirming itself as a trusted and high quality partner for all major manufacturers.
“We are extremely proud of the targets we have reached and partnerships we have started” concludes Lapo
“Our commitment to innovation and quality guides us every step of the way, and we are looking forward to share our latest products and innovations with our partners and with all the attendees at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf”.
FAP Group attending at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2024, where it will be exhibiting at hall 13, stand E33, will therefore not only be a window onto the company’s latest innovations and successes, but also the opportunity to consolidate relationships with existing partners and create new relationships for the future. With new line products and strategic partnerships, FAP Group continues to set the standards in the recre-
Lapo Ermini
The new slatted bed by FAP Group
Orus Pro line
The new mosquito screen for camper vans
The Eura Mobil diesel and ADBlue refueling adapter
A world of possibilities: a global mission
The most extended product range in the furniture industry matched with excellent service: this is what Filippi 1971 offers to RV manufacturers today
Words Renato Antonini
Ever since its first participation in 2003, Filippi 1971 has never missed a Caravan Salon edition in Düsseldorf and this time the focus is on the completeness of its offer. The claim is “A world of possibilities”, the aim is to demonstrate that
the company, over the years, has increasingly expanded its product range and now has a multiplicity of proposals, capable of meeting various needs at different levels of the furniture manufacturing.
“Starting from 2013 we have been working hard to implement our offer, – states Francesca Filippi, International Sales Manager of Filippi 1971 – with various finished products for different applications in the industrial furniture and interior design. We started from our core business, laminated plywood panels, to increasingly broaden our range of action, reaching more sophisticated technologies and complex products”. In a moment of great transformations like this, the company has the task of operating as an excellent product and service provider, granting maximum support to OEMs. Francesca Filippi has no doubts about this: “What matters in this uncertain moment is to deliver an excellent service and a quality with no compromises.”
But what does Francesca Filippi mean when she talks about “excellent customer service”? First of all, regular deliveries, respect for the agreements, punctuality. Stable deliveries are critical for RV manufacturers, who would otherwise experience delays in vehicle production. Filippi 1971 is able to ensure just in
Filippi 1971 is progressively increasing its joinery capacity in making postforming and folding doors
time deliveries, according to the manufacturers’ requests and the most detailed specifications.
“When it comes to deliveries, RV manufacturers ask suppliers for certainty on times and quantities, – explains Ivo Bolis, Sales Manager of Filippi 1971 – and we guarantee this. It is not a given in a difficult market like the current one. We can do this thanks to a reliable, selected network of suppliers that are true partners to us, and thanks also to a way of operating that we have well-structured over the years, keeping a bigger vision but working with the right amount of flexibility to embrace the specific needs of each customer.”
Filippi 1971 has actually structured its production on two levels: on the one hand it works on large volumes on an industrial base, thanks to the five lamination lines and a flexible joinery department, on the other it can carry out smaller batches with sartorial attention to the elements and even with short notice for deliveries. Filippi 1971 also implements this flexibility in shipping, supporting customers in optimizing the logistics of every shipping.
By “service” Filippi 1971 also means the selection of the best technologies, quality substrates and surface materials, but the consultancy offered to customers on the type of material to adopt is also fundamental. “Throughout our almost 25 years of experience on the field, we can say that not all materials are all the same, – continues Ivo Bolis – so we aim to assist our customers in the best material choice based on the type of application, technical requirements, and the expected budget. A wrong choice can lead to defects that often emerge over time, reducing the quality and reliability of the final product. Let’s think, for example, of a plywood that warps after a certain period, or that does not offer adequate tightness to the screws. In this area we can offer reliable advice, as we have no interest in pushing one product while overshadowing another, having access to a comprehensive supply chain of materials and semi-finished products.”
Material science, co-engineering and new products
Filippi 1971 owns an extensive range of technologies used in the industrial furniture production, yet it is through co-engineering with its customers that new products can be born and exploited to their maximum potentials.
Through an internal R&D laboratory equipped with autoclave, 3D printers and digital printing, there’s a whole world of solutions that Filippi 1971 can offer to the RV world: ultralight composite panels for furniture carts, soundproof panels and new customizable and matchable VittEr® shutters are just a few of the new products showcased in the innovation wing of the company’s stand at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. In addition to this, innovative design solutions and refreshed takes on the furniture components are proposed to the customers, in a combination of the different skills and tools that Filippi 1971 can boast.
The technical support that Filippi 1971 can offer to RV manufacturers is on various levels, from the simplest advice to real co-engineering operations. The company can communicate with the technical office of the RV manufacturer, with its designers and architects, to identify the best combination of decorations, finishes and boards, according on the different aeras of applications. The consultancy activity also proves important when an entire industrial group wants to differentiate similar vehicles, belonging to different brands, based on furnishings and color schemes. The technical consultancy of Filippi 1971 can also speed up the time-to-market, improving the transition from design to prototype and then to pre-series, preventing delays and inconveniences that could arise from the use of unsuitable materials or those used in inappropriate areas.
“The service we can offer – concludes Francesca Filippi – allows RV manufacturers to find the most suitable solution by mixing costs, weight, mechanical resistance and reliability over time, as well as central aesthetic values, should we be talking about panels for the furniture construction or more customized doors made with postforming or folding technologies.”
The company’s stand at Caravan Salon 2024
This year, the German manufacturer of regulators and fittings GOK found itself in the spotlight with a new product launch. In the spring it presented its new Caramatic SafeDrive and SafeDrive PLUS models: something of a revolution in the supply of LPG in leisure vehicles. The Caramatic SafeDrive series basically fulfils all the functions of familiar control device models fitted with a crash sensor: it ensures the correct gas
The compact new pressure regulation system, easy to handle and safe
At the Caravan Salon trade fair, the German specialist for regulators and fittings is presenting its Caramatic SafeDrive systems
pressure on the consumer equipment in the leisure vehicle. The integrated crash sensor enables connected LPG systems to be supplied while driving –and the gas cylinder can remain open at all times. This means that heating or cooling is also possible while driving – and there’s no need to remember to close the gas cylinder valve before setting off.
However, the key difference is in the construction of the system: instead of the usual wall assembly, the compact system, which fits in one hand, is screwed directly onto the gas cylinder.
Words editorial staff
This can be completed within a few minutes and can also be done by the operator. And the new compact design also means a retrofitting is far more straightforward than it is with conventional models.
GOK will be presenting the Caramatic SafeDrive and SafeDrive PLUS to a wide public audience for the first time at the Caravan Salon trade fair. Volker Lang, Head of Marketing at GOK: “We are expecting considerable interest from the well informed and knowledgeable visitors to the Caravan Salon, especially since several systems are already in use and have passed their practical tests in the best possible way. The fact that operators can install the Caramatic SafeDrive themselves has been especially well received.”
Further information on the Caramatic SafeDrive (use the QR code):
So far, both retailers and OEMs as well as end buyers have enthusiastically embraced the new system. Volker Lang continues: “We are very pleased about the successful sales launch and the considerable demand for the Caramatic SafeDrive.”
As far as safety is concerned, GOK continues to comply with the ageold, tried-and-tested processes. As a high-quality manufacturer, the company manufactures everything at its plant in Bavaria, Germany: from the injection moulding of the individual parts through to the assembly and final inspection, the value creation
takes place under one roof. “One of the special things about GOK is that we check every regulator that leaves our house individually for its functionality – we believe that this is a must for safety-relevant components,” says Volker Lang, discussing the value creation process.
Filters and excess flow devices no longer necessary In addition to its straightforward installation, another advantage of the Caramatic SafeDrive series is that it eliminates the need for previously-compulsory gas filters and excess flow device. This not only saves costs, but also weight and space in the gas cylinder case and makes the installation much more flexible. Volker Lang explains: “The position of the crash sensor directly on the cylinder protects the entire pipe system. Dirt particles can’t find their way in.”
With remote display of the gas filling level
To suit different requirements, the Caramatic SafeDrive systems are available for single-cylinder systems and the Caramatic SafeDrive PLUS for two-cylinder systems. The system is rounded off with a remote display for two-cylinder systems, the Caramatic BasicControl. This enables campers to keep an eye on which gas cylinder is being used at all times, which means they can conveniently determine when the gas cylinder needs to be replaced from inside their vehicle. “We will be happy to demonstrate the system on site to interested parties at the Caravan Salon,” says Volker Lang.
Quick-acting stop valve with short design
Also on show at the GOK stand will be a new quick-acting stop valve with toggle lever technology, which can be installed as required in distributor valves with one to four valves. In the case of installation positions in which space is limited, the short design offers particular advantages. The quick-acting stop valve also impresses with its significantly lower pressure
loss in comparison with other valves on the market.
Further information on the quick-closing valve (use the QR code):
A beautiful climate
The Plein-Aircon 12V air-conditioning system is perfect for camping enthusiasts who want to be free on holidays without having to stay on designated campsites. It runs on the vehicle battery and has an undeniably cool appearance
Words Renato Antonini
The Plein-Aircon 12V air-conditioning system will be the star of the OFF Indel B stand at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf and in other European trade fairs, notably the Salone del Camper in Parma, the Salon VDL in Paris and the MCS in Birmingham. The Italian company has successfully operated in the cooling and refrigeration sector and gained a footing in the trendy camper van and compact motorhome sector by creating an innovative product. First launched in 2020, Plein-Aircon 12V has undergone continuous developments with a major change last year and minor tweaks in recent months, ahead of the 2025 season. The idea behind this project is well known: to offer excellent climatic comfort to wild camping adventure lovers for whom camper vans are the perfect
vehicle. Free and adventurous holidays in a compact vehicle but without foregoing the advantages of a genuine living pod air-conditioning system. Here is Plein-Aircon 12V, an air-conditioning system equipped with a refrigeration compressor running at 12 V. It is powered by the auxiliary battery of the vehicle. There is no need to connect to the 230 V mains and no need for power generators or inverters. The Plein-Aircon 12V is designed for small vehicles, especially camper vans and motorhomes up to 6 meters long. Its primary objective is to efficiently cool the sleeping area of the vehicle because very little time is spent on board during the daytime in summer and the coolness of a powerful and efficient air-conditioning system is particularly welcome on hot summer nights.
