Autoblog

Chrysler slows minivan production, hasn't built VW Routan this year

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:25:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge

Chrysler has slowed production of its Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans this week, Automotive News reports. The Windsor, Ontario plant will cut its three shifts from eight hours each to four hours each in an effort "to align production with market demand," a Chrysler spokesperson told AN. Chrysler also builds the closely related Routan minivan for Volkswagen at its Ontario facility, but has not built a single example thus far in 2013.

Sales of Chrysler's minivans fell 15 percent for the first two months of 2013, and a large part of that has to do with the 26-percent drop of the Grand Caravan alone (the T&C was only down by one percent). According to Automotive News data, as of March 1, Chrysler had an unsold inventory of 24,713 Town and Country models and 18,547 Grand Caravans - a 69- and 43-day supply, respectively.

"No sense running full speed now, then have a lot of vehicles sitting around a few months down the line," Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson told AN. Full production is expected to resume again on March 18.

According to our earlier reports, Chrysler will continue to build the minivans as-is through the 2014 model year. After that, a decision will be made about which one of the two vans will get the axe, to be replaced by a different sort of people-mover. Our best guess is that the Chrysler brand will continue on with the Town and Country, and this makes more and more sense considering the recent sales figures.

Chrysler slows minivan production, hasn't built VW Routan this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen to resume Routan minivan production in 2013 after all

George Kennedy — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:46:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Volkswagen

Last week, we reported that production of the Chrysler-based Volkswagen Routan minivan had been halted since July, and its future seemed grim. It appears now that the Volkswagen minivan will live on, with production resuming in 2013. According to an Automotive News report, the Routan will be unchanged for the 2013 model year (surprise!) and continue to be produced at the Windsor, Ontario facility, where Chrysler assembles the Town and Country.

Questions over the future of the Routan have stemmed from its poor sales performance. Just 8,882 Routans were built through December 15 of this year - a drop of 38 percent over the same time period last year - and 9,923 Routans were sold in the US through the end of November, which is down 17 percent compared to that same stretch of time in 2011. The contract that VW has with Chrysler is set to end with the conclusion of the 2014 model year. Nether company has announced intentions to extend that contract.

As part of Volkswagen's plan to sell 800,000 vehicles by 2018, the minivan seems less and less a part of that strategy. Far more effective, would be a large, three-row crossover, to compete with the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot, and we'll be seeing such a vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show next mont. So while the Routan may live on in the immediate future, its long-term hopes are certainly in question.

Volkswagen to resume Routan minivan production in 2013 after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Routan production halted, could lead to vehicle's demise

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Routan has quietly been out of production since July, but with a new three-row crossover on the way and a recent back-and-forth spat between Volkswagen executives and Sergio Marchionne of Fiat, it's probable that the 2012 model year could be the last for this minivan. The current agreement for Chrysler to build the Routan in Windsor, Ontario lasts through 2014, but Automotive News is reporting that VW might be looking to renegotiate the deal early next year.

Aside from any of the political issues going on between the two automakers, the truth of the matter is that the Routan just isn't selling well. So far this year, VW has sold just 9,923 units of the badge-engineered minivan, down 17 percent from last year. Almost all of the other entrants in the segment have enjoyed double-digit sales increases this year including the Chrysler trio of vans (Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country and Ram C/V), Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest. Overall, the Grand Caravan remains the top-selling minivan through November with 127,308 units sold, and Chrysler as a whole continues to dominate the segment it created with total minivan sales of 236,195 across its Dodge, Chrysler and Ram brands.

To make matters even worse for the Routan, the minivan market is about to add another (admittedly left-field) competitor into the mix when Ford returns to the segment with the long-wheelbase 2014 Transit Connect.

Volkswagen Routan production halted, could lead to vehicle's demise originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen confirms three-row utility for Detroit, no Routan replacement in sight

Chris Paukert — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:21:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, SUV, Crossover, Volkswagen, Design/Style

At a small media roundtable session with journalists at the Los Angeles Auto Show today, Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen's head of global design, confirmed that VW's much-rumored three-row utility vehicle will be "most hopefully" revealed at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

The vehicle is expected to be at once larger and less expensive than the Touareg range, something more akin to a longer Tiguan (shown above) than an off-road juggernaut. That said, Bischoff was quite clear that VW considers the unnamed model to be an SUV, not a crossover. If you're envisioning a body-on-frame vehicle with a low-range, think again. When Bischoff was questioned about what constitutes an SUV versus a CUV, he pointed to design elements like the positioning of the A-pillar, not the hardware underneath. According to Bischoff, the three-row's off-road capability will be "not as strong as the Touareg, but more than good enough to compete... It's an SUV in the European way - in the Volkswagen way."

