>Interesting story to highlight that Vanagon is a combination of Van and Wagon:
>
>In the early 1980's Toyota released their minivan in the US. It was
>called the VanWagon.

That's the Liteace, the small toyota van which first appeared in the
latest 60s or possibly realiest 70s.

>Much like the VW, it was mostly used as a commercial van abroad.

Basic van, basic peoplemover or luxury one; RWD or 4WD, gas, diesel
or turbodiesel. Upmarket models were badged Townace or Masterace
(sold in Aussie in the 80s Tarago).

>The front seats were on top of the engine, which in turn was between
>the front wheels. Ugly as sin,

Ya reckon? If you think so, what would you consider good-looking?

   but it had a very reliable powertrain. Access under the front seats
was a joke however.

>It was later redesigned and called the Previa.

Totally different vehicle. The Liteace is still in production, though
the current model is front-engined (unlike the big Hiace van,
fortunately). Previa is the export name for the Estima, which was
available in narrow (domestic market only) and wide bodies, RWD, 4WD,
2.4 gas & 2.2 turbodiesel. It is midengined and designed as a car...
it is NOT a van, though it can certyainly be used as one. Early
models were IRS. Sold in Aussie as Tarago...

>Anyway, within the VanWagon's first year on the American market,
>Toyota got a call from VW lawyers. I'm not sure what litigation
>ensued if any, but soon the Toyota was called simply the "Van". VW
>claimed the Toyota name was way too close to Vanagon, and therefore
>infringing on a VW trademark.

Awful name, as was Vanagon... and Wagovan.
--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin
New Zealand
Fossil preparator
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut