The Hobby name looks set to largely disappear from the UK market over the next year as the German manufacturer teams up with a relatively new brand being developed by the former UK agent for Knaus.
Starting from this October’s Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC, all new caravans, motorhomes and campervans made at the Hobby factory in Fockbek in northern Germany and sold in the UK will bear the Aura brand, except for Hobby Beachy caravan.
While many will display existing Hobby layouts, there will also be some specific UK layouts, and all will have upholstery, furniture finishes and spec that is exclusive to the UK.
Aura was previously a campervan-only brand set up two years ago by Mike Lake, former UK agent for Knaus, among others. All existing Aura production will move to Germany, and the new Aura brand will include low-profile motorhomes as well.
Clemens Schmidt, head of international sales at Hobby, said the move has come about as Hobby has sought to move away from what he called the “special” market in the UK. He said the company felt it would be easier to do this by adopting a completely new brand name, and to set up a new dealer network that includes new dealers who previously may not have wanted to be associated with the Hobby name.
This network, he said, is in the process of being built.
Some left over vehicles bearing the Hobby name will still be on display at the NEC (don’t miss our Motorhome and Caravan Show discount code if you’re attending) and for sale, but no new Hobby material will be imported, except for Beachy models.
In other new season news, Swift has launched a gas-free Carrera range for the upcoming season, with the line-up coming with an all-electric habitation area. The brand has also announced it is dropping the Monza for the 2027 season.
Image: Hobby
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