Did Chrysler make the VW Routan?
Yes. Chrysler built the VW Routan under contract for Volkswagen, and it was essentially a rebadged version of Chrysler’s minivan lineup, assembled in Windsor, Ontario.
The Routan arrived for the 2009 model year as part of a Volkswagen-Chrysler collaboration to re-enter the North American minivan market. It used Chrysler’s minivan platform and powertrains but carried VW branding and design touches, and it was produced by Chrysler at its Windsor Assembly Plant in Canada. The program ended after the 2012 model year due to VW’s strategy changes and weaker-than-expected sales.
Background and Production Details
Origins of the Routan
In the mid-2000s, Volkswagen sought a partner to bring a competitive minivan to North America. A joint venture with Chrysler resulted in the Routan, introduced for the 2009 model year. The vehicle was designed to meet VW buyers’ expectations while riding on Chrysler’s proven minivan architecture, the RT platform.
Manufacturing and platform
The Routan was assembled by Chrysler at its Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It used Chrysler’s minivan drivetrains and engineering, essentially sharing the Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan under a Volkswagen shell. The interior and features were tuned to VW branding, but the underlying engineering remained Chrysler’s.
Market presence and lifecycle
Volkswagen marketed the Routan through its North American network, particularly in the United States and Canada, for the 2009 through 2012 model years. The program was wound down after VW determined that the Routan failed to meet sales expectations and after broader shifts in VW’s North American strategy.
Key facts at a glance
Before the following list, here is a concise set of production and partnership highlights:
- Shared platform with Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan
- Built by Chrysler at Windsor Assembly Plant, Windsor, Ontario
- Volkswagen branding with VW-specific features and interior trim
- Produced for the 2009–2012 model years
- Result of a Volkswagen-Chrysler collaboration to re-enter the North American minivan market
The Routan’s badge-engineered approach reflected VW’s strategy to leverage established minivan engineering while introducing its own styling and brand identity in a competitive segment.
Why the Routan was discontinued
Despite the collaboration, demand for the Routan remained modest in a crowded minivan market. Volkswagen ultimately decided to discontinue the model after the 2012 model year as part of a broader realignment of its North American strategy and cost considerations. Chrysler continued to offer its own minivans, while VW shifted its focus to other segments and markets.
Summary
In short, the VW Routan was produced by Chrysler under contract for Volkswagen. It was a badge-engineered version of Chrysler’s minivans, assembled in Windsor, Ontario, and marketed by VW in North America from 2009 to 2012. The project ended as VW reevaluated its lineup and market priorities.
