Europe Recreational Vehicle (RV) Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 29.97 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 51.38 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 11.38 % |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Europe Recreational Vehicle Market Analysis
The Europe Recreational Vehicle Market size is estimated at USD 29.97 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 51.38 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 11.38% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The European RV market has seen consistent growth, driven by increasing interest in outdoor activities and the freedom associated with RV travel. The market includes motorhomes, campervans, and caravans. Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands are among the largest markets for RVs in Europe. Germany, in particular, is a major hub for RV manufacturing and sales. Many players in the European recreational market are coming up with new products. For instance, in August 2023, Genesis Products, in collaboration with VÖHRINGER, showcased the first fully electric prototype RV suitable for series production at the European Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany. This RV, developed with Winnebago Industries, features innovative, lightweight, and sustainable interior components.
Over the long term, with the increase in per capita income, the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) in Europe is also witnessing continuous growth. In 2023, Europe accounted for about one-fifth of the total number of HNWIs worldwide. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy accounted for most HNWIs across Europe. Companies in Europe are also focusing on developing new technology to meet the demands of the customers.
- For instance, in October 2023, Mink Campers revealed the MINK-E, a fully electric and environmentally friendly camper designed for challenging terrains. The Mink Camper maintains its classic aerodynamic teardrop shape and weighs 1,150 lbs (520 kg).
Moreover, in Europe, the number of millennials is increasing. Last year, the region accounted for one-fifth of the total number of millennials worldwide, which is anticipated to increase during the forecast period.
However, the high cost associated with the recreational vehicle may hinder the growth of the target market during the forecast period.
Europe Recreational Vehicle Market Trends
Towable RVs Across Europe to Gain Significant Prominence
- The market is driven by rising per capita income and increased interest in leisure and recreational activities. Recreational vehicles (RVs) have long been linked with camping, which has recently experienced a surge due to an increase in millennial tourists. Various campsites are accessible around the area, with a strong influx of tourists. In 2023, there was a 30% increase in motorcaravan (RV) arrivals in northern Greece, with over 20% of the increase coming from Turkey. There was also a rise in motorhome arrivals from Balkan countries, reflecting growing interest in RV travel in the region.
- Towable RVs will continue to dominate the market until the next few years. The lower prices of these vehicles compared to motorized recreational vehicles have contributed to their growing popularity. Towable vehicles allow customers to pull the trailer with a truck or an existing panel, lowering the price of these vehicles.
- Several market participants, including Winnebago, Hymer AG, and Pleasure-Way Industries, focus on new model launches with various amenities to improve the customer experience. Additional features such as stainless steel rock guards, additional window awnings, rear bumper storage, refrigerators, entertainment systems, and a spacious sleeping capacity for any family size are driving up demand for recreational vehicles. Furthermore, the trend of incorporating advanced technologies into recreational vehicles, such as IoT, sensors, and automated control systems, propels the industry forward.
- In recent years, top OEMs and startups have attempted to combine numerous technological improvements into RVs to make them more appealing and interesting as opposed to dull vehicle designs.
Germany is Anticipated to Hold Major Share in the Market
- RVing has become more popular in Germany in recent years than it has ever been. This is reinforced by significant growth in the market for new and used recreational vehicles (motorhomes, camper vans, and caravans) and a significant increase in RV rentals. Therefore, companies are also focusing on strategic partnerships and developing new products. For instance, in March 2023, Ford-Werke GmbH and Erwin Hymer Group (EHG) signed a framework agreement to deliver Ford Transit and Ford Transit Custom as the foundation for customer-ready recreational vehicles and motorhomes. In January 2023, FIAT Professional Ducato was awarded “Best Motorhome Base Vehicle 2023” for the fifteenth consecutive year by the readers of the German specialized magazine “Promobil.”
- The market is being driven by rising per capita income and increased interest in leisure and recreational activities. Recreational vehicles (RVs) have long been linked with camping, which has recently experienced a surge due to an increase in the number of millennial tourists. A variety of campsites are accessible around the area, which sees a strong influx of tourists. OEM is investing heavily in elevating the demand for recreational vehicles among the public.
- For instance, in January 2023, Volkswagen confirmed that a factory camper option for the newly released ID Buzz would be available, though not for a few years. Until it does, other small specialized companies, such as Bavaria-based Alpin Camper, which recently unveiled its Buzz camper at a major tourism and leisure consumer show in Germany, will offer their version.
- The demographics of German RV consumers have shifted. Previously, most of this low-cost vacationing was done by families with children and seniors. RV trips are becoming increasingly popular among younger generations with greater income levels. Customers demand freedom, independence, flexibility, comfort, convenience, individualism, and even luxury.
- At the same time, campsites across Europe are fast developing. Campgrounds have been updated and offer various new amenities and features. The services supplied range from updated laundry facilities, Wi-Fi connections, and supermarkets to wellness centers, pools, and spas, as well as access to water parks, go-kart tracks, and other sporting facilities. Campground vacations resemble a full-service, activity-filled family holiday, competing with resort-style accommodations. Camping has evolved into a luxury holiday, and the idea of the low-cost family trip is disappearing. The transition from conventional tents to pricey campers and RVs is a visible indicator.
Europe Recreational Vehicle Industry Overview
The European recreational vehicle market is fragmented due to many local and global players, such as Thor Industries Inc., Swift Group, and Hymer AG. The market is transforming at a rapid pace, and local companies are facing tough companies from US RV manufacturers, such as Forest River Inc., Winnebago Industries Inc., and Thor Industries Inc. As a result, companies are incorporating the latest technologies in their latest RV models to provide the best experience to the occupants.
