In Top Gear Niesmann+Bischoff

in top gear

Niesmann+Bischoff, a leading manufacturer of exclusive motorhomes, has had another highly successful year. Export Manager Cécile Klärner spoke about the latest business developments and the product innovations which will further enhance the company’s position in the motorhome sector.

Based in Polch in the German province of Rhineland-Palatinate, Niesmann+Bischoff is a luxury motorhome specialist. Operating from its single plant in the West part of Germany the company has gone from strength to strength. Last year, its parent company, the Erwin Hymer Group, was acquired by Thor Industries, a large group of manufacturers of leisure vehicles based in Indiana, USA, with 18 manufacturers of motorhomes and caravans, 18,000 employees and producing more than 237,000 vehicles. The combination of Thor and EHG has created the world’s largest RV manufacturer, with leading positions in both North America and Europe.

New bestsellers

Niesmann+Bischoff currently offers three product ranges with different body and living concepts: Flair (1994), Arto (1998) and Smove (2016). Emphasis on the highest quality and outstanding design has won the company many awards, prizes and honours.

“Niesmann+Bischoff are pioneers in terms of safety: we are still the only manufacturer in a position to offer airbags in the liner class, i.e. the 7 t. IVECO models,” says Cécile Klärner. “Our motorhome newcomers Arto 88 LF, Arto 88 B and Flair 920 EK have been on the market since late 2018 – and have been in steady demand ever since the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, the largest caravanning and camping event in the world.”

The new models further enhance passengers’ comfort, something which customers clearly appreciate - the luxury bathroom with shower, separate toilet room and dressing area combined with a comfortable 1.50 m. wide island bed make the Arto 88 LF the most frequently ordered Niesmann+Bischoff tandem axle layout in the whole of Europe.

“The Arto 88 B is a unique layout that offers a “bar” table – instead of the classical couches - on a Fiat Ducato base. Our customers appreciate the extraordinary sense of space which is created by the straight lines of the couch. Some of them use this model as an office ‘on wheels’,” says Ms Klärner.

“Our Flair 920 EK is currently the bestseller in the IVECO model range. One of its striking features is the enlarged kitchen worktop, which now provides an additional 45 centimetres and a

very practical extension. The convenient sideboard with a sliding worktop next to the entry offers additional storage space and a 46-litre refrigerator may be added additionally to the classical fridge, providing more than 220 litres refrigerating space in total! Another well appreciated feature is the spacious bathroom with rain shower and glass doors,” she explains.

Raising the bar

Innovation is an integral part of the business culture and the company is continuously searching for new improvements. “Our product development department is currently busy with a ‘family project’. We have found that beside our classical customers, i.e. retired couples over 60, there are families with children desiring to spend their leisure time on luxury motorhomes. And for the rental business of our dealers this kind of model is definitely missing so far,” explains Mr Klärner. “The challenge will be to create a motorhome with flexible rooms, which can be used by both adults and children without disturbing each other. It will be an innovative well-thought floor plan, unique on the market. The second challenge will be to integrate the latest technologies into our models such as lithium batteries with solar modules, smart home technologies… and more to come!”

When designing and making a motorhome, each detail is carefully considered. A good example of the high-quality standard is the construction of the side panels. They are stored overnight after they have been pressed instead of being installed on the day they are produced. Ms Klärner explains that the storage period is the secret to the smooth walls, a benefit in long term because nothing twists or bulges.

Smart investment

Hail, tree branches, continuous rain — the roof of a motorhome must be able to withstand a lot of punishment. The use of glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) with extra high glass content and highstrength seals provides optimal protection for the roof and makes it extremely robust and scratch-resistant, just like the other external components. Thanks to the high torsional stiffness of the box structure and the high-quality furniture the models are especially quiet when driving.

“The choice of materials plays a decisive role for achieving high standards: a good example is our wood film for the furniture. It is highly durable, 3D and scratch-resistant. Or our upholstery: 50,000 abrasion cycles during testing vouch for the longevity of the sofa covers, while the three-layer foam concept guarantees a high level of sitting comfort,” says Ms Klärner.

“We at Niesmann+Bischoff are architects, engineers, craftsmen and installers. Craftsmanship is an important part of our daily work,” she claims. “We invest a lot of time in the production of your motorhome. For others, this may be a luxury. For us it’s a smart investment. And we are convinced our customers notice this each and every time they are on the road in a Arto, Flair or Smove.” n