Autoblog

Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Work, Dodge, Fiat

Fiat Doblo - click above for high-res gallery

You're feasting your eyes on Fiat's new Doblo. First debuting in 2001, Fiat has manged to sell over one million Doblos, both as panel work vans (know as the Doblo Cargo) and as five or seven passenger "leisure activity vehicles." This is the first ground-up redesign in the Doblo's relatively short life, and we're thinking Fiat might have bigger plans for its tiny work truck.

If you look closely at Chrysler's five-year plan, you'll see the following bullet point, "Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)." So let's see... small commercial van, supplied by Fiat... we're thinking they mean the Doblo. And with the Ford Transit Connect doing well in the U.S., the Doblo might find some takers. But, whatever Fiat brings over as a new Ram is still a few years off. Until then, chew on the fact that a version of the Doblo is made and sold in North Korea as the Ppeokkugi. Full press release, after the jump.

Gallery: Fiat Doblo and Fiat Doble Cargo

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?

Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Still want a Sprinter? 100 Mercedes dealers sign on to sell big van

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Work, Mercedes-Benz

Last year, there were 350 dealers selling Sprinters, but the signs in front of those dealerships had the word "Dodge" on them. Now that Sprinters have been pulled from Chrysler's pipeline, Automotive News reports that Mercedes-Benz has established its own U.S. van subsidiary and is canvassing dealers to sell the hardy haulers.

Of the 165 Mercedes and Freightliner dealers invited to add Sprinters to their lineups, 143 have accepted the call. Even though 14,600 Sprinters were moved through Dodge outlets and another 3,682 by Freightliner, Mercedes set the minimum for its dealers at 30 vans annually to begin with.

If you're looking for a Sprinter, you'll probably be able to find it with a three-pointed star early next year. In the meantime, dealers are creating the necessary showroom space and adding repair bay features to deal with the big boxes.

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

Still want a Sprinter? 100 Mercedes dealers sign on to sell big van originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu's Deca Deca concept is the most popular "super box" in the world

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Design/Style, Daihatsu

Daihatsu Deca Deca concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Daihatsu has a way with words: the company calls its Deca Deca concept a "super box," and we'll call it a super super box. A funky little piece of chunk, the Deca Deca has a flat floor - and a flat everything else -- along with pillarless doors that render the interior absolutely cavernous. The abyss inside has been tastefully appointed with slim, movable fold-up seats, a table, and an LCD television in case you want to "work inside the vehicle or stow large items."

Interestingly, the car was so popular that we couldn't get close to it until the second day -- there were camera crews around it constantly. But for all that, and with Japanese rents what they are, it might make a fine place to live - after all, it was "designed with leisure use in mind," and how could anyone complain about living in a super box?

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Deca Deca

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu's Deca Deca concept is the most popular "super box" in the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo is bigger, o-kei!

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi, Electric

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

You can make anything bigger and better if you just add a hump, and that's what Mitsubishi has done to its i-MiEV to create the i-MiEV Cargo.

For those who find Ford's Transit Connect simply too monstrous and don't want to pay for gas - like, oh, a commercial concern in Tokyo - Mitsu's battery-powered i-MiEV could be the perfect solution. Growing only in height compared to its hatchback sibling, the thing is tiny but still packs 62 cubic feet of cargo space in its Quasimodo back end - that's a little less than half the Transit Connect's space. That said, we have to wonder how much a full cargo load will negatively effect the i-MiEV's range and overall performance.

Read all about the Cargo's big smallness in the press release after the jump, and have a gander at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo is bigger, o-kei!

Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo is bigger, o-kei! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The A-Team van spied in action on set in British Columbia

Alex Nunez — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, GMC, Celebrities

Joe Carnahan's big-screen adaptation of the '80's TV classic, The A-Team, is apparently coming together up in British Columbia. That's where Splash News caught the movie version of the familiar black GMC van in action kicking up dirt for the cameras. The film's slated for a 2010 release, starring Liam Neeson as Hannibal, Bradley Cooper as Faceman, and UFC brawler Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as B.A. Oh, Jessica Biel's in it, too. Anyhow, we're curious to see how this all turns out. For instance, will the A-Team actually hit any bad guys when they fire their rifles at them in the movie? For more views of B.A.'s signature ride, head on over to Splash News, where a slew of photos are posted for your enjoyment. . Thanks to Chris for the tip!

