A collection of unique Caravans!

The Nissan booth at Osaka Auto Messe (OAM) 2024 featured a “dedicated Caravan booth” with eight customized Caravans with Sotoasobi specifications. With the momentum of the outdoor boom, this area, where visitors could see, touch, and experience the world of the caravan, attracted a constant stream of visitors. This section introduces the Caravan booth, which was not at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Eight caravans, one more company than in 2022, were gathered

“When the caravan underwent a big minor change in 2021, we decided to focus on outdoor customization. We commissioned seven builders with a strong caravan background across the country to produce customized vehicles and developed the Caravan Customization Collection. The aim is to convey the fun of tinkering with cars and the quality of caravans by bringing together a wide variety of vehicles”

This is the first time this event has been held. This is not the first time a similar booth has been set up at the Osaka Auto Messe in 2022 (Season 1). As well as displaying customized vehicles, a special website was set up on the official Nissan Motor Co. webpage for the Caravan, with videos introducing each company’s vehicles. In addition, a drawing was held for a chance to win a Caravan (one car), and a popularity contest (vote via the special website) was also held, to create excitement with Caravans, not only for visitors but also for car enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts. Season 1 was exhibited at the Osaka Auto Messe and then at several other events across the country. All of them were quite well received, which led to this Season 2.

Season 2 follows on from Season 1 in terms of content, such as building a customized Caravan within the scope of vehicle inspections and winning cars by popular vote, but the number of participating shops has increased by one to eight (CRS, JAOS, OGUshow, NEEDSBOX, BOXY STYLE, BUSOU, BUSOU BODY LINE/ARJ). By limiting the base vehicles to four-wheel drive diesel vehicles, there was a line-up of more outdoor-oriented, activity-oriented vehicles, such as the Transporter, Van Style, and Gothic SUV look.

The interior of each car also varies here, from the standard overnight stay specification to co-working spaces, fishing bases, and more. Details can now be seen in every detail on a special website with photos and videos, so if you couldn’t make it to the show, be sure to check it out.

The popularity vote has changed from the simple “Which car do you like best !?” of Season 1 to “Which car do you like best !?” in Season 1, but now you can vote in the ‘Exterior’, ‘Interior’ and ‘Original (original idea)’ categories. A Caravan (this time a stock Grand Premium GX) was awarded by lottery to one of those who voted for the first place in each category.

Also, there is a possibility that the caravan will be displayed at events across the country, as it was in Season 1, although plans after the Osaka Auto Messe are currently undecided. Information will be uploaded to a special website, so those who “want to see the actual car!” It’s a good idea to check the website regularly.

The Hiace is overwhelmingly popular in the 1BOX market, but the Caravan after minor changes is equal or superior to the Hiace in terms of looks, dynamic performance, and ease of use. The tough and powerful new diesel engine and four-wheel drive are particularly attractive as a customized base for outdoor use. Want to know more about the appeal of the Caravan? If you want to get a taste of the latest customization, visit the special website!　You’re sure to find a world of Caravans you didn’t know existed.

translated by DeepL