Caravan Salon 2026: Strong Demand, Limited Production
The Caravan Salon opens from August 28 to September 6, 2026 in Düsseldorf, the world's largest trade fair for motorhomes and caravans. The first day of the fair is reserved for trade visitors, after which the site 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 is steady, but revenue is not.
Ten days of the fair, the first only for trade visitors
The event is organized by Messe Düsseldorf. August 28 is reserved as a Preview Day, during which only trade visitors will have access. From August 29, the fair opens to the general public, daily from 10 AM. Across approximately 230,000 square meters, more than 700 exhibitors will display about 2,100 vehicles and around 130 brands, ranging from compact box vans to fully integrated motorhomes. In 2025, according to the organizer, over 270,000 visitors from more than 80 countries attended; a new record is expected for 2026. New to the program are two areas that embrace the trend towards remote traveling: rooftop tents in Hall 7a and an off-road segment in Halls 16 and 17.
Strong Demand, Declining Sales
The market figures explain why the full halls tell only half the story. The Caravaning Industry Association (CIVD) reported 94,134 newly registered recreational vehicles nationwide for 2025, a decrease of 2.3 percent compared to the exceptionally strong previous year. The motorhome segment even grew by nearly one percent with 75,368 new registrations, the third-best result in the industry's history. The used market reached a record value with 192,239 changes of ownership. 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 excessively high inventory levels.
Supply Adjustment Rather Than Demand Weakness
The decline in commercial new registrations is temporary, while the private market for motorhomes continues to grow. Dealer yards were unusually full at the beginning of the year, and this inventory was reduced through constant demand and lower deliveries. The CIVD expects that by 2026, the vehicle stock will stabilize at a normal level. The rental business remains strong, and more than 1.8 million registered recreational vehicles in Germany form a base 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 recalibrate production and inventories. Therefore, the Caravan Salon 2026 is likely not only to become a showcase for new models but also a barometer for further market development. Those who want to see innovations, market trends, and new vehicle concepts for themselves can visit the Caravan Salon from August 28 to September 6, 2026, in Düsseldorf.