Million-Strong Motorhome Surge in Germany
Over a Million Motorists on German Highways Accompanied by Camper Vehicles - Record-breaking number of motorhomes on German roads exceeds one million mark.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany's motorhome industry has witnessed a shift in trends, with a focus on popular models and market shares. Fiat Ducato platforms, known for their versatility, reliability, and suitability for conversion into various recreational vehicles, remain the dominant base vehicles for motorhomes in the German market.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen Transporter-based camping variants remain highly preferred, particularly among those seeking compact, maneuverable campervans. These vehicles are notable for their iconic design, practicality, and strong aftermarket support for camper conversions.
The pandemic spurred an increased interest in outdoor and mobile vacations, strengthening demand for motorhomes and campervans in Germany. With private travel solutions offering social distancing and flexible itineraries, trends include a growing preference for self-sufficient features like solar panels and work-from-van setups, reflecting pandemic-driven lifestyle changes.
According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the first COVID-19 crisis year of 2020 saw an over 40 percent increase in motorhome registrations. Although new registrations decreased compared to the previous year, the overall fleet continued to grow significantly. As of April 1, 2025, Germany recorded a first: a million motorhomes on its roads. Previously, the milestone of 900,000 motorhomes was surpassed by July 1, 2023.
Almost all motorhomes in Germany are diesel-powered, with only 160 motorhomes boasting a pure electric drive. By far the most popular model is the Fiat Ducato, making up nearly 43 percent of the entire German motorhome fleet. VW Transporter camping variants follow closely in second place, and make up a significant 13.5 percent of the fleet.
While the specific up-to-date market share percentages are not detailed in the available sources, Fiat Ducato remains a leading platform, and the VW Transporter a key player, in their respective segments.
The economic impact of the pandemic has seen a surge in the motorhome industry, with significant investments being made in the finance sector to fuel the demand for vehicles like the Fiat Ducato and Volkswagen Transporter. This increased demand for motorhomes in Germany is not only seen in the automotive industry but also extends to other sectors such as transportation, as a growing number of people opt for these vehicles for their flexibility and social distancing capabilities.