[Source: Splash News]

The A-Team van spied in action on set in British Columbia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Dodge Sprinter sales to cease as Mercedes opts to sell model itself with new diesel

Chris Shunk — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel

2007 Dodge Sprinter - Click above for high-res image gallery

As much as Daimler has been hating on Chrysler lately, one would think that the Pentastar was the cold-hearted deviant who stuck a knife into the heart of the German automaker. The "Merger of Equals" turned out to be a bum deal for Chrysler, but at least it was able to procure some hardware from its German ex. Some parts of the LX platform that underpins the Dodge 300C, Charger and Challenger, and the platform that will underpin the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee and Durango all came from Mercedes-Benz, as does the excellent Sprinter van.

Though the Sprinter has been met with some level of success at select Dodge dealers, Mercedes has decided to pull the plug on Chrysler in 2010. About 350 dealers sell the Sprinter as a Dodge, and the large commercial van has managed sales of about 20,000 per year since it donned the Ram head in 2003. Mercedes is switching to 120 dealers branded Daimler Vans USA.

The updated Sprinter van, which will now be branded as a Mercedes, will receive a new 3.0L diesel engine that will reportedly be eligible for sale in all 50 US states. The Daimler dealers will reportedly be able to sell up to 18,000 vans per year, a sizable portion of the van's production quota of 32,000 vehicles per year. The remaining production will be sold as Freightliners. The commercial vehicle company has 45 specialized Sprinter van dealers across the nation.

Daimler says the reason for the switch has a lot to do with the fact that the vehicle is now established in the market, though one has to wonder if the German automaker is making an effort to further distance itself from its former step-child. The big losers in the deal could be the 350 Dodge dealers who spent $30-50K to upgrade their dealerships to sell and service the vans.

Gallery: 2007 Dodge Sprinter

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

REPORT: Dodge Sprinter sales to cease as Mercedes opts to sell model itself with new diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be built Stateside in 2012

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Ford

2010 Ford Transit Connect - Click above for a high-res image gallery

A welcome splash of news for the UAW and the U.S. economy: Ford will commence production of the Transit Connect at a U.S. assembly plant by mid-year 2012. Currently built in Turkey on a version of the Euro Focus platform, the next generation Transit will also migrate to the FWD compact platform that will underpin the next Focus both hear and abroad. Ford plants in Wayne, Michigan and Louisville, Kentucky will be retooled to build cars on that architecture, meaning the that Transit could join them.

With an electric version joining the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in 2010, an outside analyst predicted 60,000 units would be reasonable by 2013. Ford isn't quoting any production numbers yet, preferring to see how the current version -- that just went on sale this month -- fares.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Ford Transit Connect to be built Stateside in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan NV200 Vanette rolls out for sale carrying new images, info

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Japan, Work, Nissan

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Nissan NV200

Last month, Nissan unveiled the production compact NV200 minivan (Nissan still refers to the vehicle as a Vanette, seriously) at the Geneva Motor Show, and today, the Japanese automaker has officially announced that sales have begun. The first deliveries in Japan, which is the first market getting access to the van, will happen in mid-May.

Nissan will offer two separate styles of NV200, one for commercial use, called DX, and one to haul people and their belongings called the Wagon 16S. Both machines use the same exterior sheetmetal, featuring an oddly arrayed set of character lines that break up the slab-sided and top-heavy proportions dictated by the van's shape.

