The Carthago Group.
A successful family business in Aulendorf, Upper Swabia.
We not only enable independence, we also maintain it.
What we stand for as a company.
As a manufacturer of premium class motorhomes, the Carthago brand stands for freedom and independence with the highest level of comfort. When you take a closer look at the company and the group as a whole, it becomes clear that independence holds an even deeper significance within the Carthago Group.
For over 45 years, we have been producing innovations in the motorhome industry, ensuring that the freedom of travelling in a Carthago motorhome is always associated with unparalleled comfort – so that wherever you go in your motorhome, you never have to compromise on anything as a Carthago customer.
Over 45 years of the Carthago Group also means over 45 years of:
- Premium ideas: The highest quality standards in every vehicle.
- Variety: A wide range of motorhomes for individual needs.
- Technical know-how: Specialist expertise that is reflected in the features of our vehicles.
- Passion and dedication: Despite the use of state-of-the-art manufacturing methods, every Carthago vehicle is manufactured with a considerable amount of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
There has been a lot of growth within our company during this time: our head office “Carthago City” with state-of-the-art production facilities and a large showroom in Aulendorf, Upper Swabia, as well as our factories in Odranci and Ormož in Slovenia. The number of employees has also increased to more than 1,500, and we have more than 250 dealers in Germany and abroad.
What has always remained important to us, despite all this growth and change, is the independence of our company. And this won’t change in the future either – in 2014, this was cemented with the establishment of the Carthago Family Foundation. As a customer, you can always rely on this just as much as our employees: the Carthago Group will remain a family-run company with a great deal of motivation and passion, characterised by personal commitment.
Yours, Karl-Heinz Schuler
Karl-Heinz Schuler
(founder, owner and chairman of the foundation)
1500
Mitarbeiter
250
Handelspartner im In- und Ausland
3
Standorte
Where and how was Carthago founded?
Carthago was founded in 1979 in Ravensburg. During his studies, Karl-Heinz Schuler often looked at camper vans and decided that he could improve their design. The first Malibu models were then developed in a garage and were brought to market in 1980. Thanks to the sturdy construction, inventive interior and unique features of its vehicles, Carthago went on to become Europe’s largest independent manufacturer in the sector.
Economic change inspired Karl-Heinz Schuler to take a brave step and brought the first complete camper van fit-out to the market in 1991. Meanwhile, the number of employees grew year-on-year, with the number of vehicles produced also rising continually. With new, innovative ideas and a motto of “everything has to go”, more and more models were added over the years. Even back then, customer value was the company’s main focus. The launch of the “chic” series in 2003 turned out to be a commercial success and the series is still regularly expanded today.
Where does the name “Carthago” come from?
It may be an abbreviation or it may be the desire for adventure in a foreign land. There are a number of theories about the origin of the name Carthago.
The simplest answer, however, is that our founder and owner Karl-Heinz Schuler just liked the name. Thus, in 1979, he named his company “Carthago”.
Our company history.
Get an insight into over 45 years of brand history!
Foundation of ‘Carthago’ by Karl-Heinz Schuler. Tailor-made conversions according to customer specifications on any suitable basic vehicle.
Specialisation in VW bus conversions. Foundation of a limited company. The Malibu Hit begins its triumphal march.
Expansion of production hall to 2400 square meters.
With the Carthago 29, 34 and 35 alcove motorhomes on Fiat Ducato and VW T4, Carthago is presenting vehicles with a complete body for the first time.
Genius
In the new “Genius” alcove motorhome on a Volkswagen LT, Carthago is using body technology from the liner premium class for the first time: full aluminium sandwich for the side walls with high-quality Styrofoam insulation and a double floor in the rear for frost-protected storage of tanks and additional storage space. The body technology is a milestone for Carthago and later becomes an industry-wide model – the path to becoming a premium brand is opened.
Introduction of Ethos and Mondial alcove models based on Fiat and Mercedes respectively.
Construction of a new building in Schmalegg. Total area of production hall, showroom and offices now exceeds 5000 square meters on an 11,000 square meter site.
The beginning of a new era: Carthago presents its first integrated motorhome, the M-Liner, with a choice of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Iveco Daily chassis.
Introduction of the Carthago Chic alcove model range on the chassis of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, from 2003 also on the Fiat Ducato with AL-KO low frame.
Complete reworking of the M-Liner series. Presentation of the Chic T at the Düsseldorf Caravan Exhibition.