As far as an MPV for North America goes, Bischoff says that a replacement for the aging Routan minivan is "not on the to-do list," noting that VW will end its relationship with Chrysler, which manufacturers the Routan. Word of no future MPV would also appear to corroborate reports that the retro-minded Bulli concept van of 2011 also has no production future.

Volkswagen confirms three-row utility for Detroit, no Routan replacement in sight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen recalling 12,612 Routans for same ignition problem as Chrysler minivans

Zach Bowman — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen Routan - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volkswagen is recalling 12,612 Routan minivans for an ignition fault. The recall covers 2010 model year vehicles manufactured between October 2009 and June 2010, and NHTSA says that the vehicles' ignitions may inadvertently switch between "run" and "accessory," effectively shutting off the engine.

If that sounds familiar, it should. Chrysler, the automaker that makes the Routan for Volkswagen, recently announced a recall covering nearly 250,000 Dodge Grand Caravan and Journey models for the exact same issue.

NHTSA is concerned that if the ignition turns off the engine in the Routan, an accident could occur, though at this point it's unclear if any injuries have resulted from the default.

Volkswagen will replace the ignition modules free of charge, and the recall campaign is expected to get under way during April of this year. Hit the jump for the full recall notice.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Routan

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Volkswagen recalling 12,612 Routans for same ignition problem as Chrysler minivans

Volkswagen recalling 12,612 Routans for same ignition problem as Chrysler minivans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen Routan might not be back for an encore

Dan Roth — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

Volkswagen Routan - Click above for high-res image gallery

"No decisions have been made regarding the Routan." This according to a source from Volkswagen. Unsurprisingly, the re-branded Chrysler minivan is rumored to be receiving less-than-enthusiastic support from Volkswagen's current management, and the ambivalence might spell doom for the Routan. Volkswagen's sales are down, though it's not necessarily the Routan's fault. The people mover has a consistent four percent of the minivan market and Volkswagen thinks that can be grown.

For now, Volkswagen's concentrating on launching its latest Jetta and building a factory in Tennessee to assemble the majority of its U.S.-market cars. The Phaeton will also be returning to the U.S. market, indicating an intent to foster growth on the top and bottom of its model offerings. Volkswagen has set a goal for itself of tripling U.S. sales numbers, and the Routan puts the brand in a segment it would not otherwise be in here in the U.S., though its small market share may not make it worth the effort.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Report: Volkswagen Routan might not be back for an encore originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW recalls nearly 16,000 Routan minivans on heels of Chrysler callback for same

Chris Shunk — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

2009 Volkswagen Routan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler recently announced the recall of 285,000 2008 and 2009 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans because of an improperly routed wiring harness in the sliding doors. If you were thinking that your Volkswagen Routan, which is almost completely identical to the Chrysler minivans, was somehow immune to this issue, think again.

VW is recalling 15,902 Routans built between June 2008 and July 2009 for the exact same issue as it's domestic-branded siblings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that the minivan's lower sliding door hinge bracket can make contact with the harness. That contact could eventually wear through the wire insulation, potentially causing a "high resistive short circuit within the latch mechanism located inside the sliding door." As a result of the condition, the latch can overheat, leading to the possibility of a fire inside the rear sliding door.

Affected owners can take their Routan to the nearest VW dealer for a free inspection. Any damaged parts will be repaired or replaced as necessary. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading VW recalls nearly 16,000 Routan minivans on heels of Chrysler callback for same

VW recalls nearly 16,000 Routan minivans on heels of Chrysler callback for same originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Routan recalled for... magic 8-ball shake... owner's manual omission?!

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

In Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, one of the characters decries the need for a set of detailed instructions on a packet of toothpicks. Volkswagen might feel the same way now that 18,500 of its 2009 Routan minivans are being recalled because their owner's manuals don't include a required warning not to put items on or near the airbag. In the words of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

The owner's manual was printed without the required information explaining that no objects should be placed over the or near the airbag on the instrument panel. Any such objects could cause injury to the vehicle's occupants in the event of a crash severe enough to cause the airbag to inflate.

