The first conversion took place in 1986 based on the Volkswagen T3. The successful models were called the HD 60 and HD 80. They were available with an elegantly designed Sirius high roof made of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP). From 1986 to 1990, la strada built 73 of these models. In 1989, the Hessian company expanded its lineup with the Pronto and Primavera models based on the Ford Transit. By 1995, 160 vehicles from this series had rolled off the production line. During the same period, la strada sold the Siena and Torino, based on the Mercedes MB 100. These became bestsellers, with 480 units delivered. la strada’s current focus on all-wheel drive was also foreshadowed as early as 1989 with the special edition la strada Dolomiti, based on the VW T3 Syncro.
In the 1990s, the company showed a strong willingness to experiment. In search of new models and higher production volumes to utilize the capacity of its new plant in Echzell, la strada launched a model offensive. This led to the creation of several more bestsellers for the brand. The Avanti, based on the Fiat Ducato, remains the volume model for the Hessian manufacturer and is currently offered in eight floor plan variants. With the model change at Mercedes, the MB 100 models also disappeared from the la strada portfolio. They were replaced by the V3, V4, and Carat on the short wheelbase of the Mercedes Sprinter, and by the V6, V6E, and Regent on the long wheelbase of the Sprinter. The name Regent remains synonymous with la strada’s Sprinter models to this day.
To boost production figures, the company took some unusual steps in the 1990s: In 1994, used MB 208s were overhauled and converted into the la strada Magellan model. This allowed the company to offer a price of 42,800 DM, about 15,000 DM less than the cheapest new Mercedes model from la strada at the time. This was followed by models based on the Citroën Berlingo, Ford Transit, Renault Master, and Mercedes Vito, which were also quite successful in the market. The la strada Due models based on the LDV Convoy remained rather niche, with just 8 units built in 1997, as did the la strada Kia Mobil based on the Kia Pregio, which still found 91 buyers in 1999 and 2000. In the 1990s, wet rooms also made their way into la strada’s panel van motorhomes. First introduced in the MB 100 models in 1990, the Avanti L model also received a shower, cassette toilet, and sink starting in 1996. This comfort feature has become standard, and today there is no la strada motorhome without a bathroom.
A turning point in la strada’s history was the introduction of the la strada Nova in 2000. With this model, la strada moved beyond the realm of classic panel van motorhomes for the first time. At the same time, the Nova laid the foundation for a renewed focus on the premium segment, a focus that is now consistently reflected across all model lines. Visually similar to a semi-integrated motorhome, this most luxurious model in the la strada lineup is actually a monocoque motorhome. Here, a completely new living area is mounted on the ladder-frame chassis of the Mercedes Sprinter. Unlike conventional semi-integrated motorhomes, however, the exterior walls of the la strada Nova do not consist of three walls, a floor, and a roof that are joined together. The living area of the la strada Nova is manufactured from a single piece of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP). Hatches, doors, and windows are inserted into the designated recesses and are also made of GFRP. The result is excellent insulation, high robustness, and durability. With this elaborate construction method, the la strada Nova remains a unique model in the motorhome landscape to this day. The 2000s brought a new model strategy following a change in ownership and management. The range was streamlined to focus on high-demand models with stringent quality standards. The Avanti series on the Fiat Ducato, as well as the Regent and Nova series on the Mercedes-Benz, were supplemented until 2011 by the Trento model on the Ford Transit and the Fano model on the Renault Master.
With the model changes at Ford and Renault, the Trento and Fano series were discontinued in 2011. In the early 2010s, la strada expanded its Avanti series primarily with more compact models such as the Avanti M and the Avanti H. In the latter half of the 2010s, the larger, 6.36-meter-long Avanti EB and Avanti Hplus were added to the lineup. When it came to base vehicles, la strada remained consistently loyal to Fiat and Mercedes-Benz. The advancements in the new generations of these vans were welcomed in Echzell, as they met the comfort expectations of la strada customers. Numerous driver assistance systems thus found their way into la strada cabs. From traffic sign recognition to blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control, the Mercedes models Regent and Nova—and later the Fiat variants as well—offered increasing driving comfort.
The 2020s began with a major feat for la strada. Not only did the company have to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, as did the rest of the world, but 2020 also marked the long-awaited and meticulously planned debut of the third generation of the Nova. This engineering feat was honored with a Red Dot Design Award. And with the Nova EB, la strada built a new flagship model—nearly seven meters long—the first of its kind ever built in Echzell. The already well-known Nova M also grew by 15 centimeters. Together, the two models still form the premium segment of the Hessian motorhome manufacturer.
By 2025, la strada had refocused on expanding its line of comfortable panel vans. In 2022, the nearly seven-meter-long Regent EB was unveiled at the CARAVAN SALON in Düsseldorf. This gave the Regent series a new flagship model. The Avanti lineup was expanded with the addition of the Avanti EBF, a 6.36-meter-long model featuring a lift-up bed and longitudinal single beds. Most recently, the compact Regent E joined the model lineup, impressing with its multifunctionality featuring convertible single beds and removable rear drawers. Its layout is specifically tailored for two people.
To mark its 40th anniversary, la strada’s Edition 40 showcases features that point the way to the future. For example, the living area systems can now be controlled via the Smart Caravaning app, and a new electrical concept enables gas-free self-sufficiency on all trips. This package includes an induction stove, a powerful inverter, a large battery, and a high-performance charger. Together with diesel heating, a compressor refrigerator, and solar panels on the roof—all of which were already available in the equipment list—the entire gas system will become obsolete in the future. This equipment variant was met with enthusiastic response from customers as soon as it was presented at the CMT 2026 in Stuttgart. This development achievement was also honored with the PlusX Award for Innovation, High Quality, and Design.
Thirteen different models across the three Avanti, Regent, and Nova series currently make up la strada’s product portfolio. And the Hessian motorhome manufacturer still has plenty of ideas up its sleeve. As a result, the motorhome industry can continue to expect high-quality, compact motorhomes from Echzell that feature solid craftsmanship and reliable, comfortable technology.
Media contact:
Ralph Binder
Ralph Binder Public Relations
Tel. +49 (0) 15 77 – 70 91 95 2
