Digital connectivity – The future of caravanning

DIGITaL CoNNECTIVITy –

ThE FuTuRE oF CaRaVaNNING

The Erwin Hymer Group is a world leader in the design and manufacture of luxury motorhomes and caravans. The company has consistently managed to remain at the forefront of technological change in the industry. Challenges facing the sector have never been greater, with digital technology driving dramatic change in levels of safety and efficiency. Philip Yorke reports.

The Erwin Hymer Group was founded in Germany over 50 years ago in Bad Waldsee, Germany. In 1961 Erwin Hymer built his first motorhome for a renowned German engineer, which was to set new industry standards in comfort and style. Hymer called this first prototype the Caravano. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength. Today the Group unites the leading motorhome and caravan manufacturers as well as motorhome and caravan accessory specialists, with hire and financing services all under one roof. With a turnover well over €2 billion, the group sold around 55,000 recreational vehicles in the 2016/17 financial year, supported by a workforce of more than 6000 people worldwide.

Pioneering autonomous driving

The European motorhome industry continues to grow and is therefore fertile ground for new developments. Currently the Erwin Hymer research teams in North America are intensely focused on the issue of self-driving vehicles. What sounded like a utopian vision only a few years ago will soon become reality. The first fully self-driving motorhomes from Hymer should be available from 2030 onwards.

The Erwin Hymer Group was the first company in the world to be permitted to test its self-drive vehicles on a public road. The initial research on test tracks has now been followed by first tests on public roads. Experts have defined five levels of autonomous driving. The three autonomous driving levels that have already reached market maturity are referred to as partial automation. The technology required for levels four and five is currently being tested. Level four includes systems such as driverless, automated city buses, or driving with the assistance of an autopilot system on the motorway.

Driving becomes fully automated at level five. At this level the driver simply has to set the destination and the system will then automatically deal with all traffic situations throughout the entire journey.

Connectivity-based leisure

The Erwin Hymer Group believes the future of caravanning is ‘connected’, whether it is for access to a campsite database, route information whilst travelling, or being able to control alarm systems via a smartphone. It would appear that motorhome drivers have clear expectations when it comes to the next stages of development. “We want to offer our customers unparalleled leisure time and touring experiences,” said Jan de Haas, member of the Erwin Hymer Group Management Board. “These days connectivity-based services are almost compulsory. The most important thing is that they have to represent a clear additional value for the user. Unnecessary applica-

tions and gimmicks have a negative impact on user experience; we are therefore concentrating on the essential.”

With the right digital features it is acknowledged that connectivitybased travelling will change caravanning in many ways. These technological innovations are designed to make life easier for people by offering increased comfort and safety. Today it only takes a few clicks to book a pitch online, check the water and wastewater levels or to control the locks, the heating and the lighting. Monitoring features such as smartphone alerts when there is a gas leak, provide additional safety. Driver assistance systems such as surround cameras, traffic jam assistants or an autopilot promise an even more relaxed driving experience.

“Above all, connectivity should make touring a more relaxing experience. People now have more time to spend on leisure pursuits, such as health-related activities, communicating or infotainment. The technology must be used in such a way as to make caravanning as relaxing as possible,” added de Haas.

exploring new horizons

Recently the Erwin Hymer Group acquired the Explorer Group Ltd, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of motorhomes and caravans.

This strategic acquisition strengthens the presence of the Erwin Hymer Group in Europe’s second largest market. The company is

placing its trust in the existing management team at Explorer and the UK company will change its name to the Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd.

With a motorhome market share of 11 per cent and touring caravan market share of 17 per cent, the Explorer Group is one of the three leading manufacturers in the UK. “Since 2012, our SoLiD construction method has revolutionised the production process and resulted in a product that is stronger, lighter and free from water ingress,” said Rob Quine, Managing Director of Erwin Hymer UK Ltd.

The Erwin Hymer Group is already represented in the UK today by the Burstner, Carado, Dethleffs, Eriba, Hymer, Laika and Sunlight brands. The company says that the new Erwin Hymer Group company will provide an ideal starting point to strengthen and further expand its market presence in the UK with a local manufacturing base.

“By acquiring the Explorer Group Ltd, we are strengthening our involvement in the UK. As the leading European manufacturer, we see strategic opportunities in the second largest European caravanning market,” said Martin Brandy, CEO of the Erwin Hymer Group AG &Co. KG. n

For further details of the Erwin Hymer Group’s latest products and services visit: www.erwinhymergroup.com