50 years of Caravanning Utility Vehicles

Jandelsbrunn. In the car market, the „Sport Utility Vehicles‟ (SUV) – a cross between an SUV and a saloon – have been enjoying over 20 years of increasing popularity. Robust appearance and good comfort: this recipe for success attracts customers. A glance at the company history of Knaus Tabbert proves that the WEINSBERG group brand recognised this trend in motorhomes much earlier.

In 1969, so 50 years ago, the first WEINSBERG Caravanning Utility Vehicle (CUV) was built in Weinsberg (near Heilbronn). It was as robust as a small car, yet as comfortable as a tiny flat. The compact, well‐designed camper van with its clever skylight was constructed on the basis of the Fiat 238. It was a hit both as a spacious transporter and as a motorhome well suited for families, due to its modular furniture concept. A benchmark was set for which KNAUS and WEINSBERG coined the term CUV.

The KNAUS and WEINSBERG CUVs are among the most successful developed camper vans on the market. No wonder, because these vehicles contain decades of experience, true craftsmanship and lots of lifeblood. They combine the best from two worlds: full‐value caravanning equipment and exemplary living comfort as in the „large‟ motorhomes, condensed to suit the floorplan of a compact camper van.

This way, even the narrowest mountain passes and cramped parking lots lose their terrifying nature. Moreover, the excellent price‐performance ratio also makes entry into the world of camping easy for all newcomers.

As is required for the mobile lofts manufactured by KNAUS and WEINSBERG, the vehicles convince through their modern technology and first‐class workmanship. Due to this diversity and flexibility, the CUVs are fully deserving of their „Utility‟ designation.

The exemplary quality is not only visible at first glance, but also upon second glance. This is because many of the innovative detailed solutions are concealed beneath the external coat and therefore ensure the most optimal living comfort. For example, the cold bridge‐free insulation with elaborate sandwich construction, the well‐designed climate and heating concept, as well as the furniture in full carcase construction. The wear‐resistant surfaces are not simply nice to hold, but also beautify the room’s ambience. The variable back of the vehicle is extremely practical and offers lots of storage space as well as a large loading area. The engineers also put significant thought into load securing, and mounted plenty of lashing eyes where they are actually needed.

The fruits of their labour: for the overall concept, which is perfectly aligned to meet the needs of the various target groups, KNAUS CUVs were presented with the „European Innovation Award‟ in the category „Target Group Focus‟ by the Stuttgart‐based DoldeMedien Publishing Group in January 2019 at the CMT Holiday trade fair and exhibition. In doing so, the international jury, which was made up of members representing the leading caravanning editorial offices in Europe, honoured the unique and modern concept of all KNAUS CUVs.

With the models BOXSTAR, BOXDRIVE and BOXLIFE, KNAUS has a total of three CUV model series with prices starting at €42,990. At WEINSBERG, customers have the choice between the CaraBus and CaraTour CUVs (starting at €38,650).