VW minivan plans unhindered by Chrysler production move

2009 VW Routan .. More images in full post

Chrysler LLC’s move to consolidate its minivan production in a plant also destined to build the new Volkswagen Routan poses no threat to the joint project.

Launch plans for the Routan, which shares a platform with the redesigned-for-’08 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, are unaffected by Chrysler’s market-related decision to idle its St. Louis South site.




Chrysler says its single-shift St. Louis South minivan plant will close “indefinitely” on Oct. 31. But its site in Windsor, ON, Canada will remain on three shifts.

Chrysler is scheduled to build the Routan minivan at Windsor as part of a contract assembly arrangement reached with VW. Pre-production is under way and full production is expected to begin this summer.

Windsor also has some capacity to spare because it had been home to the Chrysler Pacifica cross/utility vehicle, which went out of production last year because of poor sales.

Volkswagen expects to grab about 5% of the segment, or somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 monthly sales. Last year, Chrysler dominated the U.S. market with 315,000 minivan deliveries about 20,000 units short of the combined totals of Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

The auto maker also thinks demand remains among growing families that lean toward import brands with fresh styling, upscale interiors and European driving dynamics. Should Volkswagen meet its sales goal with the Routan, it would rank second in U.S. sales next to its bread-and-butter Jetta lineup.

The Volkswagen Routan will come standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.0L V6 will be available rated at 253 hp and 263 lb. ft. of torque. VW Routan features European tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP, brings safety and security to the Routan. The Routan comes with a host of unique features, including:

* Conversation Mirror
* Rear seat entertainment system with two 9 inch screens for second and third row, wireless headsets, and remote control
* Dual power sliding doors with power windows
* Touch screen navigation with twenty meg hard drive
* Power lift gate with flood lamp
* Thirteen cup holders

The Routan will not receive Chrysler’s Swivel 'n Go or Stow 'n Go seating systems. It is scheduled to begin arriving at Volkswagen dealers in August.

Images Gallery : 2009 Volkswagen Routan




[Source : Wards Auto]