- February 2024: Goboony, Europe’s premier camper-sharing platform, partnered with iptiQ, a Swiss Re subsidiary, to introduce a bespoke digital insurance solution for motorhome owners.
- October 2023: Mink Campers revealed the MINK-E, a fully electric and environmentally friendly camper designed for challenging terrains. The Mink Camper maintains its classic aerodynamic teardrop shape and weighs 1,150 lbs (520 kg).
- July 2023: The introduction of the ARB Earth Camper provided a lighter travel trailer option for adventure seekers without sacrificing the caravanning lifestyle.
- July 2023: Turkish startup Sealvans initiated the order process for its amphibious caravans in Europe. These hybrid camper boats can function as conventional caravans on land and transform into fully operational boats on water.
Europe Recreational Vehicle Market Leaders
-
Thor Industries Inc.
-
Dethleffs GmbH & Co. KG
-
Autotrail motorhomes
-
Swift Group Limited
-
Knaus Tabbert GmbH
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Europe Recreational Vehicle Market News
- February 2024: Czech motorhome rental platform Campiri announced a merger with German counterpart FreewayCamper. Both companies are backed by Czech investors Miton and Rockaway Ventures. The merger is expected to be finalized by the end of the following month. Campiri's co-founder and CEO, Lukáš Janoušek, will remain in the combined company as group co-CEO alongside FreewayCamper's co-founder, Nikolai Voitiouk. Both brands will continue to operate in their home markets for the time being.
- December 2023: Bengaluru-based Greaves Technologies, part of the Greaves Cotton Group, partnered with Italy’s Danisi Engineering. This partnership aims to target emerging large bus companies and RV manufacturers in the European market.
- August 2023: Camper van and motorhome rental agencies Yescapa and Goboony announced a merger and parallel fundraising of EUR 7 million to expand their footprint in Europe and into new international markets.
Europe Recreational Vehicle (RV) Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Drivers
4.1.1 Increasing Recreational Activities Across the Region
4.2 Market Restraints
4.2.1 High Upfront Cost
4.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.3.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 By Type
5.1.1 Towable RVs
5.1.2 Motorhomes
5.2 By Country
5.2.1 Germany
5.2.2 United Kingdom
5.2.3 Italy
5.2.4 France
5.2.5 Netherlands
5.2.6 Spain
5.2.7 Norway
5.2.8 Rest of Europe
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Vendor Market Share
6.2 Company Profiles
6.2.1 Dethleffs GmbH & Co. KG
6.2.2 Thor Industries Inc.
6.2.3 Swift Group
6.2.4 Autotrail Motorhomes
6.2.5 Rimor Motorhomes
6.2.6 Rapido Motorhomes
6.2.7 Knaus Tabbert GmbH
6.2.8 Elnagh
6.2.9 Globecar Motorhome
6.2.10 Eura Mobil GmbH
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Europe Recreational Vehicle Industry Segmentation
A recreational vehicle, also known as an RV, is a motor vehicle or trailer with living quarters designed for accommodation. Motorhomes, campervans, coaches, caravans (also known as travel trailers and camper trailers), fifth-wheel trailers, popup campers, and truck campers are examples of RVs.
The European recreational vehicle market is segmented by type and by country. By type, the market is segmented into towable RVs and motorhomes. By country, the market is segmented into Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Netherlands, Spain, Norway, and the Rest of Europe. The report offers the market size in value (USD) and forecasts for all the above segments.
| By Type | |
| Towable RVs | |
| Motorhomes |
| By Country | |
| Germany | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Italy | |
| France | |
| Netherlands | |
| Spain | |
| Norway | |
| Rest of Europe |
Europe Recreational Vehicle (RV) Market Research FAQs
How big is the Europe Recreational Vehicle Market?
The Europe Recreational Vehicle Market size is expected to reach USD 29.97 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 11.38% to reach USD 51.38 billion by 2029.
What is the current Europe Recreational Vehicle Market size?
In 2024, the Europe Recreational Vehicle Market size is expected to reach USD 29.97 billion.
Who are the key players in Europe Recreational Vehicle Market?
Thor Industries Inc., Dethleffs GmbH & Co. KG, Autotrail motorhomes, Swift Group Limited and Knaus Tabbert GmbH are the major companies operating in the Europe Recreational Vehicle Market.
What years does this Europe Recreational Vehicle Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Europe Recreational Vehicle Market size was estimated at USD 26.56 billion. The report covers the Europe Recreational Vehicle Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Europe Recreational Vehicle Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
What future developments are expected in the Europe RV Market?
Future developments in the European Recreational Vehicle market are a) Advancements in electric RVs b) Increased connectivity features c) More personalized RV designs to meet specific consumer needs
Europe Recreational Vehicle Industry Report
The Europe recreational vehicle (RV) market is experiencing robust growth, driven by a surge in outdoor recreational activities and the increasing popularity of road trips. Technological advancements and the integration of luxury and entertainment features are enhancing the appeal of RVs among European consumers. The market is segmented by product type, including motorhomes and towable RVs, and by application across various sectors such as construction, logistics, and agriculture. Motorhomes, known for their spacious interiors and comprehensive amenities, are particularly popular. Geographically, the market spans major European countries, with significant growth observed in regions with strong manufacturing bases and high adoption rates. The rising trend towards eco-friendly and sustainable travel options is prompting European RV manufacturers to innovate and develop greener models. Overall, the Europe RV industry is poised for continued expansion, catering to a diverse range of consumer preferences and contributing to the dynamic landscape of recreational travel in the region. For detailed insights, Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports provide statistics for the Europe RV market share, size, and revenue growth rate, including a market forecast outlook. Get a free report PDF download to explore more about European RV manufacturers and the evolving Europe RV industry.
