How we got to who we are today
An insight in a brand history of 60 years.
From the past directly to the future. The KNAUS Schwalbennest seeks to fulfil holiday dreams. KNAUS has for nearly 40 years motorhomes and ist by now KNAUS is one of the most successful brand of the industry. But we don´t forget our roots.
1960
The start of a successful history begins. Helmut Knaus establishes KNAUS in the town of Marktbreit in Franconia
1961
The KNAUS Schwalbennest is introduced – compact, comfortable and light.
1962
An icon is born. The KNAUS SÜDWIND makes its début.
1970
Time for higher production capacities and a new headquarter. Our main factory in Jandelsbrunn is built.
1973
A reward for his courage and pioneering spirit. Helmut Knaus receives the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
1985
The business quickly gathers momentum. This is now clearly reflected by the new logo.
1988
The TRAVELLER is the first KNAUS motorhome and is named Promobil’s „motorhome of the year".
1996
With the Travel‐Liner we introduce a new integrated motorhome to our range ̶ with great success.
2003
A genuine success story begins. Finally, there is a camper van in KNAUS quality.
2004
The SUN TI with its large panoramic roof is a great inspiration for a brand‐new type of vehicle.
2010
50 years have gone by and KNAUS has become one of the most successful producer of leisure vehicles.
2011
The Schwalbennest makes a comeback for its anniversary – in a limited edition of 150 units.
2012
The SKY I introduces a new generation of integrated motorhomes and inspires in matters of function and design.
2013
A new dawn at KNAUS: A new era begins with our Caravisio study.
2013
Another jubilee: We celebrate 25 very successful years of KNAUS motorhomes.
2015
After a few years without liners we are back in the luxury segment with our new KNAUS SUN I.
2016
Lightweight construction alone is not enough for us: We want a revolution. TRAVELINO 2.0 goes into production.
2016
SKY TI: Germany’s best selling semi‐integrated motorhome is from our company and takes off, revised, into the new model year.
2016
We are revolutionizing an entire industry. TEC MISSION is the way to the future.
2017
The brand‐new DESEO joins the TRAVELINO with state‐of‐the‐art FibreFrame technology.
2017
With the L!VE series, KNAUS rounds the largest and most attractive model range of all time.
2018
Greater efficiency with our new production plant in Jandelsbrunn.
2018
Our motorhomes celebrate 30 years of success.
2018
The VAN TI PLUS has what belongs together: KNAUS builds the first motorhome on the MAN TGE.
2020
The big KNAUS jubilee – 60 years of holiday happiness! On the occasion of Helmut Knaus’ 100th birthday & 60th brand anniversary, we would like to thank you. Your trust has made us one of the most successful brands and constantly drives us to develop innovative products for your holiday happiness.
2020
Our innovative KNAUS FoldXpand rear design combines two seemingly contradictory characteristics of a motorhome: maximum interior space with compact exterior dimensions. Thanks to unique folding lamella technology and a completely new kind of rear light carrier, the rear section is transformed into a harmonious, level surface. This has resulted in a revolutionary concept that is completely new in motorhome construction, maximizing living space by just under 10 cm on the inside without taking up a single millimetre more space on the outside.
2021
25 years of SPORT&FUN. Our icon of practicality celebrates its birthday! From the premiere of the first model in 1988 to the noble BLACK SELECTION edition in 2020: Read everything about the extraordinary success story of this legendary caravan on the Schwalbenblog (only available in German)!
2021
We break new ground with KNAUS E.POWER technology! The KNAUS SPORT & SÜDWIND now features fully electric equipment and is gas‐free.
2022
More KNAUS, more caravanning, more freedom: The mein.KNAUS customer club celebrates its 10th anniversary and boasts a steadily increasing number of members.
2022
A true icon turns 60! We look back at six decades of the KNAUS SÜDWIND – a success story that is symbolic to the entire KNAUS brand. The first SÜDWIND was a milestone in the caravanning industry and changed people’s holiday habits permanently.
2022
The caravan classic AZUR returns and brings with it a completely new concept of space thanks to its revolutionary, self‐healing FibreFrames. The modern interior in a cocooning design and its high‐quality equipment make the new AZUR a 5‐star living space to go.
2022
The best of two worlds combined in a new vehicle class. This compact vehicle offers maximum flexibility for your holiday! The revolutionary KNAUS TOURER CUV featuring an innovative pop‐up roof concept presents a true revolution for more freedom that moves!