Westfalia: The Iconic German Camper Van Brand Returns to America
Westfalia, the beloved German camper van brand known for its pop-up Volkswagens from decades ago, is making a grand return to America. While its new van will not be based on a Volkswagen, it will still feature the classic pop-top design and sleeping space for the whole family. Contrary to popular belief, Westfalia did not leave North America in 2003. It was simply the last year that Volkswagen sold the Eurovan/Type 2 van series on the continent. At that time, Westfalia was already owned by DaimlerChrysler, and Volkswagen was taking its camper program in-house.
Under DaimlerChrysler’s ownership, a new Westfalia camper van based on the Mercedes Sprinter, called the James Cook, was introduced to America. Airstream, another iconic brand, assisted in selling the Dodge Sprinter Westfalia. However, sales did not meet expectations, and the model was eventually discontinued, resulting in Westfalia silently exiting the US market. Fast forward almost two decades later, Westfalia is making an official comeback with the help of Canadian camper van brand Roadtrek.
Roadtrek was acquired by France’s Rapido Group in 2019, which also owns Westfalia. Since the acquisition, Roadtrek has continued to focus on its core lineup of camper vans, including the popular Zion model. Behind the scenes, Roadtrek, Rapido, and Westfalia have been working together to plan the triumphant return of the Westfalia brand to the US market, where it is still held in high regard as a symbol of freedom on the open road.
Westfalia North America is set to officially relaunch in 2024. This month, they will be showcasing their first product to potential dealerships. The exact details of the new van are being kept under wraps, with the initial reveal exclusively for dealers at the RV Dealer Open House in Elkhart, Indiana. However, an initial teaser photo has been released, featuring a couple of surfers blocking most of the view. Nevertheless, it can be deduced that the van is a full-size Ram ProMaster, which is not surprising considering Westfalia’s experience with its Italian relative, the Fiat Ducato. The teaser also gives a glimpse of the van’s pop-up roof.
In Europe, Westfalia currently offers the Fiat Ducato-based Columbus camper van, which includes an optional pop-up roof. The Columbus series features a classic floor plan, with a raised double bed in the rear, a kitchen block on the passenger side, and a wet bathroom on the driver’s side. The front area includes a dinette with a two-seat rear bench and swivel driver’s cab seats. Some models even have a foldable bed option for the dinette. It is likely that Westfalia will bring an adapted version of the existing Columbus vans to the American market.
While the specific details of the American relaunch remain a mystery for now, the wait won’t be too long with Westfalia’s anticipated launch next year. The company plans to manufacture its camper vans in Ontario and sell them through an exclusive dealership network.
Source: Westfalia North America via RV Business
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