German motorhome maker, Knaus, confirms 10-year warranty at launch of 2018 models

Knaus Tabbert, which makes Weinsberg and Knaus branded motorhomes and campervans as well as a range of caravans, has confirmed it will offer a 10-year water ingress warranty on all its motorhomes and campervans across both marques from 2018 season.

The announcement was made at the launch of its 2018 range and follows news that the German company has seen its turnover rise rapidly from €134m in 2009 to €549m in 2017.

It also now manufacturing 9,900 motorhomes and campervans annually (5,500 motorhomes and 4,400 campervans or van conversions or CUV – Caravanning Utility Vehicles – as it is calling them).

Following the construction of a new manufacturing line at its Hungarian factory, which opened last year, Knaus is investing more than €30 million in its main plant in Jandelsbrunn, Germany. “We are making the largest single investment at the location since the founding of the company,” said the company’s CEO, Wolfgang Speck.

“The goal is to significantly expand the capacities: three new production lines, a research and development centre with integrated prototype construction, expansion in the delivery area as well as expansion of the manufacturing expertise in lightweight construction and in ‘Frame’ technology.”

It is also actively looking to expand its UK presence and said UK prices should only rise about 1.5% this coming season, which is below expected average price rises buyers will see in 2018.

According to Francis Velten, the man responsibly for Knaus motorhomes in the UK (as well as France), the company has been closely monitoring the fluctuating sterling/euro exchange rate and has been “compensating” its dealers for a percentage of the rate fluctuations.

This, he said, gives stability and confidence in Knaus in the UK. He also pointed out that the specification of its motorhomes sold in the UK is higher than that of many models sold in mainland Europe and so it would be unfair to directly compare sterling prices with those for its models sold in the eurozone.

On the new model front, Knaus has introduced a new entry-level line called the Live. It is available on the Wave, TI and the new Traveller ranges.

This new Live is the company’s new entry-level range and can be identified by its “fresh and modern exterior stickers that underscore the exuberant character of the Live”. Quite!

The Live TI is available in three different layouts: the French bed 590 MF, the twin rear single bed 650 MEG and 700 MEG. All have the option of a drop-down double up front.

The Live Wave comes in four layouts all with a drop-down bed above the lounge as standard. They are the rear transverse double bed 650 MG, the twin single bed 700 MEG, and the island bed equipped 650 MX and 700 MX.

The Live Traveller range comes in three different layouts: the rear bunk bed equipped 650 DKG with an overcab double in the luton, the 650 DG with a transverse rear double bed and also an overcab double in the luton and the 550 DB, which has a rear washroom layout and again an overcab double in the luton.

All models come with an awning, bicycle rack, CD radio, information brochure and self-explanatory operating stickers, which hints where many of these are destined to start life – as motorhomes feeding into the rental market.

Indeed, Knaus itself says that the third Live range – the Live Traveller – is “simply the perfect rental vehicle”.

Knaus has also significantly updated its Sky Wave range of low profiles.

Finally, Knaus has shown the first images of its new Crafter-based campervan called the BoxDrive.

The new campervan will come in three layouts ranging from the rear transverse double bed layout, which was shown in the Saint and Sinner (pictured) – a one-off that will not be sold but which was shown to dealers and journalists as an example of one of the three layouts.

The other layout is twin rear single beds longitudinally fitted at the rear. These will feature in the 6.8m extra long wheel base Crafter and will be shown at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon in late August for the first time this year. The final layout will also be confirmed at the Düsseldorf show, which takes place at the end of August.