The virus gives the extra kick: Corona is making camping a megatrend

The virus gives the extra kick
Corona is making camping a megatrend

Holidays with a caravan or caravan were once considered stuffy. In the pandemic, however, the industry experienced an unexpected boom with historically high order backlogs. Caravan manufacturer Erwin Hymer hires hundreds of employees. Boss Martin Brandt sees a long-term trend.

The industry for caravans and caravans, which has been growing for years, received a further boost in the Covid 19 crisis. The Erwin Hymer Group, one of the largest caravan manufacturers in Europe, also benefited from this. CEO Martin Brandt is surprised by the extent of the growth. "Actually, we assumed low numbers after Corona," he says in the podcast "Zero Hour". Because: Vehicles quickly cost 50,000 to 100,000 euros – an investment that is quickly postponed in uncertain times. "We have been taught better," says Brandt, who has headed the company based in Bad Waldsee in Baden-Württemberg since 2015.

Martin Brandt, CEO of the Hymer GroupHymer

(Photo: Hymer Group)

When the dealers were allowed to reopen in May, there was a real rush of customers. Last August, for example, the new business year started with "a historically high order backlog". There is talk of an increase of 79 percent in the first half of 2020. One of the greatest challenges is therefore to maintain production. "Normally we have a 35-hour week. We have clocked up to 42 or 45 hours," says Brandt. In addition, they work in shifts to cope with the increased demand. Hundreds of new employees are hired.

Some side effects of the pandemic also contributed to the growth of the industry. With package holidays and cruises, two of the caravan sellers' main competitors were no longer available. Nevertheless, Brandt does not see the Erwin Hymer Group as a winner of the Corona crisis. "We already had the trend in our direction before. They are simply long-running megatrends, and the corona effect has in principle only strengthened or accelerated it." Developments such as growing urbanization and the associated need for vacation in the great outdoors as well the aging population who are "fit and want to experience".

Hear in the new episode of "The Zero Hour"

  • What challenges the Erwin Hymer Group is confronted with in the HR area
  • How the caravan market has developed in other European countries
  • What role does sustainability play in the industry and what other trends Martin Brandt sees for the future

You can find all episodes directly at Audio Now, Apple or Spotify or via Google.

. (tagsToTranslate) Economy (t) Caravan (t) Corona crisis (t) Corona measures