Autoblog

Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota Sequoia

Toyota builds many of its U.S. market vehicles right here in America. Among them are the Toyota Tacoma, Sienna minivan and Sequoia SUV, which is built alongside its Tundra full-size truck sibling. For the most part, they are all meant to be sold in the States, their primary market. It's no secret that sales of these big SUVs and trucks are way down, and Toyota doesn't want to idle its plants if it can help it. Therefore, the Japanese automaker is rumored to be in the midst of sending these light trucks out of the country. The Tacoma, for instance, could be sent to Mexico from Toyota's plant in Baja, California. To keep the plant in Princeton, Indiana running, the Sienna could be exported to Latin America and the gas-guzzling Sequoia to the Middle East, a place where oil supplies are obviously not in danger of dwindling.

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

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U.S. may miss out on production Chevy Orlando

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:08:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet, Rumormill

Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando Concept

Just a few days ago, we got to see Chevy unveil the Orlando concept at the Paris Motor Show. We surmised at the time that this seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle seems like the logical next step for the idea that General Motors started with the Chevy HHR. Perhaps it won't be. Motor Authority is claiming that the production version of the Orlando won't be assembled in the U.S. and we may get passed over entirely due to the expected cost of the vehicle, which is based on the same Delta platform as the upcoming Cruze compact car and Volt series hybrid. Additionally, GM has stated that it has no plans to end production of the HHR anytime soon. But this is all speculation for now. As for whether it's much ado about nothing, we'll see.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando LIVE

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando Concept outdoes the HHR

John Neff — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of Chevy Orlando Concept live shots

Ever wish the Chevy HHR would evolve into something more cool than kitsch? What that would be is the Chevy Orlando Concept, a seven-passenger multi-purpose vehicle that will be entering production in Europe sometime in the near future. We sincerely hope General Motors considers selling the production version in the U.S. as a replacement for the HHR, as its slab sides and chunky stance impart a much more grown up and aggressive attitude than Chevy's current compact people mover. And just like the HHR is based on the compact Cobalt's platform, the production Orlando will be based on the same platform as the upcoming Cruze, which itself will be sold in both Europe and the U.S. There's really not a doubt in our minds that the Orlando is being developed to replace the HHR in the U.S. while it simultaneously enters a new segment in Europe for Chevy. As for when the production version will appear, we don't know. All we know is that this MPV has got a lot of promise. Check out our new gallery of high-res live shots below to see if you agree.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando LIVE

Continue reading Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando Concept outdoes the HHR

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VIDEO: Chrysler airbag blows up refrigerator, passes spit test

Chris Shunk — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Videos, Chrysler, LLC.

Click above to view video after the jump

Last week we showed you what happens when old Ford and GM airbags are set off in an enclosed place, and now it's time to see what kind of damage an old Chrysler airbag can inflict on a mini fridge. To keep the fridge grounded, Farmer Dave slapped a Reagan era microwave on top of it, wired up the airbag to the battery, and let her rip. The door went flying, the little refrigerator's side walls were compromised, and, well, follow the jump to see it for yourself. It wasn't as explosive as the Ford door, but we love how Farmer Dave employs the saliva test on the back plate of the airbag to see if it's still hot. Sizzling spit is acceptable behavior in YouTube land.

[Source: YouTube]

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Paris 2008: Orlando Concept previews production Chevy MPV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet

Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando concept

Now that the Paris Motor Show is finally upon us, General Motors has officially taken the wraps off its new Orlando Concept. In case you hadn't noticed, SUVs aren't selling well right now, GM has given up on minivans and Chevrolet has nothing but CUVs to fill the void. Multi-Purpose Vehicles are hot sellers in Europe and the Orlando gives a clear indication that the General has noticed that trend and will be entering the MPV segment soon. Seven seats fill the large available interior space of the Orlando, which comes courtesy of the modified Delta II platform that's shared with the recently unveiled Cruze sedan. Those seats also fold flat for versatile cargo-carrying utility.

