VW minivan to be called the Routan

They should call it, "Carawagon". Get it?

...

the sharan is used for people to sleep on the side of the road for the Tour De Fance.

You mean Carawagen? :)

They should use those camps in Germany to get rid of their marketing staff.

Bring back the Microbus! Not this lame POS

I am quite interested to see how this turns out.
VW could do wonders for the current Chrysler version's short comings, i.e. interior materials. The Chrysler van platform would be more appealing to some if a TDI were offered in the VW version.

Another in a long line of strategic errors by VW.
They should align any minivan they produce in America with the vaunted Microbus of the 60's, in style and designation.
So they are making two errors here. Doesn't look like, or sound like any retro legend to me.
Maybe Hyundai will tear apart the VW Microbus concept, and build it cheaper, call it the Hyundai Woodstock. And Act like they cured Cancer.
Can you beat a stick!
DrFill

This name combination thing happens all the time - like the Ssangyong Korando is call so because KORea-cAN-DO, and the Kia Sportage because of Sport-portage. Weird.
I hope this VW has a better diesel than the Chrylser, that 2.8 crd sucks. Gutless thing.
And the interior better be good.

UNREAL how they are sitting on retro-gold with the Microbus and not using it. And they even built the concept in 2001 and watched the crowds swirling around it.

I'm puzzled why the Japanese haven't come up with an attractive, innovative, economical camper that eclipses the former VW Westphalia.

I agree, that a Diesel minivan is long overdue. You have forgotten the recent success of the Dodge Sprinter Van with a Diesel Powerplant. This Van replaces the Full size Dodge Van which was a relic. The Dodge Sprinter is actually a Mercedes van with the Dodge Logo. They even redesigned the sprinter this year, it really looks super, at least for a Van. The interior is robust, with industrial grade switches and Aircraft Quality Seating and German Fit & Finish throughout. Best of all, Diesel efficiency, high towing capacity at median US auto prices. I think the vehicle is in the Low $30’s. in US Dollars. I would think the Dodge nameplate would also shelter this vehicle from the drop in the U.S dollar Value against the Euro since you are essentially dealing with a US Company and Dealership when you purchase.

The Mercedes sprinter is one of the best names in the business as far as vas go in Europe - they've always been good.

Interestingly the Japanese manufacturers don't offer large mini-vans in Europe anymore - Toyota recently stopped making the Previa, Honda don't have one here, Nissan don't, only Mitsubishi has the Grandis, but that's not as large as the (primarily French) competition.

The Honda Element is the closest thing to the Microbus

I can’t get past the looks of the Element. It reminds me of the ANC Gremlin. I work in business, and I would not be able to seriously put clients in an element. The element is an econobox. People will like assume that I’m not successful, and therefore I need to still drive an economy car.

I have started Building a Campervan on the VW Routan Platform. I have owned an 02 eurocamper, and moved to a Sprinter camper van. And now find interest in building micro campers or minivan campers. The VW Routan / Dodge Caravan platform is very spacious you can sit in it comfortable, sleep 2 with length to spare. Camper will feature sink, stove, fridge. maintain seating for 6 and sleep two. Will be fitted with screened covering for all openings, rear hatch tent that will fold into camper (no set up required). Swing away bike rack, roof rack basket, and awning. Digital TV, and 120v power. A heater can be added if needed but will not be standard. Will be a great soccer mom ride, or weekend warrior base camp.

It's done! Here is a posible solution for a eurovan camper replacement based on the VW routan. Hauls 6 sleeps two
[img]http://lh3.ggpht.com/_JJu0NGelef4/ShdE7oX13sI/AAAAAAAACss/b3O3rtQjsqE/s640/IMG_0410.JPG[/img] More info and pics at moreheaddesignlab.com or http://picasaweb.google.com/moreheaddesignlab/MicroMinivanCampervanBuildsCamperConversion?feat=directlink