Carthago completes model range
Carthago completes the Chic model range with an A-Class motorhome. The look is groundbreaking, the chassis is the Fiat Ducato with AL-KO low frame. At the same time, Carthago is redeveloping the Opus. The flagship is the new Mega-Liner on a MAN chassis. Carthago celebrates the company’s 25th anniversary on the factory premises in Ravensburg: around 1000 guests attend with 400 motorhomes. In its anniversary year, the company employs 110 people, manufactures around 350 motorhomes and has a turnover of 30 million euros.
Carthago begins an impressive campaign of new models
Two completely newly developed vehicles, the new Opus and the M-Liner. Also, the Chic and Mondial models undergo a fundamental reworking and are reintroduced at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. The Chic model range is from now on available on three new chassis: the Fiat Ducato Alko, the Mercedes Benz Sprinter with the Alko low frame chassis and the rear wheel driven Iveco Daily.
More than ever, Carthago combines highest quality features with consistent lightweight construction
At the same time, Carthago refines the body with a hail-resistant GRP exterior of the roof and a rot-proof GRP underside of the floor. Double floor and walls made of a full aluminium sandwich are a matter of course. Carthago chic e-line and chic s-plus extend the model family. With the chic A, for the first time a Carthago model is voted motorhome of the year in the promobil readers’ poll. Carthago grows, the number of employees rises to more than 300. Symbol of the growth is a new, second factory on an area of more than 50,000 m² in Odranci/Slovenia.
The 1,500th Chic c-line leaves the factory.
With the C1 tourer – later the c-tourer – Carthago continues on its way into more popular price categories. Nevertheless, as an integrated and Coachbuilt model, the tourer offers all the quality features of a Carthago – supplemented by a consistent lightweight construction concept. The chic c-line T is voted motorhome of the year in the promobil readers’ poll. Carthago is the first motorhome manufacturer to receive the TÜV certificate for “driving comfort”. Carthago is responding to the increasing demand with an additional production line at the Odranci plant in Slovenia. The ground-breaking ceremony for the new company headquarters in Aulendorf/Upper Swabia takes place at the end of 2011. The company employs 630 people. The structures grow with the company: Founder and Managing Director Karl-Heinz Schuler appoints a four-person management team.
Weight reduced again
The new c-tourer I super-lightweight sets standards for light premium-integrated vehicles. Carthago have improved the vehicle’s weight and reduced it by more than 100 kg. The Malibu is back: the new subsidiary brand Malibu is launching with the Malibu Van comfort campervan – a contemporary interpretation of the campervan theme. Carthago is the first motor home maker to receive a TÜV certificate for wood-free motor home cabins. The new c-compactline with its particularly slimline habitation receives the “European Innovation Award”. The company’s move to the new site in Aulendorf is perfectly on schedule. The combination of sales exhibition, factory-owned parking space, service centre with attached spare parts warehouse, production and company headquarters is unique in the industry.
The A-Class model range chic celebrates its tenth anniversary
This year, the chic model series integrated is celebrating its tenth anniversary- For this occasion, the all-rounder chic c-line Generation II will be presented in the V-face design with distinctive front mask. The c-tourer sport presented at the Caravan Salon for the first time had also for a sensation. For the first time, the subsidiary brand Malibu will have its own stand at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf.
Carthago presents the new generation of chic e-line and chic s-plus
They are given the distinctive v-face design, a sporty masculine formed rear, and other novelties. The c-tourer I is distinguished by a new face. Top of the range model from Europe´s number one premium brand for integrated motorhomes is the upgraded Carthago highliner once again. With five podium places, Carthago is the most successful premium brand at the election to motorhome of the year. The Carthago highliner is the overall winner by the “Customer is king practical test”. With the semi-integrated and integrated motorhome, the subsidiary brand Malibu has become a full-range provider. At the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, Malibu received the award “Goldenes Reisemobil” (Golden Motorhome) from the trade journal Auto Bild Reisemobil.
Carthago surprises with the new
Space miracle c-tourer I “epic” 144 LE
With a movable wall to the shower room, the Carthago achieves fully-fledged single beds, a generous luxury bathroom as well as a generous L-shaped seating group in an integrated motorhome in a length of almost seven metres. The solution is being registered for patent approval. At the same time, the motorhome is a forerunner for a new furniture generation. chic c-line I and c-tourer T have been elected to motorhome of the year, three more podium places came on top of that – the premium brand Carthago achieved a dream result. Carthago wins the “European Innovation Award” for their innovative lightning protection concept.
Luxurious motorhome for couples: the liner-for-two with its innovative room concept.
chic e-line new generation
The centrepiece is the chic e-line new generation, which surprises with a completely new furniture design and avant-garde design. But that’s not all: Carthago is presenting the chic e-line new generation on Mercedes-Benz – two manufacturers who are known for premium through and through.
