Apr
What’s happening in the world of campervans?
March saw confirmation of an excellent new camping accessory range, as well as news on fuel prices from the Chancellor of the Exchequer. There was also good news for campervan fans in the east of England.
Here’s what’s been happening in the world of campervans over the last month.
East England Motorhome Show Announced
The National Motorhome and Campervan Show is returning to the East of England Arena in April, staring on Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th. The announcement comes after the show suffered from two years of postponements due to the pandemic.
The motorhome event will feature hundreds of independent traders and over 30 dealers, as well as accessory specialists. There will also be a new Advice Centre where expert speakers will be giving seminars.
Fuel Duty Cut by 5p a Litre, But Prices Continue Rising
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced in March that fuel duty will be cut by 5p a litre, stating from March 23 and lasting for a year. The announcement came during the Chancellor’s Spring Statement and is welcome news as fuel prices continue to soar worldwide.
In addition, supermarket giant Asda announced that it will be cutting their fuel prices by 6p a litre, which includes a 1p VAT reduction.
Despite the cuts, fuel prices remain problematically high. There has also been criticism of the move, suggesting it is simply not enough. The Head of Policy at RAC, Nicholas Lyes, said: “With petrol and diesel prices breaking records almost daily, and the cost to fill up a petrol car at over £92 and a diesel at nearly £100, we’re pleased to see the Chancellor has given drivers some much-needed relief at the pumps, but the reality is that a 5p cut in duty is something of a drop in the ocean.”
New ‘Mobile Home in a Box’ Launched by Volkswagen
A new range of mini-mobile camping units has been launched by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Originally announced in February and now available to everybody from March, the camping accessory consists of modular units featuring a kitchen area, bed, water supply and storage space.
The ‘Mobile Home in a Box’ should fit into existing luggage compartments of selected Volkswagen vans, effectively turning them into campervans. The bed can be unfolded in a single movement, while the kitchen can be assembled in just a few seconds.
The Head of Aftersales at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, James Allitt, said of the new camping accessories: “Our new camping accessory range makes travel more convenient for customers by combining all travel essentials, from utilities to water supply, in a smartly designed, comfortable, and compact space.
“Developing accessories that make our customers’ lives easier is a high priority at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, which is why our one-stop-shop mobile home in a box is a great solution for those planning a camping holiday.”
The top of the range BusBox costs £3,340 and includes a bed and mattress, kitchen area with space for a two-burner stove, extendable storage area and a water supply.
If you are interested in buying a campervan and want the best prices available with flexible pricing options, call Effective Campervans on 01484 961567 or email info@effective-group.com.
Mar
What’s happening in the world of campervans? FEBRUARY 2022
A relatively quiet February in the world of campervans, though there was some great news in the form of the UK’s largest campervan event finally going ahead after two years of Covid delays.
Let’s take a look at what else has been happening in the world of campervans over the last month.
New Ford Transit Hybrid Campervan Unveiled
The new Ford Transit Custom Evolution Eco Camper was unveiled by CampervanCo in February. The hybrid design combines the sustainability of an electric motor-driven campervan with the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer distances. The Evolution Eco Camper offers up to 26 miles on one electric charge, but also includes a 1-litre Eco Boost range extending engine.
The Ford Transit-based hybrid campervan features lightweight, modular kitchen units, induction hobs and an optional a hot water dispenser. There is a 250Ah leisure battery that powers the cooking and lighting systems, as well as the phone and tablet charging stations. On the elevating roof are 1,000W solar panels that can be charged while you drive, and the enhanced insulation is designed for more efficient climate control.
CampervanCo say you can also add in a variety of other custom options such as wireless phone and tablet charging and a sliding seat rail system that lets you maximise the storage space while driving and living space while parked. You can also add in appliances such as a slow cooker and a coffee machine.
Prices for the Evolution Eco Camper start at £76,000.