Differences between the two models are most apparent inside. The Wagon model offers seating for seven, while the DX can swallow 4.1 cubic meters (145 cubic feet) of stuff. We'd be surprised if the NV200 didn't make it to the U.S. market within the next few years, as Nissan has made it clear that it has global aspirations for this vehicle. Check out our galleries below and see the official press release after the break.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan NV200

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan NV200 Vanette rolls out for sale carrying new images, info

Nissan NV200 Vanette rolls out for sale carrying new images, info originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Work, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan NV200

Nissan recently announced that it would officially debut its new NV200 MPV next week at the Geneva Motor Show, and today we've been blessed with a new set of official images and a few more details to share. Three different styles will be offered, including a passenger van, a cargo van and, sitting somewhere in between, a combi.

Based on Nissan's B Platform shared with the Cube, Micra and various Renaults and Dacias, the NV200 is driven by the front wheels and offers the buyer a choice of either a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 108 horsepower, or a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 86 hp and, more importantly, nearly 150 lb-ft of torque. Unlike most vans that feature removable seats, the NV200's second row of seats will fold forward against the front seatbacks and the rearmost row will split and fold to either side.

When all the seats are properly stowed, the NV200 will accept 4.1 cubic meters (145 cubic feet) of whatever it is you need to carry. For comparison purposes, the Ford Transit Connect offers about 3.5 cubic meters (124 cubic feet), though a proper comparison will need to be made after the NV's actually go on sale. Expect the NV200 to hit the Japanese market before summer, followed by a European introduction this fall. Other markets will follow, but there's no word yet if the new MPV will make it to the U.S. Make sure to check out the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan NV200

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van

Geneva Preview: First official pics and details of Nissan NV200 van originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wanted: Lender for 1,000 GM vans

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Work, GM, Earnings/Financials

Dave Capps is in the business of renting vans. In order for him to stay in that business, he needs to buy new vans - 1,000 of them, to be precise. And although he's been a GMAC customer for 20 years, remains in good standing, and gets much of his current inventory financing from GMAC, he can't get the credit he needs to buy the new vans. So Capps rented a billboard in Dallas to be an appeal to anyone willing to lend him the money.

GMAC hasn't discussed why it won't give Capps the necessary credit. According to Capps, "GMAC said that they don't do vehicle loans and their new GMAC bank is prohibited from loaning money for vehicles. I have to take their word that they can't do that." We're not sure how that conversation went down, but if Capps really was told that newly minted bank holding company GMAC can't loan money for vehicles, well, we have a lot of questions.

After GMAC received a $5 billion loan from the government, it said it would open up dealer financing. A short time later, dealers said they didn't notice any opening and kept getting their credit applications rejected. While Capps isn't a dealer, he does share the need to purchase GM products to keep his business going. We don't know what GMAC's reasons are for keeping the vault locked, but we hope they're pretty good if it means turning down a guy who wants a thousand vans. Hat tip to Rick!

[Source: DFW Stangs]

Wanted: Lender for 1,000 GM vans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Baby Come Back: Wolfgang Bernhard returns to Daimler

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz

Wolfgang Bernhard is coming back to Daimler. The man who helped facilitate the sale of Chrysler to Cerebus, was instrumental in the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve supercar concept, and, most notably, the guy that drove the V10-powered Tomahawk motorcycle onto the stage at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, will take over the van division of Mercedes-Benz on April 1st.

Bernard's return to Daimler comes as a bit of shock, considering he was the assumed successor to Dieter Zetsche as the head of M-B before he left under duress after a ten-year stint with the automaker. Soon afterward, he took the top position at Volkswagen and was later ousted after some boardroom shenanigans involving Ferdinand Piech.

Recently, Bernard was reportedly working as an advisor to Magna International, but in these tumultuous times, we're sure Wolfgang was looking for a more steady position.

