Malibu

What Malibu does

Malibu Gmb & Co. KG is a German manufacturer of premium camper vans and motorhomes, operating as a brand within the Carthago Gruppe alongside Carthago Reisemobilbau GmbH and Carthago d.o.o. The company was founded in 1979 by Karl-Heinz Schuler in Aulendorf, Baden-Württemberg, under the guiding principle "Das geht besser" (It can be done better). Vehicles are built on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Fiat/Stellantis chassis platforms, with manufacturing executed through the related Carthago d.o.o. entity in Slovenia; the Malibu GmbH & Co. KG legal entity itself is reported as a small (1-10 employee) brand-management and sales organization headquartered at Carthago Ring 1, Aulendorf. Managing directors are Markus Kern and Bernd Wuschack.

Malibu's product portfolio spans two main categories: camper vans (Malibu genius on Mercedes Sprinter with innovative Heck-Extension rear architecture, Malibu genius performance 4x4, Malibu relax premium van, and the Malibu Van series in Compact, Comfort, Diversity, and First Class - Two Rooms variants on Fiat chassis) and motorhomes (Vollintegriert fully-integrated and Teilintegriert partially-integrated models, each in standard and Edition+ variants, on Fiat or Mercedes chassis). Differentiating technical features include the Heck-Extension enabling 6.41m compact-length layouts, Doppelboden-Keller double-floor basement storage, extra-low rear garage, Supermax-Bad shower expansion, longitudinal single beds up to 2m, and a Sichtkonzept visibility concept. The 2026 model year introduces the new Malibu relax and a new generation of motorhomes.

The business model is B2C vehicle sales (one-time hardware sales of premium RVs typically priced in the six-figure euro range) executed exclusively through a certified dealer partner network (Handelspartner) across DACH, Scandinavia, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, supplemented by a direct factory outlet (Werksverkauf) in Aulendorf offering sales, leasing, rental/test drives, and configuration appointments. Supporting revenue streams include vehicle configuration/customization (via online CAS Merlin CPQ configurator), leasing, rental/testing (Mieten & Testen), and merchandise/accessories (Malibu Shop). Dealers are equipped with an integrated technology stack — CAS genesisWorld CRM, CAS Merlin CPQ, DealerDesk, Syscara, HubSpot, and TefKat after-sales — and the Carthago Academy training platform. Marketing operates across Malibu Magazine, newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google Ads, and Meta Ads, alongside trade show participation and factory action days.

Name

Malibu

Legal name

Malibu GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://malibu-carthago.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Malibu is a German premium manufacturer of camper vans and motorhomes (built on Mercedes-Benz and Fiat chassis), founded in 1979 and operating as a brand within the Carthago Gruppe, selling exclusively through a certified European dealer network and a direct factory outlet in Aulendorf.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Aulendorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Vehicle Sales (Camper Vans & Motorhomes): Malibu generates revenue primarily from the sale of new recreational vehicles, including camper vans (Malibu Van, Malibu relax, Malibu genius) and motorhomes (vollintegriert and teilintegriert). Vehicles are available in multiple model lines and editions (e.g., Edition +). Sales are conducted exclusively through authorized dealer partners and the factory outlet in Aulendorf.
2. Vehicle Configuration & Customization: Customers can configure vehicles using Malibu's online configurator (model year 2026), selecting from a range of options and packages. The configurator is integrated with CAS Merlin CPQ for quote generation.
3. Vehicle Rental & Test Drives: Malibu offers a rental and testing program (Mieten & Testen) at its Aulendorf factory outlet, allowing customers to experience vehicles before purchase.
4. Merchandise & Accessories (Malibu Shop): The Malibu Shop sells branded merchandise and accessories (edles Merchandising und schicke Accessoires) to customers and fans.
5. Leasing: Malibu offers vehicle leasing through its Aulendorf location, providing financing options for vehicle purchases.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Malibu GmbH & Co. KG manufactures and sells premium camper vans and motorhomes (Wohnmobile) for the leisure travel market. The product portfolio includes the Malibu genius and genius performance 4x4 camper vans built on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Malibu relax premium van, the Malibu Van series (Compact, Comfort, Diversity, First Class – Two Rooms) on Fiat chassis, and fully integrated (Vollintegriert) and partially integrated (Teilintegriert) motorhomes on Fiat or Mercedes chassis. Vehicles are sold through a certified dealer network across DACH and broader European markets, plus a direct factory outlet in Aulendorf, Germany.