Award-Winning Campsites in the South West
February also saw awards being handed out to the best campsites in the UK, specifically in the South West.
The Dorset Tourism Awards crowned the Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, near Charmouth, with Gold in the Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year category. The Silver award went to South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, near Poole. Both campsites are members of the Premier Parks group.
The Cornwall Tourism Awards also announced their results for the 2021/22 season, with two Premier Parks campsites once again taking the top two spots in the Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year category. The Gold went to Trevalgan Touring Park, near St Ives, with the Silver given to the Trewan Hall campsite, located a few miles northeast from Newquay.
UK’S Largest Motorhome Show Finally Goes Ahead
Well, after what seems like years of writing about campervan events being cancelled or rescheduled, it is a relief to announce that the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show finally went ahead after two years.
The UK’s largest leisure vehicle event was sold out at the NEC in Birmingham and was a roaring success by all accounts. One of the featured vehicles was the Evolution Eco Camper described above, and there were so many other awesome campervans and accessories on display as well.
You can check out the exhibitors at the CCM Show website.
If you are interested in buying a campervan and want the best prices available with flexible pricing options, call Effective Campervans on 01484 961567 or email info@effective-group.com.
Feb
What’s happening in the world of campervans? JANUARY 2022
A quiet start of the year for campervan news, though there is one interesting innovation to speak of based on a Mercedes van and some good recommendations for camping holiday destinations revealed. There are also some changes to the Highway Code coming in from January 29, so click the link below to catch up on those.
Here’s what’s been happening in the world of campervans over the last month.
First Mercedes-Based All-Electric Campervan Revealed
The first ever all-electric campervan based on a Mercedes has been unveiled by a van converter in Switzerland. It is based on the Mercedes EQV, which is a battery-powered version of the Mercedes V-Class van.
The campervan has been created out of the Mercedes V-Class by custom vehicle equipment specialists Sortimo Walter Ruegg, with creative contributions from Mercedes-Benz Vans themselves.
The all-electric Mercedes campervan comes with three unit options, including a standard kitchen unit that costs around £2,870 to install. There is also a larger unit that includes a kitchen and a bed and costs around £3,830. You can also get a pop-up roof installed for around £7,990.
The Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes‑Benz Vans, Klaus Rehkugler, said: “The motorhome market is of strategic importance for Mercedes Benz Vans. We want to continue to grow here and play a pioneering role in terms of innovation and sustainability. For us it is clear, the future is electric, also in the motorhome industry!”
The new campervan is currently only available in Switzerland but discussions are already taking place to expand its availability.
Highway Code Changes for 2022
Drivers of campervans and caravans should be aware of several changes to the Highway Code that are being introduced this year. There are quite a few that revolve cyclists, both their behaviour and how drivers of vehicles should respond to their presence on the road.
There are also other changes involving the hierarchy of road users and overtaking, as well as amendments to parking, charging and leaving vehicles.
Best Certificated Camping Sites Revealed
Here’s some inspiration for when it comes to choosing the next destination for your campervan holiday! The Camping and Caravanning Club have revealed the results of their members’ poll to decide the best certificated camping sites around the country. They asked their members to vote according to their experiences throughout 2021, with the winning sites being declared in mid-January.
The winner was the Riverside Caravan Site in Cononley, near Skipton in North Yorkshire. Owned and operated by Alison and James Naylor, the site received the most nominations in a number of categories. It won the overall Best Certificated Site for 2021, along with the Best Friendly Club Welcome and Best Camping Site for Families.
The award for Best New Camping Site went to the Westfields Camping Site near Kings Lynn in Norfolk. The Best Hideaway award went to the Westfield Farm site in Elgin, Morayshire, and the Best Facilities award went to the Woodview site in Penrith, Cumbria.
Jan
What’s Happening in The World of Campervans?
Some interesting news over the last month includes a renowned leisure vehicle manufacturer unveiling their first pop-top campervan and record-breaking ticket sales for the largest motorhome event in the UK. Alas, there has also been more event cancellations as the pandemic continues to cause havoc with supply chains.
