Hymer Group buys British motorhome manufacturer, Elddis

The German motorhome manufacturing giant, the Erwin Hymer Group, which has brands including Dethleffs, Hymer and Burstner, has acquired the Consett-based manufacturer, The Explorer Group.

The Explorer Group makes motorhomes under the Elddis name, as well as dealer special ranges, such as the Majestic range for Marquis dealers. It also makes caravans.

The Erwin Hymer Group confirmed that The Explorer Group company will become Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd.

Rob Quine, who is managing director of the Explorer Group has been made managing director of the new Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd.

He said: "As a new member of the Erwin Hymer Group, we will have access to unique know-how and expertise. We will exploit this strategic opportunity to create permanent added value for our customers.”

Elddis and its dealer special ranges are important to the UK motorhome market and currently have about 11% of the British market.

Founded in the mid-60s, the Explorer Group employs 400 people at its offices and production facility in Consett, Co Durham.

The Erwin Hymer Group said: "The Explorer Group Ltd’s management has excellent knowledge of the British market and is therefore the perfect partner for the Erwin Hymer Group to further expand its position in the UK. The sales and marketing activities of all EHG brands in the UK will be brought together under the umbrella of the Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd.

"The new Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd. provides an ideal starting point to strengthen and further expand market presence with a local manufacturing base."

Martin Brandt, CEO of Erwin Hymer Group, added: “By acquiring The Explorer Group Ltd, we are strengthening our involvement in the UK. As the leading European manufacturer, we see strategic opportunities in the second largest European caravanning market. Our aim is to further expand our strong position in Europe and to become a global supplier of high-quality motorhomes and caravans.” 

Joerg Reithmeier, Member of the Managing Board of the Erwin Hymer Group with responsibility for the caravan segment, added: “By taking this step, we’re positioning ourselves as the leading manufacturer of premium caravans in Europe."

 The Erwin Hymer Group already sells the following motorhome brands into the UK

• Bürstner
• Carado
• Dethleffs
• Hymer
• HymerCar
• Laika
• Niesmann + Bischoff and 
• Sunlight

Having a British factory will help them get deeper into the local market.

The buy-out, which was confirmed in a statement today (Friday, February 10) follows on from the recent acquistion of another British motorhome manufacturer, Auto-Sleepers, by the French Trigano Group.