CMT 2026: Caravaning Industry Defies Sales Decline

<p>The dream of traveling on four wheels remains unbroken – even though the figures for German motorhome and caravan manufacturers have recently been declining. At Stuttgart's travel fair <strong>CMT</strong>, the Caravaning Industry Association (CIVD) drew a differentiated conclusion: Lower production, but undiminished attractiveness of the industry. What lies behind the figures, and where is the market heading in 2026?</p><h2>Production and Registrations Declining</h2><p>German manufacturers of motorhomes and caravans have significantly reduced their production in the past year. In total, approximately <strong>99,000 vehicles</strong> left the factory halls – a decline of around <strong>17 percent</strong> compared to the previous year, as the CIVD reported at CMT. Around <strong>42,000 vehicles</strong> of these were exported. New registrations in 2025 also showed a decline: Overall, <strong>2.3 percent fewer</strong> new motorhomes and caravans were registered than in the previous year.</p><p>CIVD Managing Director <strong>Daniel Onggowinarso</strong> spoke of a "challenging but stable development for manufacturers and dealers." The industry had to cope with a year of domestic and geopolitical uncertainties as well as subdued consumer sentiment. Nevertheless, caravaning has "lost none of its appeal." On the contrary: "Especially in uncertain and dynamic times, aspects such as flexibility, individuality and self-determination when traveling gain importance," said Onggowinarso.</p><h2>Used Market Booming</h2><p>While restraint is evident in new vehicles, the used market remains a growth driver for the industry. In 2025, <strong>111,034 motorhomes</strong> and <strong>81,205 caravans</strong> changed hands. Particularly self-converted vans and compact campers are in demand – they offer beginners a comparatively affordable and quick entry into the camping hobby without the high acquisition costs of a new vehicle.</p><p>Germany plays a key role in the European market: Almost half of all new motorhomes and caravans in Europe were registered in Germany last year. Well-known German manufacturers such as Bürstner, Dethleffs, Fendt Caravan, Hymer and Knaus Tabbert significantly shape not only the domestic but also the European caravaning market.</p><h2>Trends for 2026: Small, Light, Affordable</h2><h3>Mini-Caravans for Electric Cars</h3><p>A central industry trend is evident in vehicle weights: As electric cars are increasingly used as towing vehicles, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on light, compact caravans. Less weight means more range – an argument that also applies to small and compact cars with combustion engines. As a prototype, for example, the collapsible <strong>Dethleffs c.fold</strong> is attracting attention: When folded, it is only 1.65 meters high and weighs less than 800 kilograms. The <strong>Fendt NEXT series</strong> also consistently focuses on lightweight construction with only 1,000 kilograms permissible total weight – ideal for smaller towing vehicles and electric cars.</p><h3>Entry-Level Models and Portfolio Changes</h3><p>Since few campers can afford their own motorhome, manufacturers are responding with affordable entry-level models and box vans for self-conversion. At the same time, established brands are restructuring their portfolios: Dethleffs is reorganizing its caravan program, while Bürstner is discontinuing caravan production from the 2027 season and will focus on motorhomes and camper vans in the future – a sign that the industry is strategically realigning rather than simply shrinking.</p><h2>Outlook: Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf</h2><p>Despite the declining figures, the CIVD looks "cautiously optimistic" toward 2026. Initial signals are encouraging: In the first half of 2026, motorhomes already showed a slight increase in registrations. An important barometer for the industry will be the <strong>65th Caravan Salon</strong> in Düsseldorf, taking place from August 28 to September 6, 2026, and for the first time offering dedicated areas for roof tents and off-road vehicles. Additionally, the planned EU driving license reform allowing 4.25 tonnes could bring more comfort in series vehicles and open up new buyer segments.</p><p>At CMT in Stuttgart, which according to its own information is the world's largest public trade fair for tourism and leisure, the continued fascination with traveling on wheels was evident: Approximately 1,200 motorhomes could be inspected by visitors there until January 25.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>The caravaning industry is in a phase of consolidation, not crisis. Lower production and declining new registrations stand against a robust used market and growing interest in light, affordable and electric-car-compatible models. With the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf and a possible driving license reform, the industry has groundbreaking impulses ahead – the Germans' passion for traveling seems unaffected by this.</p>