Bilbo’s gets VW Motorhome Qualified Converter status

Bilbo’s is now recognised as a Motorhome Qualified Converter by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The recognition is awarded to established campervan converters who meet the rigorous standards and obligations expected by VW, including Type Approval and NCC (National Caravan Council) approval, as well as a three-year warranty on all aspects of the conversion.

David Latham, Founding Partner of Bilbo’s, commented, “Since Bilbo’s was established in 1977, we have strived to build the best campervan conversions in the market where safety, quality and customer care has been at the forefront of everything we do. By testing the campervans ourselves, and via our direct contact with the end user, we have gained a tremendous amount of customer feedback, resulting in the development of our award-winning conversions. This status allows us to continue that journey.”

A full report on Volkswagen’s new Motorhome Qualification Scheme and the companies that have already joined it appeared in the August issue.

Students from Eindhoven University of Technology have presented the world’s first solar-powered motorhome, called Stella Vita. The vehicle generates enough solar energy for both living on board and driving, so the Stella Vita is self-sufficient in terms of energy. Via solar panels on the roof, it is independent of charging stations and the vehicle generates enough solar energy to drive, shower, watch TV, charge your laptop and make coffee.

It has an elevating roof to create standing room inside and extra solar panels fold out when the roof is raised, doubling the solar surface to as much as 17.5 square metres. By using this energy efficiently, Stella

Vita can travel up to 730km (454 miles) on a sunny day.

In September, the solar-powered motorhome began its journey through Europe. The students will travel for a month, from Eindhoven to the southernmost tip of Spain. Together with their sponsors, including Coolblue, the students will aim to show the future of sustainable travel.

“To accelerate this transition we are going to inspire as many people in Europe as possible for a sustainable future during our journey”, said Kjell Revenberg, Team Manager of Solar Team Eindhoven.