Summary

The global motorhome market has seen substantial growth since 2020, with a 19.1% increase in registered RVs worldwide between 2020 and 2021. In 2021, North America dominated the market, accounting for over 50% of the global RV market share, and witnessed a 46.8% surge in RV deliveries this December compared to the same period. Germany, a major player in the market, reported a 9.4% increase in motorhome production, and was not immune to supply chain challenges.supply chain challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, which has led to an 18.3% reduction in new registrations by 2022. Despite these setbacks, sales of the German motorhome market in 2022 have been estimated at around 3.81 billion euros. German motorhome exports have also been remarkable, with a marked preference for national brands such as the Erwin Hymer Group and Volkswagen, which has significantly influenced the market. As part of this growth, consumer preferences have shifted towards semi-integrated models and destinations in Germany, with France and the Netherlands also popular choices for caravan vacations. The motorhome market is expected to grow from $12.08 billion in 2023 to $18.58 billion in 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% over the forecast period.

Robust growth and changing consumer preferences in the German motorhome market

The German motorhome market has enjoyed sustained growth, establishing itself as a dynamic segment within the wider automotive industry. In recent years, this market has become the embodiment of robust demand, as evidenced by the notable statistic that the stock of motorhomes in Germany is expected to be between 750,000 and 775,000 units by 2022, demonstrating a steady upward trend. In terms of new registrations, despite a 14.3% drop in the number of newly-registered leisure vehicles year-on-yearprobably due to supply chain challenges, the figures remain impressive, reaching almost 90,000 to 95,000 units over the last twelve months. Motorhomes, in particular, accounted for around 66,500 new registrations, illustrating strong consumer demand, even in difficult circumstances. The size of the market, based on these new registrations and average vehicle cost values, has been estimated at just over 3.8 billion euros in 2022, testifying to the financial importance of this sector in Germany. internationally, German motorhomes are clearly in high demand, with exports a key element of the market dynamic. Before the impact of the pandemic, exports rose by more than a third in the five years to 2019, demonstrating growing interest in "Made in Germany" motorhomes. Consumer preferences in the motorhome segment reveal a clear affinity for semi-integrated models, with over 40% of potential buyers gravitating towards this option. Usage behavior further indicates that the majority of consumers use their motorhomes for vacations of up to eight weeks a year, suggesting a seasonal demand focused on vacation flexibility and travel pleasure. Socio-demographic factors offer further insight into the market, where the typical German motorhome enthusiast is characterized as younger than average, with substantial disposable income, and a higher than average level of formal education.this suggests a target market that appreciates the unique attributes and freedom associated with the motorhome lifestyle. Interest in camping and caravanning remains strong, with one survey showing that around 12% of Germans are now more open to the idea following the pandemic, and around 21% are considering a camping vacation. Notably, Germany is the top destination for camping enthusiasts, with 85% preferring to travel in their own country, followed by France and the Netherlands, with 58% each. Manufacturing in this sector is dominated by big names such as the Erwin Hymer Group, with sales of 1.5 billion euros.