Temperature reduction
Various tests of the product were carried out and a particularly significant one was also used for a video explaining the potential of the device to users. The test assumes using the air-conditioning system at night starting from a temperature of 32° C inside and outside the van. To achieve and maintain the best temperature, the rear sleeping area was insulated with a simple curtain and Plein-Aircon 12V was operated in automatic mode. After two hours, the initial temperature of 32° C had changed considerably, with marked differences in the various areas of the passenger compartment. The temperature had dropped to 28.4° C, corresponding to -3.6° C, in the middle and front part of the living pod (the dinette, cab and kitchen
External unit dimensions (HxWxD)
Roof cut-out dimensions (WxD) 400x400 mm
create an optimal on-board climate while travelling to improve comfort and safety.
Two models, many solutions
area). The situation was quite different in the rear sleeping area, where the temperature had dropped dramatically to 18.5° C, corresponding to no less than -13.5° C. The electricity consumption at steady state was 13.7 A/h to achieve these results. Of course, even lower consumption can be achieved without reaching such a low final temperature. The 12V air-conditioning system made by OFF Indel B has the primary purpose of cooling the sleeping area but it can also
The renewed Plein-Aircon 12 V features a diffuser inside the passenger compartment that is also particularly functional and good-looking, as well as being efficient. Two versions are offered: RingLight and LightBox. The outer frame with the air vents is the same on both models. However, the central part changes. The LightBox model has a light screen in the middle, with a large diffused light surface area that conceptually replaces the natural light of a roof light. The RingLight model, on the other hand, has LED edging and a customizable central panel. It can reproduce various decors with a variety of materials (including wood and fabric) to match the interior style of the vehicle. The integrated light can be white or blue, selectable by the user, on both the RingLight and LightBox versions. In addition to using the touch controls on the panel, the device can also be controlled remotely using an app, via Bluetooth or WI-FI connection. The remote control can be used to program the operation of the air-conditioning system remotely to achieve an optimal climate when returning on board. With the clever Smart Pre-Adaptive Function, the appliance learns the user’s habits and preferences to adjust the perfect temperature right away.
Plein-Aircon 12V RINGLIGHT / LIGHTBOX
Plein-Aircon
Steady growth with eyes on the German market
M.B. Trading is making significant strides in the recreational vehicle graphics market by forming strategic partnerships, investing in cutting-edge technology, and maintaining a strong commitment to innovation and quality service
Words and photo Enrico Bona
In recent years, Pisa-based M.B. Trading has experienced steady growth, establishing itself as one of the most dynamic and innovative companies in Europe’s recreational vehicle graphics sector. Focused on consistently delivering high-quality
solutions, the company saw substantial market share gains in Germany in 2024.
A Strategic Expansion
The German market presents both a challenge and an opportunity for many companies.
“M.B. Trading has managed to enter this complex market subtly yet successfully” , says CEO Walter Bracci. “Our expansion into Germany was not by chance but the result of a well-planned strategy that combines market analysis, technological innovation, and excellent customer service”.
Strategic Collaborations
To foster growth and
strengthen its presence and support in the country, M.B. Trading has implemented a new sales network in Germany. Starting in 2024, the company will benefit from the expertise and collaboration of Holgner Knorz, a prominent, long-standing, and well-recognized figure in the industry. The partnership with H. D. Knorz Vertriebs-GmbH has enabled M.B. Trading to further expand its position in Germany, leveraging Knorz’s deep market knowledge and extensive network of contacts. From the 2024 edition of the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, M.B. Trading, in collaboration with H. D. Knorz Vertriebs-GmbH, will have a dedicated stand, increasing its visibility and providing opportunities to engage directly with German customers and partners.
Growth Figures
M.B. Trading has experienced a 15%
increase in revenue over the past year, with sales growth in Germany exceeding 25%. This success is the result of intense teamwork and a forward-thinking entrepreneurial vision.
“The German market is extremely competitive, but we have managed to stand out thanks to the quality of our service and our ability to quickly adapt to local customer needs”, says M.B. Trading’s CEO.
Innovation and Quality
additional sites or a larger location to accommodate the substantial workload and support its expansion goals.
Benefits of Partnering with M.B. Trading
A crucial part of M.B. Trading’s strategy is its continuous investment in research and development. Recently, the company has completely upgraded its machinery, purchasing 14 state-of-the-art large-format cutting plotters. This investment has significantly enhanced the precision and quality of their products, ensuring cutting-edge production capabilities.
Future Developments
The company aims to grow further, not only in revenue but also in the size of its production sites. With this in mind, M.B. Trading is seeking
“We believe we offer substantial added value to the German market” , said Walter Bracci, CEO of M.B. Trading. “Looking ahead, we intend to solidify our presence in Germany and venture into new European markets, despite already holding over 35% of the market across the continent” The company’s commitment extends beyond merely supplying products; it involves providing comprehensive
Company Profile
M.B. Trading srl is one of the leading italian and international companies in the field of printing for industrial and advertising decorations. Cutting-edge technologies, orientation towards innovation and creativity are at the base of a wide range of products and solutions that enable M.B. Trading to dress and decorate surfaces and materials of any kind. M.B. Trading’s printing techniques range from screen printing, with a 25 years experience, to the most innovative digital printing. The company covers a total area of 4000 square meters and has 60 employees.
support, design, and prototyping services.
“We visit clients throughout Europe, and beyond if necessary, to deliver direct and personalized assistance. We work closely with clients and their technical teams, sharing graphic files and ensuring flexibility at every stage of design and production. Our aim is to uphold this level of excellence as we expand, offering tailored solutions and continuous support to all our clients,” Bracci concludes.
Walter Bracci
Company news NUOVA MAPA
Tables and beds on the road
Quality and reliability in an industrial perspective with flexibility and creativity to offer a great service to RV outfitters
Words Renato Antonini, photo Enrico Bona
Nuova Mapa has invested heavily over the past years and is now a well-structured company that brings together extensive experience with modern industrial principles.
The company can manufacture large production volumes but is remarkably flexible at the same time, offering customer service from the initial idea to prototyping. The two main product families on which Nuova Mapa has focused the most recently are table supports and drop-down bed actuating systems.
“We have a long history of experience in the RV industry under our belts”, said Davide Maini, CEO of Nuova Mapa.
“Since 2020, we have invested heavily in facilities and machinery, and now we are ready to tackle the demanding German market. We guarantee reliability and on-time deliveries for the
customers. We offer high quality at the right price, in addition to production flexibility and the creativity needed to make new products and the option of meeting with company managers to find the best solutions. Nuova Mapa was established as a small undertaking. Today, it is an industrial business operating on the international scene, offering mass production and plenty of services to customers. Seventy percent of our production is exported and we supply to companies outside Europe as well”.
The Nuova Mapa’s headquarters was expanded in 2022 and the production department was doubled to 4,000 square meters. New machinery was also purchased to meet the increased market demands, with an investment of more than 2 million Euros. The number of machines has been doubled and state-of-the-art, high-tech equipment has been installed. Today, the company has three laser cutting machines with automatic loading and unloading system, programmed to run 24 hours a day. There are also presses and welding robots, as well as robotic bending machines of various sizes. Metalworking is the main part of the job because table supports (with associated movement and rotation systems) and drop-down bed frames are manufactured in the company. There is also a secondary production of interior ladders, seat swivel plates, and removable door steps.
Impressive numbers
Table supports have now reached significant numbers. Over the past two decades, Nuova Mapa has produced nearly 300,000, of which 195,000 with manual movement, more than 52,000 with electric movement, and 47,000 fixed. The company was established in 1963 and initially operated in the production of roof racks and other accessories for cars. It successfully approached the RV industry in the late 1980s. About
40 people are employed by the company. Nuova Mapa has always strived to be as autonomous as possible. Everything is done in the production departments at the head quarters except for galva nizing and painting heat treatments. The in-house technical department takes care of the design part and prototype development. English, French and German are spoken in the sales and service department.
“Being able to develop and modify the products completely in-house allows us to easily customize them, according to customer requirements, and also to make changes without major problems and very fast”, explained Davide Maini.
But that’s not all because Nuova Mapa also sells directly to the public (online and in a store next door to the headquarters). The Mapa Store also deals with installation on vehicles and servicing
to end customers, who are the direct users of motorhomes and campervans. It is useful to talk with users, drawing new insights from their requests to develop new products, and learn about specific issues that only first-hand experience can bring out.