Ice-blue accents cover both the interior and exterior of the Orlando Concept and solar panels are fixed to the roof in a nod to its concept status. On the inside, there's a lot going on with multiple fabric and plastic textures, but the overall layout looks pretty solid. Power for the Orlando comes from a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that offers up nearly 200 lb-ft of torque. We'll have live shots from the Paris Motor Show soon enough, but in the meantime, check out the early press release after the break and take a look at our large high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Chevy Orlando Concept

[Source: GM]

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Renault unveils Kangoo Be Bop convertible van

John Neff — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Renault

Click above for high-res gallery of the Renault Kangoo Be Bop

You might think the Renault Kangoo Be Bop is a concept vehicle what with its quirky looks and trick sliding roof. You can credit the quirky styling to it being a Renault, an automaker not known for producing bland production designs. As for the rear roof panel that slides forward to create a van-vertible, that's a direct carryover from the concept on which the Kangoo Be Bop is faithfully based: the Kangoo Compact Concept that debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The production Be Bop maintains the two-door van layout of the concept, and the ceiling is now comprised of two tilting glazed glass panels up front, one fixed glass panel in the middle, and an opaque roof panel in the rear that lifts up and forward to create an open air experience for back seat passengers. Letting even more light in are expansive side windows, so despite being tiny in dimension, the Be Bop shouldn't feel confining to its passengers. The rear seats can also be removed to increase cargo capacity, and Renault says that passengers can even enter the vehicle through the open rear gate and slide between the rear seats. Power will come from three engines: an 85-hp 1.5L dCi and 105-hp dCi, both of which are paired with a six-speed manual, and a gas-powered 105-hp 1.6L four-cylinder. It's quirky, oddly functional and definitely French, and Europeans will be able to buy a Kangoo Be Bop of their very own this Spring.

Gallery: Renault Kangoo Be Bop

[Source: Renault]

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Lights Out: GM Minivan plant closes up shop

Dan Roth — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

The last aardvark inspired minivan has passed through the doors of GM's Doraville, GA assembly facility. The plant, which opened in 1947, has four developers vying to get their hands on the 165-acre parcel. About 1,500 workers have been idled due to the closing, which was a long time coming. The Doraville plant's closing is an unfortunate consequence of the old GM, and its divestiture is intended to aid General Motors as it continues clawing its way back from the brink.

We can't say the U-Platform vans will be missed. Though significantly changed from its inception as the Lumina APV with its odd styling, the Uplander was a swing of the pendulum to the other side of weird. Smack dab in the middle was the normal, yet lackluster, Venture. None of the platform's iterations managed to ignite buyer passions, coming up short against the competition, and lately completely crushed by the Odyssey/Sienna 1-2 punch, with a kick in the head from the Grand Caravan for good measure.

[Source: Auto News - sub req]

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Paris Preview: Chrysler to unveil 25th Anniversary minivan, Jeep Compass Overland

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Chrysler, LLC., Jeep

Click above for more high-res shots of the Jeep Compass Overland

We already took a look at MOPAR's first concept due to be displayed at the Paris Motor Show next week, and it turns out that it has a twin. This one is based on the unloved Compass mini 'ute and reuses the Overland moniker that's been popular with the Jeep brand, once owned by Willys-Overland. It's painted in a classically-Jeep dark green color that covers almost the entire exterior, minus some silver accent panels on the sides (why?) and a mesh grille that's actually kind of cool. On the inside, it's been tarted-up with new sill plates and seats with stitched-in Overland logos.

The last (and least?) vehicle Chrysler is set to show off in Paris is a 25th Anniversary Chrysler Grand Voyager, which has French-stitched leather seating surfaces and "Blackwood accents." Outside are 17-inch rims, chrome trim and special badges. All in all, pretty mundane stuff. Oddly, nobody ever asks us for our opinions. If they did, we'd tell them they could leave these two at home. Chrysler has issued a press release detailing everything it's bringing to Paris, see it after the break.

Gallery: Jeep Compass Overland

Gallery: 25th Edition Grand Voyager

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Chrysler to unveil 25th Anniversary minivan, Jeep Compass Overland

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Kia Rondo recalled for fuel pump issue

Dan Roth — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Kia

2008-'09 Kia Rondos packing four-cylinder engines are being recalled to fix a fuel pump issue that could lead to fuel starvation. Nearly 7,000 Rondos in EX and LX trim are effected, and will get an improved fuel pump to resolve the issue. The NHTSA has warned that the problem is unusually severe, and vehicle behaviors such as poor starting and hesitation could lead to a crash. If you own Kia's funk-tacular MPV with the 2.4-liter engine, get thee to a dealer, or call Kia at 800-333-4542.

