AS Group, the British company that comprises motorhome brand Auto-Sleepers and leisure vehicle dealer network Marquis Leisure, has named Alan Buckwell as its new Managing Director.

Alan will take over from Mike Crouch, who has taken the decision to retire after 48 years of service to the company – the change will be effective from 1 January 2027.

With a successful track record in sales and marketing strategy, Alan first joined AS Group’s retail division, Marquis Leisure, in 2001. He was appointed as Sales Director in 2008, and most recently became Deputy Managing Director in 2025 when the group underwent a management restructure.

“I am delighted to appoint Alan as Managing Director of AS Group,” said AS Group CEO Geoff Scott. “As someone who is already widely known and respected throughout the industry, he needs little introduction. Alan was the outstanding candidate for the role. His depth of knowledge, experience and understanding of our industry, combined with his expertise across both retail and manufacturing product development, will ensure a smooth and seamless transition from Mike's leadership.

“I wish Alan every success in his new position. My heartfelt thanks go to Mike for his lifelong contribution to the business, and I wish him and his wife Dawn every happiness, health and enjoyment in retirement.”

The company, which is part of the Trigano Group, says it remains focused on building on its momentum through investment in product innovation, customer experience, and strategic growth initiatives. It also claims to have ambitious plans for the future, which Alan will inevitably be part of.

“I am honoured to take on this role and will do everything I can to ensure AS Group continues to evolve and thrive for many decades to come,” Alan said. “Over the past quarter-century, I have enjoyed an outstanding working relationship with Mike Crouch, who has consistently encouraged, mentored and championed my development within the business. I will retain many fond memories and stories from our journey together at AS Group, and I am grateful to be entrusted with the stewardship of the legacy that Mike has worked so hard to create.”

Mike Crouch added: “It has been a privilege, an honour and an immensely rewarding experience to work within the motorhome and caravan industry. I have enjoyed meeting so many interesting people and have been fortunate to travel and explore with the products of our industry. As a result, it has never felt like a lifetime of hard work, but rather a journey of fulfilment.

“It seems a lifetime ago, and indeed it was, that I helped lay the foundations upon which today's AS Group has been built. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my colleagues, past and present, as well as the many business associates and longstanding friends within the industry, for the support and friendship I have received throughout the years.”

In order to meet the continually growing interest in caravanning in Austria, the country’s leading exhibition has expanded to its largest-ever size for the 2026 edition.

Caravan Salon Austria will occupy 37,000 square metres of Hall 22 of the Messe Wels from 14 to 18 October this year and will once again be the nation’s most central meeting place for its caravanning, camping, and outdoor industries.

The show is expected to host around 280 different exhibitors, which is 20 per cent more than it ever has before, and will be the ideal place to see a large range of vehicles, trends, innovations, and products from the caravanning world.

“The Caravan Salon Austria has grown enormously in recent years,” explained Petra Leingartner, Trade Fair Manager of Messe Wels. “With the expansion to include the new Hall 22, we are not only creating much-needed space for the increasing number of brands and technology exhibitors, but also offering our visitors an even more diverse trade fair experience. If you want to buy a motorhome, rent it or upgrade your own camper, you will find the best specialist advice directly on the vehicle in Wels.”

This year’s Caravan Salon Austria will also host a new business-to-business industry event, the Camping Summit. From 14 to 15 October, this event will gather together industry experts, service providers, manufacturers and decision-makers, offering a comprehensive overview of current developments and future topics in the industry.

The main focus ranges from mobility, digitalisation and technical infrastructure to sustainability and energy efficiency to new experiences and leisure activities for camping guests.

Photo: Messe Wels

One of Canada’s oldest RV manufacturers, General Coach Canada, has announced the asset acquisition of fellow Canadian brand Prolite.

An expert in lightweight travel trailers, Prolite was founded in 2000 in the Canadian province of Quebec, where it has built up a particularly strong presence. The reliability and innovation of its towable RVs have led it to become a household name across much of Canada in the space.

A key part of the acquisition will see the production of Prolite’s travel trailers move from its current location in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, to General Coach Canada’s manufacturing operations in Hensall, Ontario.

“This acquisition represents a natural fit, bringing together two Canadian brands with long histories in the RV industry, while filling a void in our current product mix,” said Roger Faulkner, President of General Coach Canada, in an official statement.

“Our goal is not simply to acquire this brand, but to invest in it. We look forward to working closely with the Prolite dealer network, supporting existing customers and introducing even more RV buyers to the advantages of ultralight travel.”

General Coach Canada has assured the industry that the acquisition of Prolite and the move of its production facilities will not affect the products, with the company stating it intends to preserve the models, lightweight construction philosophy, and product characteristics that have made Prolite successful.

“Our intention is to preserve what makes Prolite unique while providing the manufacturing resources and support needed to take the brand into its next chapter,” confirmed Roger Faulkner.

