Westfalia: off to new horizons with the “Columbus”

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News from Europe: (I think this is a Class B )

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Press Release
Rheda-Wiedenbrück, 9th July 2010
Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, 28.8.-5.9.2010

Westfalia: off to new horizons with the “Columbus”

Westfalia is celebrating a remarkable world premiere at this year's Caravan Salon. The motorhome specialist will for the first time be presenting its new “Westfalia Columbus”. The latest Westfalia development not only represents an extensive redesign of the interior concept but is also notably the first Westfalia vehicle conversion to be based on the Fiat Ducato. The world's leading van conversion specialist has thus established the long-awaited bond with the most popular base model for recreational vehicles.

Compact on the outside and fully fitted within – Westfalia, like no other motorhome manufacturer, stands for utility maximisation in a small space. With the “Columbus”, it is now also possible for Ducato fans to benefit from a genuine Westfalia conversion. And at a low entry price of just 39,490 euros.

With this latest addition to its product range, Westfalia is for the first time fitting a van with a builtin rear bed. The advantage of this is that there is no need to set up or convert the bed or clamber up into the roof – not a single hand movement is necessary before the travellers can stretch out their weary limbs. And whilst some are already tucked up in bed at the back, others can stay sitting together cosily in the living area.

At the same time, Westfalia's engineers are proving that not all rear beds are created equal. Thanks to a sophisticated sledge design, the rear half of the bed can simply be folded up when more space is needed, thus providing easy, safe, secure, and clean storage for bulky sports gear like bicycles and golf bags. What is more, the ingenious folding technique does not come at the expense of comfort. Quite the opposite, in fact, is true. Westfalia set itself the goal of achieving no less than the best sleeping comfort in this class of vehicle. The result is an innovative combination of plastic slats and cold foam mattresses that provides travellers with a back-friendly and refreshing night's rest.

Comfort and functionality go hand in hand in the rest of the vehicle too. The automotive two-seater bench with its back-friendly contours and ergonomic shape also assures tall passengers a relaxed and pleasant trip. At the same time, the bench, which has undergone the toughest tensile testing, guarantees a first-rate level of safety. And with its integrated ISOFIX anchorage points for child seats, it provides support and protection for the little ones too. Thanks to the patented Westfalia bed system, just two hand movements are needed to transform this comfortable piece of furniture within seconds into an additional bed.

Besides the four sleeping berths, the Columbus is fully equipped in every other respect too. The side kitchenette features a high quality cooker/sink combination and a revolutionary pull-out cool box. The cool box can be accessed from both the inside and outside, thus ensuring chilled drinks are always at hand even during the evening's barbecue. Another feature that is unique in this class of vehicle is the heating system that Westfalia has fitted to the Columbus. Thanks to the combination of hot-water heating and an underfloor heating system that is fitted as standard, the interior is always cosy thus ensuring a maximum in comfort. In addition to this, it will be possible in future to order heated versions of the shower tray and rear shower wall.

All the travellers' needs are also met by the bathroom as well: the stylishly designed shower, toilet, and washbasin make travelling comfortable and convenient even off the beaten track. A cleverly devised storage concept ensures there is space throughout the vehicle for all the luggage and travel items – both large and small – and that they are quickly at hand when needed. And of course Westfalia also scores points in the Columbus with its familiar attention to detail. For instance, instead of simply putting the industry-standard covers over the front seats, they have been upholstered in the same design as the rear bench.

All furnishings and fittings feature the familiar high Westfalia quality. All trimmings are made from real aluminium and are therefore considerably more durable and of a higher quality than comparable finishes. The particularly hard-wearing covers, the real glass work surface, and the floor made from a wear-resistant PVC covering likewise underscore the high quality standards Westfalia expects all of its models to meet.

The Columbus is available from October. Orders are being taken immediately.

About Westfalia
Westfalia is one of the leading motorhome manufacturers in Europe. Besides manufacturing motorhomes and recreational vehicles for international automobile marques such as Mercedes, Opel, and Ford, the premium manufacturer has for three years now been focusing increasingly on developing its own models under the Westfalia name. After a sharp decline in orders in 2009, Westfalia filed for insolvency in January of this year. The company is taking this as an opportunity to effectively restore sustained profitability. Full production and product development are continuing.

http://www.westfalia-van.de
Westfalia at Caravan Salon Düsseldorf: Hall 12, A06-01
Columbus specifications
Base Fiat Ducato
Engine 100 Multijet / 120 Multijet / 160 Multijet Power
Transmission
Manual gearbox, 5/6 gears; optionally Comfort Matic
transmission with the 160 Multijet Power
Length / width / height 5,998 mm x 2,050 mm x 2,524 mm
Wheelbase 4,035 mm
Mass in running order according
to DIN – EN 1646-2
approx. 2,850 kg
Gross vehicle weight rating Optionally 3,300 kg or 3,500 kg
Towing weight braked 2,000 kg
Towing weight unbraked 750 kg
Sleeping berths 4
Seats 4
Interior fittings
Cooker with integrated piezo ignition; pull-out cool box;
fully-fledged shower cubicle with two drains, sturdy
GRP rear wall and shower tray, roof storage boxes,
mirror cabinet, toilet, and washbasin; ISOFIX anchorage
points for child seats.
Heating
4.8 KW Eberspächer hot-water heating system incl.
underfloor heating system
Press contact:
Martina Lamping
möller pr
Telephone: +49 (0)221 80 10 87-89
E-mail: ml@moeller-pr.de
http://www.moeller-pr.de