Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles unveils two world premieres at Caravan Salon 2026

• Inflatable camping modules developed specifically for the new California Beach
• Major step forward in camping mobility through an innovative combination of modularity, lightweight design and functionality

• Joint development by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Stuff Bubble with vehicle-specific integration
• ID. California Cruise marks the beginning of a new all-electric California family At Caravan Salon 2026, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and innovation partner Stuff Bubble are presenting a world-first concept for the new California Beach. Developed exclusively for the vehicle, the two concept modules, an inflatable kitchen and a flexible bed system, open up entirely new possibilities for life on the road and mark a significant leap forward in modular camping solutions. The second highlight is the world premiere of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ first fully electric California: the ID. California Cruise, which lays the foundation for a new family of electric campervans.

The partnership combines the vehicle expertise of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles with the innovative thinking of Stuff Bubble, creator of the world’s first inflatable camping kitchen. Together, both companies have further developed the technology specifically for the California Beach and tailored it precisely to the vehicle architecture. The result is a concept solution that integrates seamlessly into the vehicle while retaining all the advantages of a removable modular system.

‘This partnership gives us the opportunity to rethink the campervan,’ says Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. ‘Together with our innovation partner Stuff Bubble, we are exploring how modern lightweight technologies and modular concepts can be transferred to the California Beach. To achieve this, we are deliberately drawing inspiration from other fields, such as kite sports, paragliding and inflatable tube constructions that have become standard in the world of modern tents. Our strategic approach is to free the classic campervan from heavy materials and rigid installations, replacing them with flexible, modular solutions. This creates genuine camping capability without compromising the everyday practicality of the base vehicle. In particular, it appeals to customers who do not want a permanently fitted interior but still want to enjoy the comforts of camping on spontaneous getaways, festival weekends or outdoor adventures.’

The inflatable kitchen has been developed specifically for integration into the existing luggage shelf mounting system of the California Beach and delivers full kitchen functionality despite its exceptionally low weight. Featuring an integrated closed water circuit and measuring approximately 120 x 44 x 47.5 cm, the complete module weighs less than 10 kg. A particular advantage is its split design, allowing the kitchen to be used flexibly both inside and outside the vehicle, whether at a campsite, lakeside pitch or remote outdoor basecamp. The new bed system is equally versatile. Offering a sleeping surface of approximately 200 x 134 cm, it is based on a multi-layer breathable construction and is far more sophisticated than a conventional air mattress. The system can be configured either as a double bed weighing 12 kg or as a single bed weighing 6 kg.

Even with the bed installed, there remains ample room inside the vehicle for relaxing, cooking or storing luggage. In this configuration, the California Beach can sleep up to four people.

The greatest customer advantage lies in the system’s modularity. Kitchen and bed can be used independently, separated into individual components or combined as required. As a result, the California Beach can transform into a fully-fledged camper, a mobile family hotel, a business shuttle, an outdoor sports basecamp or a spacious everyday vehicle. Customers also benefit from the lightweight textile-based construction, which reduces overall vehicle weight and helps preserve payload, efficiency and everyday usability.

Another major advantage compared with traditional modular furniture systems is that the modules require no dedicated storage space inside the vehicle when not in use. Thanks to their compact pack size, both the kitchen and bed can be stored neatly in a garage, storeroom or cellar. The vehicle therefore remains free from permanently carried additional weight and fully usable in daily life.

The new modules also build on the outstanding flexibility of the Multivan, extending its versatility with additional camping functionality. Developed jointly with Stuff Bubble, the concept combines an innovative split bed system with a fully functional kitchen solution, creating even more opportunities for spontaneous road trips and overnight stays. Depending on individual requirements, the Multivan can also be transformed from an everyday vehicle into a leisure and travel companion within minutes. Thanks to low weight and compact dimensions, the model’s core strengths, including flexibility, space and everyday practicality, remain fully intact. With these innovative modules, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Stuff Bubble demonstrate how the gap between a flexible leisure vehicle and a traditionally fully equipped campervan could be bridged in the future.

Their world premiere at Caravan Salon 2026 highlights how additional camping functionality can be realised without compromising vehicle flexibility. During the exhibition, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Stuff Bubble will gather customer feedback on the concept to help shape future development.

New member of the California family: The ID. California Cruise
The California is entering the electric era. At Caravan Salon, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is presenting the ID. California Cruise for the first time. Based on the ID. Buzz, the concept transfers the freedom, versatility and everyday practicality that define the California family into the age of electric mobility.

With its world premiere, the ID. California Cruise marks an important milestone towards an entirely new generation of all-electric campervans, which will be introduced step by step through to 2028.

Caravan Salon
Further details of the ID. California Cruise and the joint California Beach concept development with Stuff Bubble will be announced during Caravan Salon (28 August to 6 September) in Düsseldorf.

With these two world premieres, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles demonstrates how the future of camping is evolving, from new all-electric travel concepts to innovative solutions that deliver greater flexibility, modularity and lightweight design.

Visitors to the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles booth in Hall 16 will be able to explore the complete California range, from the Caddy California (not available in the UK) and California to the Grand California. They can also discover the California App and learn more about the California world and lifestyle.
Photo credit: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Posted on Autotech-plus.com

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