Carthago looks to consolidate for 2024
Carthago is launching just one new model in 2024, and expanding pop-up roof options on its Malibu campervans, as it seeks to consolidate production at its newly opened factory in Slovenia.
The 7m-long C Tourer 145LB RE will be available as a low-profile or an A-class motorhome, and comes with fixed single beds at the rear, both of which are 2m long, a central washroom and a front lounge with an L-shaped settee incorporating travel seats.
It will be available on either a Fiat Ducato or Mercedes Sprinter base vehicle, in each case with a low Al-Ko chassis for a more stable drive. Most versions will still have an MTPLM of 3500kg, so anyone can drive them.
Mercedes versions will also be available with an optional obsidian black metallic cab, rather than standard arctic white. A-class models will also be available as Superior versions with an enhanced spec list. All models will have as standard a Casablanca interior furniture finish that was previously only available as an option.
For 2024, Carthago, which you can find out more about in our best motorhome brand guide, has redesigned the rear panels of all C Tourer models with new curved corner pillars and a new light cluster.
Within the Malibu brand, two van conversions, the 600 DB with a transverse bed and the 640 LE with single beds, will now be available as family-for-4 models with the pop-up roof that Carthago has designed itself inhouse. This features a GRP outer skin, insulation and a fully clad aluminium inner skin.
Two models in the Malibu brand will now be available as family-for-4 models
Like all the Malibu van conversions, the new models will be built at Carthago’s newly opened 23,000sq m factory at Ormoz, its second facility in Slovenia, employing 200 people. This new facility, close to the border with Croatia, has taken a year to build and is part of the investment the company has put into updating its facilities – including its original site at Carthago City in Aulendorf in Germany and the first Slovenian site at Odranci – as the industry still recovers from the effects of lockdown.
That recovery still has some way to go: at the end of June, the Ormoz factory, which has the capacity to build 65 vehicles a week, was still only producing 35.
However Carthago chief executive Markus Kern said the problems in the supply chain will soon resolve themselves. “I am convinced the chassis and parts chain will stabilise and we can soon expect a better supply,” he said.
To that end, he is aiming for Malibu’s output to double this year and to grow by a further 30% in 2024.
Carthago isn’t the only brand to be releasing information about its 2024 releases, with Adria launching campervans for the new season, while Itineo is introducing a low-profile six-berth. As well as that, Pilote is adding a new layout to its Ford Transit-based low-profile Atlas range too, while Laika is updating its Kosmo range too.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, 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.