“We work hard to improve our products and be creative because quality is key. I firmly believe that you cannot just create a product and keep it unchanged for years and years”, Davide Maini added. “We are always upgrading our products, based on direct testing and changing needs, because the world is constantly evolving. RV outfitters evolve, RVs change and so do users. Consider the issue of weight, for instance. It has become a topical matter for a few years now, and so we have started to use lighter materials and components. When we started selling our telescopic support table many years ago, we placed the le-
Electric beds that are easy to install
Nuova Mapa’s first electric drop-down bed was launched ten years ago. The company has always focused on products with a small footprint that is just 10 cm thick, including the mattress, the slatted frame and the motor. Therefore, there is no need to place an electric motor in a cabinet. A thicker 10-cm mattress can still be used remaining under 15 cm of total thickness. “We started from the assumption that the biggest problem is not lifting or lowering a bed that weighs 30-40 kg, but rather making it stable when there are two people on it, with a payload of 400 kg”, said Davide Maini. “We reduced the motor because it does not need to move the bed with people on it but focused on the brake because the bed must be stable and not sag in use. Then instead of belts, we proposed less bulky steel cables. Finally, we supply the bed already adjusted, with supports that are easy to insert at the right height, and this means saving about 20 minutes per bed assembled on the production line”.
ver in a convenient place for the user to avoid effort. Then we also proposed electrically moving telescopic supports. When the market shifted to campervans, the tables often remained the same as in motorhomes, large and bulky, so we created practical folding tables that could be extended only when needed. What has not changed is the idea of the retractable table, which takes up little space when not needed. Nuova Mapa is ready to create the most varied types of retractable tables, also to the customers’ specifications”.
Davide Maini
news PALOMAR
Custom Sandwich
Experience and flexibility: Palomar supplies sandwich panels of various types, for walls, roofs, and floors to RV outfitters and can customize many aspects of the products
Words Renato Antonini
After celebrating the milestone of 20 years in business in 2023, Palomar is look ing into the future and or ganizing production to meet the evolving needs of the RV industry.
The core business remains the same as ever – sandwich panels for motorhome living pods, including walls, roofs, and floors – and there is great scope for modifications. Palomar supplies finished, customized products.
“We can build sandwich panels to the customer’s specifications, vary-
ing the materials used for the outer faces and the inner insulating core material” , explained Roberto Bagni, sales manager, and company partner. “We can adjust the thickness and apply special machining jobs, such as cutting and shaping. We can handle large batches and small production runs of just a few pieces – even single pieces, if needed”.
Panels for extreme temperatures
The very special sandwich panels that Palomar has recently made
prove that the company can customize production according to the customer’s needs. The panels were commissioned by small manufacturers operating in the niche market of “adventure” motorhomes built on all-wheel drive mechanical bases often derived from large 4x4 trucks. The panels, in this case, must meet two requirements. They must be extremely strong to cope with significant mechanical stresses on rough terrain and provide excellent thermal insulation to ensure adequate interior comfort at very hot and very cold temperatures, for traveling in Africa or Asia, like across deserts, and winters in northern Europe or Asia.
Roberto Bagni
Palomar uses thick fiberglass sheets for exterior and interior panel cladding, and the conventional interior insulation of extruded polystyrene foam XPS was replaced with high-insulation polyurethane. Thicker walls imply thicker roofs and floors. The inner structure of the panels can also be changed. Modifications include eliminating the conventional frame and inserting an alternative, more or less complex one made of various materials in its place. Otherwise, appropriate inserts are used for anchoring the furniture instead of the frame. In addition to 4x4 motorhomes, Palomar has also worked on 4x4 motorhome vans, in this case, with floor sandwich panels offering an excellent degree of insulation.
Extensive experience and the right machinery
Palomar’s production site has grown year after year going from 1,000 square meters to the current 11,000 square meters, with a staff of 110 people. The company scaled up in 2012 when all production was industrialized. The company now has ten pantographs, ten CNC machines, and six gluing lines. The refurbishment that has taken place in recent years went hand in hand with digitization. Machinery and offices are now interconnected for maximum efficiency. Palomar has its own technical department that can manage customer requests, while the production department can make panels ranging in length from 3 to 13 meters. Palomar’s
headquarters is in Tuscany (central Italy) where all the Italian motorized RV manufacturers are located. The company worked as a subcontractor for local businesses for many years. In 2019, it started exporting (mainly to Germany and Spain, but also Korea and Australia) and expanding to other areas, as well.
“The people and companies that founded Palomar were already operating in the RV industry in the 1980s, so we have many more than 20 years of experience under our belts” , explained Roberto Bagni. “Therefore, we can offer in-depth knowledge of the industry to our customers. We rely on an excellent knowledge of materials, and also on an allied industry that contributes to the creation of high-quality products with short delivery times”.
More than just panels for RVs
Most of Palomar’s business comes from the RV sector but in recent years the company has expanded its scope to other areas. For instance, the company worked for home furniture manufacturers making wall panels, floors, and roofs with distinctive features.
It has also begun to make a name for itself in the transport van industry, with a product catalog that includes interior wall cladding and floor panels. A further area of business is that of recreational boating with ceiling tiles for yachts and structural supports and panels above the ceiling tiles for containing cables and piping.
Company Profile
Located in Tuscany, the beating heart of the PleinAir industry, Palomar Srl is a leading company in the production of high-quality sandwich panels and semi-finished components for caravans and mobile homes. The company was founded in 2003 by the merger of three societies already present in the sector, headed by the Bagni, Giotti and Nencioni families and it’s now lead by a team of young entrepreneurs, skilled staff and avantgarde machinery to satisfy its customers with its premium services.
Palomar comprehends four production sites, in the industrial area of Bassetto in Certaldo, for a total of about 11,000 square meters.
C
news RAVAGO BUILDING SOLUTIONS
High-quality XPS thermal insulation for sandwich panels
The requirements for insulation materials in caravans and motorhomes are particularly high. Here, sandwich panels with an inner layer of extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation and outer layers of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) play a crucial role
To ensure the best performance, caravans and motorhomes need to exhibit several key mechanical characteristics.
Structural Integrity and Rigidity: the frame of the RV must be strong enough to withstand road stresses and vibrations without deforming. High-quality steel or aluminum frames are typically used for their strength and lightweight properties.
Words Peter Hirtschulz
The walls, roof, and floor panels need to be rigid and durable to prevent warping and maintain structural integrity. Sandwich panels with XPS insulation and GFRP layers are ideal due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Torsional Rigidity: RVs must resist torsional forces that can cause twisting and warping of the structure. This is especially important on uneven terrain or during sharp turns.
Impact Resistance: the exterior surfaces must be resistant to impacts from road debris and minor collisions. GFRP layers are effective due to their high impact resistance.
RAVATHERM XPS: high-performance insulation for maximum efficiency
RAVATHERM XPS products represent the highest quality and reliability. They have been specifically developed for use in sandwich panels and offers a multitude of benefits.
Excellent Thermal Insulation: thanks to its closed-cell structure, RAVATHERM XPS offers outstanding thermal insulation properties. This significantly helps to maintain a constant temperature inside caravans and motorhomes, regardless of external weather conditions.
Mechanical Strength: the high compressive strength of the material ensures that the sandwich panels are robust and resistant to mechanical stresses.
Moisture Resistance: RAVATHERM XPS is highly resistant to water absorption. This prevents the formation of moisture damage and mold growth inside the vehicle, which are common with other insulation materials.
Durability: the material retains its properties over many years, making it a sus-
RAVATHERM XPS
tainable investment in the quality and longevity of the vehicles.
Application in sandwich panels for caravans and motorhomes
The combination of XPS insulation and GFRP outer layers makes sandwich panels the ideal choice for building caravans and motorhomes. The panels offer excellent thermal efficiency, are lightweight yet stable, and resistant to external influences.
RAVATHERM XPS plays a crucial role in ensuring these panels perform optimally. The excellent insulation performance ensures comfortable interior temperatures, while the mechanical strength and moisture resistance enhance the durability of the vehicles.
With RAVATHERM XPS LB, Ravago Industry Solutions offers a product that meets the highest demands and is tailored to the specific requirements of caravan and motorhome construction. The independent testing and FIW certification underscore the excellent performance and reliability of the insulation material.
For manufacturers of caravans and motorhomes, RAVATHERM XPS is a good solution to provide their customers with premium products that combine com-
fort, efficiency, and durability.
RAVATHERM™ XPS X has been developed using a patent granted technology: a manufacturing process which uses a zero-ODP blowing agent system and incorporated infra-red attenuator particles to scatter and reflect heat radiation within the foam board. RAVATHERM XPS X™ combines the proven properties of RAVATHERM XPS™ with significantly improved insulation performance. The
result: better performances – more comfort, within a sustainable solution. This is made possible thanks the new manufacturing process for XPS using CO2 and reflective particles within the foam cells themselves. RAVATHERM™ XPS X insulation with homogeneous, closed-cell structure is highly performant, moisture-resistant, highly compressive, and provides excellent lambda values.
High level performances - Quality tested and certified by FIW Munich
RAVATHERM XPS Product range has received the FIW certificate. This certificate evaluates the results from product tests and audits of the factory’s production control within the framework of the voluntary certification program and confirms compliance with the requirements of EN 13164 and EN 13172 for the performances declared by the manufacturer.
The FIW (Forschungsinstitut für Wärmeschutz e.V. München) certificate is a prestigious accreditation that holds significant value for the RAVATHERM XPS product range. It is a testament to the high quality and superior performance of RAVATHERM XPS products. By undergoing rigorous testing and evaluation, the products are proven to meet stringent quality standards. This assures customers that they are investing in reliable and effective insulation materials. The certification confirms that RAVATHERM XPS products comply with the European standards EN 13164 and EN 13172. EN 13164 specifies the requirements for factory-made products of extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) for thermal insulation in buildings and industrial applications. EN 13172 outlines
the requirements for the evaluation of conformity for thermal insulation products. Compliance with these standards is essential for ensuring the products’ suitability for use in Europe.
