THE ONE BIG change you will see across all Coachman material for 2021 is entirely new branding. The logo may now be a more warming red, rather than ice blue, but it still references parts of the Coachman heraldry developed by the late Jim Hibbs when he launched the company back in 1986.

There’s a new strapline, too – The Road to Freedom. This phrase was first used by Jim Hibbs in 1994, but the company says it is very much part of its ethos now.

It’s not all about presentation, however. Coachman is expanding its ranges with new models in the upmarket Laser and more entry-level Acadia line-ups.

Lasers have previously all been twin-axle, but this season sees the launch of the first single-axle. The 8ft-wide Laser 575 Xcel has Coachman’s best-selling transverse-bed and end-washroom layout.

There’s also a new twin-axle, the 8ft-wide Laser 845 Xcel, which includes an L-shaped front lounge and a rear island bed.

Interior of the new 830 Xcel

The Acadia range, formed last year by the merger of Vision and Pastiche, gets two new 8ft-wide models. The 830 Xcel has an L-shaped lounge, and bunks in the rear, in front of an end washroom. The 875 Xcel, meanwhile, has the popular rear-transverse bed and end-washroom layout that features in the Laser 575 Xcel.

There are no new VIPs, but Coachman’s best-seller now comes with Dometic’s Series 10 fridge, with two-way opening, fitted as standard. All three ranges also now have Al-Ko’s Automatic Adjustment (AAA) Premium Brake. This self-adjusting brake is specially designed to reduce the caravan’s overall stopping distance.

Heritage and innovation – A quick Coachman history

Coachman logos through the years; the company has rebranded with a new logo

In 1986, the first Coachman caravan was hand-built in Hull, East Yorkshire. More than 50 years on, the company maintains its reputation for high-quality build and great design.

A 2001 management buyout headed by Jim Hibbs meant Coachman became an independent manufacturer. The company went on to greater success and extended its factory. In 2014, Jim’s son Elliot joined the firm, which he took over in 2016.

The 2000s saw a number of innovations, with new layouts and enhanced spec. Coachman picked up nearly a dozen industry awards between 2004 and 2006. In 2014, Coachman began working with Bostik to develop the ABC system. Using the latest adhesives and swapping wood for advanced polyurethane enabled the firm to make stronger and lighter vans, and virtually eliminated the risk of water ingress.

Taking place at 10am on Tuesday 13th October in Hall 6 Advice Lounge & Event Theatre is the Van Live! show launch of Coachman’s Laser 575 Xcel. Don’t miss it!

You’re in Hall 1 British Manufacturers at Van Live! See who else is exhibiting in this hall, or take me to the Show Guide.