Westfalia/VW History

1844	Johann Bernhard Knoebel laid the foundation of the company as he set up a forge on first of October; he built heavy traps which distribute products from the rail station.
1922	The “Fahrzeugfabrik Westfalia” already employs 56 people.
1927	An open crate trailer was developed.
1932	Franz Knoebel makes a pioneering invention: he develops the ball coupling (ball joint); first caravan was built including: four berth, a kitchen, a wardrobe and plenty of storage compartments
1938	The caravan named “Landstreicher”, one of the most modern caravans of that time, enjoys a very high popularity.
1951	The world-wide first Campingbus is created based on the VW-Bulli; Campingbox- the composition of the new VW van is removable and therefor can be used at home
1952- 1979	The cab of the Mercedes-Benz named ‘Unimog' is produced.
1962	For the first time the furniture of the motorhome SO 34 is being produced with light synthetics.
1963	The famous “Fridolin” is being built for the German and Swiss Postal service.
1975	The first van for journey's on a VW LT basis is produced.
1976	Production of the first Mercedes “James Cook”
1977	„Sven Hedin“ is the first motorhome having a shower, a warm water system and a special high top based on the new VW LT.
1981	For the first time the VW Joker is being produced with an aerodynamical high top and a front panorama window.
1985	The Ford Werke are gained as a new partner. The “Nugget” offers mobility and activity in the leisure time. It is approved as a passenger car having a spirit stove.
1990- 1998	Production of the VW ‘California', the ‘Vito Marco Polo' and the ‘Vito F'. Commencement of the production of BMW multi trailer and the camper ‘Columbus 2'.
1999	Start up of the company ‚Westfalia Van Conversion'; Daimler Chrysler ownes 49 per cent of it.
2000	In October, with the support of Daimler Chrysler, Westfalia is starting its web-presence.
2001	Daimler-Chrysler AG takes 100 per cent ownership of Westfalia Van Conversion. The basic business policy stays the same. The 500.000 th Westfalia vehicle is built.
2002	The Opel Werke became the 4 th partner for Westfalia Van Conversions.
2003	With the T5, VW quits the longterm partnership and produces on its own. The new ‘Marco Polo' based on the Mercedes Benz ‘Viano' is introduced to the market.
2004	The opening up of the American market starts with the delivery of the first ‚James Cook' under the brand ‚Dodge Sprinter Westfalia' to the United States. Sales agent is the manufacturer „Airstream“.