2020 and the motorhome year ahead

Happy New Year and welcome to 2020! As we wave cheerio to 2019 and usher in a brand new year, what better time to look ahead over the 12 months to see what’s in store in the motorhome and campervan world?

We’re sure it’s going to be another busy and exciting time for motorhomers and campervanners alike. Here are just some of the events and highlights we’re looking forward to in 2020…

The Stuttgart Motorhome Show

The Christmas decorations will only just have come down by the time one of Europe’s major motorhome shows takes place. The Stuttgart Motorhome Show runs from Saturday 12 January to Sunday 20 January, and provides a chance for European manufacturers to display a range of their models – some for the first time. In fact, it’s the world’s largest consumer show for tourism and leisure. Find out more details here.

New motorhome and campervan launches

One of the most exciting highlights of any year are the launches of new ranges and models, with motorhome and campervan manufacturers releasing details from early summer onwards. Of course, MMM, What Motorhome and Campervan magazines will carry all the details as and when they’re released, but some of the new launches we’re already eagerly anticipating include:

The first right-hand drive, UK versions of the Ford Big Nugget – big news in the campervan sector

Seven new Carthago motorhomes, based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Four of these are the Carthago chic c-line and three are the chic e-line – launching at the Stuttgart Show in January 2020

The first hybrid campers on the Transit Custom are scheduled to become available in 2020

A ‘world premiere’ from Niesmann+Bischoff in July, which promises to be ‘spectacular’
 

Expert speakers at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show

Much closer to home for UK motorhomers, the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show is held at Birmingham’s NEC from 18 February to 23 February. Here, you’ll find the UK’s largest showcase of motorhomes, campervans, caravans, holiday lodges and tents, plus loads of outdoor leisure accessories.

There’s also a programme of excellent guest speakers and presenters – including our very own Peter Vaughan and Clare Kelly. Peter, What Motorhome editor and MMM road test editor, will be sharing his extensive motorhome knowledge while Caravan magazine editor Clare will be chatting about her many camping adventures.

Both will be speaking on Wednesday 19 February.

Publication of Buying your First Motorhome

If 2020 is the year you plan on buying your first ever motorhome – or campervan – then we have some great news for you. MMM’s Essential Guide to Buying Your First Motorhome includes everything you need to know about doing exactly that, with advice on base vehicles, weights, finance, insurance and layouts, coverage of the very best new and used motorhome and campervan models available, and dealer listings. Look out for print editions on sale from February 2020 and buy the digital issue here from the same time onwards.

A packed motorhome and campervan show season

A motorhome show is highly recommended if you’re thinking of buying a new or used model, giving visitors the chance to browse and inspect hundreds of examples, all under one roof. In 2020, there is a great programme of Warners Shows, kicking off with the Motorhome & Campervan Sale in Peterborough from 24 to 26 January and followed by events all over the country, right up until October.

The schedule includes a brand new show for 2020 – we’re coming to Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre in July to host the Scottish Motorhome & Campervan Show.

For a full list all of Warners shows in 2020, click here.

What we’re looking forward to in 2020

We asked a trio of our editors what they’re looking to most in 2020…

Geneve, Editor of Campervan

“2020 is going to be a massive year for me in terms of campervan excitement! After owing a lovely classic VW T25 for thirteen years, I’ve decided to take the plunge and upgrade to a modern VW T6 based camper, which is currently being built by Hillside Leisure in Derby…

I can’t wait to hit the road and start clocking up some serious miles in 2020, starting with a 2,000-mile round trip to Austria, touring through the Alps… really looking forward to wine and cheese in France, stunning lakes in Switzerland, epic mountain hikes in Italy and Austria, and a nosey through Bavaria on the way home…

Exploring more of Scotland is also on my must-do list, and I’d really like to travel the Snow Roads this year, and perhaps some of the islands, starting with Skye, which is such a magical place.”

Rachel, Deputy of MMM

“I’ve always been intrigued by Puy du Fou in France and it has been on my bucket list for a while. However, there is something similar, but closer in the northeast.

Kynren near Bishop Auckland stages an evening show telling the story of England from the Romans to the Victorians. The live action is said to incorporate horses, water jets, pyrotechnics and more and it looks very exciting.

Now this year, there will be daytime events with a maze, horse stunts, a Viking village and live music. I’m planning my trip now, where’s Campsite Finder?”

Peter, Editor of What Motorhome and Road Test Editor of MMM

"Top of my wishlist for 2020 is to drive the latest VW T6.1, although I’d need a lottery win to swap my California SE for the latest T6.1 Ocean. Never mind, though, because our camper is still in fine fettle and I’m hoping we’ll make it to the Orkneys in the T5 this year. My wife started researching Skara Brae when she was teaching about the Bronze Age in her primary school and now we’re both hooked on the idea of exploring this site, and others off the northern tip of Scotland.

Later in the year, as ever, I’ll be excited to see what new motorhoming concepts are unveiled at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.