Celebrating Four Decades of Auto-Trail: A Milestone in Motorhome Manufacturing
**Celebrating Four Decades of Auto-Trail Motorhome Production**
Auto-Trail, a renowned UK motorhome manufacturer, is commemorating its 40th anniversary this year. Established in 1982, the company has made significant strides in the motorhome industry, becoming synonymous with innovative designs and reliable motorhomes.
The company's original purpose was to cater to the growing demand for motorhomes in the UK, offering products tailored to the preferences of British consumers. This focused approach helped Auto-Trail establish itself as a leading brand in the UK motorhome market.
## Early Beginnings
The 1993 Cree was Auto-Trail's first medium-sized motorhome, built on a VW Transporter T4 chassis. This marked the beginning of a new era for the company, as they ventured into the realm of panel van conversions. The mid-1990s saw the introduction of the Stag on Ford Transit, the Badger and the Fox on Peugeot Boxer/Fiat Ducato.
Auto-Trail's early years also saw the use of pre-owned chassis for prototype mini RVs. The company initially repaired and serviced touring caravans and built exhibition units to be towed behind cars. The Cheyenne range premiered on the Talbot Express as a value-for-money offering, aimed at hire fleets.
## Expansion and Innovation
In 1999, Auto-Trail joined the Trigano Group, a significant European leisure vehicle conglomerate. This partnership enhanced Auto-Trail's ability to expand its product range and improve its manufacturing capabilities, further solidifying its position in the market.
As production models got longer, Auto-Trail began using Al-Ko chassis extensions. The Transporter offer was expanded to include many Frontier models and the recently reinvigorated Cheyenne range. Notable models from this period include the 1988 Sioux on Mercedes 207D, which is still in service at 34 years of age.
Auto-Trail also built 'little and large' bespoke models, including one on a Mercedes lorry chassis that only just fit on the factory driveway. One that got away was the 2006 Miami, a low-profile offering based on the Renault Master. It is demonstrably not true that UK converters can't make A-class motorhomes, as the 2007 Mercedes Sprinter-based Grande Frontier illustrates.
## Recent Developments
In 2023, Auto-Trail introduced the Auto-Trail Refresh scheme, offering customers the opportunity to upgrade their motorhomes with the latest features. The brand also unveiled the Rico upgrade pack and a raft of layouts due to high demand for the Cheyenne models.
Auto-Trail is currently building three models in its updated Auto-Trail Grande Frontier A-class range. The company's expansion continues, with the launch of the Auto-Trail Advance finance scheme at the 2024 February NEC Show.
Bill Boasman and Barry Holmes, the original founders of Auto-Trail, decided to build a luxurious mini RV after touring the US in a rented RV. Their vision and dedication to quality have shaped Auto-Trail into the successful company it is today. As Auto-Trail celebrates its 40th anniversary, it continues to set trends and deliver high-quality motorhomes to customers across the UK.
- Bill Boasman and Barry Holmes, the founders of Auto-Trail, were inspired to build a luxurious mini RV after touring the US in a rented RV.
- Auto-Trail, in its early days, repaired and serviced touring caravans, built exhibition units to be towed behind cars, and used pre-owned chassis for prototype mini RVs.
- The company's first medium-sized motorhome, the 1993 Cree, was built on a VW Transporter T4 chassis, marking the beginning of panel van conversions for Auto-Trail.
- In the mid-1990s, Auto-Trail introduced the Stag on Ford Transit, the Badger and the Fox on Peugeot Boxer/Fiat Ducato.
- As the company expanded, Auto-Trail partnered with the Trigano Group, a significant European leisure vehicle conglomerate, in 1999, which improved its manufacturing capabilities and product range.
- Auto-Trail continues to innovate, offering customers upgrades and new models through schemes like the Auto-Trail Refresh and Auto-Trail Advance finance, and launching new models such as the Auto-Trail Grande Frontier A-class range.