[Source: Reuters]

Baby Come Back: Wolfgang Bernhard returns to Daimler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Ford Fiesta Panel Van?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Wagon, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

Click above to enlarge

The new Ford Fiesta isn't just good for going fast and looking good - apparently you can also make a panel van out of it. Details are scant before its supposed appearance at the Paris Motor Show, but this little guy is aimed at small businesses that might want something even more economical than the Ford Transit. The passenger compartment is separated from the cargo by a bulkhead and the latter can hold 1,000 liters, which quadruples the storage space of the 5-seater car. As long as buyers aren't hauling lead, they should be all right -- the car is supposed to get motors ranging from 60 to 90 horsepower. We'll bring more details and pics from the Paris show, as all we know right now is that the Ford Feista Panel Van will start at €11,070 in Germany.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Fiesta

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Paris Preview: Ford Fiesta Panel Van? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan 360: the Elgrand

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Nissan

Among the larger vehicles offered up at the Nissan 360 event that weren't the large commercial offerings from yesterday were the Japanese and "General Overseas Market" Elgrand Van and the Euro- and Japanese-market Qashqai.

The Elgrand wasn't a bad piece of kit for a great big honking van. While massive, the 3.5-liter V6 with 241 hp gets the thing up and going -- even uphill -- with an alacrity that feels almost driftworthy... for a great big honking van. The instrument panel is good looking and nice feeling, the three rows of seats can be moved every which way but loose, and the platoon-hauling mover weighs only 4,431 pounds. Nissan calls it "a first-class minivan fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of consumers for a relaxing experience." We call it a pretty good van.

You can check out the Nissan 360 event site for more details on the vehicles and Nissan company stats. In the mean time, be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the Elgrand

Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

Nissan 360: the Elgrand originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VanTastic: 2009 Ford E-Series upgrades

Dan Roth — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:09:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Work, Ford

Just as Ford's F150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for decades, their E-Series (née Econoline) vans have also been sales champs since before the dawn of the 1980s. A strong presence in the trades delivers forty percent of the full-size van market to the E-Series. Ford's adding some new features and an upgraded interior to the E-Series for 2009 to help it continue to earn its keep. The full-sizers got an exterior nip and tuck last year, so the biggest body changes this year are rear doors that open wider.

Ford's Work Solutions system is a natural addition, and it makes just as much sense in the work van as it does in a pickup. The biggest news is a revised instrument panel with -- bar the door -- four auxiliary switches. Actually, not having a mish-mash of toggles and rockers drilled through the dash face for aftermarket gear is a nice touch. The panel itself has an uncluttered, no-nonsense layout, though the vents look like they could chew off errant fingers. Also on the new dash is a navigation system, which should lessen the "I'm lost, so I'm going to lunch" calls from contractors. American cargo vans are unsung utilitarian heroes, and Ford doesn't want its class leadership to slip away. Press release after the jump

Gallery: 2009 Ford E-Series

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VanTastic: 2009 Ford E-Series upgrades

VanTastic: 2009 Ford E-Series upgrades originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spirit of the VW Camper van goes Element-al

Dan Roth — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Honda, Lifestyle

click above for more pics of the Ursa Minor ECamper

The family vacation just hasn't been the same since the ubiquity of the Westfalia Camper and the VW Type2 as a family vehicle, both of which have been toppled by the rise of the minivan. There have been Westys since VW went mostly conventional with the Eurovan, but they're not much of a common sight on US Highways anymore.

Ursa Minor Vehicles understands that all those former kids who took trips to the Grand Canyon in a Westfalia have a soft spot for the poptop. Thus, the Ursa Minor ECamper kit for the Honda Element has been born. For those willing to part with an additional 4,000 bones, they will regain the ability to tilt up the roof again and contort themselves into an upper bunk area. The ECamper does require that the donor Element have a sunroof, which is the access hatch to the 85" x 50" sleeping area under the carbon fiber lid. Options such as color matched paint and roof racks are also available, and Ursa Minor will even sell you a fully outfitted Element if you don't want to tackle the kit. $4,300 is about what it'd cost in parts and labor to fix the head gaskets in your Wasserboxer, again, isn't it?

[Source: Winding Road]

Gallery: Ursa Minor ECamper

Spirit of the VW Camper van goes Element-al originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:58:00 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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Peugeot gets new vans to Partner with Citroen Berlingo

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Europe, Work, PSA, Peugeot

Where there's smoke, there's fire. And while most wouldn't think of a miniscule European van as hot, PSA's Peugeot brand has its day in the sun with its new Partner vans, unveiled together with its sister-company Citroen's new Berlingo.