Frédéric Delwiche, President of Prolite, said: “This acquisition represents an exciting new chapter for both General Coach Canada and the Prolite brand. This transaction will make Prolite and General Coach Canada a strong RV manufacturing leader in North America with continued commitment to quality, innovation, customer service, and dealer relationships. Creating a leader in the innovative market of ultralight travel trailers.”

General Coach Canada was founded in 1950 and is still family-operated and Canadian-owned, with a base in Hensall, Ontario.

Photo: General Coach Canada

The EU Driving License Directive and its implications for motorhome manufacturers and consumers have been warmly welcomed by the leisure vehicle industry.

It was announced back in the spring of 2026 that the European Parliament agreed to an amendment to the directive that would allow holders of class B driving licences to drive motorhomes of up to 4.25 tons, instead of the current limit of 3.5 tons.

This change is particularly vital considering modern motorhomes are gradually increasing in weight due to their increased safety and also the implementation of alternative drives such as hybrid and electric – the latter of which is being encouraged by the European Union due to environmental requirements. It should also make motorhoming more easily accessible to younger drivers – currently, those who purchased a licence before 1999 can drive one up to 7.5 tonnes, but those after that with a class B licence can only drive one up to 3.5 tonnes.

These issues were a large part of the reason behind caravan industry organisations such as Germany’s CIVD and the European Caravan Federation (ECF) campaigning for more than two decades to raise the weight limit of class B licences.

This extension of scope of the class B licence will require an additional qualification or training programme, the extent of which is at the discretion of each individual member state. In Germany, it looks likely that a one-day driving school will be necessary. All EU member states must adopt their own national rules by the end of November 2028 and apply them by the end of November 2029.

CIVD hopes that in Germany, the available transition periods will be used to develop a practical model: “We expect a high demand for the new driver’s licence extension,” said the organisation’s Managing Director Daniel Onggowinarso. “In addition to existing motorhome operators, many newcomers will also want to benefit from the scheme.

“The expansion to 4.25 tonnes is an important impetus for the further development of the caravanning industry. It opens up more people’s access to mobile holidays and at the same time gives manufacturers additional leeway in the design of modern motorhomes. It is now crucial that the regulation is implemented as uncomplicated, practical and consumer-friendly as possible.”

Photo: CIVD

Leading caravanning industry brand AL-KO VT has expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of its new Mammut Galaxy manoeuvring system.

First revealed at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf back in August, Mammut Galaxy combines low weight with high speed and precise manoeuvring control, as well as flexible power supply into one simple package – something the company describes as a world-first innovation.

Weighing just 25kg, the Mammut Galaxy has been designed to make manoeuvring simple. The system is controlled by a newly developed remote control with a clear and minimalist operating system and a precise joystick. A caravan can be manoeuvred at three different speeds: a slow speed for precise placement, a normal speed, and a faster speed that is more than 1km/h.

The system also has increased ground clearance, meaning it can negotiate obstacles of up to 4cm high and can also be used on a gradient of up to 35 per cent. Fully automatic adjustment takes place at the touch of a button. It ensures the correct contact pressure on the tyres and helps guarantee reliable power transmission.

Another key feature of the Mammut Galaxy is the flexible power options – the control unit supports both 12-volt and 18-volt power supply. It is also compatible with the cross-brand Cordless Alliance System (CAS), meaning that existing 18-V batteries from various CAS partners can be used. This makes it easy to swap batteries and recharge them using suitable chargers.

The system is available in three different weight classes for caravans weighing up to 1,800kg, 2,500kg or 3,500kg.

“Our goal was to combine weight, speed and intuitive operation while creating significantly more flexibility in terms of power supply,” said Jörn von Ahlen, Head of Marketing at AL-KO VT Group.

See the Mammut Galaxy in action below in our video report from Caravan Salon.

The caravan and motorhome industry in the United Kingdom is preparing for one of its biggest events, the Motorhome and Caravan Show, set to take place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from 13 to 18 October.

As usual, the show will host a wide range of British and European manufacturers across 11 halls, collectively showcasing more than 1,000 different vehicles to both industry professionals and end users. Many of the leisure vehicles on display will be new 2027 models. Organisers NCC Events call the show the 'largest motorhome, campervan, and caravan showcase' in the country.

Last year’s edition of the October show was hailed an ‘incredible success’ by NCC Events thanks to an overall attendance of 96,149 people across its six-day duration – a 0.9 per cent increase on 2024.

Manufacturers exhibiting at the 2026 edition of the Motorhome and Caravan Show include Bailey of Bristol, Swift Group, Coachman, Adria, Auto-Sleepers, Camperking, Auto-Trail, Hymer, Elddis, Carthago, Knaus, Mobilvetta, Chausson, Etrusco and many more.