Product overview

Malibu is a manufacturer of premium camper vans (Camper Vans) and motorhomes (Wohnmobile/Reisemobile) offering a comprehensive product portfolio. The product lineup consists of two main categories: Malibu Vans (built on Fiat chassis) and Malibu Reisemobile (motorhomes available on Fiat or Mercedes chassis). The Van lineup includes the premium Malibu genius (on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with innovative rear extension), the Malibu genius performance 4x4 (all-wheel-drive variant), and the Malibu relax (top premium van), along with the standard Malibu Van series featuring Compact, Comfort, Diversity, and First Class - Two Rooms models. The motorhome lineup offers both fully integrated (Vollintegriert) and partially integrated (Teilintegriert) models, each available in standard and Edition+ variants. The company provides vehicles with clever space concepts, modern design, and high quality, positioning itself in the premium segment of the leisure vehicle market.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Malibu genius Premium camper van built on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis featuring innovative Heck-Extension rear design for a compact 6.41m vehicle length, targeted at individual leisure travelers and couples seeking premium comfort in a compact footprint.
• Malibu genius performance 4x4 High-performance all-wheel-drive version of the Malibu genius camper van on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, offering enhanced independence and capability for off-grid and challenging-terrain travel.
• Malibu relax Premium camper van positioned as the top-tier van offering in the Malibu lineup, featuring maximum freedom of movement, generous storage space, and a new interior design targeted at premium leisure travelers.
• Malibu Van Compact Compact entry-level camper van in the Malibu Van series with smaller footprint suitable for narrow roads and small towns, featuring bed, kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
• Malibu Van Comfort Mid-range camper van with modern design, bright interior lighting, and an open, comfortable layout, positioned in the Malibu Van series for individual leisure travelers.
• Malibu Van Diversity Camper van with large kitchen front, generous freedom of movement, and open spatial feel achieved through a free line of sight across the interior.
• Malibu Van First Class - Two Rooms Premium camper van with open spatial feel, maximum freedom of movement, innovative floor plan, and clever storage solutions, positioned as the top-tier Fiat-chassis van.
• Malibu Vollintegriert (Fully Integrated Motorhome) Fully integrated motorhome built to highest quality standards on Fiat or Mercedes chassis, featuring double-floor storage, elaborate body construction, and a unique visibility concept for premium leisure travel.
• Malibu Vollintegriert Edition + Enhanced version of the fully integrated motorhome with additional premium features and upgrades, marketed as the Edition+ trim for premium leisure travelers.
• Malibu Teilintegriert (Partially Integrated Motorhome) Partially integrated motorhome offering high comfort on Fiat or Mercedes chassis, featuring smart added values for maximum functionality, comfort, storage, and well-being.
• Malibu Teilintegriert Edition + Enhanced version of the partially integrated motorhome with additional premium features and upgrades, marketed as the Edition+ trim for premium leisure travelers.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HubSpot Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationHubSpot CRM is used for customer relationship management, marketing automation, and newsletter distribution. HubSpot enables Malibu to manage customer interactions across email, social media, and phone, and to track user behavior on the website for marketing optimization.
• CARAVANA GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCaravana provides an online vehicle marketplace where dealer inventory of Malibu vehicles is listed. Customers can search available vehicles, initiate contact with dealers, and request consultations or offers through the platform.
• dealerdesk GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationDealerDesk is used for factory outlet sales management and forwarding customer consultation requests to dealer partners. The platform handles lead qualification, call center operations, service request routing, and integrates with third-party products via REST API for document management (invoicing, quotes, digital signatures) and multi-channel customer communication (email, phone, SMS, WhatsApp, video chat).
• CAS Software AGcoreTechnology or IntegrationCAS genesisWorld (CRM) and CAS Merlin CPQ (product configurator) are used across Malibu's dealer network and internal operations. CAS Merlin CPQ handles online vehicle configuration and email delivery of quotes. CAS genesisWorld manages customer data, vehicle configurations, appointments, tasks, documents, and orders in a centralized CRM system. Dealers use these tools to process customer inquiries and place orders with Carthago Group.
• Mercedes-Benz (Daimler)coreTechnology or IntegrationMalibu vehicles are built on Mercedes-Benz chassis platforms, including the Sprinter chassis for the Malibu genius and genius performance 4x4. The Mercedes-Benz brand and logo are featured prominently on Malibu product pages. Mercedes-Benz provides the base vehicle chassis while Malibu builds the recreational living area.
• Fiat (Stellantis)coreTechnology or IntegrationMalibu motorhomes (Vollintegriert and Teilintegriert) are available on Fiat chassis. Fiat provides the base vehicle chassis while Malibu constructs the living quarters. The Fiat logo is featured alongside Mercedes-Benz in product marketing.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Sunlight: German RV brand under the Erwin Hymer Group producing camper vans and entry-to-mid motorhomes. Comparable on camper van and semi-integrated motorhome segments, though focused on more accessible price points than Malibu.
• Weinsberg: Value-to-mid-tier RV brand under Knaus Tabbert producing motorhomes and camper vans (CaraCompact, CaraOne, CaraTour). Comparable on the camper van and compact motorhome product range, though positioned below Malibu's premium tier.

