Volkswagen preparing for potential surge in camper van sales as middle-class Britons plan summer of socially-distanced staycations
Volkswagen is preparing for a potential surge in camper van sales as middle-class Britons plan a summer of socially-distanced staycations.
Requests for quotes for VW’s £55,000 California model rocketed 250 per cent in April compared with March.
Inquiries about its new, larger Grand California model – which costs £72,000 – soared by 100 per cent.
Camping it up: The hi-tech vehicles – which can come with solar panels, TV, and ambient lighting – are a far cry from the early VW campers
The hi-tech vehicles – which can come with solar panels, TV, and ambient lighting – are a far cry from the early VW campers, which became a symbol of the hippy movement.
VW sold almost 1,500 vans in the UK last year, and there are thought to be around 90,000 of all models and ages trundling around the country.
The sophisticated options now on offer are likely to attract a new set of customers who want to ready themselves and their families as quickly as possible for post-Covid-19 holidays.
A VW spokesman said: ‘We are certainly expecting to see a trend towards more UK-based holidays, and in what’s a safe personal space.’
Campsites have reported a big rise in bookings, and are hoping for a record season once ministers ease domestic tourism restrictions.