German motorhome manufacturer Carthago claims it is focusing on both innovation and stability as it heads into its 2026/27 season.

During the launch of its new model range, the company’s management team said that it is aiming for a sales target of up to 5,100 vehicles for 2026/27 – an optimistic target set against a background of high stock levels, rising production costs, and intense competitive pressure throughout the European leisure vehicle market.

Carthago said that registration figures in Europe have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels and that the brand is further strengthening its position in the premium segment – with a 12.9 per cent increase in registrations across Europe and a 15.3 per cent rise in the German market.

The group, which also includes the Malibu brand, anticipates sales of between 4,800 and 5,100 vehicles, whilst strictly controlling stock levels and aiming to consolidate its market share.

In the management’s view, success will increasingly depend on close cooperation with the dealer network, which must hold its own in a market characterised by tight margins, widespread price discounts, increasing digitalisation and ever more informed and discerning end customers.

The stated aim is to support dealers not only with new products, but also by improving the customer journey and customer relationship processes.

The biggest challenge facing Carthago, as with many other leisure vehicle producers, remains excess stock within the dealer network. The company has therefore adjusted its production capacity to actual market demand and reduced production at the Aulendorf plant by 30 per cent and at the Slovenian plant by 15 per cent. However, the necessary expertise and capacity are to be retained so that the company can react quickly to a possible recovery in demand.

At the same time, investment in the industry is continuing. This includes a new production line for sandwich panels in Slovenia, the further development of the quality management system and the introduction of a new, AI-supported ERP system to cope with an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

In terms of products, Carthago is focusing its key innovations on the further development of its premium segment. The new C2-Tourer I 146 FF-RB-LE is making its debut as an A-class motorhome based on a Mercedes-Benz chassis, featuring a completely new layout and a living area with facing seating. At the same time, the ‘Chic e-line’ and ‘Liner-for-two’ models are receiving extensive visual and technical updates. Energy self-sufficiency, connectivity and the digital control of on-board systems have also been improved – areas which the manufacturer regards as crucial for differentiating its range in an increasingly competitive market.

Malibu is also further refining its range, introducing the new ‘Relax 640 LE XR’ campervan and expanding the technical features of its models, with a particular focus on connectivity systems and on-board comfort.