VW is sending dealers an insert to be placed in affected Routan manuals. If you don't trust yourself to handle the insert, you can take your Routan to the dealer and they'll be happy to assist.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Volkswagen Routan recalled for... *magic 8-ball shake*... owner's manual omission?!

Volkswagen Routan recalled for... *magic 8-ball shake*... owner's manual omission?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Goodbye, Routan? VW minivan reportedly not long for this world

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:22:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

Volkswagen Routan - Click above for high-res gallery

That the Volkswagen Routan has been a dismal failure is probably one of the worst kept secrets in the industry, but until now, few have taken stock of just how poorly the badge-engineered minivan was selling.

The idea was fairly straightforward, if a tad ill-conceived: take a Dodge Caravan, slap on a fresh face and a VW badge and give it an unpronounceable name. The minivan is built alongside its Chrysler and Dodge counterparts at Chrysler's Windsor, Ontario, plant... or at least it was until Wolfsburg asked Auburn Hills to stop production. Apparently, not a single Routan has rolled off the assembly line since last December, and there are no immediate plans to resume production.

Nor should they, necessarily: Of the 22,037 Routans produced between its introduction in September and the cessation of production just a few months later, only 5,582 (less than a quarter of those made) have actually been sold. With that much back-stock, Volkswagen Group of America has been offering some attractive incentives, and dealers are likely super-motivated to sell, but the Routan's retail price is still a couple grand higher than a Dodge Caravan's, part of which goes towards recouping Brooke Shields' paycheck for that ridiculous advertising campaign. And with no sign of the remaining Routans' value going anywhere but down, there's little motivation for VW (to ask Chrysler) to resume production, much less green-light its replacement.

If there's a bright spot here, it's that the Routan actually isn't a bad minivan, particularly now that good deals are available. It's been said that it is the best-driving Chrysler minivan (with the best interior of the bunch), and that's probably true - even if the name, marketing and idea that this is a proper VW has never managed to resonate with consumers.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Goodbye, Routan? VW minivan reportedly not long for this world originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Volkswagen, First Drives

2009 Volkswagen Routan - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen Routan's "German Engineering" ad campaign has provided plenty of irony-laced comedic fodder for the Autoblog water-cooler, and VW's own press release doesn't help, heralding the Routan as "a stylish alternative to the minivan." An alternative to what?

In a perfect world, VW would have revolutionized the moribund minivan segment with a production version of the 2001 Microbus concept, thereby capitalizing on V-Dub's cheeky heritage in the same way the new Beetle did in the late '90s, and perpetuated by other vehicles like the MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 today.

Thankfully, all is not lost. According to VW's Product Planning Manager, Bret Scott, "We would never say 'no' to the possibility of a Microbus revival." But in the meantime, we have to make due with this: the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, a reworked Chrysler Town & Country that VW execs call (with a straight face) "The Beetle of minivans."

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen offering 0% financing on all 2008 models

Chris Shunk — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Volkswagen

Volkswagen typically shies away from massive rebates, but tough sledding on the sales floor had led the German automaker to take drastic measures. All 2008 models can be had with 0% financing for a limited time, which should help VW dealers clear inventory before the '09 models arrive. The 0% deals vary in duration depending on the model, with most models receiving the special financing for 60 months. You can even get a GTI interest free for five years.

Almost every automaker is breaking the bank with incentives to keep declining sales and increased inventories in check. VW is one of the few automakers that fared fairly well in August sales, so something as drastic as 0% financing is a bit of a surprise. Given that the competition is doing it, though, the German automaker may just be keeping up with the Joneses. Thanks for the tip, Jay!

[Source: Volkswagen]

Volkswagen offering 0% financing on all 2008 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #87

Dan Roth — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Podcasts, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Truck, Crossover, Acura, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, Suzuki, Volkswagen, India

The Chicago Auto Show wasn't that eventful, but that's what we lead off Autoblog Podcast episode #87 with. The Challenger was the biggest deal, followed by the Denali XT, and then a bunch of inconsequential things. We did find ourselves talking about the Suzuki Equator and the Ford Transit Connect, too. We give you our first up close and personal impressions of the Challenger SRT-8 in this podcast. We also saw the VW Routan, which certainly doesn't conjure warm, fuzzy memories of Type IIs gone by. Chevy's Traverse calls into question the usefulness of Saturn's Outlook in the product lineup. Speaking of GM badge-engineering, we got word this week that Pontiac will not be getting a Trans Am companion to the Camaro, dang. Another disappointment is the rumor that Cerberus is going to let the Viper run down without rewinding the clock for a third generation. We wrap up by touching on the possibility that an Indian pickup could be the first diesel hybrid in the US, even though it's not even being imported yet, and we're sure that when it gets here, it'll generate even more hate than the new Acura RL. 42 minutes, that's it. Sorry it's a little late this week, it's all Alex's fault, I swear.