The FIW certificate involves independent verification by a respected external institute. This adds an extra layer of credibility, as it is not merely the manufacturer’s claims about the product’s performance but a validation by an authoritative third party.
Achieving FIW certification enhances the reputation of RAVATHERM XPS in the marketplace. It signals to customers, partners, and stakeholders that the company is committed to maintaining high standards of quality and performance. This can lead to increased trust and a stronger competitive position in the market.
The certification also highlights the sustainability and energy efficiency of RAVATHERM XPS products. As the industrial and construction industry increasingly focuses on environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions, having FIW-certified products aligns with these trends and supports the push for greener building practices.
RAVATHERM XPS X
Company news VB - AIRSUSPENSION
Innovating the air suspension systems for the global RV market
VB-Airsuspension, a leader in automotive air suspension since 1993, operates globally with top-tier products and industry certifications and can equip all major mechanics in the industry. The company will debut its latest innovation, the VB-SemiAir with the digital control unit, at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2024
Words Enrico Bona
Since its beginnings in the Netherlands in 1993, VB-Airsuspension has specialised exclusively in suspension systems, strongly focussing on air suspension within the automotive sector. This steadfast commitment has given the company a wealth of expertise, which it has successfully leveraged in the global RV market.
OEM supplier since 1999
Initially known as VB-Techniek, the company concentrated on developing inte-
gral air suspension. Its innovative products quickly gained recognition and by 1999, just six years after its founding, VB-Techniek became the OEM supplier of air suspension for Iveco. Soon after in 2009, it became the supplier of factory air suspension for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. After being rebranded as VB-Airsuspension, the company today boasts nine global subsidiaries, approximately 200 employees, 36 engineers, and annual sales of around 24,000 suspension kits. Moreover, VB-Airsuspension is represented by partners in 40 countries, supplying more than 60 countries, with over 355 installation partners and over 885 trained specialists. “The primary advantage of working with VB-Airsus-
pension is our deep-rooted experience in the automotive industry,” says Sander Dusseldorp, General Sales & Marketing Manager at the company. “We operate worldwide with rigorous standards in development, validation, testing, and supply of parts and components. Our core focus remains air suspension and support systems exclusively for light commercial vehicles. Our dedication to air suspension allows us to consistently achieve excellence for our customers.”
Versatile applications, solid experience, and a global network
VB-Airsuspension’s versatile air devices and systems are utilised not only in the RV market but across a wide range of applications, including emergency vehicles, tow trucks, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, passenger minibuses, pickups, 4x4/off-road vehicles, animal transport,
Sander Dusseldorp
and service vehicles.
“In the recreational vehicle sector, our products can cover the entire market and equip all major chassis in use by the RV industry, from Fiat Ducato to Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Iveco, and beyond,” says Dusseldorp. “Due to the diversity of our markets, we have established a solid global network of installation and service partners. Through our nine subsidiaries worldwide, we can ensure prompt and comprehensive customer support virtually anywhere. In the commercial vehicle market, downtime costs money, so we are accustomed to rapid intervention.” All subsidiaries are wholly owned by VB-Airsuspension and exclusively handle the company’s products.
Full air suspension
The VB-FullAir air suspension system features air springs, shock absorbers, height sensors, a compressor, and an electronic control unit (VB-ASCU). It’s available for both the front and rear axles, depending on the model. The main benefits of a full air suspension system include enhanced comfort, improved stability, and useful functionalities such as a digital levelling function (AutoLevel), a ferry mode, increased ride height, minimized spring sag, reduced roll, better driving behaviour, and increased safety.
Supplementary air suspension
The VB-SemiAir system is developed for both vehicles with leaf springs and those with torsion bar suspensions. VB-SemiAir is defined as a dual-chamber system, meaning it’s equipped with air bellows that are not connected. This dual-chamber system allows for separate adjustments on the right and left sides. The main advantages of
VB-SemiAir include minimising spring sag, reducing roll, improving suspension comfort, enhancing driving behaviour, and providing adjustment. Additionally, it reduces oblique positioning, offers variable elastic force, reduces stress on the original suspension (and its vehicle) and provides good value for money.
Commitment to quality for global expansion
Leveraging its automotive heritage, VB-Airsuspension has developed its own systems and parts, utilising real test tracks typically used by automotive manufacturers. This enables intensive and accurate testing, applying the rigorous protocols of the automotive industry, not only in terms of safety but also in terms of durability.
VB-Airsuspension works in close collaboration with all major automotive manufacturers and consistently leads the RV market in obtaining every necessary certification. Currently, VB-Airsuspension holds several official accreditations, including Ford’s Ford Pro Certified Converter, Stellantis’ Quality Certification, Volkswagen’s PremiumPartner status, Mercedes-Benz’s VanPartner recognition, and many others. This commitment to quality and compliance ensures that VB-Airsuspension remains at the forefront of the industry.
“Our company is at the cutting edge of design and production, equipped to handle everything from minimal quantities to large-scale industrial stock,” says Sander Dusseldorp.
“With a global structure, we ensure comprehen-
VB-SemiAir Digital Control Unit
sive, 360-degree service to our clients. VB-Airsuspension is dedicated to the future of the industry, committed to the highest quality. We aim to provide travellers with the best possible travel experience and offer the industry solid guarantees for effective collaboration through our top-tier suspension systems.”
At Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2024, VB-Airsuspension will unveil its complete product range, including the revolutionary VB-SemiAir digital control unit. Designed to enhance usability, the VB-SemiAir digital requires no modifications to the dashboard and can be installed without extensive wiring. While the market has predominantly seen analogue instruments, VB-Airsuspension’s innovation aligns with the modernity of digital, connected, and sophisticated instrumentations. This system digitally controls the auxiliary air suspension, providing visual and technical management (e.g. cyber security) while operating on the compressor. Digitalisation offers significant advantages, eliminating the need for dashboard modifications and allowing flexible installation. Users can receive notifications, access history, and personalise system settings, including screen brightness, display options, and display time.
Compressor refrigerators for RVs: “silent revolution” and superior performance
Vitrifrigo introduces the new generation of compressor refrigerators for Recreational Vehicles at the Düsseldorf show.
“Tropical Class” performance and almost totally silent running are secured by the brand-new NEXTGEN compressors, which are smaller but much more efficient than the previous models
The caravaning world is constantly evolving and is always looking out for more comfortable and functional solutions. Refrigerators are very important appliances and sure to make the travel experience really enjoyable, particularly during layovers.
In a world where summers are getting hotter and recreational vehicle batteries are getting bigger and more powerful, refrigerators have been at the center of a major technological evolution, and modern RVs are finally ready to move away from threeway technology and embrace the new generation of compressor refrigerators.
Vitrifrigo is an Italian company with established experience in the refrig-
eration industry and has focused on technological innovation and design since its founding. NEXTGEN compressors provide efficient and extremely performing cooling, achieving T-class (tropical) performance. This means that smaller components can be used in order to dramatically decrease power consumption and noise. NEXTGEN compressor technology is the expression of a true generational leap. Its advantages include:
• Performance: Vitrifrigo solutions guarantee the highest level of performance under all conditions of use resulting from unique process development and product refinement. The food and drinks inside
Words Giovanni Ricciardi
the refrigerator will always be at the right temperature.
• Quiet running: The new compressor is considerably smaller than conventional technology but performs 25% better. Because of these characteristics, it needs much smaller fans for operation which means quieter running. Night Mode can be selected to further lower mechanical buzzing while sleeping.
• Low weight: The use of new materials and innovative design makes the refrigerators equipped with NEXTGEN compressor up to 40% lighter than conventional models.
• Minimal consumption: The efficiency of the new compressor results in 25% lower energy consumption under normal conditions. The Night Mode function provides additional savings of up to 30-35%.
• Sustainability: Vitrifrigo was one of the first companies to use natural gas (isobutane) in its refrigerators, a very important ecological choice for the RV industry.
SLIM series models: the top of the 12/24V segment for vans and motorhomes
NEXTGEN compressor refrigerators are derived directly from Vitrifrigo’s experience in Australia, where Expedition Vehicle and off-road vehicle outfitters are called to provide exceptional refrigeration performance while meeting the safety and self-sufficiency requirements demanded of vehicles designed to cross the desert in extreme conditions. “Regardless of how hot and tough the journey has been, when Australian customers stop for layovers the first thing they do is crack open a beer, and it has to be ice-cold”, Michele Marchionni, Business Development Manager for Vitrifrigo’s Leisure sector, told us.
The SLIM line was created precisely to offer this kind of performance in a market accustomed to relatively simpler conditions with no trade-off concerning performance or comfort inside the vehicle. Incidentally, the removable compressor means gaining about 10% of interior space. Two products, in particular, are the most representative of this evolution and will be among the highlights of the products showcased by Vitrifrigo in Düsseldorf:
SLIM90: The choice of materials and the next-generation compressor make it one of the lightest solutions on the market (19,3 kilograms compared to the segment average of 23 kilograms). It has a large 10-liter freezer compartment capable of reaching temperatures down to -18°C. The door can be paneled to allow installation consistent with the vehicle style. The refrigeration unit is removable, meaning that it can be installed outside the living pod (at a maximum distance of 150 centimeters) to eliminate noise completely. SLIM250: Designed specifically for Expedition Vehicles and Off-Road caravans but suitable for any type of recreational vehicle that needs a fridge of this size, it offers space and performance comparable to a home appliance with one-of-a-kind versatility of use. The SLIM250 is split into two independent volumes. The upper 190-li-
ter volume works as a refrigerator to a temperature of 2°C, while the lower 60-liter well can work as a refrigerator or freezer to a temperature of -18°C. The refrigerator/freezer unit fits two NEXTGEN compressors installed internally but its sound insulation and technical features make it extremely quiet and also suitable for installation in the sleeping area.
