History of Hymer and What’s New for 2023

Since 1957 the German company Hymer has been developing caravans and, since 1961, motorhomes too. In fact, Hymerwas the company that developed the first motorhome. By the turn of the century they’d made over 100,000, based around the traditions of innovation, technology, safety and quality. 2017 saw the brand celebrate its 60th anniversary and now, with their 2023 just around the corner, Hymerhas announced that it will be ‘fundamentally revising’ its Fiat-based campervan range.

The progression of Hymer campervans is, of course, a forward-thinking response. The market is certainly changing as times change or, rather, as it grows exponentially with more and more younger people cottoning on to the lifestyle. The campervan and motorhome ‘staycation’ has been recognised as a joy, the perfect way to spend leisure time, and younger people require vehicles which fulfil their image as well as their practical requirements. Some of the improvements incorporated into the new Hymer campervans are based on Hymer VisionVenture concept vehicle (from 2019).

Christian Bauer, the President of Hymer explains: “Hymer is once again blazing a trail as the industry’s innovation driver and setting new standards where interior design, lighting, digitalisation, self-sufficiency and sleeping comfort are concerned.” But what does that mean, how does it translate from a beautifully worded PR statement into reality? What are the changes we can expect? In a nutshell, what’s new for 2023?

1. Materials

Interior improvements and updates feature strongly in Hymer’s plans. A new era of design will feature two different style collections including natural looking finishes and fabrics. Materials such as cork and ceramics are set to feature, along with wood effect walls, while a sound-absorbing felt lining in the rear area will help to improve insulation.

2. Lighting

Four-level lighting, including a warm / cold white and dimming features, offers more control over ambience and will complement the ‘van life’ aesthetic. An innovative pendant lamp and modular lights for the rail on the multifunctional wall will be included, and touch-operated reading lights will be installed above both driver and passenger seats.

3. Skylight

The new ranges include a skylight in the cab (called SkyView), which will improve natural light and can be combined with or without a pop-top roof. This can be installed in all Fiat layouts, regardless of roof type. The SkyView without pop-top improves airflow over the rooflight due to a moulded part and will reduce wind noise.

4. App

The Hymer Connect app will be included in vans for the first time. This smart system combines numerous vehicle component controls with vehicle information in a single digital platform. Things like levels of the fresh water and grey water tanks, the number of miles driven will be displayed, while the interior lighting can be controlled easily. The app is straightforward to operate with a smartphone.

5. Redesign

In the redesigned rear, storage space has been increased by moving the fresh water tank to the underside of the vehicle. The tank is insulated and heated as standard. With the vehicle’s battery tray also located underneath the rear of the vehicle, weight distribution is optimum which will improve driving dynamics.

6. Comfort

The Lattoflex sleeping system, based on a flexible mattress with integrated disc springs, plus a travel lounge seating area with tilt adjustment, means improved comfort for all, increasing enjoyment of leisure time!