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Autoblog Podcast #87 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2008: Volkswagen unveils the newish Routan minivan

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:13:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Volkswagen

click above to view more high-res pics of the VW Routan

Fumbling out of the "why bother" category here at the Chicago Auto Show is the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, which is their new minivan based on the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan platform. Oddly, Volkswagen opened up its presentation by showing pics and videos of its classic vehicles, such as the old Beetle and the old-style rear-engined vans. What's odd is that those classics share absolutely no heritage with the new Chrysler minivan-based Routan. Why conjure up favorable memories of the old VW van before letting us down with this new one?

Moving on to better things, the new van does have a pretty attractive face, more attractive than the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, at least. Standard features are many, including traction and stability controls, a 6-speed automatic transmission and Chrysler's 3.8L V6, though a 4.0L V6 producing 251 hp is also available. The interior is nicer in the Routan than in its Chrysler counterparts, though that's not necessarily saying much. We'll reserve final judgment until we get a chance to live with it, though.

Volkswagen believes that it has struck a better ride and handling compromise on the Routan than Chrysler was able to achieve with either of its vans, which is a bit like biting the hands that feeds you. Nothing on the Routan is all that bad, so we think that any potential minivan customer will consider it. What it will cost is unknown, but VW said the Routan will start around $25,000. We still question whether this is the best that Volkswagen could do with such a great history of vans to draw upon. As we see it, all this vehicle does is give VW dealers a vehicle to sell to large families.

Gallery: Volkswagen Routan

Continue reading Chicago 2008: Volkswagen unveils the newish Routan minivan

Chicago 2008: Volkswagen unveils the newish Routan minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2008 preview: Volkswagen Routan leaks out

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Routan.

Well, thanks to the German pub Autobild you can now see the collaborative efforts of Chrysler and Volkswagen in the form of the VW Routan. Unfortunately, the V-Dub van hardly harkens back to the time of the mini-bus, as everything between the A- and D-pillar is a dead ringer for the Chrysler/Dodge on which it's built. The new front fascia is attractive enough, with swooping headlamps, well-proportioned air dams and a chrome grille fitted with the VW logo, while the rear benefits from a similar tail lamp design as seen on the Touareg and Golf.

Power comes courtesy of a 3.6-liter V6, with 197 hp and 230 lb.-ft. of torque routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can upgrade what's under the hood with a 4.0-liter V6 producing 251 hp and 259 lb.-ft. of torque. Traction control and ESP will be standard, along with dual power sliding doors, power windows and thirteen (13!) cupholders. Some of the options include a touch screen nav with a 20 gig hard-drive, power lift gate and a rear seat entertainment system with two, nine-inch screens.

Volkswagen plans to price the base Routan below the $25,000 mark and sales are expected to begin later this year.

Volkswagen's press release is available in full after the jump.

Gallery: Volkswagen Routan

Continue reading Chicago 2008 preview: Volkswagen Routan leaks out

Chicago 2008 preview: Volkswagen Routan leaks out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Volkswagen Routan vannin' around

Dan Roth — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Volkswagen

Priddy and Company stumbled across a dolled up VW Routan and managed to capture a shot. Earth shattering revelation here: it looks like a Grand Caravan. It'd be natural to assume some similarities, there's only so much you can do to the basic body shell when badge engineering, but when the spy photogs almost pass it right by, that says something. The boys in the camoflage department deserve a little something extra in their envelope this week, because there aren't too many clues as to what the undisguised version will look like (besides, say, a Chrysler minivan.)

The most noticeable element that we can discern are taillights that are subtly reshaped and have different lenses. It might just be the angle, but it's possible that the rear quarter windows and back hatch are reshaped, as well. It almost looks like there's a little more rake in the aft pillars and you can be sure that the bumper and back hatch have been redone. Ever since a '74 Kombi stole my heart, I've been waiting for a new Microbus, especially with Volkswagen's penchant for the retro. We'll wait until Chicago to pass final judgement, and give props to Chrysler for finding someone to take some of their production volume and keep the lines rolling.

[Source: Jalopnik, Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Routan vannin' around originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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