Westfalia-Mobil

Westfalia

Inventor of the camper van. Since 1951, conversions based on Mercedes, Ford, and VW have been produced in Gotha (panel vans) and Rheda-Wiedenbrück (campervans). 2026 lineup with new campervans such as Kipling, Kepler, and Jules Verne.

Founded 1951 Gotha · Rheda-Wiedenbrück Visit Westfalia

Camper Vans & Panel Vans

Westfalia Club Joker Urban
Camper Van
Club Joker Urban
Versatile camper van based on the Ford Transit Custom with pop-up roof, modular bench seat, and sliding doors – equally suited for everyday use and travel.
Rheda-Wiedenbrück View details
Westfalia Columbus
Camper Van
Columbus
Compact panel van based on the Fiat Ducato with transverse bed, well-thought-out kitchen, and high-quality suspension for comfortable travel for two or four.
Gotha View details
Westfalia James Cook
Camper Van
James Cook
Premium panel van based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with high-quality equipment, optional all-wheel drive and 9-speed automatic transmission.
Gotha View details
Westfalia Jules Verne
Camper Van
Jules Verne
Elegant camping van based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito, under two meters in height, with pop-up roof and complete equipment including shower and toilet.
Rheda-Wiedenbrück View details
Westfalia Kelsey
Camper Van
Kelsey
Innovative camping bus based on the Ford Transit Custom II with double sliding doors, pop-up roof, and a well-thought-out layout for four people.
Rheda-Wiedenbrück View details
Westfalia Kepler One
Camper Van
Kepler One
Distinctive camper van based on the VW Transporter T6.1 with DSG automatic transmission, pop-up roof, and integrated sanitary facilities for self-sufficient touring.
Rheda-Wiedenbrück View details
Westfalia Kepler Six
Camper Van
Kepler Six
Family camping bus based on the VW Transporter T6.1 with up to six seats, pop-up roof, and flexible interior configuration.
Rheda-Wiedenbrück View details
Westfalia Kipling
Camper Van
Kipling
Premium camping van based on the Ford Transit Custom II with a modular transverse bed, ample storage space, and thoughtfully designed interior.
Rheda-Wiedenbrück View details
Westfalia Meridian
Camper Van
Meridian
Compact semi-integrated motorhome on Ford Transit base with a generous main bed, lounge seating area, and 8-speed automatic transmission.
Gotha View details
Westfalia Sven Hedin
Camper Van
Sven Hedin
Compact panel van based on the MAN TGE with pop-out transverse bed, 8-speed automatic transmission, and large water tanks for self-sufficient travel for two.
Gotha View details

History.

Since 1844 — what began as a blacksmith's shop shaped the image of the German camper from 1951 onwards with the VW Camping Box. Today, Westfalia is part of the French Rapido Group.

Westfalia traces its origins back to a forge founded in Wiedenbrück in 1844, which evolved into coachbuilding for horse-drawn carriages and later vehicle conversions. In 1951, a pivotal partnership with Volkswagen began that would prove decisive for camper history: Westfalia developed the "Camping-Box" for the VW T1 and shaped the image of the German VW camper van for decades — from the Joker (1978) to the James Cook and the present-day Sven Hedin.

After changes in ownership and an insolvency (2010), the French Rapido Group acquired Westfalia-Mobil GmbH and continued operating it under new ownership. Today, Gotha is the location for final assembly and headquarters — the former home grounds in Rheda-Wiedenbrück are no longer part of the brand.

  1. 1844 Founding as a forge in Wiedenbrück
  2. 1951 First VW camping box for the T1 — Beginning of the VW-Westfalia partnership
  3. 1978 Market launch of the Joker (over 70,000 units sold by 1987)
  4. 1988 First VW California developed jointly with VW Nutzfahrzeuge
  5. 2010 Insolvency; acquisition by the French Rapido Group
  6. 2011 Westfalia Mobil GmbH at the new location Gotha

Economic Key Figures.

Westfalia has been part of the French Rapido Group since 2010; brand-specific financial figures are not reported separately to the public.

1844
Roots
Gotha
Main plant
Rapido
Parent Company