Interesting.  AFAIK the USA still imposes what is called the "Chicken Tax" on 
German vans = to retaliate against Europe not allowing genetically modified US 
"foods" in Europe.  I believe that the tax is 25%, but I'm not sure about this.  

If it is still  an active tax, then at € 34,545 for the base Rockton unit, or € 
42,490 for the full off road package, PLUS 25% and maybe sales tax on that, and 
I'm sure that Bill Gates and his friends will have fun in the van.

I'm waiting for my Dehler Syncro 16 camper to sell and then I'll be seriously 
looking at one of these new T5.5 VW vans.  Many of the extras on this Rockton 
T5.5 have been available for some time:  16 in wheels, 4WD, lower gearing for 
1,2,3rd gears ... all on a regular transporter base.

At least this is what I know, and I may be wrong.   

FWIW, I was in Naples this past summer for a few hours and had a nice walk 
around the old part by the port.

Malcolm (In Rabat, Morocco)

The Transporter Rockton may be ordered immediately, with prices  beginning from 
€ 34,545 (plus VAT). The Transporter Rockton with the  "Expedition" package", 
which is extremely suitable for off-road use, is  available from € 42,490 (plus 
VAT).

________________________________
From: A PETER MARSH <apetermarsh@MAC.COM>

Now this is a nice Beastie and would make for a nice replacement for my 91 - if 
I had $40k + to spend.
Anybody got any idea if the USA might get any?
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/15/volkswagen-transporter-takes-to-the-hills-with-the-rockton-4moti/

Peter Marsh      Naples