Actually the corporate link is an old one.  Daimler/VW/Porsche.  The "trio".
The three companies are constantly doing joint ventures and have been since
the close of WWII and they assisted each other in the re-creation of VW and
Daimler, and the creation of Porsche.  Daimler is currently in negotiations
with VW for engines.  VW provides parts and design work for Porsche.
Porsche provides design work and parts for VW and Daimler. Porsche now owns
19 percent of VW.  The reason for the joint venture on the "People mover" as
it was dubbed earlier this year, is that VW has no chassis that is currently
usable or exportable to North America.  Daimler (chrysler division) has a
plant in missouri
<http://www.mph-online.com/web/news/0051>
and the agreement is on the new redesigned (by daimler) voyager chassis.  VW
and Daimler (Chrysler division) are both getting big tax breaks from the
state to move the production there as well.  Note...the last release I saw
on VW about the People Mover was that it was 7 and/or 9 pax versions.
jimt

On 10/26/05 10:39 PM, "Rob" <becida@COMCAST.NET> wrote:

> If you believe the ads Chrysler "invented" the minivan...
> FWIW we own one of each right now & I like my VW better, but I've
> liked my VW better since I bought my first '59 in 1971.
>
> Who knows, maybe the VW -Chrysler link up will bring something
> worthwhile? I'm not going to hold my breath but who knows...