Carthago can celebrate twice over!
In addition to the awards in the promobil readers’ poll, the company received further honours: Carthago was also on the winners’ podium in two categories in the European Innovation Award: Winner in the “Safety” category with the unique Carthago full LED headlights Winner in the “Target Group Focus” category with the c-compactline Super-Lightweight – the lightest lightweight in the liner premium class.
c-tourer T
Some of the Carthago model series are under a special star in model year 2021: some models of the c-tourer I/T, chic c-line I and chic e-line/s-plus new generation model series are available on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Combined with the unique Carthago Premium DNA, this makes it the new king of semi-integrated vehicles: premium technology, elegant design, top quality, selected materials.
chic c-line new generation 2022
New furniture architecture, new style world linea progressiva and XL models on Mercedes-Benz.
Introduction of the c-tourer I/T 145 RB LE
The combination of maximum comfort, exclusive Liner genes and low tare weight with a vehicle length of just under 7 metres – that has never been seen before. A luxury bathroom combined with lengthways single beds in such a short vehicle length are unique in this combination. The Malibu Van from the Malibu subsidiary brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary following its reintroduction.
Carthago wins further prizes
The company is not only celebrating its 45th anniversary, but also another European Innovation Award. The c-tourer 145 RB LE scooped the prize in the “Layout” category for its innovative room concept. In addition, the motorhome of the year award once again saw four podium finishes this year.
The new definition of chic
The new chic c-line once again presents itself as a trendsetter with revised furniture design, the striking front mask in ‘v-face design’ for all fully integrated models on Mercedes-Benz Sprinters – and much more. The liner premium class also gets a facelift. The portfolio is also being expanded with new models in the C2-tourer I and C1-tourer T model ranges.
Three locations. One culture. Satisfied customers.
Down-to-earth yet open-minded. This is the Carthago culture. It is also in evidence at our company locations. Carthago grew up in Ravensburg in Upper Swabia – a region of inventors and founders.
With its new Carthago City location in Aulendorf in Upper Swabia between Ulm and Lake Constance, Carthago has remained true to its roots. The premium-class motorhomes chic e-line, s-plus and liner-for-two are manufactured here. In addition, the sales exhibition, service centre, spare parts centre and company headquarters are concentrated here – ultra-modern, environmentally friendly and nestled in beautiful surroundings. We have motorhome pitches for all of our guests. Take a factory tour to see at first hand the exceptional craftsmanship and high-tech components that are combined in our vehicles. Carthago City is easy to reach by car, train and plane.
Carthago manufactures according to exactly the same high standards in its second factory Odranci in Slovenia. This is where C1-tourer, C1-tourer Edition+, C2-tourer and chic c-line are created. This state-of-the-art factory was opened in 2008 and has been expanded several times since.
The Carthago plant in Ormož in Slovenia, which was opened in 2023, is also highly specialised and ultra-modern. In this third location, the popular Malibu Van and the Malibu Genius are manufactured.
The
Carthago Band.
Were you aware that we have our own Carthago band? We are proud of our Slovenian colleagues Robert Vörös (front man), Robert Marič (bassist), Franc Koren (guitarist) and Tibor Kiraly (drummer) for deciding to get together to combine their passion for music with their love for our products. The band performed for the first time under the name Carthago Band at Odranci’s tenth anniversary celebration in October 2018. It was the perfect occasion to play their debut song “Travel around the world” for the first time. This was a very special moment for the company, which is why the band has also become a regular feature at all kinds of events over the years. In the meantime, they have written two songs for the company.
Carthago Song: Travelling around the world.
It all started with the song “Travel around the world”. It was written by the Carthago Band for the occasion of Odranci’s tenth anniversary in October 2018 and was played live for the first time at the celebration there. Robert Vöröš was inspired by the story of the company founder and owner Karl-Heinz Schuler and his idea of a house on wheels.
Music is played when you click on the play button.
Carthago Song: Carthago Si Ti.
To celebrate the opening of our new Malibu Van plant in Ormož in April 2023, our Carthago Band wrote a new song for the company. It is a song about the Carthago employees and their team spirit. While this song was being played at the opening ceremony, the employees took to the stage together to show just how strong the team spirit is amongst the group.
Music is played when you click on the play button.
Discover
carthago inside.
Your look behind the scenes.
With our “Carthago Inside” video format, we take you into the world of Carthago and the motorhome industry. Find out about the latest trends, exciting insights and exclusive background information. Take a look now and stay up-to-date!