Broad incumbents

• Hobby Wohnwagenwerk: German RV manufacturer producing motorhomes, caravans, and camper vans. Comparable on European dealer-based distribution and motorhome product overlap, though positioned at slightly lower price tiers.
• Knaus Tabbert: Major German RV manufacturer producing motorhomes, caravans, and camper vans (Knaus, Tabbert, Weinsberg, T.E.C.). Comparable across integrated and camper van segments with broad European dealer coverage.
• Rapido Group: French RV conglomerate producing integrated and semi-integrated motorhomes plus camper vans across multiple brands (Rapido, Itineo, Dreamer, Campérêve). Comparable on semi-integrated premium positioning and multi-brand European distribution.
• Erwin Hymer Group (Hymer): One of Europe's largest RV groups with deep premium motorhome and camper van portfolio (Hymer, Dethleffs, Sunlight, Niesmann+Bischoff). Directly comparable on premium integrated and semi-integrated motorhomes, though operating at significantly larger scale.
• Dethleffs: German RV manufacturer under the Erwin Hymer Group producing integrated, semi-integrated, and alcove motorhomes plus camper vans. Comparable on semi-integrated motorhome offering and European dealer reach.

Direct peers

• Pilote: French RV manufacturer producing low-profile, semi-integrated, and fully integrated motorhomes plus camper vans (van conversions on Fiat/Peugeot). Comparable on semi-integrated motorhome positioning and European dealer model.
• Westfalia (Westfalia Mobil): German specialist in premium camper van conversions (especially Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Sprinter based). Directly comparable to Malibu's Van and genius lines on compact premium van positioning and base vehicle platform.
• Carthago: Sibling brand under the same Carthago Gruppe, manufacturing premium integrated and partially integrated motorhomes on similar Fiat and Mercedes chassis. Most directly comparable competitor given shared parent, overlapping product positioning, and shared Aulendorf-area operations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@MalibuReisemobileVans
• Facebookfacebook.com/malibu.reisemobile/?locale=de_DE
• Instagraminstagram.com/malibu_reisemobile/?hl=de

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Malibu