The new Mercedes-Benz James Cook Westfalia Sprinter is set to receive the “Caravanning design award: best practice” at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2006. The new-design James Cook is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and is being presented to the public for the first time in Düsseldorf.

The new James Cook Westfalia Sprinter is a made-to-measure camper van: two roof variants, two design and equipment lines, numerous options for individualising the interior and a wide range of appointments and accessories round off the new product range. Based on the 3665-mm wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the new James Cook measures 5.91 m in length. The new interior concept is built around a modular system, with an all-new seat bench/bunk, a washroom and various kitchen modules, all of which can be combined with the additional rear stowage area to suit requirements.

Two new design and equipment lines – Trend and Ambiente – allow the owner to add an individual touch to the basic “Compact” and “Classic” James Cook models. The Trend line is deliberately functional, while the look and equipment featured in the Ambiente line are aimed at particularly discerning camper van customers. When it comes to looks and functionality, further highlights are offered by the interior fixtures and the elegant kitchen and washroom fascias. Together with the stylish finish of the interior furnishings – in pale oak with elegant aluminium fittings, for example – they create a spacious, contemporary feel.

The jury of experts, made up of Adi Kemmer, Head of the Outdoor and Leisure Division at Motor Presse Stuttgart, Tom Schönherr, Managing Director at Phoenix Design, Thomas Seidelmann, Editor-in-Chief at “Reisemobil International” and Professor Peter Zec, Head of the Design Zentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen and President of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid), awarded the coveted Quality Seal to 12 products in all, all of which demonstrated meticulous design and an innovative approach. Three products were also singled out for the special “Caravanning design award: best practice”.

This year’s Caravan Salon Düsseldorf will mark the third time that the Messe Düsseldorf has presented the coveted design prize to particularly innovative products in the camper van and caravan sector. The industry award is organised by red dot projects. The award ceremony will take place on August 26 at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf. All of the award-winning products will be on show in Hall 16 during the Salon event.