More European Designs becoming prevalent?
Although the article (from RV Breaking News)refers to a range off European RV's, it does mention Class C's a lot. Class C's make up roughly 50% of European RV's sold.
The economic meltdown has reduced the number sold to 155, 000 units, but that is rapidly starting to rise again.
The economic meltdown has reduced the number sold to 155, 000 units, but that is rapidly starting to rise again.
In spite of U.S. dominance in the international recreational vehicle industry, in recent years the balance of power has swung towards more innovative European RV manufacturers. This is evidenced by the success of Germany’s Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform here in the USA which was subsequently joined by Ford’s European Transit Van and Italy’s Fiat’s Ducato chassis. Small is the key in Europe though there are some superlative Class A motorhome manufacturers like Volkner Mobil and Ketterer Spezialfahrzeug both of whom offer mohos with integral car garages and full-length lateral slides. The Germans have also built some stunning Toterhomes including Concorde Reisemobile’s stunning 420hp Centurion 1200 RV.
On a continent where the Flxible, Eagle, and Blue Bird Wanderlodge once ruled supreme, the leading luxury motorhome chassis in the United States is currently manufactured by Swedish-owned and Canadian-based Prevost Car, Inc. Even Oklahoma-based Newell Coach turned to European-based Porsche Design when they decided to refresh the front end of their luxury motorhome line-up.
With few exceptions, the most radical and innovative designs are heading across the pond from east to west, and Germany’s Dethleffs are a case in point. The latter debuted their latest 177hp Class A diesel motorhome on the Fiat Ducato platform at the 2012 CMT show in Stuttgart, Germany. Designed by Michael Studer the Dethleffs “Evan” measures a mere 18.5 feet in length but still manages to sleep four by way of a lift bed under the roof of the cab as well as a 2-berth sleeper in the pop-top roof tent. The unit is notable for its exceptional use of the available interior space. It even incorporates a variable space bathroom!
One good reason for Germany’s Volkswagen Group to reconsider a return to the North American market would be Danbury’s revolutionary “DoubleBack” conversion of the T5 Transporter. Developed by mechanical engineer, Craig McCormack, the DoubleBack camper incorporates a remarkable 130kg telescoping rear Pod which, once deployed, adds almost 2 metres (6 feet) to the length of the vehicle. The pod can be used to provide an additional 2-berth bedroom (in addition to the pop-top sleeping berth) or can be configured for use as a seating or storage area.
In the absence of a US-built VW Transporter, off-road enthusiasts should check out the US-built XPCamper. Designed by German immigrant, Marc Wassmann, the XPCamper utilizes a tough, lightweight camper shell which incorporates a remote controlled hydraulic popup system and sports an exceptionally equipped interior. The XPCamper – which has the distinction of being the world’s first composite RV pop-up camper – was subsequently joined by the “V2,” a smaller clamshell designed XPCamper model that’s custom designed for compact trucks like the Toyota Tacoma.
