What minivan does Volkswagen make?
Volkswagen, the renowned German automaker, does not currently offer a minivan model in its lineup. However, the company did produce a minivan called the Volkswagen Routan from 2008 to 2012. The Routan was a rebadged version of the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, developed through a partnership between Volkswagen and Chrysler.
The Volkswagen Routan: A Rebadged Chrysler Minivan
The Volkswagen Routan was introduced in 2008 as a response to the growing demand for minivans in the North American market. It was essentially a Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan with a Volkswagen-specific exterior and interior design.
The Routan shared the same platform, powertrain, and many of the same features as its Chrysler counterparts. It was available in various trim levels, including the S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium, and offered seating for up to seven passengers.
Why Did Volkswagen Discontinue the Routan?
Despite the Routan's similarities to the Chrysler minivans, it failed to gain significant traction in the market. Volkswagen's decision to discontinue the Routan after the 2012 model year was likely due to a combination of factors:
- Limited differentiation from the Chrysler models, making it difficult to justify a higher price point
- Volkswagen's focus on its core brand identity and product lineup, which did not include a minivan
- The overall decline in minivan sales as consumer preferences shifted towards SUVs and crossovers
Since the discontinuation of the Routan, Volkswagen has not introduced a new minivan model to its lineup. The company's focus has been on expanding its SUV and crossover offerings to meet the changing market demands.
Conclusion
While Volkswagen does not currently offer a minivan, the Routan was the company's attempt to enter the minivan segment in North America. However, the Routan's limited success and Volkswagen's shifting priorities led to its discontinuation in 2012. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen if Volkswagen will revisit the minivan market in the future.
