The Journey of Auto-Trail Motorhomes

Auto-Trail is a widely recognised manufacturer of motorhomes, with strong British roots. Offering a lifestyle of travel, comfort and luxury for over 35 years, Auto-Trail are one of the top motorhome brands to allow you to take your home on the road. With no compromise on style or home comforts, you and your family can enjoy the freedom of exploring from the comfort of one of its luxury leisure vehicles.

Through industry experience and expertise, Auto-Trail creates performance driven motorhomes and is now part of the prestigious Trigano VDL group. Creating unforgettable memories and journeys for families across the company, what’s the journey of Auto-Trail and how far has it come over the years?

Starting from the beginning

Auto-Trail got its break in the repair business, fixing up caravans and motorhomes. In the 1980s, the company branched out and owners Bill Boasman and Barry Holmes made the decision to build their own motorhomes.

Developing their very own coachbuilt motorhomes, the signature cream-coloured vehicle was a popular choice almost immediately. Characterised by maroon stripes, it became the very symbol of the Auto-Trail brand in the earlier years. Towards the end of the 1980s, the manufacturer branched out into other styles including iconic blue and green designs.

Customers began to have the chance to customise their vehicles, with versions including Fiat, Citroen and Peugeot.

Finding their stride

As Auto-Trail continued to establish itself as a major player in the motorhome industry, its range expanded and offered even more choice to customers. Around the mid 1990s, motorhome models based on VW and Mercedes were released, with each model better than the last.

Understanding their customers’ needs, Auto-Trail were able to design and build motorhomes that sold the perfect lifestyle desired by potential buyers. The range spanned from car-inspired motorhomes based on the Peugeot 504, to motorhomes built on Mercedes lorry chassis. Auto-Trail became a brand that was known for catering to its audience, paying attention to detail and understanding the need for affordable luxury.

Auto-Trail in the here and now

Auto-Trail motorhomes continued to take on a more modern approach to design, appearing sleeker and smarter. By the early 2000s, features were improved to include permanent beds and more ergonomic layouts.

In 2007, Auto-Trail celebrated 25 years of making quality, premier motorhomes and the brand has continued in its well-known innovative fashion. New lines were launched in 2013 and 2014, with motorhomes equipped with impressive aerodynamic design and solar panels.

Creating a real sense of luxury, Auto-Trail saw a gap in the market to create affordable ranges, for those who thought motorhomes were well out of reach. In 2017, the manufacturer was still releasing new collections and shows no sign of slowing down.

Offering choice, comfort and modern innovation, Auto-Trail is a motorhome manufacturer whose journey feels like it’s only just beginning.