microbus

[mernst]

What happen to this "so we had this idea"....?
YouTube - VW Microbus Concept

[squeebug]

I don't think it looks to bad. I'd pimp it

[jadenfox]

I would love a VW minibus. I thought they were going to make this again, does anyone know what happened to it?

[FarrisK]

Originally Posted by jadenfox

I would love a VW minibus. I thought they were going to make this again, does anyone know what happened to it?

This is the latest that I can find on it: Rumormill: VW Microbus back on the table?

[Smileybug]

I have a feeling that this is all just another restart of the rumor mill. With how epicly terrible the Routan has done, I don't know if VW is willing to risk releasing a new van. Especially something so different. Yeah, there is a good segment of the VW enthusiasts that would like it, but thats a small subset of the general population. We'll see but I highly doubt its going to happen anytime soon, if at all.

[mvwgruppe]

Producing a retro microbus in the USA at the TN plant that woud be aimed specifically at the US market (ie:NB) would be great idea. Sadly, rumors are all we have....

[katwalk]

shame they hadn't made a microbus insted. Would have done a lot better.

[Photo]

Before I bought my Beetle, I was really hoping that the microbus would be more than just a concept. Unfortunately I don't think they will ever proceed. Especially since the Routan is out.

[FarrisK]

Originally Posted by Photo

Especially since the Routan is out.

VW apparently is going to be scrapping the Routan soon, from what I've heard.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by FarrisK

VW apparently is going to be scrapping the Routan soon, from what I've heard.

I'm dancing in the streets over that news. The Routan is total opposite of what the dude was saying in that YouTube video. "we wanted to create a vehicle that had soul". Well, they missed the mark with the Routan. I mean, for a Dodge minivan, it's okay, but don't don't put lipstick on a pig and tell me it ain't a pig. Sorry VW, as much as I love ya, it's still a Dodge.

The microbus was gonna be the next vehicle to occupy my stable too. It sure would be nice to see this become more than just fodder for the rumor mill.

[Deserion]

Originally Posted by katwalk

shame they hadn't made a microbus insted. Would have done a lot better.

No, it wouldn't have. It probably would have been based on the T5 platform or a variant thereof, and built in Germany on top of that. Not many people would be willing to shell out $30k for a base van.

It's all down to cost. Selling German-made vans here would be extremely unprofitable.

[BUGSTUFF]

March 2009 US Sales

Routan - 1029
Passat Sedan & Wagon - 986
Touareg - 236
CC - 2351
Tiguan - 1235
Eos - 493
Jetta Sedan & Wagen - 7391
Rabbit/GTI/R32 - 1165
New Beetle Coupe & Convertible - 834

In the grand scheme of things, Routan sales really aren't that bad.

I wouldn't trade our Eurovan for a Routan (at least until the EV's trans self destructs) but after the excellent luck we had with our '96 Grand Caravan, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. It's not like VW hasn't done joint partnerships in the past...like the Crafter/Sprinter and others.

[Kholw]

New vw multivan TDI it Looked great in light green

[hadda61beetle]

When I was a young lad, the commercials put out by the automotive companies were about the "product." They showed all sides of the vehicle; showed the interior, the engine compartment, trunk with/without luggage. Nowadays the ad people have to throw in all that frilly crap that has nothing to do with the product..."we had this idea?" I have an idea too...knock off all the b.s. and show the product.

I'd love to see this bus built, but it HAS to have round head lamps, not those puny square things..."should" mimic the bug. I agree with many others on here that the Routan is/was a joke. It's STILL a darn Chrysler...no matter what marque's name you put on the darn thing.

Speaking of VW/Chrysler...have y'all also heard that IF Chrysler survives, it will also be building the Nissan Titan? There goes another good truck.

Jerry

[Photo]

Originally Posted by Deserion

No, it wouldn't have. It probably would have been based on the T5 platform or a variant thereof, and built in Germany on top of that. Not many people would be willing to shell out $30k for a base van.

It's all down to cost. Selling German-made vans here would be extremely unprofitable.

I'd pay $30k for a base German made van over the $24k for a base Dodge. Quality is worth an extra $6k to me. You'll be happy you did the first time your dodge tranny goes out.

[BUGSTUFF]

I don't really remember the $30K Eurovans flying off the showroom floors.....even after VW lowered their prices.

From reading the Eurovan forums over at the 'tex, I worry (unfortunately) about the trans in our EV more than I ever did with our Dodge.

The new T5 would probably retail for $38-$40K if imported to the US.

I'm thinking that the TN factory might produce the new Jetta and the US version of the Polo.

[Smileybug]

Here is some information on just how bad the Routan is doing: VWvortex Forums: I Love Red Meat (or, the VW Routan isn't moving)

VW has 16,000 (Yes, that is the right number of zeros) sitting on their lots. They have sold 5500 since they came out. They cannot move these vehicles. It was just a terrible marketing decision (What? VW? Terrible decision? Never!).

The Eurovan would have probably done better for one if they even advertised it. It was never pushed. I never heard about it until I started dating my now-fiance because of how into VWs he is. And I had seen other VWs and knew about them aside from him. But not the Eurovan. That, and in typical VW fashion, they overpriced it. My parents were looking for a new minivan hauler. They already had an Astro van and were thinking of getting another because of how well it worked for hauling. I suggested a Eurovan since they are a little bigger. Saw one in the dealer lot and really liked how it looked. Saw the price tag and back to Chevy they went. They picked up a 2-year old Astro for $10k. Couldn't get that with a Eurovan. And only being available with VWs wonderful automatic (unless you got a '93 model...yes, Eurovans were out for one year in '93, killed, then brought back again!), I wouldn't have wanted them to have one anyway...

[Wog the Bugger]

GAH! This is such a tease... After all these years I'm still jonesing for the microbus... Build it dammit!

[thorgipsy]

I dream of a better world...a world where there's a new VW Microbus in my garage.

I know this isn't the same as the concept, but wouldn't it be cool if it were a reasonably priced bus? It's a little wild.


Follow story here:
verdier reinvented microbus

[jkinzel]

Only if it came with a TDI/diesel option.