CMT Stuttgart: Recreational Vehicle Production Declines by 17 Percent

<p>The trend toward vacationing on four wheels continues – but German manufacturers of recreational vehicles and caravans had to cope with a significant production decline in 2025. At the Stuttgart Travel Exhibition CMT, the Caravaning Industry Association (CIVD) presented current figures showing that the industry remains challenged but fundamentally stable.</p>

<h2>Significant Production Declines in 2025</h2> <p>According to the CIVD at the CMT, around <strong>99,000 vehicles</strong> left the production halls of German manufacturers last year – a decline of around <strong>17 percent</strong> compared to the previous year. Of these, approximately <strong>42,000 vehicles were exported</strong>. The decline was distributed fairly evenly between recreational vehicles and caravans.</p> <p>The association later reported that the number of newly registered caravans in 2025 was <strong>18,766 units</strong>, significantly below the previous year's figure – a decline of <strong>13.4 percent</strong>. Recreational vehicles, however, developed in the opposite direction: registrations were just <strong>one percent above the previous year</strong>. The two vehicle categories are thus increasingly diverging.</p>

<h2>CIVD Sees Stable Development Despite Challenges</h2> <p>CIVD Managing Director Daniel Onggowinarso contextualized the figures during the presentation at the CMT: manufacturers and dealers had experienced a "challenging but stable" year. Domestic and geopolitical uncertainties as well as cautious consumer sentiment had affected the industry. Nevertheless, caravaning has not lost any of its appeal: "On the contrary: in uncertain and dynamic times, aspects such as flexibility, individuality, and self-determination in travel are gaining importance," said Onggowinarso. The association therefore looks cautiously optimistic toward 2026 and sees the industry on a good path despite all challenges.</p>

<h3>Caravans Under Pressure – in Retail Too</h3> <p>Industry experts attribute the disproportionate decline in caravans to structural causes in retail as well. It is reported that margins on recreational vehicles are higher for dealers, which is why the classic caravan was long neglected. At manufacturers too, focus has shifted: model variety for caravans has been reduced, marketing budgets have increasingly flowed toward motorized vehicles. A representative from Dethleffs confirmed that communication – particularly on social media – is heavily focused on recreational vehicles, leaving caravans short-changed. For families, the caravan remains attractive nonetheless.</p>

<h2>Germany Remains Key Market for Caravaning</h2> <p>Despite declining figures, Germany remains the central production and export nation for recreational vehicles in Europe. Well-known manufacturers include Bürstner, Dethleffs, Fendt Caravan, Hymer, and Knaus Tabbert. As a sales market, Germany also plays an outstanding role: almost half of all newly registered recreational vehicles and caravans in Europe were registered in Germany last year.</p>

<h3>CMT Stuttgart as Industry Meeting Point</h3> <p>According to its own statement, CMT (Caravan, Motor and Tourism) is the world's largest public trade fair for tourism and leisure. Visitors can inspect around <strong>1,200 recreational vehicles</strong> there. The fair runs until January 25 and thus offers direct insight into the current model range of manufacturers.</p>

<h2>Outlook: Caravan Salon 2026 Brings New Models</h2> <p>The industry's focus is already turning to the next major event: the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf, taking place from August 28 to September 6, traditionally presents innovations for the coming model year – in this case 2027. Initial announcements suggest further developments rather than radical innovations. Fendt continues to set with its NEXT series on particularly lightweight caravans with only 1,000 kilograms permissible total weight, suitable for smaller towing vehicles and electric cars. Hobby is modernizing its design, Dethleffs is focusing on fewer but more clearly positioned series in the future. Bürstner, meanwhile, is suspending caravan production from the 2027 season onwards and focusing on recreational vehicles and camper vans. Also new at the Caravan Salon are dedicated exhibition areas for roof tents and off-road vehicles.</p>

<h2>Conclusion</h2> <p>The CIVD figures show: the caravaning market in Germany is undergoing upheaval. While recreational vehicles largely maintain their position, classic caravans are increasingly under pressure – both in terms of production and sales. The industry itself, however, speaks of a stabilized situation and looks cautiously optimistic toward 2026. Whether this trend continues will likely become clear at the latest at the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf, when manufacturers finally present their 2027 models.</p>