Innovative new vehicle aimed at urban-based caravanners
AN INFLATABLE POP-UP roof and a chassis that lowers so the caravan can be stored in a conventional garage are just two of the innovations the Porsche design studio has included in a new concept RV that it has produced with Airstream.
The new trailer retains Airstream’s famous aluminium body, but its profile has been altered to make it more aerodynamic.
It also includes a rear door with a bottom half that opens down to make a sun deck, and continuous windows along the sides.
Airstream says it wanted to try out the new sinking chassis – a first for the brand – with the aim of appealing to urban-based customers, who might not have a great deal of space to store their vehicle outside.
Although the trailer will not, for the present moment at least, be going into full production, a one-third size model was on display at the South by Southwest Conference and Festivals in Austin, Texas, back in March.
Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler said, “While our concept projects don’t always reach the marketplace, the resulting lessons and innovations often influence present and future designs as they make their way into our main product lines.”
Swift expansion
Swift is looking to expand its workforce by 200 to 1500 in the next three years – and to prepare for that, is improving staff facilities at its main site north of Hull.
The manufacturer has spent £2m developing Hub Sixty-Four, a large café and social space which it hopes can also be used for events and less formal training. The new facility is part of the firm’s £10m investment in the site.
Going haywire
A driver who believed a haystack did not need to be secured before he towed it was just one in nearly 700 offences picked up by Highways England during a week-long undercover survey of British roads last month.
The driver, stopped by Northamptonshire polic