Here’s what’s been happening in the world of campervans during December.
Swift Unveil New Monza Campervan
Motorhome group Swift revealed their brand new Monza campervan, set for official launch in February 2022. The Monza is Swift’s first pop-top campervan and is built on the Ford Tourneo Custom model. Swift intends the new campervan to be the ‘ultimate everyday getaway’ for any journey or adventure including everyday commuting as well as exploring mountain and coastal roads.
Aimed at couples and young families, the compact Monza campervan will have a similar carbon footprint to a standard family vehicle, hence why it is being marketed as an everyday passenger vehicle as well as a camper for holiday adventures.
The Commercial Director of Swift Group, Nick Page, said of the new campervan: “We’re known for our wide and credible ranges of leisure vehicles across touring caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes and lodges, so to now add a campervan to our line-up is absolutely brilliant. We know there’s a hunger for access to regular adventures, and the Monza really does open up the travelling opportunities.”
The Swift Monza will start at £58,395 for the automatic 128bhp version, and £62,290 for the automatic 168bhp version.
High Demand For NEC Campervan Show
The upcoming Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show in February has seen extraordinarily high demand for tickets, say the organisers. NCC Events revealed that over 26,000 advance tickets had already been sold by early December, which is ten times the usual amount at that stage.
Birmingham’s NEC will host the event between 22 and 27 February, and there will be more than 350 exhibitor stands showcasing all the latest campervan and motorhome models, and associated camping gear.
The CEO of NCC Events, John Lally, spoke about the high ticket demand, saying: “The strong ticket sales are a clear indication of pent-up demand. We know that not only are there a lot of new buyers coming into the industry, but many of the core market of caravanners have held off upgrading their outfits.
“This will be the first major leisure vehicle exhibition in the UK for two years and we know that many will have missed the opportunity to step inside the latest models, compare the different layouts and specifications and talk face to face with others who share their love of the touring lifestyle.”
Scottish Campervan Show Cancelled
Demand for the NEC tickets may also be driven higher due to cancellations of other events, with the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show the latest to postpone their 2022 event until 2023.
The biggest caravan and motorhome show in Scotland was due to take place at the SEC in Glasgow between 3 and 6 February. The cancellation has been blamed on a combination of an increase in demand along with supply chain issues which has led to a significant inventory deficiency for dealers and manufacturers.
Dec
What’s Happening In The World Of Campervans?
November was a quiet month for new campervan designs, though there was one notable exception. There were some interesting developments regarding energy-efficient campervan technology, plus good news for Scottish campers as a huge upcoming event was confirmed.
Here is what’s been happening in the world of campervans over the last month.
Solar-Powered Motorhome Journey a Success
It was revealed at the beginning of November that the world’s first ever solar-powered campervan had undertaken a successful journey through Europe. The pioneering motorhome travelled from Eindhoven in the Netherlands to Tarifa at the southernmost tip of Spain.
Described as a ‘self-sustaining house on wheels’, the Stella Vita is was developed by students at the Eindhoven University of Technology. The extendable solar panels on the roof can generate enough energy for both living and driving purposes.
The developers of the solar-powered campervan estimate that with efficient use and plenty of sunshine, the Stella Vita can travel around 453 miles. The solar panels also power electricity for living comforts such as a television and coffee machine.
The Stella Vita also features a unique aerodynamic shape to minimise air resistance and maximise its energy efficiency.
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show Announced
It has been announced that the largest caravan and motorhome show in Scotland will return to the SEC in Glasgow from 3-6 February 2022. Around 200 camper and motorhome brands will showcase their latest products.
The Group Show Director, Darren Brechin, talked about seeing a spike in demand for touring holidays due to Covid, with one of the popular home-holidaying options being to explore the great Scottish outdoors. He said: “The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home show is all about showing our visitors the different ways you can make the most out of your holiday, whether that’s touring the North Coast 500 with friends, relaxing with family at a holiday park or exploring Europe’s top beaches in a motorhome.
