VW-badged Voyager deal almost settled

German Auto Motor und Sport is reporting (via translation from the German Car Blog) that VW and DaimlerChrysler are close to finalizing their deal to produce a VW-badged Chrysler Voyager minivan. The announcement could come as soon the Detroit auto show in January. The new minivan would be built by Chrysler and sold exclusively in the U.S.
It's obvious that VW would like to cash in on the resurging minivan market, and this deal would be an efficient way to field a product quickly. We're not so sure, however, that a rebadged Voyager fits the German brand's image. We'll have to wait and see if VW manages to differentiate enough body panels and interior components to make us believe it's a VW, but we're guessing Chrysler's exclusive Stow-'N-Go seating played a major factor in the company's interest.