Slovenj Gradec - Robeta, the Koroška-based company specialising in building custom-made camper vans, has been seeing a surge in demand and sales for the past year. Now they expect to expand their presence in the European and global markets further as they enter a partnership with Ralf Schumacher, the former Formula One racing driver.

The company will sign a contract with Schumacher in Slovenj Gradec on Sunday afternoon to develop a limited edition of recreational vehicles (RV) based on his proposals.

Robeta CEO Primož Kotnik told the STA they would first build some 50 limited-edition vans a year as part of the partnership with Schumacher, expectedly to be followed by some more later on.

As they hand over a promotional vehicle to Schumacher today they hope as their ambassador he will help make the Robeta brand and Slovenia more recognisable world-wide.

Incorporated in 2011, Robeta builds made-to-order as well as serial production camper vans. The Covid-19 pandemic boost its order books; last year they built 190 camper vans, with plans to put out 250 this year, while the company is booked with orders until February 2023.

They sell their vans to all EU countries while they are also eyeing new markets. Due to the surge in demand, the company is planning to build a new production hall in Koroška by the end of 2022.

With additional hirings in early July, Robeta will have about 60 employees. They are planning between EUR 18 million and 20 million in sales for this year, after posting EUR 12 million last year.