A new campervan manufacturer offering 6m-long VW-based models for as little as £61,940 and initially for as little as £59,950 has been launched in the UK.
Hull-based Atom Motorhomes also aims to do things a bit differently by selling directly to the customer, not through a dealer relying on a commission.
The company is owned by the Trigano Group. In news that could interest those on the hunt for the best camper van, the two models it currently supplies – in two different spec levels – will be built at the Auto-Trail factory across the Humber in Grimsby. But the brand will be marketed and run completely separately.
The two models, both based on a VW Crafter, which is among the best vans for a camper conversion, include the 600B, with a rear lounge, and the 600G, with two single beds over a garage.
In basic Core spec, the ‘vans come with the Crafter’s 140bhp engine and manual transmission as standard. You also get Truma CombiNeo heating and hot water, a 95Ah AGM leisure battery, a 200W solar panel, a two-burner hob in the kitchen with a combined oven and grill, a 70-litre compressor fridge, a 25-litre underslung gas tank, a wireless charging pad, steering wheel controls and safety features including ESP, crosswind assist, emergency braking and hill start assist.
Go for the Element spec, and the extras you get include LED headlights, alloy wheels, an external BBQ point, a 300Ah lithium battery, cab blinds, a reversing camera, a wi-fi readiness, a DAB+radio system with app connectivity and a 10-inch screen, an extra 200W solar panel, together with a roof rack.
As standard you also get a choice of five exterior colours – bright orange, candy white, cherry red, ocean blue, and Ascot grey. The are also metallic, pearlescent and two-tone colours available as cost options.
Inside you get a choice of six different upholstery colours, and two different furniture finishes.
All models can be configured and ordered through the company’s website, with a projected turnaround time of between 14 and 16 weeks. Vehicles can either be collected directly from the Atom headquarters just outside Hull, or through what Atom hopes will be a network of partners.
The company says it is still in discussion with potential partners, who may include existing Auto-Trail dealers and others as well. The partners will likely receive a demonstration vehicle, and will be paid a fee for handing the delivery. But they will not be paid on a commission basis.
Auto-Trail managing director Shane Devoy said the launch of the new company was the Trigano Group’s attempt to break into one corner of the UK market that is currently not focusing on – campervans and motorhomes built on a VW base vehicle. Although he claimed Trigano currently accounts for 34% of the UK motorhome market, it is barely offering anything for those who love the VW badge.
Although both models are currently only two berths, with both beds very much still single beds, Atom is already looking at introducing four-berth models. Low-profiles may be further off.
Although the company is already up taking orders, its first appearance at a show will be next February’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the NEC.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Motorhome magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things motorhome related.