Caravan Salon 2026: Strong Demand, Curtailed Production
The Caravan Salon opens from August 28 to September 6, 2026 in Düsseldorf, the world's largest fair for motorhomes and caravans. The first day of the fair is reserved for trade visitors, after which the venue fills up for end customers for ten days. However, the industry arrives in Düsseldorf in a particular condition. It sends two signals at the same time: demand holds, sales do not.
Ten Days of the Fair, the First Just for Trade Visitors
The organizer is Messe Düsseldorf. August 28 is reserved as Preview Day, during which only trade visitors have access. Starting from August 29, the fair opens to the general public, daily from 10 AM. Across approximately 230,000 square meters, more than 700 exhibitors are showcasing around 2,100 vehicles and about 130 brands, from compact box vans to fully integrated motorhomes. In 2025, according to the organizer, over 270,000 visitors came from more than 80 countries; a new record is expected for 2026. New to the program are two areas that pick up the trend towards offbeat travel: rooftop tents in Hall 7a and an offroad segment in Halls 16 and 17.
Strong Demand, Declining Revenue
The market figures explain why the full halls tell only half the story. The Caravaning Industry Association (CIVD) reported for 2025 a nationwide total of 94,134 newly registered recreational vehicles, a decrease of 2.3 percent compared to the exceptionally strong previous year. The motorhome segment even saw a slight increase of nearly one percent with 75,368 new registrations, the third-best result in industry history. The used market reached a record value with 192,239 ownership transfers. However, industry revenue fell to around 14.1 billion euros, a decline of 6.5 percent. The reason is not weak demand but a deliberate reduction in production, with which manufacturers are reducing their overly high inventory levels.
Supply Adjustment Instead of Demand Weakness
The decline in commercial new registrations is temporary, while the private market for motorhomes continues to grow. Dealer yards were above average at the beginning of the year, this inventory was reduced through steady demand and lower deliveries. The CIVD expects that the vehicle inventory will return to a normal level by 2026. The rental business remains strong, and more than 1.8 million registered recreational vehicles in Germany form a foundation that supports the demand for service, accessories, and used vehicles. The fair meets the industry in the midst of a market correction phase: Demand remains stable, while manufacturers and dealers are rebalancing production and inventories. Thus, the Caravan Salon 2026 is likely to become not only a showcase for new models but also a barometer for further market developments. Anyone wanting to get a first-hand look at innovations, market trends, and new vehicle concepts can visit the Caravan Salon from August 28 to September 6, 2026, in Düsseldorf.