Over a million motorhomes traverse German roads for the first time. - Over a million motorhomes cruising German highways for the first time
Millionth Motorhome Reaches German Roads
The number of motorhomes registered in Germany has surpassed one million, according to the Federal Motor Transport Authority. This milestone was reached in April 2025, following a significant increase in registrations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020 alone, motorhome registrations skyrocketed by over 40 percent, outpacing the previous year's figure. Despite a decrease in new registrations compared to the pre-pandemic era, the German motorhome fleet continued to expand during this period.
Fiat Ducato types emerged as the most popular model among German motorhome owners, representing nearly 43 percent of the total fleet. Volkswagen Transporter camping variants ranked second, accounting for 13.5 percent. Notably, a mere 160 motorhomes were fully electric.
The positive trend in motorhome registrations during the pandemic is attributed to heightened interest in domestic travel, outdoor recreation, and self-contained travel options. As consumers sought safer, more flexible alternatives to traditional holidays, the leisure vehicle market experienced record growth.
Recent data from the German Caravaning Industry Association (CIVD) reveals 21,630 new leisure vehicles, including motorhomes and caravans, were registered during the first quarter of 2025. However, the report indicates mixed results and does not provide specific motorhome and caravan figures. Nevertheless, the data serves as an indication of continued interest in the sector.
Despite the pandemic-driven boom, the market appears to be normalizing, with signs of stability in recent months. The most common base vehicles for motorhome conversions include the Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, while market leaders in ready-built motorhomes include Knaus, Dethleffs, LMC, and Bürstner.
Industry analysts predict this normalization trend in the motorhome market may continue, potentially boosting the finance sector as more consumers seek loans for vehicle purchases. As the transportation industry adapts to accommodate the rise in motorhomes, manufacturers like automotive giants Fiat and Volkswagen may allocate additional resources to produce leisure vehicles to meet the growing demand.
While the electric motorhome market remains small, recent advancements in battery technology and the increasing importance of environmental sustainability in finance and industry may spark growth in this sector in the coming years. In response to this trend, transportation and automotive companies may collaborate with electric vehicle developers to produce more eco-friendly leisure vehicles, offering customers both a sustainable and enjoyable travel experience.