All devices in Vitrifrigo’s SLIM line offer the Night Mode function, which reduces noise and consumption, and the Turbo function, which pulls down the temperature of the compartments faster, this is ideal while traveling. The compatible power supply is either 12 V or 24 V.
From family business to successful multinational corporation
Vitrifrigo was founded in Pesaro in 1978, and during its 46-year history, it has enjoyed steady growth, which has allowed the company’s total sales to multiply almost fourfold over the past decade. Vitrifrigo now also has a presence in the United States, where it opened a business unit in 2005, and manufactures products in 5 plants using top-notch materials and state-ofthe-art production techniques. The company prides itself on its multidisciplinary approach to the world of refrigeration and manufactures devices for many different uses, including minibars, medical transport, yachts, RVs, and trucks.
Vitrifrigo produces 200,000 refrigerators each year that are installed by thousands of customers worldwide. Such a large network obviously needs support, which is offered through 350 service points in Europe and almost 500 worldwide. Following the experience gained in 230 V products, Vitrifrigo has adopted isobutane natural gas within its entire product range, becoming one of the very first companies in the RV world in 100% compliance with European pollution laws, well before the polluting gas ban became mandatory.
Technological innovation, attention to design, and love for the environment have always been the values that drive Vitrifrigo.
ompany news VOTRONIC
True quality Made in Germany
VOTRONIC specializes in electronic components and systems for mobile power supply. Based in Germany’s Vogelsberg region, VOTRONIC’s products support caravans, motorhomes, off-road vehicles, and emergency vehicles, serving clients worldwide
Words Editorial Staff
For 37 years, VOTRONIC has been passionately involved in the development, manufacture, sales and service of electronic components and systems for mobile power supply. Electronics made in Germany, in the middle of the idyllic Vogelsberg region. As one of the last German manufacturers, the devices for caravans and motorhomes, off-road vehicles, but also for fire-fighting, rescue and special emergency vehicles are developed, manufactured and delivered from Lauterbach to vehicle manufacturers, dealers and specialist fit-out companies all over the world. In addition, customer-specific components are produced for the rainwater utilisation sector.
History
But what is behind the VOTRONIC name? It is an abbreviation of Vogelsberg electronic and thus reflects not only its origins but also its connection to the region. Founded in 1987 as a start-up and oneman show, the company has grown steadily over the years and has already had to relocate three times to make room for the urgently needed production capacities. In 2019, VOTRONIC was handed over by the founders and former shareholders as part of a classic MBO and has since grown to become a modern, certified (DIN EN ISO 9001:2015) industrial company with approx. 100 employees. Success is still based on genuine team work, whereby a young, innova-
tive team of developers work together with other, experienced minds across all departments that complement each other and apply themselves passionately to the products and customers –day in, day out. The result is true quality workmanship.
Products
The first products from VOTRONIC came from the field of level measurement technology (tank sensors and gauges), as the display systems that were common on the market up to that point (and surprisingly still are today) were not really user-friendly. Over the years, the range has been continuously expanded and currently comprises more than 800 items.
The VOTRONIC Managing Directors Jörg Borneis-Eifert and Dieter Sojak
Some examples of VOTRONIC items
• Mobile and stationary mains chargers
• Charging converters/boosters
• PWM and MPPT solar charge controllers
• Combination chargers
• DC/DC voltage transformers
• True sine wave inverters
• Various measuring devices and indicators
• Tank sensors and gauges
• Battery monitors and peripheral devices
• Various accessories
Quality
The basic approach of VOTRONIC is, on the one hand, to develop completely new concepts and, on the other hand, to optimise existing solutions. Many standard systems on the market are not thought through to completion. Functionality and durability often come second to price and design. This is where VOTRONIC takes a completely different direction. The main focus is unmistakably on the quality, reliability and longevity of the devices, without losing sight of convenience and user-friendliness. These factors are prioritised right from the development stage and implemented as part of a multitude of complex testing and control processes within production. ‘Made in Germany’ is the motto at VOTRONIC and goes beyond the requirements of DIN EN ISO 9001:2015. In addition to extensive testing and monitoring stations throughout the entire production process (manual and automatic-optical inspection, in-circuit test, etc.), all devices undergo a final functional and proficiency test (stress
test/burn-in test) for performance and fail safety before they are allowed to make their way to the customer. The in-house development and production mean that customised adaptations to existing devices and even complete new developments are possible if desired.
Service
Of course, VOTRONIC’s in-house repair service also takes care of devices that do not seem to work satisfactorily or cause problems for other reasons, even beyond the 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. In the interests of sustainability, when carrying out a repair, only those components that actually need to be replaced should be exchanged whenever possible. This helps to save service costs and resources, prevents electronic waste, and protects the environment. Depending on the availability of the parts and components, even older devices can have new life breathed into them years later. Last but not least, a highly competent inhouse support team takes care of any questions, requests or suggestions from customers and provides free assistance with any problems relating to installation or operation of the devices.
Academy
In the newly founded VOTRONIC Academy, customers’ technical staff are given training in the areas of electronics, installation and operation, right through
to troubleshooting. As a developer and manufacturer, VOTRONIC shares its specialist knowledge and provides useful tips and helpful tricks, including as a guest lecturer as part of the training to become a specialist for caravan technology at the Vehicle Academy in Schweinfurt, Franconia. The core seminars at the Academy provide the foundations for the most important technical terms relating to electronics, show how the devices and charging technologies work, explain the differences between the common battery types on the market and give an introduction to the basic principles of measurement technology. This knowledge can be expanded as part of further advanced and specialised seminars, e.g. also for the construction of emergency and special-purpose vehicles.
Focus on people
In everything it does, the focus at VOTRONIC is clearly on people, regardless of whether this concerns the requirements and expectations of the end users, working in partnership with its business customers and suppliers, the connection to the Vogelsberg region or the family character of a owner-managed company. With close contacts to the automotive industry (e.g. as an Integrated Partner of the Volkswagen Group), as an OEM supplier of reputable vehicle manufacturers, a member of the DIN Firefighting and Fire Protection Standards Committee (e.g. regarding DIN 14679:2024-02) through to being a partner to the fire service, VOTRONIC maintains a strong connection to its markets and business partners at all times.
Words Terry Owen
Hydrogen part two: conclusions and drivers
We conclude our investigation, started in the last issue of this magazine, on the role that hydrogen could play in the campers of the future, by taking a wider look at some of the issues driving the case for hydrogen
In the race to zero driving emissions, it is clear that there is no single solution for all circumstances. Targets will need to be met using a blend of technologies in which hydrogen has an important role to play.
According to UK electric truck manufacturer Tevva, hydrogen refuelling has the potential to become as simple as diesel refuelling is today, once low-carbon hydrogen becomes cheaper and more widely available. Of course, there is still a long way
to go but things are changing, as indeed they will need to if zero emissions targets are to be met.
For the RV fraternity the benefits of hydrogen go far beyond fast refuelling with an improved range because hydrogen opens up the opportunity for off-grid camping just as fossil fuels do now. It can be used both to provide electricity via a quietly operating fuel cell or be directly burned in heating and cooking appliances. For towcars, panel van conversions, and small to medium sized motor -
homes, the FCEV (Fuel cell electric vehicles - see Part One) could provide the perfect solution.
However, where the opportunity exists to fit larger gas tanks, such as some of the larger A-class motorhomes, the H2 ICE (Hydrogen internal combustion engines - see Part One) route offers a quick and cost-effective solution. Whatever happens going forward it is likely that hydrogen will have an ever more important role in the route to truly green camping.
The problem with lithium
Environmental impact
The mining of lithium involves huge amounts of water, depending on the extraction method. Typically, just one tonne of lithium requires around two million litres of water - nearly enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The result is often the pollution of reservoirs and the health problems that can bring.
The extraction process also produces large quantities of carbon dioxide and mineral waste. According to research by German automotive consultancy Berylls Strategy Advisors, the production of a lithium battery weighing 500 kilos emits over 70% more carbon dioxide than that re-
quired to produce a conventional car. Lithium batteries require other metals too such as cobalt, nickel and manganese to work efficiently and the mining of these also brings environmental issues. Cobalt mining in particular has a bad name, with 70% of the world’s supply coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to environmental news website earth.org “Cobalt is fast turning from a miracle metal to a deadly chemical as toxic dumping is devastating landscapes, polluting water, and contaminating crops. High concentrations of cobalt have even been linked to the death of crops and worms, which are vital for soil fertility.”
Recycling difficulties
Lithium batteries are complex and costly to recycle with the cost often exceeding that of extracting the raw materials. Lithium is highly reactive and can catch fire if sufficient care is not taken.
Compared to lead acid batteries, which have a recycling rate of 99%, lithium batteries are currently much lower, with some putting the figure as low as 5%. This figure is however somewhat misleading as it’s based mainly on small consumer batteries because most of the larger ones, such as those use in vehicle propulsion, have yet to reach the end of their lives. Ultimately the recycling figure will increase significantly but cost is likely to remain an issue.
