Why bother with this vehicle?

Write up of the AJC Auto Show in ATL on my website soon… (sorry for the self publicity, but I need visitors ;-) )

I would also like to see the Touran brought over, but I don’t think VW has enough cash flow to regulate the Touran’s engine, transmission, and emissions for the US Market. The Touran alone would be an awesome addition to VW’s line up, but as I mentioned earlier, the deal with Chrysler is great because Chrysler already has the regulated engines, transmissions, and emissions for the US market, which makes VWs entry back into the mini-van market in the US a welcomed one.

And Bill Jorns is right, the VW Routan looks like it’s part of the family, not just a masked-over Chrysler van. I was also afraid that “Project-M” (as a VW corporate representative called it a few years go) was going to get axed after hearing about the Daimler-Chrysler split.

I’m looking forward to the Atlanta Auto Show – the Routan is rumored to be on display on a roped-in turntable.

I’m interested to know how people will view this new contender in the minivan market when Chrysler/Dodge pretty much have it wrapped up. Will people look at it as an upscale option, more like Honda and Toyota? Price point and options are gonna be huge.

But I just found this link – more photos.

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/volkswagen_news/article_2215.shtml

As far as I can see from the pictures, I can only attest to being bothered with 2 items. 1) The dash doesn’t look anything like a Volkswagen, I’ll admit that it looks more like a Chrysler dash with a enclave scooped out for a Navi. 2) The tail lights don’t look like a VW design. I was expecting more of a Tiguan/Rabbit design to the tail lights.

But, considering the Routan is their first mini-van in 11 years (ending with the Eurovan in 1998), it’s a pleasant, modern look that I’m sure will work fine in the U.S. market – so long as it’s advertised better than the Chrysler.

The whole Chrysler partnership deal is relatively simple. VW wanted to expand their presence in the U.S. market – which is more than welcomed -but they needed a cost-effective way to produce a minivan, that’s fine, it gives them a contracted agreement to test the minivan market and it’s acceptance of a ‘European’-marketed/badged minivan, gives the market a chance to accept the idea. It’s just VWs way of checking the market and not pouring millions into designs, plants, engines, etc.

The Microbus concept was just that – a concept. The reality (and failure) of the Microbus was that it would be technically ‘The World’s Smallest Retro-Designed Minivan’ – people are willing to say “I’ll buy one!” but once it boils down to price and size, it would’ve been a HUGE loss for VW. I’m not saying it was bad from the start, it just needs major reengineering to fit into the market, and be a worthy and serious competitor – while attracting new buyers every year. But the Microbus faces yet another failure point – it’s retro design. Much like it’s New Beetle sister, it’s a retro design, and how long is it really going to last? VW has already said that it’s going to pull the Beetle in a few years because they aren’t selling as well as they used to. And VW isn’t the only one faced with this Retro-designed failure, Chrysler’s PT Cruiser, Chevy’s HHR, Ford Mustang and T-Bird are the first ones that pop into mind as Retro-designed, but doomed for termination.

But, after a few years of marketing and sales, I would hope (and expect) the Routan 2 would be redefined and actually built on VW platforms, with VW engines and transmissions.

My only hope is that by mid- to late-2010, VW will offer a diesel motor with it’s 7-speed DSG transmission.

As for the Touran – I agree, they should’ve brought that over with the 2005/2006 model change (from Mk4 to Mk5/B5.5 to B6) as ‘The All-New Touran’ – that way they could’ve gotten a feel for the market, and have a better judgement for either going with the Chrysler product or making their own. Only time will tell what will happen.

Oh – and if you really want to think about the demographic, I’m a 23 years old Male, I (still) live at home with my parents, I drive a 2000 Golf, and I work as a graphic designer, I don’t have kids – or even a girlfriend – and if I could afford this van, I would get one. :-)

Once a year, I put pen to paper and ask VW to reconsider the Microbus concept. It has everything that I want in a people mover: flexibility (seats from 2 and a stack of 2x4s up to 7 and groceries), functionality (went to the beach and brought the beach into the car with you? No worries, just hose it out!), and more than a little swagger. This thing makes me throw up in my mouth.

What is obvious to me is that VW couldn’t stomach the risk of the Microbus failing. So they instead built something that they thought was a sure bet… something that was //safe//.

As I told VW, “if I wanted a minivan, I would own a minivan — which I don’t.”

WE don’t buy new vehicles but I was seriously hoping for this one but there’s no reason as its really doesn’t off much for the VW enthusiast.

The Touran should have been brought over! Period. It even has seating options up to 7 people.

I know there is some economic reason for working with Chrysler but come on…

Back to looking for a Eurovan MV!