Suisse Caravan Salon 2017: New trends
CARAVANINGSUISSE The Swiss Caravan Industry Association reports record figures for new registrations of motorhomes and caravans again in 2017. The Suisse Caravan Salon in Bern shows the current trends. Customers are focusing on the comfort and ease of use of the vehicles. The trend towards luxury in camping and caravanning continues. Open to the top claims and equipment [...]
Customers are focusing on the comfort and ease of use of the vehicles. The trend toward luxury in camping and caravanning continues.
Open at the top
There are no limits to the demands and equipment of the mobile homes, and in some cases also the caravans - some mobile homes cost almost as much as an apartment. Accordingly, they are equipped with all comforts from the wellness massage shower to generator, air conditioning, dishwasher in the kitchen and washing machine with tumbler.
Compact
But not everyone can or wants to afford such luxury. That's why the trend toward compact motorhomes is continuing. This not only has advantages when you want to cruise around narrow alleys in historic towns. Thanks to an increasing number of driving assistance systems, such as lane departure warning systems, hill start assistants and distance warning systems, motorhomes now offer comfortable and safe travel.
From panel van to living van
Absolutely in vogue is what used to be called a converted panel van. But the panel vans converted into camping vehicles hardly have anything in common with simple vans any more. So the industry has gone in search of new names and launched creations such as camper vans, living vans or travel vans. One manufacturer even refers to it as a CUV (Caravaning Utility Vehicle).
Lightweight construction in demand
Association President Christoph Hostettler describes lightweight construction as an international trend: "In Switzerland, the 3.5-t weight limit has always been a reality. The situation is quite different in Germany, for example. But if German manufacturers in particular are now making more efforts to produce vehicles in the 3.5 t range, the Swiss market will also benefit as a result, since the variety of vehicles that virtually anyone can drive will increase." At the same time, the industry also wants to provide caravans for environmentally friendly, more fuel-efficient passenger vehicles that do not have the option of high towing loads.
Revival of the alcove mobile
While a few years ago alcove vehicles, with the conspicuous superstructure for sleeping above the driver's cabin, were the most common type of motorhome, in recent years they have been displaced by streamlined vehicles, so-called semi-integrated... But alcove fans want not only beds, but also appropriate space. That's why the once trendy vehicles with the alcove for sleeping above the driver's cabin could experience a revival.