The bottom line
Lithium will undoubtedly remain the mainstay of BEV propulsion for many years to come but it is far from being a one stop solution. This leaves room for other solutions, particularly in the short term, with hydrogen being the main contender.
Toyota Hilux H2 fuel cell prototype is built in the UK
Above: Lithium fields / evaporation ponds in Chile. Below: Lithium traction batteries at a recycling plant.
F ocus on HYDROGEN - PART TWO
Insurance costs
As many motorists have already found out, the cost of insurance for a BEV or hybrid vehicle can be significantly higher than for a conventional ICE vehicle. A report published by Thatcham in July 2023, funded by Innovate UK, a British government agency, found that BEV incident claims were 25.5% more expensive than those involving internal combustion engines.
This increase is blamed on the high cost of replacing the main battery should it become damaged. Thatcham says the cost of a replacement battery can be more than the used price of the vehicle after only one year.
The same is pretty much true of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles where, although the battery is much smaller, the cost of the fuel cell can be very high.
The technology behind hydrogen H2 ICE
On the other hand, H2 ICE vehicles are likely to have very similar insurance costs to conventional ICE vehicles because they share much of the same technology and are a similar cost to produce. It’s another boost for H2 ICE which, despite its relatively low efficiency, is proving to be a fast and cost-effective way of reaching zero driving emissions.
Hydrogen can be burned in existing gasoline or diesel engines with just a few modifications -mainly to the cylinder head and intake system. These are needed to cope with its wide flammability range, which is 4% to 75% in air (gasoline is 1.4 to 7.6%), and low ignition energy requirement.
This means that engines can be run very lean, thereby lowering combustion temperatures and limiting the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Ignition is initiated by a precisely controlled spark from a conventional spark plug, exactly as in a gasoline engine.
The ease of ignition can cause a problem with damaging pre-ignition (engine knock) and backfiring in the intake manifold. To avoid this, the fuel is injected directly into the cylinder immediately after the intake valve closes, as in a diesel engine.
The wide flammability range means that the power of the engine can be easily controlled by varying the amount of hydrogen injected without having to change the flow of intake air, again like a diesel engine. As a bonus, hydrogen burns far cleaner than gasoline or diesel, resulting less oil contamination and breakdown, and therefore less engine wear.
Perhaps the easiest way to visualise a hydrogen H2 ICE engine is to think of a diesel engine with a spark plug. It is therefore perhaps no surprise that the reliability of these engines is as good as, or better than diesel engines.
Battery technology advances
Battery technology continues to advance but more slowly than many had predicted. Solid state batteries have long been seen as the next big game changer with twice the range of existing batteries and reduced risk of explosion or fire if involved in crash.
Toyota has been developing the concept since 2012, but problems of cost and durability have delayed their introduction. Toyota is now aiming for the batteries to be ready for commercial use by 2027/28.
Stellantis, Hyundai and Volkswagen have also teamed up with firms working on solid state batteries but there appears to be no firm date for their introduction.
This relatively slow progress gives a further boost to hydrogen, especially with emissions deadlines looming.
This hydrogen H2 ICE engine is produced by Yamaha for Toyota and based on that used in the Lexus RCF sports coupé
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An RV market you wouldn’t expect
South Korea may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of the world’s most prominent leisure vehicle industries, but that stereotype has been rapidly changing in recent years
This East Asian nation did not always have a traditionally strong interest in camping, but in the immediate years after the COVID-19 pandemic, an uptick in interest in the hobby began to emerge among the Korean people. As in so many other countries, the restrictions on international travel left many
holidaymakers looking inside their own borders for an escape, and so the relatively small and humble RV industry of South Korea received a significant boost. The nation is now regarded as one of the fastest-growing RV markets in all of Asia. Evidence of this can be seen in multiple ways. For starters, it’s estimated
that 9,000 new caravan and motorhome registrations took place in South Korea in 2022, meanwhile, the country’s major exhibitions have seen steadily increasing attendance – more than 100,000 people visited the three major shows combined in the past year. There are estimated to be about 3,000 campgrounds in South
Words David Guest
Korea, another figure that has increased significantly in recent years.
The focus on growth and increased professionalism in the RV industry in South Korea first took off in 2015 when the Korea Recreational Vehicle Association (KRVIA) was founded. This organisation was established out of necessity to help make the industry more professional, more unified, and better equipped for future growth. Of the KRVIA’s many different objectives, some of its key missions are to survey and research the industry, establish technological standards
relating to RVs, introduce policies to promote the industry, expose the industry to a wider audience, and also to organise and promote exhibitions and events. When it was first founded, much of the organisation’s initial work was to enlist the many manufacturers, distributors, and dealers of the country as members. It now has a thriving membership of approximately 80 members, more than 40 of which are manufacturers, and new members are added on an almost monthly basis.
Over the past few years, the KRVIA has
This is South Korea
Total area: 100,363 km2
Capital: Seoul
Population: 52.1 million
Density: 507 / km2
GDP: $3.058 trillion
GDP per capita: $34,165
worked on projects such as improving the overall camping infrastructure of South Korea to meet increasing demand, helping to encourage companies to cooperate and work together for the greater good, and setting up cooperations with tourism organisations. One of the most significant recent programmes it successfully implemented was the introduction of so-called ‘RV Stations’ in South Korea. These stations provide camping car accommodation in open fields in rural areas across the country, which gives RV users a low-cost place to
Seoul, the capital and largest city in South Korea Credit photo David Guest
Market SOUTH KOREA
stay with a cooperative two-way infrastructure that helps improve the economies of small villages. They are very similar in style to the ‘aires’ that are found in France and other European nations.
The KRVIA is also becoming more active on the international stage to share learnings between countries. A recent example came in 2022 when the KRVIA sent a delegation of 13 staff to Germany to tour some of its famous motorhome and caravan brands and also to visit the
Caravan Salon show in Dusseldorf. The KRVIA subsequently signed an agreement with Germany’s CIVD organisation so that the two bodies can work more closely together to see how they can help each other.
Exhibitions are an essential part of the industry
The growth and potential of the leisure vehicle market in South Korea can be seen quite clearly with the success of
its various trade shows and exhibitions. One of the largest events is the Camping & Picnic Fair, which takes place in the capital city of Seoul and has been established since 2013. The organisers of the event, AllFair, stated that the most recent edition in March 2024 welcomed more than 70,000 visitors, hosted 165 different exhibiting companies, and also welcomed 26 overseas exhibitors from China and Germany. The exhibition covers an impressive 32,157 sqm and showcases not only leisure vehicles and RVs but also products from tent camping and general outdoor goods.
A slightly younger, but no less important exhibition in South Korea is the Korea Camping Car Show, which takes place in June each year at the BEXCO Exhibition Hall in the coastal city of Busan. This event is organised by the KRVIA and describes itself as the main exhibition in the country for the RV industry. The KRVIA says about the show: “This year, it starts on the same day as the Busan Mobility Show and is expected to attract many visitors. Based on its success so far, it will be reborn as an exhibition officially sponsored by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
“As Korea’s largest RV main exhibition, it is an opportunity to see the latest trends in motorhomes, caravan tents/cargo trailers, etc.”
The other major professional RV exhibition in South Korea, also organised by the KRVIA, is the Suwon Camping Car Show, which takes place in October each year. This show used to be called the Su-
won Leisure Vehicle Industry Exhibition for the first three years of its existence but was rebranded as the Suwon Camping Car Show for the 2023 edition. Like the other two shows mentioned, this event is growing every year alongside the general growth trend shown by the industry in Korea.
Car camping is a key to growth
While South Korea does manufacture and import plenty of caravans and motorhomes, these are usually of a modest size, and not generally as large as ones seen in markets such as the United States or even Europe. Part of that is down to the infrastructure of the country, the other part is likely down to the fact that the market is still in its early stages, and many Koreans who are interested in camping are from a younger demographic. This is evident with the growth of the trend of what is known
Camping Picnic Fair 2024
Exhibitors
• 165 companies
• 1,966 booths
• 26 international exhibitors
Visitor numbers
• February 29: 8,181
• March 1: 25,389
• March 2: 20,013
• March 3: 17,520
• Total: 71,103
Visitor age
• Under 20: 1%
• 20-29: 5%
• 30-39: 30%
• 40-49: 42%
• 50-59: 16%
• Over 60: 6%
Visitor gender
• Male: 60%
• Female: 40%
Photos and data: Allfair
Market SOUTH KOREA
as ‘chabak’ – the South Korean for car camping. According to an article by Korean automotive giant Hyundai from November 2023, car camping became a gateway for many young people to enter the world of camping, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. More and more South Koreans in their 30s and 40s began to try this inexpensive and accessible way to camp – making modifications to their normal cars and adding many different accessories to make them perfect camping cars. It even led to major manufacturers creating SUVs and other regular vehicles with more of a focus on car camping, including fold-down seats and large, flat areas to place mattresses.
Who are the big players?
As mentioned already in this article, there is no shortage of manufacturers in the South Korean market when it comes to leisure vehicles, components, and accessories. Some of the biggest brands in motorhome and campervan manufacturing include Sungwoo Motors, STARMOVIL, Walden Mobile, Hanwool, and Dream Van. When it comes to caravans and trailer RVs there are also several bigname brands to consider such as the
likes of Airvan, Marre, and GER. The Korean market is also starting to be infiltrated by European and American brands thanks to some major importers. Brands such as Airstream, Swift, Hymer, and Wingamm are present in South Korea thanks to a partnership with importer Bluebird Enterprise, based in Seoul. Another large importer is Gaon Cara-
The Korea Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (KRVIA) was established with a mission to foster and expand Korea’s recreational vehicle (RV) culture, making it a prominent part of the country’s popular culture. Through dedicated industrial research and technological cooperation, KRVIA aims to enhance the competitiveness of the RV industry in Korea.
