… the original, which combines kitchen, bed and storage space in a single module. The term „campingbox“ now stands for an entire mini camper segment in its own right. You can read about some of the steps along the way in our story here or watch the video.
In the video, QUQUQ founder Ulrich Vielmetter explains how he came up with the idea for the camping box and what has happened since then.
Perhaps you know the feeling: the best ideas come to you when you least expect them. That’s exactly what happened to QUQUQ inventor Ulrich in the summer of 2010, when the professional graphic designer and amateur camper loaded up his Renault Kangoo with shopping in a good mood. And bang – the brilliant idea is there. Shortly afterwards, he sets off on a camping trip to Croatia in his self-built bus. As soon as he arrives, the rest of the family jumps into the sea and Uli scribbles his first sketches.
Of course, some insiders are sceptical about the plans. Cool idea, but you’re not serious, are you? Back at home, but still full of QUQUQ fever, Ulrich unperturbedly measures various high-roof station wagons and tinkers with many details until the prototype is ready in the garage months later. But does the box really fit in all models? After two complete rounds of installation tests and some fine-tuning, one thing is finally certain: the mini camper van in the box works.
What should the baby be called? It has to sound like freedom and fresh air somehow. So Ulrich hatches the onomatopoeic name „Cuckoo“ in the first step. The fact that the special bird lays its egg in other people’s nests as naturally as you simply put the camping box in the car also fits perfectly. And because graphic designers always think of a striking logo, the QUQUQ brand is created in autumn 2011.
You simply have to see the box in action. So a simple video is the plan, because Spielberg doesn’t fit into the budget. It’s great that wife Tina and daughter Ella spontaneously take over the direction and camera – while Uli acts as the explainer. All that’s missing now are a few photos. There are plenty of beautiful locations around Sprockhövel. And dear friends who take the time to model, sit or lie down for the first QUQUQ snapshots.
Whether it’s because of our website, the first trade fair stands or enthusiastic word-of-mouth advertising – I don’t know. In any case, a TV station calls us at some point, completely out of the blue. And even better: the TV professionals from Leipzig really do come and chase us around the country for a whole day with the camping box to film a TV report zu drehen. We celebrated our QUQUQ TV premiere in the MDR programme „einfach genial“ on 11 June 2013. Reports on ZDF, WDR, Pro7, RTL, RTL2, VOX and BBC will follow.
You can find some videos here on the website website and on our YouTube channel.
QUQUQ is the original, made in Germany. And to keep it that way, Uli wants to patent the box. But it’s not that easy. You can’t imagine the paperwork. There are complicated rules, detailed forms and meticulous checks for everything. It’s a case of wait and see. It doesn’t just feel like it takes forever. After three years, the eagerly awaited certificate from the European Patent Office finally flutters into your letterbox.
It’s hard to believe, but we have now sent our boxes all over the world from the small town of Hattingen in the southern Ruhr region. They have travelled a long way and are now touring all over Europe, but also to Iceland and Borneo, Taiwan, Mongolia, Russia, the USA and South America.
How do we know this so well? Well, from you. Many thanks for your enthusiastic holiday greetings, the funny videos and great photos. Send us a holiday photo too, because we are always happy to receive a greeting.
You’re not the only ones on the road with the box – the QUQUQ team is too. And exactly where there are people who enjoy relaxed outdoor tours, spontaneous weekend trips and automotive camping. Since 2013, for example, you can regularly find our stand at the industry’s largest trade fair – the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. And because we are constantly developing new boxes, we can show something new every time.
Admittedly, with all the QUQUQ variants we have in our programme today, we are very familiar with many vehicle types. But would a major car manufacturer ever ask us to develop a customised box for their brand? We would never have dreamed of it at the beginning. But apparently nothing is impossible, because after various tests and appraisals, we have actually been listed with Toyota since 2017. That’s crazy! Let’s see what else is in store.
In the meantime, our boxes are quite popular and *tataaaa* we win the 1st prize for the best accessory of the year 2019, 2021 and 2022 we win again at the reader award „Das Goldene Reisemobil“ from AutoBild Reisemobil. In 2023, we will also receive the European Innovation Award from DoldeMedien Verlag. – Thank you very much!
