Market Trends of Caravan And Motorhome Industry
Motorhomes are Anticipated to Gain Prominence Over the Coming Years
Camping and travel are becoming increasingly popular recreational activities among millennials. Type C motorhomes outperform type A and B motorhomes in terms of fuel efficiency. Many recreational vehicle manufacturers are introducing type C vehicles based on Ford and Mercedes-Benz chassis.
With the increasing demand for small van (type B) motorhomes, especially in the German market, many new companies and start-ups are offering services to convert stock OEM vehicles and existing vans into campervans.
- In March 2023, Krug Expedition, a company specializing in van conversions, revealed its motorhome referred to as the "Rhinoceros on Wheels. The Rhino XL is a robust off-road motorhome built to withstand extreme conditions.
- In February 2024, Goboony collaborated with iptiQ, a subsidiary of Swiss Re, to introduce a motorhome insurance solution.
Such developments across type A, B, and C motorhomes are expected to contribute to the overall growth of the market in the coming years.
Europe is Likely to Play a Key Role in the Market
Europe plays a pivotal role in the market of caravans and motorhomes due to several factors that contribute to the region's prominence in this industry.
- Caravanning and motorhoming have deep cultural roots in Europe. The concept of touring and exploring different destinations using caravans has been embraced for decades, reflecting a cultural affinity for mobile living and outdoor adventures. This cultural acceptance has created a sustained demand for caravans and motorhomes, making them an integral part of travel and leisure activities in Europe.
- Europe boasts diverse landscapes and destinations, ranging from picturesque countryside to vibrant cities. This geographical diversity encourages travelers to explore various locations, and caravans and motorhomes offer an ideal means for this. The freedom and flexibility provided by these vehicles align with the preferences of European travelers who seek personalized and immersive travel experiences.
By the end of 2022, Europe witnessed registrations of over 6.3 million caravans and motorhomes, a notable increase from 5.2 million five years prior. During that period, caravans constituted almost two-thirds of all camping equipment. However, the remarkable surge in campers is evident, with the count of motorhomes reaching 2.8 million in Europe, marking a 50% rise compared to the figures recorded in 2017. Consequently, the proportion between caravans and motorhomes now stands at 56% compared to 44%. Over the past five years, the caravan park has experienced a growth of slightly over 5%, suggesting an impending scenario where motorhomes may surpass caravans in numbers. While this shift is still a distant prospect in the Netherlands, where the camper count rose from 105,000 in 2017 to nearly 180,000 by the end of 2022, there are still 424,000 caravans in the country. Last year, KCI reported a combined count of over 600,000 caravans and campers in the Netherlands, marking the first instance of such a milestone. Among European countries, the Netherlands boasts the highest ownership of motorhomes and caravans, following Germany with almost 1.6 million units, France with 1.15 million, and Great Britain with 835,000.