KRVIA serves as Korea’s representative RV association, comprising member companies involved in the manufacture and import of recreational vehicles and RV parts. The association is committed to advancing the RV industry by promoting exchange and cooperation with both domestic and international organizations. By forming strategic alliances, KRVIA works to enhance industrial value and facilitate the global outreach of Korea’s RV culture.
Since its founding in 2015, KRVIA has been instrumental in the proper growth and development of RV culture in Korea. The association continually develops new programs to broaden the appeal and accessibility of RVs, ensuring that the public, member companies, and related organizations can coexist harmoniously.
With a rich history of progress, KRVIA held its inaugural general meeting in 2022, following years of preparatory
van, which works with Western brands such as Bailey of Bristol, Coachman, and Knaus Tabbert. Other importers in the country include AutoHomes, which deals with brands such as Dethleffs, Carado, and Isabella, and GCTRV – a company that sells products from Alde, Powrtouch, Lippert, Dometic, and Truma among others.
efforts that began in 2015. The association has consistently worked to promote the RV lifestyle, helping it become a significant part of everyday life in Korea. KRVIA’s dedication to innovation and collaboration continues to drive the RV industry forward, making it a vital part of Korea’s cultural and industrial landscape.
The RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) June 2024 survey of manufacturers reported that total RV shipments ended the month with 25,308 units, an increase of 5% compared to 24,095 shipped in June 2023. Towable units - led by conventional travel trailers - ended the month with an increase of 11.4% over last June with 23,020 shipments while motorhomes were down (-33.2%) compared to June 2023 with 2,288 units. To date, RVs are up 8.4% compared to the same time last year with 178,596 units shipped through June.
“RV shipments were up in June, with the greatest increase coming from travel trailer shipments that are up 19% for the year,” said RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby.
To read the full report visit www.rvia.org.
Training days at upcoming 2024 Hershey Show
The 55th Annual America’s Largest RV Show - known as The Hershey Show - will be held at the Giant Center from September 11 to 15, 2024, in Hershey, PA. Just prior to the event, Education Days will be held exclusively for industry members from September 9 to 10, consisting of two days of training seminars. Those in attendance can earn education units (CEUs) for many of the sessions, which include presentations by Dexter Axle, Lippert, Cummins, and MORryde International. Coinciding with Education Days is the Industry Preview Day on September 10, allowing RV professionals to browse the latest floorplans and parts/accessories. Presented by the Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA), the show is expected to draw more than 30 manufacturers as well as suppliers, consumer product vendors and various services. For more event information visit https://www.prvca.org
General Coach Canada expands new truck camper series for 2025
Following the re-launch of its 2024 Citation Explore truck camper series, General Coach Canada announced the new 10-8 Citation Explore Dry Bath for 2025, which joins the existing Explore 9-2, 9-6 and 10-2 floor plans.
Originally manufactured in the early 2000s before the company shifted focus to its travel trailer and park models series, the Citation Explore line was re-introduced in early 2024 and well-received among dealers and consumers.
“We felt it would be easier to get back into this market as we had existing floorplans designed and construction elements already established,” Chris Faulkner, Vice-President of General Coach Canada, told Aboutcamp BtoB. “We simply modified the specifications and features to what is available today in this segment.”
The new 10-8 Dry Bath shares all of the construction features of the existing floorplans. These include interior/exterior vacuum-bonded fibreglass walls, lightweight plywood modular cabinetry and a solar/lithium battery package, gen-set prep and ample storage to meet the growing needs of remote travel. The floor plan is expected to launch in late 2024 or early 2025.
Dragonfly announces new partnership
Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. announced a partnership with Fraserway RV, one of Canada’s largest RV dealer groups. The collaboration was made to strengthen the presence of Battleborn Batteries in Canada, provide consumers with a sustainable and green RV power solution, and capitalize on Canada’s growing RV market. Fraserway dealerships coast to coast will now stock and
install the company’s lithium battery series as an upgraded option.
News from the world AUSTRALIA
Industry Issues raised with Prime Minister
Industry has met with the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese three times in recent months to raise industry profile amongst Australian senior politicians and express the concerns regarding a softening market and investigating Government support for local manufacturers. It was also an opportunity to highlight new technology and innovation within Australia designed RV product, and seeking further enforcement activity by the Federal Department against non-compliant product in market. The industry also has met in recent weeks with the Federal Treasurer around Government financial incentives for industry, as well as key ministerial advisers within the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Trade looking to better protect the local market against poor quality imported product.
Consumer Shows used to Squeeze Non-Compliant Product
An agreement to share compliance results amongst Association show organisers has had immediate effect with results to the end of June 2024 seeing a 26.7% reduction in average construction issues identified across 1188 inspections conducted across the country. Those part of the industry compliance RVMAP program (representing over 60 of the industry’s leading manufacturers) continue to lead the way with 2.7 times less average compliance issues
Caravan to a Million ends in success
The recent industry stimulus marketing campaign “Caravan to a Million” ended on 30 June with over 116,000 entries received. Individuals received entries through trade activity including visiting a retail caravan dealership or attending a consumer show. This campaign was designed to keep caravan and camping front of mind with consumers with over 1.2 million video views of content watched in connection with the campaign. A post survey of some 3,635 respondents indicated that interest in industry remains strong with 18% indicating they intend to purchase or upgrade their RV in the next 12 months. Over 21,000 new individuals were added to the Let’s Go Caravan and Camping industry email database as a result of the campaign in which the lifestyle benefits of an Australian caravan and camping experience are promoted to now over 565,000 RV consumers.
Katy and Scott, who are the winners of the competition will have the chance to win $1 million at the upcoming Sunshine Coast Caravan Show in late August.
identified per vehicle inspected and a 30% improvement across the year. The existing show inspection regime recently was expanded to include gas and electrical inspections with an initial worrying number of issues identified which are being worked through. This is in a landscape of increasing regulator activity with the industry put on notice with final warnings issued to licenced operators and warning letters sent to several high-volume manufacturers.
Lithium Concerns Spark Industry Response
Association representatives and interested battery component suppliers came together in Adelaide in late July to discuss a series of industry actions to combat a recent spate of media stories on lithium fires in caravans. Concern particularly was raised regarding poor imported product entering the country, dangerous private and after-market installations, and inadequate protection amongst some of the systems incorporating the battery.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO, Stuart Lamont noted that while each instance had its own set of specific circumstances the spec-
tacular vision of caravans burning across the media risked consumer confidence in the sector. “There is much confusion and hysteria surrounding lithium battery fires generally, and it is important that brand RV does not become collateral damage in community concerns around e-scooter, golf carts and other lithium charging applications,” Lamont said. The group will work on a series of best practice guides for industry and consumer education around lithium composition, safe charging and storage, and the dangers of DIY installations as well as working with emergency services and insurance company’s to look to better minimise risk across the sector.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO, Stuart Lamont (left), with Anthony Albanese
News from the world GERMANY
Peter Hirtschulz
Nearly 70 years: Red Dot Design Award
The Red Dot Design Award is one of the most prestigious design competitions in the world, which also includes a specific category for motorhomes and caravans. Participants can enter products, brands and communication projects as well as prototypes and design concepts in three disciplines. At the Red Dot Design Award ceremony on 24 June 2024, international design greats came together in Essen to celebrate the winners of this year’s competition. The Red Dot Design Award can look back on almost 70 years of history: in 1955, a jury came together for the first time to assess the best designs of the time. In the 1990s,
FAWO celebrates 50 years jubilee
Founded in the German city Walldorf on July 1, 1974, “FAWO Vertriebs-GmbH für Fahrzeug- und Wohnwagenausrüstungsteile” celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. Peter A. Hohage, managing partner since 1984, has developed the company, which has been based in Nieder-Olm (Germany) since 2001, into one of Europe’s leading system providers for mobile vehicle construction. FAWO has over 50 years of experience in supplying components, and know how, to builders of caravans, buses commercial road vehicles, railway vehicles and ships. There is hardly a RV built in Europe without FAWO technical expertise and components. Even in the far East, Australia, USA and South Africa vehicle producers trust in FAWO with a variety of products as i.e. Locking Systems, Furniture Fittings, Table Supports, Ventilation Products, Electrical Installations and Lighting. More than 6,000 different stock articles await their dispatch or transport in the modernly equipped FAWO high-rack central warehouse in Nieder-Olm.
Red Dot CEO Professor Dr Peter Zec developed the name and brand of the award. The centrepiece is the Red Dot Design Museum. The exhibition on the first floor, “Milestones in Contemporary Design”, presents the best products of the year 2024 - the current milestones in international product design, which were selected by an international jury in the 51 categories of the competition. About 1,500 other products honoured in the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024 will also be presented in the special exhibition “Design on Stage” on five floors of the Red Dot Design Museum. Both exhibitions are open to visitors until 1 June 2025.
LMC meets Humbaur
German leisure vehicle manufacturer LMC Caravan GmbH & Co. KG, together with Europe’s largest trailer manufacturer Humbaur GmbH, presents the MODO, an innovation outside the familiar product segments of caravans, motorhomes, camper vans and transport trailers. The MODO is the result of close co-operation between the two experts: a multifunctional leisure vehicle that is convincing in both professional and private everyday life.
