Media partly to thank for VW camper van resurgence

• 25th Nov 2013

The media has a big part to play in the current Volkswagen camper van resurgence, according to VolksWorld editor James Peene.

Speaking to Neil O'Sullivan on ft.com, he claims that Britons have been influenced by the likes of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver - renowned for his love of the iconic motor. Peene says: "Seeing them in the media has made a lot of people think they'd like to get in on the action for themselves."

It could also be down to the fun associated with driving the vehicle, Peene went on to suggest - claiming that the "thrill of driving" a camper van can make choosing it over regular camping an enticing prospect.

"Driving becomes more about the journey than the destination. Other VW owners wave or flash their lights as you drive towards each other," Peene added. "You just don't get that with any other make."

His comments come as journalist O'Sullivan took his first trip in one of the vans - visiting Cornwall's Harlyn Bay with his family. Praising the motor for making him "take it easier" than he usually would on holiday, O'Sullivan loved the feeling of being out in the van on the open road and spoke of the "tranquillity" it offered.

He isn't the only journalist to have taken a winter break in the iconic vehicle however, as the Daily Mail's Fred Redwood recently did the same. He too enjoyed the experience and proclaimed on dailymail.co.uk that there's "nothing like" travelling in a VW van - perhaps spurring on other Britons to take the plunge this winter.