You know, if it didn't cost manufactures $1,000,000 to federalize a vehicle
to the US, we probably would have had more choices.  I not sure it's such a
problem in Canada...correct me if I'm wrong.
BTW: That's $1 million per model and trans option...or so I'm told!
Karl Batzler

>For some strange unknown Teutonic reasoning VW has treated
>the United States market like an unwanted step-child for many,
>many years.  Heck, even the Canadians got the Syncro Passat!
>I'm sure you've seen the A3 Jetta TDI station wagon Syncro
>thats available in Europe (or so the brochure tells me) and those
>South African Vanagons with their engine/transaxle choices!
>*IF* VW had stuffed in the inline 4 cylinder and a true 5-speed
>into the Vanagon they'd still be selling them today down at
>the local autohaus.  No!  Make that a VR6 5-speed Syncro!
>With the Westy package you wouldn't be able to keep them
>on the lot.  They would just roll the transport truck onto a side
>street by the dealer and sell them that way.   Pssst.... Hey
>buddy!  Wanna buy a Syncro??
>
>-Todd Hill
> VolksWerks Transaxles
> Olympia, WA
>