The company

The beginning of the Westfalia company. On 1 October 1844, Johann Bernhard Knöbel starts a forge, thus laying the foundation stone for a long-lasting history. He originally build heavy horse-drawn carts to transport goods arriving at the new train station.

The Westfalia conversions begin with the request of a British officer looking for a versatile VW van with accommodation. Westfalia develops the "Camping Box", which transforms the VW van into a mobile hotel and soon goes into series production.

Westfalia develops the SO 34 camper van based on VW with plastic instead of wood veneer surfaces for the first time. Like the SO42, it is a big hit in the USA and is delivered in large numbers. Later, pop-up roofs are added, which offer more space and freedom and convey a feeling of independence when travelling.

Westfalia creates the first designs for a pioneering motorhome. One year later the moment finally arrives: the presentation of the first Mercedes-Benz “James Cook”. This combines safety and comfort and is furthermore equipped with a wet cell. The “James Cook” becomes a best seller and is very soon the symbol of comfortable travel.

The “Sven Hedin” is the first motorhome with shower, hot water system and a specially designed high roof based on the new VW LT. Westfalia's breakthrough begins with the two successful models James Cook and Sven Hedin.

The Joker’s success story begins in 1978. Many campers use this as a multifunctional vehicle, also to do their shopping or to drive to work. As a result, they no longer need an additional passenger car, which makes acquiring such a vehicle financially possible for many households for the first time. This vehicle lives up to its name:  70,000 are sold in one decade.

The most successful converted transit van ever made - the Joker based on VW T3. In 1981 the VW Joker is manufactured for the first time with an aerodynamic high plastic roof and a front panoramic window.

Westfalia now also offers the “Nugget”. This is a complete compact camping van which offers mobility and agility for your leisure time.  Still this cooperation with Ford is nothing new for Westfalia: as early as the 1970s converted transit vans with the Ford emblem on the radiator grille has been sold under the names “Chiemsee” and “Wannsee”.

Production of the VW California, Vito Marco Polo, Vito F, BMW Multi Trailer and the Columbus 2 caravan begins in the years 1990-1998. This series of new vehicles guarante exciting holiday trips in the 1990s.

In 1994 there is a reason for festivities: Westfalia celebrates its 150th anniversary. Westfalia offers the special edition Highway with added California-Coach equipment to its customers to celebrate the anniversary. This model is limited to 500 vehicles.

Shortly before the turn of the millennium, Westfalia is split into three business areas: Westfalia Van Conversion remain responsible for manufacturing and distributing leisure time vehicles, and DaimerChrysler acquire 49 per cent of the new company. Westfalia Automotive deals with towing attachments and the Westfalia Trailer Group manufactures trailers for passenger cars and horse trailers.

A new production record is set: the 500,000th leisure vehicle rolls off the production line at Westfalia. DaimlerChrysler AG massively increases its share in Westfalia, Van Conversion becomes a 100 percent subsidiary of the Stuttgart company. However, Westfalia's basic business policy remains unchanged. In addition, another success can be recorded: The Opel plants can be won as the fourth partner for Westfalia Van Conversion extensions.

VW decides to produce the VW California in its own production facilities in a new plant in Hannover. In 2003, the "Marco Polo" range is expanded on the basis of the Mercedes "Viano". 

The development of the American market begins with the delivery of the first James Cook under the brand "Dodge Sprinter Westfalia" to the USA. The renowned manufacturer "Airstream" is won as a sales partner.

The first "James Cook" based on the new Sprinter leaves the plant in Rheda-Wiedenbrück. In the same year, Westfalia presents the prototype Big Nugget based on a long wheelbase on a Ford basis for the first time at the Caravan Salon

Westfalia presents the first semi-integrated vehicle after more than 50 years. World premiere of the WestVan at the Caravan Motor and Tourism in Stuttgart.

The legendary Westfalia Sven Hedin switches to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. In the same year, the Opel Vivaro L2 is launched, offering more room for customer needs. Westfalia, as the leading panel van supplier, also builds Fiat vehicles for the first time in 2009. The Michelangelo based on Fiat Scudo is introduced. 

Westfalia is taken over by the Rapido Group. In the following years, the consistent market and customer orientation is reflected in the development of the product portfolio with models such as the Amundsen, the Columbus, the Jules Verne and the Kepler.

Westfalia presents the first time the Nugget Plus with a long wheelbase for Ford and the Michelangelo for Nissan.

The 555,555th Westfalia motorhome, a Marco Polo, rolls off the production line in summer. In autumn of this year Westfalia celebrates its 175th anniversary in Wiedenbrück.

Production continues to run smoothly despite the coronavirus pandemic. The Westfalia concept of relying on local and European partners in the supply chain is proving its worth.

The Ford Nugget, the next generation of the Transit Custom Nugget, will be presented as a world premiere at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.

The Ford-based Club Joker Urban, which is produced in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, will be presented for the first time at the Caravan Motor and Tourism in Stuttgart. The vehicles are sold through Westfalia dealers.