Where it all began. A modern journey

MANTUA, Italy - May 27, 2026 - PRLog -- There is a moment when travel stops being planned and becomes freedom. For journeys on four wheels, that idea took shape in Italy in 1958, when the company Autohome introduced an openable structure fixed to the roof of a vehicle: the beginning of the modern roof-top tent.

It was not just an accessory, but a new way to travel. Sleeping above the vehicle meant more speed, security and independence. This vision became reality with the first "Maggiolina" model, a compact and lightweight tent that could be opened quickly and easily. Its name, born from "Maggio" — May in Italian — became a symbol of new beginnings and freedom. At a time when structured campsites were spreading in Italy, the journey itself became more important than the destination.

In the 1960s, Autohome's history became closely linked to Nino Cirani, photographer, traveller and explorer. For over thirty years, he crossed deserts, mountains and remote regions across five continents, travelling hundreds of thousands of kilometres in extreme conditions. For him, the roof-top tent was not a comfort, but an essential tool. His Land Rovers, loaded for expedition and equipped with Air-Camping tents, became images of reliability, resistance and adventure.

Over time, roof-top tents continued to evolve. New models and solutions were developed, but the original principle remained the same: creating tools for exploration, not simple products. This is the difference between producing roof tents and helping define their origin.

That history was later recognised with the inclusion of Autohome among the Historical Italian Brands list, confirming a path built on continuity, innovation and identity. In a market where products can be copied, history cannot.

Today, the way people travel is changing again, especially in Europe. The distinction between stopping and camping has become essential. When a roof-top tent (https://shop.autohome-official.com/en/content/89-car-roof...) stays within the vehicle's profile, it allows discreet and compliant stopping, often with fewer restrictions than camping setups that extend beyond the vehicle.

Every expedition has an origin. For Autohome (https://autohome-official.com/), that origin is clear: a vision created to make travel simpler, freer and more authentic.

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