“We’re delighted to welcome back the UK’s biggest touring brands to the SEC to showcase a new portfolio of products for 2022, and welcome visitors back to our Holiday Park Village, where holiday park operators from around the UK will be highlighting their unique offering. There’s no showcase quite like this in the UK, and we’re proud to be able to offer this great event in the heart of Glasgow.”
Tickets are on sale now at the Scottish Caravan Show website.
Launch of New Campervan Based on Ford Transit
English campervan manufacturer Auto-Sleepers have launched their new campervan based on the Ford Transit Custom model. The manufacturers say the Auto-Sleeper Air is designed for day-to-day use as well as for touring. The 3200kg chassis it is based on also means drivers do not need a special licence for it.
Features of the Auto-Sleeper Air campervan include diesel-powered Webasto heating along with fresh and waste water tanks. There is an integrated fridge with the cooking equipment consisting of a two-burner hob with a separate grill, along with an external BBQ.
Nov
What’s Happening In The World Of Campervans?
There weren’t many new campervan or motorhome models to get excited about during October, but there was plenty of good news for campers and campervan fans. There were also more production delays caused by the current global situation, but ultimately it’s been a good month.
Here’s what has been happening in the world of campervans over the last month.
New Dates for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show Confirmed
The new dates for the recently cancelled Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham has been confirmed. The UK’s biggest indoor caravan and motorhome event will now take place between 22 and 27 February in 2022. The good news comes after the previously scheduled date in October was cancelled due to confusion over the Covid-19 rules for large indoor events.
The chairman of the National Caravan Council Events, Anthony Trevelyan, said: “We can’t wait to welcome those who love the freedom and adventure of camping, caravanning, motorhome and holiday caravan holidays back to the NEC in February and extend a particularly warm welcome to those new to the lifestyle joining us for the first time.
“Nothing beats live events and we’re excited to offer visitors the opportunity to get inside and compare the different layouts, fittings and innovations from the best in the industry so that they can make an informed buying decision.”
The NEC will make five halls available for the event which will feature over 350 exhibitor stands. They will showcase the latest campervan and motorhome models, as well as assorted camping equipment such as tents and trailer tents as well as folding campers. You will also get to see what holiday homes and lodges are available around the country.
Campsite Opening Times Extended
More good news was announced in October as the Camping and Caravanning Club announced it is extending the opening times of several of its campsites. This includes the Derwentwater and Salisbury sites which will now be open all year around, creating a total of 21 of the CCC’s campsites that are open throughout the entire year.
Barnard Castle, Cannock Chase, Horsley and Kendal are the other sites included in the extension announcement, and will now close at the end of November instead of the usual October.
Knaus Leisure Vehicle Production Delays
Shortly after announcing their first ever electric motorhome, the Knaus E.Power Drive, one of the largest caravan and campervan manufacturers in Europe has revealed difficulty in acquiring parts is causing big production delays.
Knaus Tabbert still recorded impressive growth during the second quarter of 2021, but they believe they would have sold many more leisure vehicles had their parts supplies not been affected by the Covid restrictions affecting so many industries around the world. A spokesperson for Knaus said customer demand for new campervans has not diminished, but the amount of available models in stock to buy is now at ‘record low levels’.
The new Knaus E.Power Drive has been popular among campervan enthusiasts because it uses a bank of batteries that can be recharged via a small rotary engine when the usual plug-in recharging facilities are not available.
Oct
What’s Happening in The World of Campervans?
September had good news and bad news for campervan fans wanting to attend a caravan and motorhome show for the first time since Covid hit. There was also a welcome announcement regarding the production dates for an interesting little micro-camper whose design concept has already caused a bit of a stir.
Here’s what’s been happening in the world of campervans over the last month.
