What does Carthago stand for
Carthago is more than just a company. For over 45 years, we have been at the forefront of new developments in the motorhome industry to ensure that you can enjoy maximum comfort on your travels without needing to make any compromises.
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 our products.
Many things have grown during this time, such as our head office with production facility and large sales showroom in Aulendorf in Upper Swabia, and our plants in Odranci and Ormož in Slovenia. The number of employees has also increased to more than 1500, and we have over 250 dealers in Germany and abroad. But one thing remains unchanged: Despite the use of state-of-the-art manufacturing methods, every Carthago vehicle is manufactured with the level of same care, outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail that it has been for more than 45 years. We have put our heart and soul into the development of the Carthago Group.
The company became independent with the establishment of the Carthago Family Foundation in 2014, and this is set to continue in the future. You can rely on this, just as you can rely on our employees: The Carthago Group remains an owner-operated family business that punches well above its weight due to the passion and dedication of its staff. But don’t just take our word for it. Come and find out for yourself at shows, in Carthago City or at one of our dealers. We look forward to seeing you!
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”.
The
Carthago feeling
A holiday in a Carthago motorhome means being able to take your very own 5-star hotel on wheels wherever you want to go. Maybe you fancy staying somewhere a little longer because the wine tastes so good there or because the weather is amazing. You don’t need to plan, book or cancel your mobile hotel – you just need to go wherever you feel like going in the moment.
Are you currently on the road and have some time to spare? Then drop into one of our nearby dealers. You can find a list of our partners in the Dealers section.
Alternatively you can pay us a visit at a show or trade fair near you. We have listed all of our events in the Events section.
Are you sitting comfortably at home and thinking about your next holiday? Why not take a look at our product pages and have a browse to see what our models are all about. It goes without saying that the best place to get advice is to chat to one of our experienced advisors – for example here at our premises in Carthago City. Visit our pretty little town of Aulendorf and the welcoming region of Upper Swabia. Combine a visit with a factory tour, a test drive or simply take a stroll through our model exhibition. You can find more ideas for your stay in the Carthago City section.
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: Travel 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.
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.
Carthago
in numbers
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. Here, C1-tourer, C2-tourer and chic c-line models are made. 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.
Get an insight into over 45 years of brand history!
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