From http://www.debac.net/microbus.htm:
"Volkswagen AG officially announced that the Microbus will be put into production with a targeted release in 2005. Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, Chairman of the Board of Management Volkswagen AG, said: "Having reviewed the economic requirements for building the Microbus in the Group, we have come to the conclusion that... the conditions are good."...
Volkswagen claims it has its sites set on a new segment - "a MPV combining striking design and high functionality with the comfort of a limousine...The VW bus was never just a means of transport, it has always been an emotive cult object. The public's reaction at motor shows combined with the findings of market studies already show us that the Microbus design has a spontaneous appeal, and that the vehicle will follow in the footsteps of its successful predecessor."
This announcement ends months of speculation surrounding the actual decision to build the Microbus. Dr. Pischetsrieder was reportedly a Microbus supporter but platform considerations made it difficult to move forward. In the U.S. market the Minivan segment is largely dominated by car-based platform minivans, whereas building the Microbus in Hanover dictates using a truck platform. Indeed it will be interesting to see how Volkswagen manages to remove the truck-like character of the T5 commercial platform the Microbus will be built on along with the higher costs of building the vehicle in Hanover versus other locations.
Volkswagen is shooting for a 2005 model year introduction of the Microbus and expects to sell approximately 100,000 units per year, largely in the U.S. market."
Okay, where are they? It's almost 2006!
2 comments:
I might drive that, but it would depend how big the VW logo is. On the Toureg, it's the size of a formal dinner plate. I think that looks awful. My Passat seats all four of us comfortably, and the VW logo is only the size of an espresso saucer. Ahhh...
ohhh...if we ever have to get rid of our current cars, i'm there with ya!
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