Laika is a premium Italian motorhome manufacturer with 60 years of heritage, known for combining Italian design elegance with the engineering resources of the Erwin Hymer Group. Produced in one of Europe's most modern motorhome factories in Tuscany, Laika brings a distinctly Italian sensibility to the motorhome market — drawing inspiration from the food, wine and culture of its homeland.

The range spans three model families on Fiat Ducato platforms:

The Ecovip — Laika's iconic range since 1992, available in low-profile and fully integrated versions. The Ecovip won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2020, confirming its status as one of the most beautifully designed motorhomes in production. High-end finishes, modern equipment and elegant Italian styling define the Ecovip experience.

The Kreos — Laika's luxury flagship since 1999, characterised by state-of-the-art equipment, exclusive interior fittings and premium materials. The Kreos represents the pinnacle of Italian motorhome design for the discerning buyer.

The Kosmo — launched in 2018 in partnership with renowned automotive designers GFG Style, the Kosmo is Laika's more accessible range. Designed for newcomers, it combines genuine Italian design quality with practical pricing.

Laika motorhomes are characterised by their unmistakably Italian aesthetic — elegant furniture design, sophisticated colour palettes, premium materials and an attention to style that sets them apart from German and French competitors.

Laika was founded in 1964 by Giovambattista Moscardini in Tuscany, Italy, inspired by the space age — the brand is named after Laika, the first living being sent into space. In the midst of the Cold War space race, Moscardini produced his first camper, beginning a 60-year legacy of Italian motorhome design.

The company's first product was the Model 500 caravan, named for its diminutive size — it could be towed by a Fiat 500. The first factory opened in 1974, marking the transition to industrial production, and in 1977 the Motorpolo became Laika's first fully-fledged motorhome.

The iconic Ecovip range launched in 1992 and remains the backbone of the brand. The elegant Kreos series followed in 1999, establishing Laika's presence in the premium segment.

In 1999–2000, Laika joined the Erwin Hymer Group, forging what the companies describe as an elite combination of Italian design and German engineering. This partnership strengthened Laika's European distribution while preserving its distinctive Italian character.

When THOR Industries acquired the Erwin Hymer Group in 2019, Laika became part of the world's largest RV manufacturer. In 2023, Laika finally arrived in the UK market through the Erwin Hymer Centre dealer network, bringing 60 years of Italian motorhome heritage to British buyers for the first time.

Italian design excellence — Laika's interiors are among the most beautiful in the motorhome industry. The Tuscan design heritage is evident in every detail: elegant furniture profiles, sophisticated material combinations and colour palettes that feel genuinely luxurious. The Red Dot Design Award validates what owners already know.

60 years of motorhome heritage — as one of Europe's oldest motorhome manufacturers, Laika brings six decades of experience to every vehicle. The brand has evolved continuously while maintaining the passion and craftsmanship that defined its founding.

Italian-German fusion — the combination of Italian design flair with Hymer Group engineering resources creates motorhomes that are both beautiful and mechanically sound. It's an unusual and appealing combination that no other manufacturer replicates.

Premium Tuscan manufacturing — produced in a state-of-the-art factory in Tuscany, Laika motorhomes benefit from modern production technology while maintaining the artisan attention to detail that characterises Italian manufacturing.

Automotive design partnerships — the Kosmo range's collaboration with GFG Style (a renowned automotive design house) brings genuine automotive design expertise to the motorhome sector, resulting in vehicles that feel closer to premium car interiors than traditional recreational vehicles.

If interior design is your priority — no other brand combines Italian aesthetic sensibility with motorhome practicality as successfully as Laika. If you want a motorhome that genuinely looks and feels beautiful, Laika should be at the top of your list.

If you want something different from German brands — while German motorhomes dominate the premium market, Laika offers a distinctly different character. The Italian approach to design, materials and ambiance creates an experience that German manufacturers rarely achieve.

If you want Hymer Group engineering backing — the EHG partnership means Laika motorhomes are engineered to German standards while being designed by Italian hands. The best of both worlds for buyers who want reliability with style.

If you appreciate heritage and craftsmanship — Laika's 60-year history and Tuscan roots give the brand an authenticity and depth that newer manufacturers cannot match. There's a story behind every vehicle.

Very new to the UK market — Laika only arrived in the UK in 2023. The dealer network is minimal, brand awareness among UK buyers is low, and the used market for UK-specification models is virtually non-existent.

Most used examples are LHD continental imports — the vast majority of used Laika motorhomes in the UK are left-hand drive imports from continental Europe. Verify specification carefully if buying used.

Premium pricing — Laika's premium positioning means prices are correspondingly high, particularly for the Ecovip and Kreos ranges. Even the entry-level Kosmo is not inexpensive.

Parts availability in the UK — as a recent arrival, UK parts stocking is limited compared to established brands. Some components may need to be sourced from Italy or through the wider Hymer Group network.

Italian design may not suit all tastes — the distinctly Italian aesthetic, while beautiful, is quite different from the more understated German or British approach. It's very much a matter of personal taste.

Fiat Ducato only — the entire range is built on Fiat Ducato, with no alternative base vehicle options.

Verify UK specification carefully — most used Laika models in the UK are continental imports. Check right-hand drive status, gas system compatibility, electrical standards and documentation language. A full UK conversion may be needed on imported models.

Check the Fiat Ducato base vehicle — standard Ducato inspection protocols apply: cam belt history, clutch operation, gearbox condition and oil leaks.

Conduct a thorough damp check — while Italian construction is generally good, use a calibrated damp meter on all surfaces, particularly around windows and roof fittings.

Inspect the premium interior carefully — Laika's premium materials are beautiful but can be expensive to repair or replace. Check all surfaces, fabrics and furniture for condition appropriate to age.

Establish parts and servicing support — before purchasing, confirm that parts and servicing are available at a reasonable distance. The UK Erwin Hymer Centre network can support Laika, but coverage is limited.

Research the specific model and year — Laika's range has evolved significantly over 60 years. Ensure you understand the specific model generation and what equipment should be included.

Laika provides manufacturer warranty through the Erwin Hymer Group dealer network. As a recent arrival in the UK, warranty support is available through Erwin Hymer Centres but the network is limited. When buying used, verify warranty status and transferability.

For imported models or vehicles outside manufacturer warranty, an independent warranty backed by the RAC provides essential protection, particularly given the premium repair costs associated with Italian-design interiors and the potentially limited UK parts availability.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing comprehensive peace of mind on a premium Italian brand where UK-specific support infrastructure is still developing.

When buying a used Laika, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.