After a busy launch season, it’s finally time for the new season ‘vans to be unveiled to the public at the Motorhome and Caravan Show in Birmingham’s NEC. The show runs from 15 – 20 October, and it’s your first opportunity to see the latest ranges from the major manufacturers.
It’s a huge show – the biggest public show in the UK leisure vehicle industry – and a great opportunity for you to step inside some of the hottest new vehicles, all under the same roof. We’ve put together a handy guide so that you don’t miss the best bits!
What not to miss
Several of the manufacturers will be presenting their newest ‘vans, including Adria, who will present a live show on Saturday (19 October) at 11am (stands 7-30 & 7-35). We think the model to watch out for on their stand is the Matrix Axess 520ST – the shortest of their ‘crossover’ models.
Bailey will be displaying not one, but two new ranges; head to stand 19-25 to see the updated Autograph line-up and the new 7-strong Alliance Silver Edition. Their live product launch will be held on Tuesday (15 October) at 11am.
Later in the day, at 12:30, Vantage Motorhomes will launch two brand new van conversions – the Vantage Rio and the Vantage Sky – on stand 11-60.
There will be plenty of other campervans being showcased, too. Keep an eye out for Wellhouse Leisure (stand 12-145), two new Grand California models from Volkswagen (stand 10-22), Westfalia‘s new James Cook model (stand 19-21), three new models from Shire Conversions (stand 11-50), two new Crafter-based models from IH Motorhomes (stand 9-83), the first UK-outing of Ford‘s new Nugget (stand 12-155) and the new Sapphire from Devon Conversions (11-90A), to name just a few.
Celebrate Carthago‘s 40th birthday by heading to stand 9-26 for a glimpse of their luxury line-up. Look out for the E-Line and S-Plus ranges, their most significant additions for the 2020 season.
There will be no less than 18 motorhomes on display on the Dethleffs stand (20-60), not least the Trend Edition range, designed to make their most popular range that little bit more entry-level for those with tighter budgets.
Check out the overall winner of our Motorhome of the Year Awards on Erwin Hymer Group UK‘s stand (20-38). Among other new ‘vans, the award-winning Elddis/Compass CV60 will be on display. This is also the first time that you’ll be able to see all the Group’s brands in the same place, showcasing the sheer scale of choice amongst their motorhomes.
The Frankia stand (10-45) has been re-designed this year to make it easier for you to walk through and admire the ‘vans. You’ll be able to see the entire range of 2020 Platin models, designed for off-grid touring, and the new Titan models.
Marquis Leisure’s stand (8-25) will host the Benimar and Mobilvetta new models, including all three of Mobilvetta’s K Yacht A-class and Kea P low-profile ranges, and 18 Benimar models (including four from the most recently launched Primero range). Keep an eye out for the Mobilvetta Kea P 67, winner of our Best Luxury Motorhome Under 3500kg category in the 2020 Motorhome of the Year Awards.
With the largest stand at this year’s show, it’s no surprise that Swift have a lot of new ‘vans to show. Make a bee-line for their brand new budget range, the Edge, which has five models and is sure to draw a crowd. Their live product launch will take place on Friday (18 October) at 11am on stand 6.33.
Those wanting some ‘wow’ factor should head to the Morelo‘s live product launch on stand 9.50 at 11am on Thursday (17 October). This luxury manufacturer will be previewing the newly designed LOFT and HOME ranges, as well as displaying their PALACE and EMPIRE LINER models on Mercedes HGV bases.
The last big product launch of the show will be on Sunday (20 October) at 11am when Knauss introduce new for 2020 ‘vans such as the L!ve I. There will be one model on display from this all-new A-class range, as well as a couple of campervans (this is the UK launch of the Boxdrive 680) and the first A-class from budget brand Weinsberg, the Caracore.
Whale are set to reveal their latest innovations on Thursday (17 October) at 10am – head to stand 9.24.
Beyond the ‘vans
As well as all the new product launches, there are plenty of other things that you shouldn’t miss out on, from live cooking demonstrations to talks from inspirational speakers.
Well-known faces include Matt Alwright, who will be opening the show on Tuesday (15 October) in the Freedom to Go Live Theatre in Hall 9 at 10:30am. This stage will also host interviews and Q&A sessions with endurance athlete Mark Beaumont (11:30 Tuesday), Helen Skelton (14:00 Wednesday), Monty Halls (14:00 Thursday), and Michaela Strachan (15:30 Saturday).
Food and cookery demonstrations will come from the likes of Great British Bake Off contestant Karen Wright (14:45 & 16:15 Thursday), Kieran Crevy and Lisa Paarvio (16:15 Tuesday), and chef campers (14:45 & 16:15 Friday).
Also in the line-up are Max, Paddy and Harry, a trio of English Springer Spaniels that are darlings of social media.
New for this year, there’s an advice clinic in Hall 9, and don’t forget to brush up on your driving and manoeuvring skills or test drive a campervan with the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
There’s so much more to see besides – check the Show’s preview to see everything that will be going on throughout the week.
We’ll see you there!
As well as all the new product launches, there are plenty of other things that you shouldn't miss out on