Riding high Erwin Hymer Group

RIDING HIGH

The Erwin Hymer Group is the European brand leader in the design and manufacture of luxury motor homes and caravans. The company continues to exceed all expectations with the continuous launch of new and innovative products. Philip Yorke reports on its cutting-edge technology and latest trend-setting designs.

The Erwin Hymer Group represents the best in German quality engineering and cutting edge design and is acknowledged as the clear European market leader in the business of premium motor homes and caravans. The company operates four distinct business divisions. These are: Hymer Motorhomes, ERIBA Caravans, Hymer Original Parts & Accessories and Hymercar, which together form the company’s four pillar activities.

Erwin Hymer Caravans was founded in Germany over 50 years ago when Erwin Hymer followed in his father’s footsteps and returned from Dornier to the family’s agricultural vehicle business in Bad Waldsee, Germany.

Shortly afterwards an event took place that would define the innovative engineer’s future. The renowned German engineer, Erich Bachem asked Hymer whether he could build him a caravan and Hymer was able to achieve this with style. With the ERIBA prototype completed in 1957 and by 1961 Hymer had built his first motorhome, the Caravano. Since then the company has never looked back and it set the standard by which all other caravans and motorhomes are judged. Today Erwin Hymer is responsible for the design and manufacture of its eight independent brands that offer every conceivable recreational vehicle for every need and requirement, from low-priced entry models to luxury class premium vehicles.

Bright new star

Recently Hymer launched its exceptionally compact and manoeuvrable integrated new motor home on a Mercedes chassis: the Hymermobil ML-1. The strength and competence of the new model combines the best of Hymer technology and lightweight construction with a unique level of living comfort and driving experience. The new Hymer ML-I is a bright new star in the company’s portfolio and is classically styled, exceptionally compact and manoeuvrable. This advanced, integrated motor home is based on a Mercedes Chassis developed for the Mercedes Sprinter. The new model embodies the latest drive system technology from Mercedes and is married to the patented Hymer PUAL lightweight construction and the driving and living comfort that that customers have come to expect from this premier company.

“With the Hymer ML-I we have achieved a balancing act by building a fully integrated motorhome on a Mercedes Sprinter basis

with rear-wheel drive in the 3.5-tonne category,” said Berhard Kibler, head of Hymer Reismobile, explaining the features of the new model. The latest model is available in three versions, starting with the frugal 4-cylinder unit with 95kW (129HP), the 120kW (163HP) version and finally the agile V6 cylinder unit with 141kW (190HP).

All three versions come as standard with safety sports suspension, which enables safe and relaxed driving in combination with optional 7G automatic gearbox with torque converter. The Hymer ML-I will be launched in the spring of 2016 and is expected to become the flagship Hymer brand and is bound to create unrivalled enthusiasm among its customers.

Unique RV individuality

Hymer is leading the way again with an exclusive design study in close partnership with Stuttgart car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The companies have joined forces to present a prototype based on the Mercedes V-Class, which sets new standards in terms of flexible interior solutions for recreational vehicles. When it comes to buying an RV, individuality, functionality and modern design are key. In an impressive design study, Hymer has now succeeded in combining these attributes to create a modular furniture concept. This in turn means that customers can enjoy an even more personalised motorhome leisure experience.

The study undertaken in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz has resulted in a prototype of the Hymercar, based on the car chassis of the Mercedes V-Class. The beauty of this system, which is unique within the premium sector, lies in the floor-mounted rails and adaptable furniture modules, which allow the vehicle interior to be readily customised on a modular basis, and modified or upgraded as necessary.

The huge versatility of the new model, offers a variety of innovative solutions to suit a customer’s individual preferences, ranging from a six-seater layout to a fully equipped RV, and all in a few simple steps thanks to two sliding doors and an extra-large tailgate. If extra storage space is required en-route for example, the individual modules can be stacked quickly and securely. The kitchen unit can be easily installed on the sliding door side to allow access from the outside as well.

Exclusive package

In August 2015 Hymer celebrated the sale of over 150,000 motor homes with an exclusive package for customers. Since then the company has seen a seamless continuation of this positive trend in its sales figures, and is now launching a further limited promotion as a gesture of appreciation. The first 150 customers to buy the Hyermobil Exsis-I 578 or Hymerbil Exsis-t 578 are being offered a unique opportunity to purchase an ‘experience package’ at a bargain price. This is typical of a company that has its finger on the pulse in terms of customer needs and market trends. n

For further information about Hymer recreational vehicles and services visit: www.erwinhymergroup.com