The reason was a health crisis and related movement restrictions a real rush for converted vans. These vehicles are less bulky than traditional mobile homes, but equipped with everything you need for several days of camping. They now account for around 90,000 sales per year in Europe. Or more than half of the sales of recreational vehicles ! And since then, they have attracted the interest of more and more producers who want to get their share of this promising pie. So, Volkswagen California and Mercedes Marco Polo for a long time were the only vans officially sold by car manufacturers. Others are conversions outsourced to independent service providers.

But since then everything has changed… Ford has added the Transit Nugget to its lineup and has just unveiled the all-new generation in Dusseldorf. Renault also got into it a few months ago, with Spacenomad Traffic. And the California is getting a facelift too.

Ford, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Renault and Citroën!

More surprisingly, now it’s Citroën’s turn to make its offer, with a touch of originality that characterizes the French brand. Back in 2017, Citroën offered a concept van based on its SpaceTourer, created together with the Rip Curl brand. Despite the enthusiasm generated during its many releases and the appearance close to the series, it remained a dead letter. But in the Caravan cabin, Citroën has unveiled the Type Holidays, which this time officially announces the “strengthening of Citroën in the converted camper segment”.

The final offering will be known by the end of this year, but the concept presented in Dusseldorf is enough to stir the nostalgia of Citroënists. It is based on the Caselani Type HG, itself derived from the Citroën Spacetourer on which it is applied Body panels resemble the appearance of the famous van. Of course, this adds all the main segment elements: lifting roof allowing you to stand and hide double bed a kitchen is needed at night, swivel front seats for greater user convenience, removable table and autonomous stationary heating system.

Volkswagen remains the big leader

The French model will have to do a lot to beat Volkswagen, which knows this exercise well and already has since 1988, more than 260,000 Californias have been sold. The new generation, which is still officially at the concept stage, is based on the Multivan T7 and extends the limits of practicality and intelligent solutions that have further enhanced its reputation. It is now equipped two sliding side doors for even more communication with the outside world, with the option of two awnings or even a mobile digital tablet to control the car’s functions or watch movies and series. Marketing cannot last long the concept also seems ready to go into the big series.

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