Xbus Electric Microvan Production Announced
The production dates for an exciting new electric microvan was announced at the beginning of September, with the lightweight Xbus now due to start production in 2022.
The Xbus microvan will eventually be available with two chassis options to complement its modular design. The standard City chassis will be joined as an option by the Off-road chassis, which will have greater ground clearance for traversing rougher ground. There will be two camping options differentiated by their berths. Plus other modules include a tipper, a cargo box and single or double-cab pick-up modules. Both camping modules come with a pop-top roof and there is the option of a fridge, TV, hob, fresh water tank, sink and a bed being included.
The Xbus manufacturers say that the electric microvan will get between 62 miles to 124 miles off of one charge, with some roof-integrated solar cells able to double the range.
NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show Cancelled
The upcoming Motorhome and Caravan Show due to take place in October at the NEC in Birmingham has been cancelled. It should be the UK’s largest such event but will no longer take place for the second year in a row.
The organisers, NCC Events, said that the rules for large, organised indoor events were still too unclear. They are now working towards their next big event, the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show due to take place at the same venue in February next year.
A spokesperson for NCC Events said: “We have taken the decision not to go ahead as planned with the Motorhome and Caravan Show this October and instead to focus on our next show. With only 14 weeks to go until the show, which is one of the largest public events in the country, rules on large, organised indoor events continue to be unclear.
“We have taken feedback from our exhibitors and, while the industry is seeing a huge demand for touring caravans, campervans and motorhomes from the UK staycation boom, there are many challenges in the supply chain, which make the timing of this year’s show, and the additional demand it would generate, untenable for some.”
The Love Touring Expo is Back!
There was some good news in September for fans of campervan exhibitions as it was announced that the Love Touring Expo will be going ahead in November. The event in Aberdeen, Scotland, will be the first major indoor event of its kind in Scotland since the pandemic first began. It will possibly be the first in the UK as well after the cancellation of the October show in Birmingham.
The Love Touring Expo will feature all sorts of caravans and campervans with plenty of new motorhome models on display as they get ready for launch in 2022. There will also be industry experts on hand to offer advice to visitors, as well as shops, demonstrations and fun activities for families.
Sep
What’s Happening in The World of Campervans?
August was an interesting month with a premium campervan manufacturer launching a fun new online configurator and another launching new rising roof versions of their popular models. Luxury motorhome owners have also been warned about rising campervan thefts.
Read on to see what’s been happening in the world of campervans over the last month.
New Online Configurator Launched by Niesmann+Bischoff
Premium motorhome manufacturer Niesmann+Bischoff launched a new online configurator at the beginning of August. It means potential buyers can design their dream vehicle on their PCs or smartphones.
The motorhome configurator lets customers choose their favourite aesthetics and interior features and add them to their preferred base model. Once the custom design is complete, the configurator will calculate a cost summary of the selected configuration, which the designer can then download as a PDF file.
The online configurator also allows users to “move around” inside each of the motorhome models with a 360-degree view.
Luxury Motorhomes Targeted by Thieves
A warning to luxury motorhome and campervan owners has been sounded by GPS and vehicle tracker retailer, Trackershop. They say their latest figures show that such higher end vehicles are being targeted by criminals due to the surge in luxury motorhome sales and their new owners’ relative inexperience.
Trackershop say that inexperienced owners aren’t taking the necessary precautions to protect their motorhomes from theft. Of course, Trackershop has a vested interest in publicising such news as they sell the devices which help recover stolen vehicles, but it is certainly true that luxury motorhome theft has been on the rise.
Trackershop say vehicles fitted with a tracking device have a 95% recovery rate compared to vehicles not fitted with one. Their managing director Shaun Carse added: “Recent research discovered that just 13% of motorhomes and 6% of campervans have trackers installed, whilst 54% and 45% of these vehicles respectively don’t have alarms.”