The new Partner is virtually identical to its partner, the Berlingo, but is distinguished by some unique features and sheetmetal. The passenger version is labeled the Partner Tepee and gets a multi-function roof called "Zenith". It's also available with a pseudo-off-road package called the Partner Tepee Outdoor. The outgoing version, on the market since 1996, continues on as the entry-level Partner Origin (like the Berlingo First). And, of course, there's a utilitarian version set up for light commercial use with a 1.8-meter long cargo floor that can be extended to 3 meters by dropping the Multi-Flex passenger seats, which gives the Partner LCV an additional 400 liters (14 cubic feet) of cargo space on top of the 3,300-liter (116 cubic-foot) conventional capacity.

[Source: Peugeot]

Gallery: Peugeot new Partner

Continue reading Peugeot gets new vans to Partner with Citroen Berlingo

Peugeot gets new vans to Partner with Citroen Berlingo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Citroen C-something could be Berlingo van replacement

Noah Joseph — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Minivan/Van, Europe, Work, PSA, Citroën

Earlier we brought you a screen shot of Citroen's website that features a countdown meter until the French automaker unveils its latest vehicle. Although we'll have to wait another couple of days to know for certain, the replacement for the Berlingo utility minivan is shaping up as a strong contender for the slot, with an undisguised photo of the new vehicle surfacing on the internet.

The Berlingo, also badged as the Partner by PSA sister-company Peugeot, has been on the market since 1996 and received a facelift in 2002. Competing with the new Renault Kangoo that was unveiled at last September's Frankfurt show, the little vans are a common site overseas where their utility and compact size prove a popular combination.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Citroen C-something could be Berlingo van replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: VW Toaster Van

Dan Roth — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:38:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Etc., Volkswagen, Lifestyle

click above image for more pics of the VW Toaster Van

You're supposed to get baked in the VW bus, not toasted, but whatever. Volkswagen originally had these promotional toasters done up for its Japanese operation. Buy a new VW or bring your VeeDub in for an inspection, get a toaster. While supplies last, of course. There were only 5,000 produced, and fans of splitties and air-cooled VWs in general are rightfully nutso for them. We're not sure if the 100-volt wiring for the Japanese consumer will be okay on the slightly higher voltage here in the US, but if you torch your house after spending at least $250 on the toaster, please don't hold us responsible. Just in time for Christmas, the ultimate culinary delight for Volkswagen fans. What better way to augment a nice Frühstück of Hazelnussomeletten than with some VW-logo toast?

[Source: eBay via GermanCarScene.com]

Gallery: VW Split Window Bus toaster

eBay Find of the Day: VW Toaster Van originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharan/Touran - could it mark the end of the current VW grille?

Dan Roth — Sat, 05 May 2007 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen

Please, let it be so. The current chromed snout on VWs offerings is not only beastly to look at, it doesn't help Audi's cars stand apart, either. We suppose that cuts both ways -- VW probably benefits by a familial resemblance to their cousins. However, the front end on the upcoming Sharan/Touran twins looks to hint at the future face of Volkswagen, we hope.

There's a bumper crop of spiffy van-lets over on the Continent right now, and the Touran/Sharan are latecomers to the party. The vans won't drop until 2010, due to styling tweaks that Martin Winterkorn has reportedly requested.

The Sharan will likely be available with sliding doors, while the Touran will make do with conventional front-hinged points of entry. A healthy selection of powertrain options is expected to be available, from the turbocharged FSI 2.0 liter four cylinder to a 3.2 liter FSI VR6, along with the requesite TDI powerplants. 4Motion will be available, which we'd love to sample hooked up to the gruntiest of the diesels (which will surpass the VR6 in torque output). Being based on the Passat's underpinnings yields a van that's easy to wield while offering great space-efficiency. We like the look of these boxy family haulers, with their crisp edges and large glass areas, but alas, we'll have to take up intercontinental jet-setting if we wish to drive them.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Blog]

Sharan/Touran - could it mark the end of the current VW grille? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2007 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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