It’s a traveling hobby that many French people take up every year. A sense of freedom, local tourism, a certain form of minimalism and a taste for a simple life… The benefits seem many for those who have adopted what are called leisure vehicles (VDL). In other words: motorhomes, caravans, vans and other mobile homes. In 2021, more than 82,000 visitors came to the Leisure Vehicle Show (SVDL). This year, the automotive community has met again at the Parc des Expositions de Paris – Le Bourget for the 56th edition, which will close its doors this Sunday, October 2. Despite growing interest, clichés persist. Taxed as giants, tailored to the pensioner customer, even tacky, these cars suffer from a negative image. Meanwhile, since the Covid-19 crisis, the sector has actually begun a significant transformation. Explanations:
The first thought was received. “the closes are really big”
It’s hard to escape Epinal’s character. Too big, too heavy, not stylish enough… Recreational vehicles are often associated with one category: motorhomes, with the largest models averaging almost eight meters in length. However, after the Covid-19 crisis, the sector has undergone a profound change. Smaller and more compact cars are becoming more and more popular. “Camping vans and vans smaller than a garage now make up half the market”explains UNI VDL General Secretary Hervé Gauthier.
Several elements can explain this evolution, starting with a practical argument about parking. But not only. Uses have changed. “Apart from holidays, vans and vans are also used in everyday life. They can be a second means of transportation for families.”, we spot at Font Vendôme, a French manufacturer specializing in vans. Manufacturers have thus changed the design of their cars. Now smaller, but with optimized comfort.
The phenomenon also affects the caravan, which has been viewed with suspicion for a long time. He has also embarked on a major transformation. “All our models are now equipped with a shower. Some, like the Fantasy series, even have a pack trek version with Combi 4e heater, waste water tank and water pump., we are told at La Mancelle, the reference brand in the caravan world. A few rare manufacturers have gone even further into minimalism, releasing ‘mini caravan’ models such as the French teardrop.
The second received thought. “These are cars that pollute a lot.”
In the conditions of the energy crisis, the question may seem legitimate. Are recreational vehicles, which by nature consume diesel fuel, consistent with the current message focused on energy sobriety? Due to their size and lack of aerodynamics, vans and motorhomes have above average CO2 emissions. Some cars can achieve up to 250g of CO2/km, while smaller models emit almost three times less. However, innovations in the field are moving in the direction of reducing pollution. According to the European Federation for Transport and the Environment, some new models of vans can emit 154g of CO2/km.
In fact, what can make a recreational vehicle a less energy-efficient vehicle is its use. Because it is based on roaming. The goal is not to swallow the kilometers. Far from there. “Users travel short distances, sometimes 100 to 150 kilometers. Then they stop for a few days and generally do very localized tourism.adds Hervé Gauthier.
Recreational vehicles have not escaped the electric trend either, even if innovations in the field are still rare. So at the SVDL, the German Pössl is showing a 100% electric van. The only one in the whole living room. This is the e-Vanster, already sold in Germany, which will be launched in the French market in spring 2023. It can travel up to 200 kilometers, in all weathers, with complete autonomy, according to Pössl importer Serge Folegnan. present at the show. Its cost. EUR 66,000 with all options. The car is mainly aimed at people who no longer want a heat engine and can use it every day.
Several thorny questions remain, including the weight. By nature, electric quads are heavier. “It is not a problem on vans under two meters. But regulations become problematic for larger models.”, deciphers Serge Folegnani. A B license allows you to drive vehicles with a GVW of less than or equal to 3.5 tonnes. However, a van or electric motor home will greatly exceed this weight. “The regulations should be changed so that we push back from 3.5 to 4, or even 4.5.”, he continues. A bet for the moment that is far from winning.
Third takeaway: “Customers are old”
The image sticks to the skin of the area again and again. And the latest numbers seem to confirm that. According to the French Federation of Campers, Caravans and Motorhome Owners, the average age of motorhome owners in France in 2021 is 59 years old. Therefore, a customer of a certain age taking advantage of retirement to hit the road. However, after the Covid-19 crisis, the situation is changing. With the rise of the much-Youtubed “van life,” more and more young people seem to be finding a new interest in recreational vehicles.
Some manufacturers have not been wrong in this regard, for example Joa Camp, a brand of the Pilote group, which launched a “range for first-time buyers”. In short, an offer for young couples or families with children. “We started last year and our progress has been very steady in recent months”trusts Annecy-based reseller Philippe Vouriot. “Some young people prefer to buy a vehicle than an apartment.” Count on €51,900 for the van and €60,000 for the profile, entry level.
Source: Le Figaro
