I don't believe they are.  I know that VW corporate statemetn on their web
site is that they are not selling any buses in the U.S., and they recommend
interested folks seek used ones.
SamC
----- Original Message -----
From: "vt" <samcvt@COMCAST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2007 9:42 AM
Subject: Re: What features from the Vanagon would be necessary in a new
vehicle for you to consider it an adequate or improved replacement? was:
"Brand new" bus now Vanagon

> This is the kind of thinking "out loud" that product development requires.
> Tks
> Sam Conant
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Bange" <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, April 07, 2007 7:48 PM
> Subject: Re: What features from the Vanagon would be necessary in a new
> vehicle for you to consider it an adequate or improved replacement? was:
> "Brand new" bus now Vanagon
>
>
>>> If you were going to design a vehicle from the ground up to replace the
>>> Vanagon, keeping in mind gov't requirements and all that, what features
>>> would it have and what would it look like- what are the 'essential'
>>> Vanagon
>>> elements? What among those elements should be improved or upgraded (how
>>> and
>>> why)?
>>>
>>> Here's what I'd require to replace my beloved money-sucker Vanagon:
>>
>> -Engine in the rear, or maybe up front between the seats, like an 80's
>> Toyota Van. Just not taking up space in a big, useless nose.
>> -Decent ground clearance
>> -High, comfortable seats that fit me at 6'2"
>> -Rear bench folds into a bed
>> -Easy to service (I guess that eliminates an engine up front like the
>> Toyota!)
>> -Tough as nails, and reliable if maintained properly
>> -Availability of a Westy-type pop-top
>> -Big enough so I don't bang my head and elbows all the time
>> -Not so huge it only gets 11MPG, like my Chevy work van
>>
>> What would improve the Vanagon? Air bags, ABS, and all that safety crap I
>> suppose. Really the only serious weakness I see in the Vanagon is the
>> engine. If VW had made a more Subaru-like wasserboxer, it would be
>> perfect.
>> But really, the reason I like the Vanagon so much is that its
>> shortcomings
>> are so very minor compared to its utility. Lots of little annoyances like
>> marginally adequate wiring, dim DOT headlights, stupidly small 14"
>> wheels,
>> stiffener-losing plastic or rusting metal coolant pipes, wimpy front
>> brakes,
>> even wimpier factory engine; but these are all obstacles that can be
>> overcome (by throwing lots of money at them, usually). The satisfaction
>> of
>> watching giant RV's trying to park in a campground, seeing tent campers
>> rubbing their aching backs after sleeping on the ground all night, making
>> lumber yard guys' eyes pop out when you slide five sheets of plywood in
>> the
>> back--- it makes it all worthwhile.
>>
>> Did I mention the engine is in the back, where it belongs? That's very
>> important.
>>
>> --
>> John Bange
>> '90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"