The name was a combination of "Van" and "Wagon" (as in Station Wagon).

Ric

At 09:52 AM 12/17/2004, Daniel Stevens wrote:
>I have the 1980 informational release pamphlet (approx 20sumthin pages)
>for the introduction of the vanagon..
>it's in a 12X12 square format so I'll 'attempt' to scan the pages.. if
>not then maybe a tripod and digi camera can get the images...
>
>it's at home right now.. but I believe it says how the name came to
>be... also has a lot of insight intot he enginerring of the vanagon...
>
>really a neat booklet.. and a great addition to my 1980 model show
>set-up..
>Dan stevens...
>
> >
> >The vanagon name is an interesting one, anybody with some good insight
>on how vw came up with it?
> >I have heard they put more cash into the R&D of the vanagon than any
>project up to that date.
> > It was like 10 million dollars before any vans were made?