Big names shape the leisure vehicle landscape

The leisure vehicle market is a lively one, supported by a tapestry of influential players, each bringing unique designs, features and innovations to meet the evolving needs of the modern traveler. Here, we take a closer look at the illustrious companies that are driving the RV industry forward and leaving an indelible mark on the lifestyles of outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Dethleffs is renowned as one of the pioneers of the motorhome industry. With a heritage dating back to the 1930s, Dethleffs has maintained its reputation for quality and innovation in motorhome production, extending its reach to meet the needs of families and adventurers across Europe.
  • A giant in the world of caravanning, the Erwin Hymer Group is synonymous with a wide range of leisure vehicles. Its influence extends throughout Europe, and it manufactures numerous brands that are synonymous with quality, cutting-edge technology and luxurious comfort.
  • Knaus Tabbert Knaus Tabbert is a bastion of German engineering and manufacturing, offering a range of motorhomes that combine functionality with sleek design. Renowned for their attention to detail and robust construction, Knaus Tabbert vehicles provide a home away from home for travelers who don't want to compromise on style or reliability.
  • A distinguished name in recreational vehicles, Eura Mobil builds motorhomes that are the epitome of durability and innovation. The brand is renowned for producing vehicles capable of withstanding different climates while ensuring the utmost comfort for its occupants.
  • Between practicality and comfort, Pössl has established itself as a leading manufacturer of compact, agile motorhomes. Its offerings are particularly appreciated by those seeking to travel Europe's narrow roads without sacrificing the conveniences of a full-size motorhome.
  • Specializing in the manufacture of top-of-the-range compact motorhomes, La Strada has carved out a place for itself in the recreational vehicle market. Its vehicles are renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship and the use of high-quality materials that guarantee both performance and longevity.
  • Backed by a wealth of experience, Hobby manufactures a range of recreational vehicles to suit a wide variety of tastes and requirements. The brand is particularly renowned for harmoniously blending traditional values with modern comfort in the design of its vehicles.
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  • Number of pages : 30 pages
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  • Last update : 11/08/2023
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Scope of the study

A motorhome, colloquially camper, is a habitable motor vehicle. In Annex II of the 2001 European Directive 2001/116/EC, motor homes are classified as M1: "Vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers and having not more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat."

These vehicles are designed as temporary accommodations for camping, recreational travel, or seasonal use. They are used not only for vacation travel, but also for various other activities such as festivals, concerts, and multi-day events. RVs have the added benefit of reducing vacation costs by an average of 55% compared to other traditional vacation activities. The above advantages have led to an increase in demand for RVs worldwide in recent years.

Owning and traveling with an RV has many advantages, such as convenience, comfort, family friendliness, affordability, outdoor appeal, and adaptability. RVs can be equipped with all the amenities such as a kitchen, king-sized bed, washer and dryer, television, recessed lights, double-sized refrigerator and working fireplace.

Globally, the industry has experienced significant growth and was able to generate record sales in 2021. Between 2020 and 2021, the number of registered RVs worldwide increased by 19.1% .

In Germany, production of motorhomes increased by 9.4% , with a strong dependence on exports. Between 2020 and 2021, the recreational vehicle industry generated sales growth of 12.1% , tripling its sales in eight years. A trend can be seen in used RVs. Used RVs experienced 16.2% sales growth over the same period.

This analysis examines various aspects of the market, including market structure, trends, competition and demand patterns. Both current developments and future forecasts are considered to offer a comprehensive picture of market dynamics. The aim is to provide readers with insights into the key factors influencing the market landscape and help them make informed decisions to compete effectively.

2.1 The world market

The global RV market is poised for remarkable expansion and is expected to grow from $**.** billion in **** to an impressive $**.** billion by ****. This represents a strong compound annual growth rate (***) of *% over the forecast period from **** to ****.

Revenue Market for Motorhomes  

North America captured a major share of the global RV ...

1.3 The German market

In recent years, the market for motorhomes in Germany has established itself as an impressive example of sustained growth and undiminished popularity. In ****, the stock of motorhomes reached an impressive mark of around ***,*** units, continuing the trend of steady growth that has been evident since ****.

Number of motorhomes in Germany Germany, ...

1.4 Foreign trade

The code used in the Foreign Trade Register (***)." This code covers a broader category of vehicles, including not only mobile homes and caravans, but also other types of motor vehicles for the transportation of persons. Therefore, the data collected under this code cannot be limited exclusively to mobile homes and ...

2 Demand analysis

2.1 Sociodemographic factors

The market for mobile homes in Germany is characterized by a diverse group of people who share a common passion for mobile travel. The sociodemographic characteristics of this target group shed interesting light on their preferences, needs and behaviors.

In ****, an impressive *.** million people in the German-speaking population owned a travel ...

2.2 Consumer preferences and behavior

Consumer RV preferences and behavior shed fascinating light on the evolving landscape of travel and recreation. Looking at avid RV enthusiasts, some interesting trends and patterns can be discerned. One particularly revealing result comes from a survey that asked prospective RV owners about their preferred models. The numbers speak for themselves: ...

2.3 Interest in camping vacation

Interest in camping vacations in Germany has seen a remarkable development in recent years, according to a recent YouGov survey, which also offers a comparison to the Corona summer of ****. With the end of the Corona pandemic and the upcoming summer vacations, travel and vacations are once again in the focus ...

2.4 Most popular destinations of those interested in caravanning

GfK has not only identified the preferences for motorhome models, but also the most popular destinations of those who are interested in caravanning. The results reveal fascinating insights into the travel plans and preferences of these enthusiastic caravanning fans.

Topping the list of most popular destinations is Germany, with an overwhelming ...

3 Market structure

3.1 The manufacture of mobile homes in Germany: processes and players

There are various types of chassis and drives used by RV manufacturers, with the main suppliers being automobile manufacturers. The different types of chassis are mainly cabin floor, cabin chassis (***) and Al-Ko chassis. In addition, Fiat and Ford have developed special chassis for motorhomes, called the Fiat Special Chassis and Ford ...

3.2 The most popular motorhome brands and caravans in Germany

The structure of the motorhome market shows that more than ** percent of vehicles are split between multi-brands and car manufacturers. Nevertheless, the "other brands" group recorded the greatest growth. In addition to the established major motorhome manufacturers, there is therefore also a trend toward diversification in the motorhome sector.

The most ...

4.3 Camping tourism in Germany

Camping tourism in Germany is experiencing continuous growth and has developed into a significant industry. This was highlighted in detail during the annual press conference of the CIVD (***) and offer an insight into the economic importance of caravanning tourism.

The "Economic Power and Potential" study of caravanning tourism provides insights into ...

4 Offer analysis

4.1 The variety of types of mobile homes: An overview

The world of motorhomes is diverse and offers the right vehicle for every type of camper. Whether it's a compact camper or a luxurious fully integrated motorhome, there's a model to suit every taste and need. Let's take a closer look at the seven most common types of motorhomes:

Source: ****

Each ...

4.2 Prices for purchase and rental for mobile homes

As the popularity of motorhomes grows, so does the variety of models and options on the market. Choosing the right type of motorhome can be an exciting but challenging task, especially for newcomers to the camping scene. To help you decide, we offer an overview of the different types of RVs ...

4.3 The trends in the offer

The market for motorhomes in Germany is subject to ongoing change, shaped by various trends. ADAC, as one of the leading players in the evaluation and analysis of the mobility landscape, is increasingly focusing its attention on compact camping vehicles that appeal to the younger target group in particular. Models such ...

5 Regulations

5.1 Emission standards

Emission standards play a critical role in regulating the environmental impact of vehicles, including RVs. These standards determine how much pollution a vehicle can emit into the environment to protect air quality and minimize climate change impacts. Emission standards are set and enforced by national governments and international organizations.

In Europe, ...

5.2 Driving license requirements

The use and driving of recreational vehicles require specific driver's license requirements that may vary depending on the size, weight, and type of vehicle. These requirements are aimed at ensuring safety on the roads and ensuring that drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate these often larger and heavier ...

6 Actors

6.1 Segmentation of the players

  • Dethleffs
  • Erwin Hymer Group
  • Knaus Tabbert
  • Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge
  • Eura Mobil
  • Pössl
  • La Strada
  • Hobby
  • Bürstner
  • Concorde Reisemobile
  • Ahorn Wohnmobile
  • Morelo
  • Mercedes-Benz

List of charts

  • Sales market for motorhomes
  • Number of mobile homes in Germany
  • New registrations of caravans and motorhomes
  • Survey in Germany on the ownership of a caravan or motor home
  • Caravanning by age group
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Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Dethleffs
Erwin Hymer Group
Knaus Tabbert
Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge
Eura Mobil
Pössl
La Strada
Hobby
Bürstner
Concorde Reisemobile
Ahorn Wohnmobile
Morelo

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