But you're forgetting, it doesn't share any suspension components with the
Chrysler.  Yesterday, a VW salesmen explained to me that VW spent millions
on the development of the German-engineered suspension, and that he was
allowed to drive them both on a side-by-side comparison on a closed course.
He said it was like 'night and day'.  Also, the interior is all VW; design,
controls, materials, practically everything exept the 'platform' including
engine and transmission.  The one I looked at was $32K, comparable to the
Chrysler product.........

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "B Feddish" <bfeddish@NETREACH.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 9:45 AM
Subject: Re: Mention of the Possible New MicroBus

>>> I think after the plant is running in Chattanooga we'll eventually see
> a genuine VW replace the stepchild Routan.  Maybe that's the
> "microbus" they are hinting about. <<
>
> This is the most likely scenario BUT if for some crazy reason the Routan
> enjoys high sales volume I don't think VW will stop selling it if they
> build
> the Microbus. The Microbus concept is really a completely different van so
> I
> think VW will try to get a feel as to who will buy what and how many units
> they can sell.  Who knows, they may not even be planning to build the
> microbus at all but just some Passat based minivan which would definitely
> end Routan production. VW would absolutely keep that a secret since that
> information would keep people from buying what would soon be a major
> orphaned vehicle.
>
> You'd have to buy the "Chrysler Rebadge Kit" to turn it back into a Town
> and
> Country so you could get it serviced. :)
>
> Bryan