VW Is Just Taunting American Camper-Van Fans NowVolkswagenVolkswagen is just rubbing it in by showing off all the cool camper van options we can't get in the US. That's right, plural, as in we get no VW campers in the states while folks in Europe have two options—ironically, named California and Grand California—with more to follow.The occasion for the newly released photos and press release is the unveiling of a new interior system concept for its California Beach camper van. Volkswagen partnered with camping accessories maker Stuff Bubble to develop removable special inflatable camping equipment specifically for the van, to show off at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany, August 28 through September 6. The concept system consists of an inflatable kitchen as well as a lightweight bed that VW says can be installed or removed by one person in minutes.The kitchen weighs less than 22 pounds and incorporates a closed water system. It sports a two-piece design that allows it to be used either inside or outside the van, and it attaches to the California Beach's existing luggage-shelf mounting points.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe inflatable bed measures approximately 79 by 53 inches and uses a multilayer breathable construction instead of a conventional air mattress design. It can be configured as a 26-pound double bed or split into a 13-pound single-bed setup. Combined with the California Beach's pop-up roof, the system allows the van to sleep as many as four people.VolkswagenVolkswagen says the advantage of the inflatable system is for when the van isn't actually being used for camping. Where a conventional camper conversion necessitates carrying around the kitchen, beds, and cabinets all the time—taking up space and adding heft—the inflatable equipment can instead be packed away at home, basically transforming the California Beach to a normal passenger van.It would be a big departure from the regular California Beach Camper, which does use a permanently installed compact kitchen module in its cargo area."This partnership gives us the opportunity to rethink the campervan," Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles CEO Stefan Mecha said, noting that engineers looked to inflatable structures used in kite sports, paragliding, and modern tents for inspiration.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor now, however, the inflatable equipment remains a concept. Volkswagen and Stuff Bubble plan to collect feedback from Caravan Salon visitors before deciding whether to put the system into production.The bigger long-term development Caravan Salon visitors will get to see is the ID. California Cruise, an electric camper based on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says the concept will serve as the starting point for a new family of battery-electric California camper vans scheduled to roll out through 2028.VW isn't divulging many technical details yet, but basing the camper on the ID. Buzz marks a significant step for a California lineup historically built around Volkswagen's combustion-powered vans. The current California is based on the Multivan and is available in Europe with gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. And though the ID. Buzz is available in the US, VW has not indicated whether this camper version will make its way to our shores.Still, taken together, the two concepts show Volkswagen is looking to remain in the camper van game for a long while yet.