Spotlight on... Danbury

Danbury is a household name that’s been making campervan memories since 1964.

We spoke to Managing Director, Mark Stevens, to find out more...

1 When did Danbury start out?

We’ve been converting base vehicles into leisure vehicles for the UK for six decades. Best known for our iconic Volkswagen T2 conversions, we now focus our expertise on the production of a dozen modern campervan designs using the VW T6 and Ford Transit Custom chassis. Following the acquisition of Danbury by French manufacturer, Pilote, we’ve also been able to add six variants of the Danbury Avenir range, which is based on the ever-popular Fiat Ducato. As we say in our strapline, Danbury has been ‘’Making memories since 1964.’’ 

2 How has the campervan market changed since then?

Clearly Danbury has seen a significant number of changes in the market over the years. The campervan market has moved from being the domain of the enthusiastic handyman, converting a used van for his personal use, to a multi-million pound professionally organised business, and an ever-growing and important segment of the UK leisure industry.

3 What do you think makes a great campervan conversion?

Our campervans need to appeal to a large range of customers and so, by definition, there is no such thing as a single perfect campervan. Many converters in our industry do an excellent job in producing great campers and, whilst we are all different, we all strive to meet the ever-demanding requirements of our customers. In our view, a great campervan conversion is one that measures up to customer expectations and complies with all the safety standards expected in a modern vehicle, with the flexibility to allow the customer to create a campervan that’s still special and unique to them.

4 What sets Danbury apart from the crowd?

Danbury is a family run and family-orientated business but it’s also a professional business, which has three focus points at its core. These three points of focus have helped set Danbury apart from the competition for decades and, in summary, they are: high quality and innovative solutions in all our extensive product range; fair retail and service prices, offering great value for money to the customer; friendly, efficient and professional customer service throughout, from the start of the purchasing cycle through to aftersales service and, of course, repeat business.

5 How has the brand evolved over the years?

We’ve gone from a small craft business that started out converting and customising VW Beetle cars back in the sixties to, more recently, Brazilian VW T2s, to now having a fully fledged modern factory facility. We convert VW Transporter, Ford Transit Custom and Fiat Ducato chassis into high-specification campervans for the discerning modern family.

6 Have you got any exciting new developments in the pipeline?

Danbury most recently introduced the Choice range of VW campervans and also the Raven range of Ford-based campers. As campervan innovators in the industry, we had a number of product ranges on display at the recent 2020 Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, which was held at Birmingham’s NEC inFebruary…

7 How would you sum up the company’s ethos and values?

The company’s ethos and values are characterised fully in its vision and mission statements, as follows. Danbury vision: to be the UK’s leading van converter delivering high quality, innovative and exciting campervan solutions designed to delight our customers and enhance their leisure experience. Danbury mission: through innovation, proven solutions, empowered and high-performing well-trained people working safely and systematically within our core values of passion, independence, humility, audacity, transparency and group spirit, Danbury will deliver sustainable growth, customer satisfaction and profit for the benefit of the company, its customers and its employees.

8 What advice would you give to someone thinking about buying a campervan?

I would always recommend that customers buy their campervan from a reputable and established converter that they can trust. In this way, the customer has the confidence they have bought wisely and can expect to get a good part exchange deal for their campervan when they look to change it in the future.

9 What’s the most unusual question you’ve ever been asked by a customer?

We get all kinds of bizarre requests but one of the more unusual questions we’ve ever been asked was: “I do a lot of night fishing. Does Danbury have solar panels that will work at night to keep my leisure battery charged?” Clearly, that customer was one that got away!

10 What’s the best campervan trip you’ve personally undertaken?

It was a family trip where we travelled from Cardiff to L'Estartit, in northern Spain. We were able to amble across to Dover, take the ferry to Calais, visit the fantastic wine regions of France and then relax at our campsite in Spain. Just pure holiday fun and relaxation with the family. That’s what I love about campervan holidays.

The latest Danbury models

Danbury Choice campervan

With the new Danbury Choice range, you can create your dream campervan that’s as individual as you are. Choose from three funky roof and roof canvas colours, three types of flooring and stylish wood finishes, three distinctive leather upholsteries and three Eurosport alloy wheel options.

Based on the VW Transporter, the Surf model shown below has a traditional side kitchen layout with a rock ‘n’ roll-style bed. However, if you prefer a rear kitchen and washroom, there’s the choice of the Danbury Active, or the Danbury Royale, which has the added benefit of a high-top roof.

Danbury Raven campervan

Based on the ever-popular Ford Transit Custom with a 128bhp engine and Trend specification, the Raven (pictured below) comes packed with kit.

As standard you can expect a roof bed (making it a four-berth model), a sliding rear bench seat system for maximum flexibility, and stylish leather seats with contrast stitching.

It’s got all the home comforts, too, like a proper oven with a three-burner hob, diesel blown-air heating and cab air- conditioning. The Raven is perfect for any family adventure, from the big shop to an unforgettable holiday!

Danbury Avenir campervan

Introducing our six-strong range of Fiat-Ducato based continental touring campervans, the Avenir is designed to allow you to travel in comfort for longer. It’s a real home from home with a three-in-one washroom featuring a shower and toilet, a fully equipped kitchen and, of course, comfy beds to ensure a good night’s sleep. With a choice of lengths and layouts, just choose the right Avenir for you.

The 63LG pictured below features a rear lounge that seats four, and easily transforms to a double bed come night-time.

Contact

Danbury Motorcaravans Ltd
Great Western Business Park, Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 5NG

Tel: 01454 310000
Website: danburycampervans.co.uk