The show will also be frequented by a wide range of components and accessories suppliers, such as Dometic, Thule, Avtex, Renogy, Alde, Eberspächer, Amplo, Fiamma, AL-KO, Truma and Thetford.

As well as this wide range of companies exhibiting at the show, visitors will also be able to seek advice and knowledge at the free-to-attend Inspiration Theatre, which will have a full programme of presentations and talks from celebrities including Kelvin Fletcher, Robbie Roams, and Lottie Gross. The show will also be hosting free motorhome and caravan driving experiences via its partner, the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Photo: David Guest

DexKo Global has announced that it has appointed Lee Sneed as the new President of its  North American utility trailer, recreational vehicle, heavy-duty, manufactured housing, agricultural, marine, and speciality trailer markets brand, Dexter.

Lee previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Elkhart, Indiana-based company, and assumed the role of President on 1 October this year. DexKo Global says that during his time as COO, Lee played an important role in strengthening operational execution and Dexter’s safety culture.

In the same announcement, DexKo Global said that its own CEO Eric McGinnis will continue to lead DexKo Global and partner closely with Sneed and the Dexter leadership team. Lee will lead the Dexter business and its continued focus on customer service, operational execution, safety, and growth.

Dexter, which employs more than 3,800 people in the United States and Canada according to its official website, operates 20 manufacturing facilities and distributes parts and accessories through more than 50 company-owned distribution locations. The brand specialises in axles, suspension, brakes, doors, venting products, trailer parts and accessories, and towing components, serving the commercial trailer, RV, heavy-duty, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets.

The company was founded in 1960 by Leonard Dexter and is now owned by DexKo Global, which was formed in 2015 by combining Dexter and AL-KO VT.

American recreational vehicle brand Forest River has formed a new corporate subsidiary company that will provide its participating dealers in its network with new financing and consumer financial products.

Forest River Financial Services, as the new subsidiary will be known, has been created in partnership with Octane (Octane Lending, Inc.), and will launch two distinct programmes through participating Forest River RV dealers throughout the United States. These dealers will be able to offer end users additional retail lending alongside their own offerings that are designed to make the purchase process faster, easier, and more profitable.

Future phases are expected to include Canada and additional Forest River business units, including Marine, Bus & Van, Cargo Trailers and Commercial Truck. Timing and program details for future phases have not yet been announced.

“Forest River Financial Services represents a logical and strategic next phase for our company, and we couldn’t be more excited about our new partners,” said Doug Gaeddert, President and CEO of Forest River. “We’ve been searching to find the right fit, and believe that in Octane and Aven, we’ve found them. They both offer great products, but more importantly, they are great people – industry leaders – and they fit well with our culture.

“We have listened to our dealers and understand the margin pressure they’re facing every day. These new programs will create real value for dealerships of every size, and based on the strength of the offerings and our strong dealer partnerships, we anticipate high participation across our dealer network – with additional opportunities in the works!”

Forest River Consumer Cards will give participating dealers a new sales and loyalty tool via Aven that is designed to provide a differentiated financing option to boost purchasing power and extend the customer relationship well beyond the initial purchase.

“Our dealers are central to Forest River, and their ability to grow profitably is central to our growth,” said Darrel Ritchie, CFO of Forest River. “Forest River Financial Services was created to house a new set of tools that fuel this growth. The programs we’ve developed with Octane and Aven not only protect dealer margins, they also drive new sales opportunities back to our dealers. This is only the beginning of what we expect to build.”

Photo: Forest River RV

A new analysis conducted by PiNCAMP, the camping company of the ADAC, ANWB and TCS organisations, has shown that the average price of camping holidays reduces significantly once summer ends and autumn begins.

Many classic summer destinations see the largest price drops, such as Croatia, where the average overnight price for a family drops from €73 to €35, representing a drop of more than 50 per cent.

Other popular destinations also see significant price drops, such as Italy (-38 per cent), Spain (-38 per cent), and France (-36 per cent). Germany (-11 per cent).

This price drop, plus cooler temperatures compared to the very hot summer, means that autumn is becoming an increasingly popular time to go on a camping holiday among Europeans.

“Camping in autumn is noticeably cheaper. Anyone who isn’t tied to the summer holidays can save significantly now,” said Uwe Frers, CEO of PiNCAMP. “In Southern Europe, we see an increasing extension of the camping season. In Germany, campers focus more on short distances and flexible travel. During changeable weather, campsites that offer wellness, thermal, or indoor activities alongside the classic outdoor experience showcase their strengths.”

Further data from PiNCAMP’s study shows that camping trips in September and October last an average of six days and that short stays of less than seven days are planned relatively spontaneously: on average, there are around four weeks between booking and the start of the trip.

This showcases that even in mid-September, a large portion of the autumn camping demand is still undecided about their plans, but as these travellers are often more flexible, the booking becomes more reactive depending on prices and weather.