Hymer History

1957	first caravans were built by the Hymer family and marketed by his friend Erich Bachem, the name of the new marque was derived - ERIch BAchem = ERIBA
1958	series production of the caravans began, with an output rising to 455 units in 1959
1961	The first motor caravan ‘Borgward B611' was built with three different layouts.
1966	the 10,000 th caravan left the production hall
1970	Hymer France SA was set up
1972	The first 22 Hymermobils 550 were built based on the Mercedes L 508 D.
1973	Erwin Hymer became the head of the Hymer KG
1974- 1975	change from individual construction to a proper production line The first integrated style Mercedes based Hymer 660 was built, later joined by the S 720 “flagship” and the smaller 620 and 520 models.
1976	Launch of a budget A-Class Hymer 521 based on the Bedford Blitz, the first to have a swing-down cab bed, fore-runner of the later B-Class Introduction of the Hymer 650 based on the Mercedes ‘Bremen' transporter, a landmark model, the first to employ Hymer's ‘PUAL' construction (PolyUrethane/ Aluminium): sandwich of aluminium outer, plywood inner over a steel frame and PU foam filling
1976- 1986	around a hundred supervans for the super-rich were built (the oil-rich sheiks of the Gulf states)
1977- 1978	Yearly output had topped the thousand, “Hymermobil” was becoming synonymous with luxury motorhome in Germany The Hymer 900, 8.8 metres long, boasted every luxury and showed influences from the US RV
1979	launch of the new S-Class based on the Mercedes with a rounded frontal styling and a smoothly curved GRP roof
1980	Creation of the Eriba-Hymer GmbH joining the two companies Introduction of the new B-Class based on the Ford Transit and later the Fiat Ducato/Peugeot J5/Citroen C25
1982- 1983	Built in the French factory: Eribacar and Eribajet on Renault Trafic chassis Introduction of Hymer coachbuilts with the new Hymercamps I, II, III based on the Transit, Mitsubishi's L 300 and the Mercedes ‘Bremen' Addition of the Hymer S 750, a new “flagship” on Mercedes chassis with twin rear axles
1984- 1985	Hymercamp IV was added to the range on the Fiat/ Peugeot/ Citroen base PUAL construction adopted for all coachbuilt models as well -> six year guarantee against water penetration
1987	External re-styling of the range changing from cream-and-brown look to the ‘Playa Metallic' white/grey/silver and introduction of the Hymer cut-out in the front grille - remaining a distinctive feature until today Introduction of the first true semi-integrated ‘Tramp' models on the Fiat Ducato launch of the Hymer S 700, 7.2 metres long on the Mercedes 410 D
1989- 1990	The eighties had been a very successful period for Hymer with sales of over 25,000 motorhomes and around 85,000 caravans. Hymer GmbH was to become Hymer AG (joint stock company embracing Hymer, Eriba and Hymer France marques) Introduction of the Hymercar van conversion on the Fiat Ducato and later the Hymervan on the Fiat Talento
1992- 1993	Internal re-styling, B-Class now with light cherry-wood interior 3-point seatbelts and head-restraints for rear passengers introduced as standard equipment
1994- 1995	External re-styling to white exteriors and new graphics (blue stripes for B-Class) Introduction of the E-Class, a new model range between the B- and the S-Class, based on the Fiat chassis but boosting the standard features of the Hymer S-Class, having smooth side panels and the four round headlights – the first Hymer with a ‘smiley' face launch of the new S-Class on the Mercedes ‘Sprinter' as well featuring smooth side panels and round headlights The 50,000 th Hymer motorcaravan was produced ISO 9001 certificate, Hymer being the first in the German motorhome and caravan industry to qualify for the award
1996- 1997	Introduction of the Hymer Camp Swing range for the budget end of the market, simplified in style and specification but still with all the essentials – and very keenly priced B-Class changed from pebbled to smooth side panels Launch of the integrated ‘Star-Line' range which set B-Class style bodies onto the Mercedes Sprinter chassis
1997	B-Class was upgraded to the ‘smiley' face look with twin headlights and light pearwood decor inside
1998	Start of the Hymer Classic range providing affordable entry to the world of the integrated Hymermobil
1999	E-Class merged into the B-Class and was therefore discontinued ‘Hymer-rent' motorhome hire programme was introduced
2000	Launch of the new Hymer S-Class with grey side panels and double floor
2001	improved Hymercamps and B-Class with double floor and upgrade of Starline range to the rounded body of B-Class
2004	on the 27th October the 100,000th Hymer motorhome (a Hymercamp-Classic 524) leaves the production base in Bad Waldsee

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