On the fast lane: Caravan & Camping at f.re.e

Why are you exhibiting at f.re.e this year?

This is our 57th time here. I don't think f.re.e would exist without us or the CBR back then. For us, f.re.e is the start of the season and we are just incredibly happy to be here. It's a wonderful way to present ourselves to everyone who is involved in caravanning.

What is special about f.re.e?

I think it's the timing. Now is exactly the time when everyone is thinking: "What am I going to do this year?". And of course this huge selection. No matter what kind of holiday you like to take, you'll find something on offer here and that's just great. And of course the combination with the Autotage and IMOT, so what more could you want? Super!

What challenges are currently characterising the caravanning and camping industry?

A huge challenge for us is to have the right vehicles at the right time. Unfortunately, there are still problems in production. We don't get the vehicles we sometimes want, but at the same time we have a lot of choice again, which is good. Prices have risen very sharply. This is certainly also a challenge, but it also allows us to use good trade fair offers at the fair to simply make the vehicles cheaper, put together good offers and, of course, give our guests a great holiday with a new vehicle.

What are the current trends in the industry?

What we are noticing again this year is that things are becoming more and more individualised. Every guest and camper has their own individual ideas. That's why I believe that it will be very important to be broadly positioned, to really be able to offer something for everyone and also to individualise it. No two of our vehicles are actually the same. There is a basic model, but then we come along and make it even more perfect.

What does f.re.e mean to you?

For me, f.re.e means the start of the season, then, very importantly, innovations and simply fun.

Why f.re.e?

It's a tradition for us. I think this is the 57th year we've been here. We can't do without f.re.e, that's absolutely clear. It's a wonderful platform to present ourselves, showcase new products and simply present ourselves as a company to a lot of people.

Why is it a must for you and your company to exhibit at f.re.e?

We from Auto Eder Kolbermoor are here for the twentieth year, if it weren't for the break caused by Corona, the twentieth year in a row at the f.re.e trade fair. Due to the distance between Rosenheim, Kolbermoor and Munich and the size and importance of the Munich trade fair, it is very important for us to present our leisure models on the one hand and on the other hand to present ourselves positively as a company.

To what extent has the cooperation with f.re.e proved successful in recent years?

It's really based on trust now. Thanks to the many years of co-operation over the last 20 years, we have our contacts. We have our stand builder, it's a well-rehearsed team and it now runs in parallel. It has to be said that a trade fair stand like this is an investment for our owner, so we are grateful that we are always allowed to do it. But in the meantime, it runs in parallel, so to speak, because we have so much experience.

What is special for you at f.re.e?

Yes, as I mentioned before, we were there for the first time as exhibitors at the former "Caravan und Boot". f.re.e has always changed and adapted to the needs of visitors. At the moment, or since the coronavirus, we have noticed that people are focussing more on leisure. That's why it makes sense for bikes to be included now. The trade fair has always moved with the times and it's important for us because it's a fixed date for us personally to see customers that we meet once a year and to exchange ideas with them. That's why it's important for us to be able to exhibit here.

To what extent has consumer behaviour in your sector changed in recent years?

You can actually see that the demand for leisure models has been stable. There has been a change due to corona - I don't like to use the word because it has negative connotations. But it has changed a lot of things, including the way people think. Since then, there has been an increase in demand because our customers and prospective customers say, I want to travel safely in my own "home", where they have the flexibility and can simply go on a spontaneous weekend trip, enjoy their free time more, you can tell. That has changed.

What challenges do you think there are in your industry and how does the trade fair help to solve them?

Basically, you might think it's a difficult time, the economic situation has been better in the past. You could do without a trade fair like this. That's not how we think at Eder, but the opposite. We are of the opinion that we need to show our presence right now. The trade fair also helps to raise awareness. Alternative drives, for example, have not yet arrived in the leisure model sector. But that is a question of time, and we can already advise and educate one or two interested parties/customers in this regard. We don't have a crystal ball as to what the next 5 to 10 years will bring, but we can at least shed light on the current situation.

In your opinion, what are the current trends in the industry?

I think the typical camper van market, i.e. the larger and semi-integrated camper vans, is relatively stable. Where you can already see growth is in these so-called leisure models, such as the Transit "Custom Naked" in its previous version, which we presented, or in the new version that we have on our stand today. Many customers and interested parties see this: This is just an everyday car. You can perhaps save yourself a second car or perhaps combine both with just one car: Leisure, travelling, but also an everyday vehicle. I think that's where the trend is heading.

In three words - what is f.re.e for you?

f.re.e is family-friendly, informal, open and always moves with the times.

Why are you exhibiting at f.re.e?

We are represented in Hamburg. The location in the south is new for us, but there are a lot of customers here that we want to address and showcase our vehicles here.

What is the atmosphere like at your stand?

It's definitely different to other trade fairs. But this is our first time here and we are very, very satisfied so far. The feedback is super cool, and every day we are surprised anew at how busy the stand is.

What challenges do you think there are in your industry and how does the trade fair help to solve them?

I think the biggest challenge right now is using different contact channels to get in touch with customers. And that's where trade fairs are super important. We do quite a lot via new media, quite a lot of Instagram and car portals, but not everyone uses that of course. And I think a trade fair is super important for the initial contact and also for us, as a new company, to show ourselves and present our work.

Where do you see the trend heading over the next few years?

I currently see a trend towards vehicles that can be used as both daily and camping vehicles. I think the trend right now is to downsize and slim down a bit, and we are trying to continue to implement this in our vehicles, so that you basically have an everyday vehicle that you can also use for camping.

What does f.re.e mean to you in summary?

Definitely very good contacts, a lot of exciting discussions, also in the run-up, good feedback, a lot of appointments here at the trade fair. We have been very satisfied.