http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/au...wagenroutandsh

 

I don't forsee that being around long.

 

This is the (car) in the Volkswagen family that nobody talks about. Why they shared a platform with Chrysler--I have no idea other than it probably looked great on paper and on a spreadsheet.

Funny thing is...I think the VW version looks better, but I am a fan of VW styling, so take it FWIW.

 

Well, the new caravan/town&country have received great reviews...the stowable rear seats and the captains chairs in the mid section that spin around are pretty cool. Of all the minivans to choose for uniqueness (which is VWs think) this one probably makes the most sense. At least if your only option is to rebadge someone else's vehicle.

 

Except for the fact that the article stated it didn't appear the Stow'n'Go seating was an option.

 

Without commenting on the whole concept of VW selling a rebadged Caravan - seeing it up close, it's the nicest appointed Chrysler minivan ever.

 

Too bad that honour didn't fall to the Chrysler Town & Country ... you know, the one with the supposedly premium nameplate.

This whole thing really is a head-scratcher. Maybe it would have made sense 10 years ago, back when the market was growing. But everyone knows the minivan market is in decline and will continue to decline for some time. Pretty hard to gain share when all the established players are fighting tooth and nail to hold on to what they got.

And who exactly is going to buy this? VW appeals to young, hip folks. Chrysler, well, pretty much the opposite. No one is going to think for a second that this is a true VW and not some cheap knock-off.

 

People who've been driving VWs the last 5-10 years, and now have families and are buying other brands?

The thing is VW buyers are very loyal. I think lots of people would buy that van over some crossover SUV simply becuase it has VWs name on it.

 

V-dub Routan Clan!

Straight ballin'

 

I cannot imagine the typcial VW buyer purchasing a Chrysler minivan no matter what the badge on the nose says. If they needed a people mover they'd either get a Tiguan/Touareg/Passat Wagon, or maybe an Odyssey if only a minivan would do.

 

Your average VW purchaser will likely have no idea it's a Chrysler to begin with. How many VW buyers have any idea what chrysler's lineup is?

 

Sorry. I was distracted by that fine-looking Cobra in the ad next to it.

 

You're making a dangerous statement.

 

Well, the exterior isn't going to fool anyone.

 

Knight Rider you mean.... I say let KITT go the way of the Dodo. Nothing beats the '82 Trans Am and the Hoff.