Sunlight Pop-Tops and Mobile Offices
German motorhome manufacturer Sunlight used August to launch a new range of rising roof campervans. They will be part of the Cliff range of campers, providing the option to choose a pop-top version of a Cliff campervan for the first time.
The Fiat Ducato-based Cliff range that now comes with optional pop-tops include the 549, 600, 601 and 640 models. The rising roof option will add an extra two berths to the living space, measuring 206cm by 143cm. Every model with the rising roof will also come equipped with premium slatted bed frames and cold foam mattresses as standard.
The 120bhp engine remains the standard for the new models, but there will be a choice of exterior colours. The interior features will incorporate Sunlight’s new ‘Adventure Living’ design elements, including a reworked dashboard with an integrated passenger glove box and extra storage space and cup holders.
The new pop-top Cliff models arrived shortly after Sunlight also revealed their ‘office on wheels’ design concept. The plan is to turn a motorhome into a mobile home office using a multifunctional, foldable table that comes with an extra monitor and electrical charging options. The concept was devised after the Future of Work Reports 2021 survey revealed that two-thirds of those surveyed who work from home as well as in an office would like a hybrid work model.
Jul
July brought both good and bad news for campervan fans as an exciting new electric campervan with an especially impressive turning circle was announced, along with Volkswagen revealing that they have been doing quite well for themselves. The good news was tempered by the cancellation of a popular motorhome event that many campers and manufacturers were looking forward to, thanks to confusion over Covid-19 restrictions.
Read on to see what’s been happening in the world of campervans over the last month.
New LEVC e-Camper Announced
The electric taxi specialists, the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), have announced the preliminary details of the new e-Camper they are developing. It will use LEVC’s range extender technology to achieve an electric-only range of 60 miles, with a total range of over 300 miles.
The e-Camper will have an exceptionally good turning circle thanks to LEVC’s experience building electric taxis. It will also have a side-layout kitchen that is completely electric powered, as well as four berths shared between the pop-top roof and sliding rear bench. The cab seats will also be able to swivel around.
The Chief Executive Officer of LEVC, Joerg Hofmann, talked about the need for ‘greener mobility solutions’, saying: “The campervan market is growing rapidly and, despite these vehicles being used for coastal and countryside adventures which often include national parks and protected areas, they are still powered by petrol or diesel engines.
“This is a major conflict. We can see a shift in consumer attitudes, with demand for greener mobility solutions to help to protect and improve air quality. Our new electric, zero emissions-capable e-Camper offers the perfect solution and is well-equipped with high quality features that can be tailored to meet a range of customer requirements.”
The list price is shaping-up to be pretty steep at £62,250, with the first deliveries of the e-Camper currently on course to be ready by the fourth quarter of this year.
Volkswagen Reveal Massive Sales Increase
German manufacturer Volkswagen recently revealed they had enjoyed a 621% year-on-year increase in the amount of their California campervans being financed. The increase is likely due to the rise in holidaymakers choosing to stay within the UK for their vacations, say Volkswagen.
Research conducted by Volkswagen showed that half of those surveyed said they would be taking a driving ‘staycation’ at home this year rather than use public transport.
NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show Cancelled Again
For the second year in a row, the Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC has been cancelled. It is the UK’s biggest such event and was due to take place in October, but has again been shelved due to confusion over Covid-19 restrictions.
The organiser of the show, NCC Events, released a statement saying: “We have taken the decision not to go ahead as planned with the Motorhome and Caravan Show this October and instead to focus on our next show. With only 14 weeks to go until the show, which is one of the largest public events in the country, rules on large, organised indoor events continue to be unclear.”
The next show NCC Events are focusing on is the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show currently due to take place at the NEC in February next year.
Jul
June witnessed an interesting new converted campervan design made from a popular commercial van model, as well as good news for motorhome fans in the north of England. The Government also announced exciting news for anyone planning on holidaying at home this summer. Read on to see what’s been happening in the world of campervans this past month.
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