by Joe Jeffrey
Hymer purchases North America’s number one compact leisure vehicle company in bid to crack American market
German manufacturer, the Erwin Hymer Group, has stepped into the North American recreational vehicle market and acquired established company Roadtrek Motorhomes in a move which will see Hymer enter into the North American recreational vehicle market for the first time.
As part of the acquisition, a new company called Erwin Hymer Group North America Inc. (EHGNA) will be established in a bid to represent both Hymer and Roadtrek’s US and Canadian activities. The new company will be headed up by Roadtrek’s current president and chief executive, Jim Hammill.
Martin Brandt, chairman of the board of Erwin Hymer Group said: “The strategic acquisition of Roadtrek allows Erwin Hymer Group to enter the world’s largest RV market – the U.S. and Canada – as the first European manufacturer of motorhomes and caravans. With the acquisition of Roadtrek, we pursue our sustainable international strategy of growth.
“It is our goal to further extend our leading position in Europe and to become a global supplier of high-quality motorhomes and caravans. This acquisition is characterised by a spirit of partnership. We happily welcome Roadtrek’s employees to Erwin Hymer Group,” Brandt continued.
Canadian company, Roadtrek, is well known for its Class B panel van conversion motorhomes having been founded in the 1970s, and has since gone on to be North America’s leading manufacturer of compact leisure vehicles, recording an annual turnover of $96 million (approximately £68.5 million).
The acquisition will also see the popular HymerCar begin production in Roadtrek’s Kitchener, Ontario production facility, with aims to release the HymerCar in North American for Summer 2016.
