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Subject:Re: VW van nomenclature in Japan... Yoshi?
From:Yosh
Date:Mon, 6 Dec 2004 19:28:32 +0900

> Andrew said:
> I told the list that the T4 was sold in Japan as Vanagon. Others then
> asked what versions (eg Westfalia) were sold there, and what sort of
> model badges they had.

Hey Andrew,
You are more familiar with the Japanese car than me!

Well, Let's talk about situation of Japanese vanagons.

** "T3s" of the following edition were sold in Japan.**
Caravele 8 passengers. (Authorized VW Importer "YANASE", from DE)
Caravele Transpoter. (Authorized VW Importer "YANASE", from DE)
Vanagon Westfalia 2WD (Private Importer, from U.S & EU)
Vanagon Westfalia 4WD (Private Importer, from U.S & EU)
Vanagon Carat 2WD (Private Importer, from U.S.)
CountryHome, Oettinger, Trister, etc.. (Private Importer, from U.S., EU)
Not imported Vanagon Truck. maybe..

** "T4s" of the following edition were sold in Japan. **
Caravele 8 passengers. (Authorized VW Importer "YANASE", from DE)
Vanagon Westfalia 2WD w/VR6, Diesel (Private Importer, from U.S & EU)
Vanagon Westfalia 4WD, w/VR6, Diesel (Private Importer, from U.S & EU)
Much customised Vanagon Camper (Private Importer, from EU)

I don't know the details of each badges.
Pobably... via-EU--> Caravele, then via-US--> Vanagon.

YANASE didn't sell T3~4 Westfalia formally. Because, Toyota/Nissan
occupied share in the Japanese market. Then, little factories
remodeled Hi-Ace & Caravan to the camper, & there were sold.

"T3 Westfalia" got the directions of the enthusiasts in this market,
and characteristic status was built. Japanese enthusiasts evaluated
best the personality of Vanagon.

Private Importers didn't import many customised Vanagons.
But, they still live much Japan..

Peter,
If you bring Westy to Japan, you will have to prepare only some
dollars w/pink-slip.
oh yeah.. Fullyload spare parts in westy!
Okay.. ;)

Hope this helps,

Yosh@87Westy