Thanks to its modular interior design, it offers maximum flexibility and versatility. From commercial vehicle to “living” trailer - customisable The MODO is like a blank canvas waiting to be designed. Whether as a transport and leisure trailer for craft businesses, as a workshop or living space for travelling salesmen and craftsmen on assembly. The MODO is also an ideal basis for do-it-yourself fans who don’t want to start from scratch but would like to build a customised trailer themselves - it offers an ideal combination of working and living.
Malaysian Ambassador honours Knaus Tabbert
KNAUS BOXDRIVE 600 impresses in Asia. HE Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin, Malaysian Ambassador to Germany, presents innovation award to Knaus Tabbert. The Bavarian based company is delighted to welcome a distinguished visitor and receive a prestigious award. At this year’s dealer conference in Bad Griesbach, Lower Bavaria, HE Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin, the Malaysian Ambassador to Germany, praised the KNAUS BOXDRIVE, naming it as the most technologically advanced and luxurious campervan in Malaysia.
Knaus Tabbert Board Members Wolfgang Speck (CEO), Werner Vaterl (COO) and Gerd Adamietzki (CSO) were delighted to take to the stage and receive this important accolade from the Ambassador. The winner was decided during the 2024 edition of the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo, which was held in May. In the KNAUS BOXDRIVE, the judging panel of Asian caravan industry experts saw a particularly innovative campervan, based on the dynamic MAN TGE chassis. The winning model is also one of the bestsellers in its segment in this part of the world.
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News from the world FRANCE
Le camping, c’est Trigano! Tribute to André Trigano
André Trigano, a prominent figure in the French economic and political landscape, has passed away at the age of 99. Born in 1925, he built an empire in the camping industry, making Trigano a wellknown brand. A former member of the Resistance, he had an impressive political career, serving as the mayor of Pamiers for over 25 years and as a deputy of Ariège. A visionary, he transformed camping into a societal phenomenon through innovation and a passion for service. His last public appearance was in July 2021, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pré Lombard camping in Tarascon-sur-Ariège. André Trigano’s remarkable journey will remain etched in collective memory, as his enterprise continues to lead the European recreational vehicle market.
Paolo Galvani
Market analysis: June 2024
UNI VDL, the association of French camper and caravan manufacturers, has published the registration data for June.
New Campers and Vans: In June 2024, registrations of new campers, including vans, experienced a slight decline of 2.52% compared to June 2023, totaling 2,904 units. New campers, excluding vans, saw an increase of 3.36%, rising from 1,281 to 1,324 units. Vans alone witnessed a decrease of 6.95%, with 1,580 units compared to 1,698 in the previous year.
an increase of 11.89%, rising from 9,755 to 10,915 units. Vans showed a growth of 4.49%, with 14,281 units compared to 13,667 the previous year.
Used Campers: The registrations of used campers decreased by 8.28%, dropping to 61,649 units from 67,211 the previous year.
Used Campers: The registrations of used campers dropped by 13.26%, falling to 6,336 units from 7,305 the previous year.
New and Used Caravans: New caravan registrations decreased by 11.99%, with 646 units compared to 734 the previous year. Registrations of used caravans declined by 13%, with 4,678 units compared to 5,377 in the previous year.
Cumulative Over the Last 12 Months
New Campers and Vans: Over the past 12 months, registrations of new campers and vans increased by 7.57%, totaling 25,196 units compared to 23,422 the previous year. New campers saw
New and Used Caravans: New caravan registrations increased by 3.38%, with 7,257 units compared to 7,020 the previous year.
Registrations of used caravans decreased by 2.81%, with 45,819 units compared to 47,145 the previous year.
“As of the end of June, over the first six months of the year, the market has seen a growth of around 10%, with 15,000 new vehicles registered. The growth is particularly strong for traditional motorhomes, which have increased by 17%. The used market, which had been boosted in previous years due to shortages of new vehicles, is down 6% between 2023 and 2024 as of the end of June. However, this market remains dynamic and still represents more than twice the volume of new vehicles” said Michel Freiche, president of UNIVDL and the Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs de Paris-Nord Villepinte.
SETT 2024: innovations and emerging trends on show in Montpellier
The appointment is renewed for 2024 with SETT, the professional exhibition dedicated to tourism and hospitality, which will open its doors on 5, 6 and 7 November at the Parc des Expositions in Montpellier. Camping Business, a magazine from our publishing house, will be media partner of the important French event reserved for professionals from all sectors of tourism and hospitality, from traditional hotellerie to open-air, from catering to beach activities.
Last year’s edition was already a record one, thanks to the more than 18,300 professional visitors and 730 exhibitors who animated it. But the incoming edition –the 45th for SETT – aims to replicate its success, announcing already major innovations, such as the morning dedicated to exchanges and cooperation between professionals, and the 50th Congress of the Fédération Nationale de l’Hôtellerie de Plein Air (FNHPA), which will take place right in the context of the Novem-
ber show.
To emphasise the international character of the Montpellier exhibition, a round table on “Working together at the European level: shared challenges, shared solution” will be held on the morning of Thursday 7 November, in which representatives of various European federations will participate. On the other hand, the sensitive topics of resource management, sustainability and innovation will be the focus of a series of conferences organised as part of the 50th FNHPA Congress, in the presence of President Nicolas Dayot.
Another highly anticipated event of the 2024 edition is the 16th SETT d’Or Trophy for Innovation: on the afternoon of Tuesday 5 November, five companies will be awarded for their creativity and innovations relating to new products and services that meet the needs of tourism professionals. In 2023, more than 50 companies participated, proposing inno-
vative solutions for infrastructure, equipment, leisure, applications, software. For the 2024 edition, registration is now open and will close on September 16th. To participate, the innovation must have been developed and presented for the first time in the last year (2023-2024). Finally, a new game-contest will put €70,000 in prizes up for grabs over the three days of the show. Appointment, then, in Montpellier from November 5-7, 2024 to discover innovations and emerging trends in the tourism industry.
News from the world UK
Quality management boost for EHG UK
Erwin Hymer Group UK is celebrating after recently being awarded an ISO 9001:2015 Re-Certification.
The Re-Certification, which is awarded in three-year cycles, can only be obtained by those organisations that meet quality management systems as laid out by the International Organization for Standardization. The award of this certification took place after an in-depth audit by lead auditors DQS Global, with EHG UK being particularly praised for its investment, dedication, and commitment to quality across all of its products and services.
DQS Global’s Achim Gleich said: “The focus is not only to fulfil the requirements of the standard ISO 9001 but to improve the implemented processes with focus on quality, cost and fulfilment of legal and customer requirements. Since the last certification audit in 2023 there has also been big improvement in culture, using communication, leadership and process optimization methods.”
EHG UK’s Quality, Engineering and Lean 6 Sigma Director, Craig Hodgkiss, added: “Quality is at the forefront of
Flash News
Leading leisure vehicle manufacturer Auto-Trail has expanded its reach in the UK thanks to an agreement with Midlands dealer Marquis Northants. Based near the town of Northampton, this dealer is one of the flagship branches in the Marquis Leisure network.
Auto-Trail Commercial Director, Scott Stephens, said: “Auto-Trail are delighted to welcome Marquis Northants to our dealer network. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide exceptional vehicles to customers across the country.”
The Caravan and Motorhome Club has been recognised for its efforts in corporate responsibility after winning the ‘Giving Something Back’ prize at the UK National Contact Centre Awards. This new award category specifically recognises organisations that give back to their local communities, charities, and the environment.
Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing and Membership Services at the Club, said: “Every team member should feel proud for the work they do to provide exceptional customer service to our members and potential members.”
our quest for continual improvement. Our 9001:2015 Re-Certification is testament to the many ongoing improvements we’re driving at our UK plant.”
New Product Design and Procurement Director at Bailey
Leading British caravan and motorhome manufacturer Bailey of Bristol has appointed Daniel Ayres as its new Product Design and Procurement Director. This newly created role within the company combines the lead ership of its product development and procurement teams, and Daniel has a wealth of experience in both fields. He will report directly to Bailey Chief Operating Officer Ian Rawlings with the aim of harmonising sup ply and demand functions. Ian Rawlings said: “Daniel is a highly respected
professional in product design and procurement. We’re confident that with his leadership, we’ll continue to innovate and meet our customers’ evolving needs.”
As well as his professional expertise, Daniel also brings a wealth of firsthand camping experience to the role as a keen campervanner. Bailey of Bristol is one of the UK’s leading brands in the leisure vehicle space, manufacturing around 5,400 caravans, motorhomes, and campervans each year at its three different sites in Bristol.
Major UK motorhome dealer goes solar
Major motorhome and caravan dealer Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld has installed 300 solar panels on the roof of its sales building in Stafford as part of a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint. In partnership with ECO-1, the solar panels will generate an estimated 85,000kWh of electricity per year, which will not only create savings for the dealership but also contribute about 8,000kWh of green electricity back to the UK’s national grid. Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld Operations Director, Erik Baxendale, said: “The investment in solar energy aligns with our values to reduce our environmental footprint and act against the rising energy costs which have affected all companies in recent times. As a business with a proud
heritage of stability and innovation, this is a long-term investment that will have a positive and sustainable impact on both our carbon footprint and overall utility costs for years to come. The installation of the panels comes after we invested in electric vehicle charging points for our colleagues and customers, with a fleet of electric company vehicles in place.”
Craig Hodgkiss (EHG UK), Achim Gleich (DQS), Paul Howarth (EHG UK), and Dr Stefan Marx (EHG)