[Source: Inside Line]

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Breaking: Dodge EV sports car, range-extended Town & Country, Wrangler previewed

Alex Nunez — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:08:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs, Sports/GTs, SUVs, Green, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep

CNBC's Phil Lebeau got a sneak peek at the new EVs Chrysler is developing, and it looks like Auburn Hills is pulling a Tesla, among other things. The yellow Dodge EV you see here is basically an electrified Lotus Europa. Presumably equipped with lithium ion battery power, the Dodge EV has a reported operating range of 150 - 200 miles and can be plugged in to household 110 or 220 outlets. Figure a four-hour charge on the latter, and 8 or so on the former. Zero-to-sixty is said to be under 5 seconds. Like we said, this is basically Chrysler's Tesla, right down to the Lotus-sourced donor vehicle.

We'll see the Dodge EV introduced formally later this afternoon, along with range-extended EV versions of the Chrysler Town & Country (can you say, "killer app"?) and Jeep Wrangler. With regard to timing, Chrysler says it would like to have "at least one" of these vehicles on the market by the end of 2010, the unofficial official year of the electric/plug-in car.

Look for all three prototypes to head to D.C., where they'll be showcased for Congressional leaders who have a say in whether or not Washington will show Detroit the money they've been asking for.

For now, you can watch the preview unveiling of the cars on CNBC by watching this video. Chrysler's got something planned for 1PM today, so we expect to have a lot more info and photos then. Stay tuned.

UPDATED: Full details now posted here.

Gallery: Dodge EV, Jeep EV and Chrysler EV

[Source: CNBC]

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JDM Honda Odyssey teased ahead of debut

Alex Nunez — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Japan, Honda

Click above to enlarge the new JDM Honda Odyssey

As many of you doubtless know, the Japanese Honda Odyssey isn't the same thing we get here in the States. While we get the more jumbo-rific family escape pod with sliders and the whole shebang, the JDM Odyssey is a sleeker-looking MPV with four traditionally-hinged doors anf four-cylinder power. And now it's time for a new one. Honda's just put up a special site to welcome the upcoming 4th-gen JDM Odyssey, whose styling further evolves the shape that's by now a common site in Japan, while the front end is likely to showcase Honda's current family design theme (think Clarity, Insight, etc.). You can check out the teaser site by clicking here, and keep in mind that Honda's reportedly thinking about sending over some of its JDM machinery. In lieu of, say, an Accord wagon, this (or the more compact Stream) might work for a lot of people -- especially those of us who view the typical U.S.-style minivan as Superman does kryptonite.

[Source: Honda via NihonCar]

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Only Honda: New i-SRS Airbag System and Bird's Eye camera

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Japan, Safety, Tech, Honda

What other automaker would spend the time and expense of developing a new airbag just because, you know, airbags could be better? The same one who developed a new rail car for the same reason. The Japanese automaker has developed a new airbag it claims will give drivers better protection in accidents. The shaped bag uses a spiral seam to induce more even inflation, which provides a larger surface area and creates uniform pressure around the bag more quickly than in a conventional airbag system. Thus, the driver is cushioned sooner. The i-SRS system also uses a gas release valve that helps control airbag deployment and pressure, and holds the gas inside the bag until a preset time. The technology is already slated to appear on the Honda Life in Japan this November.

Outside the vehicle, Honda will be adding a new multi-view camera to the upcoming JDM Odyssey, much like Nissan's Around View Monitor. Four wide-angle CCD cameras will be placed in the front, back, and on the side mirrors. Each view can be seen individually or combined for a computer generated aerial shot of the car's movements. Because they're wide angle, Honda has also incorporated a view with the front camera that extends the driver's line of sight in low-visibility intersections, such as when exiting a parking garage (see right pic). It sounds similar to the front-mounted camera system on the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Unfortunately there's no word on when either technology will come to the U.S. Thanks for the tip, phaedra!

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Only Honda: New i-SRS Airbag System and Bird's Eye camera

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Toyota iQ platform will spawn new compact cars

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs, Hatchbacks, Toyota

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota iQ

Toyota developed an all-new architecture for its iQ city car, but in an effort to defray the costs the automaker will be using the platform to underpin three new models.

The first will be the next-generation Yaris, due out in 2011, which will be packaged more efficiently to improve interior volume and be a more competent competitor to the Honda Fit. A new hybrid model is also in the works that takes aim at another Honda - the new 2009 Insight - while a seven-seat people mover is also slated to be built atop the iQ's architecture.

MotorTrend sat down with the iQ's chief engineer, Hiroki Nakajima, to discuss a half-dozen innovative packaging solutions employed on the city car, including a differential moved to the front of the engine to allow more interior room, a higher-mounted steering rack and wiper motor assembly, a smaller, more efficient climate control system and a flat, thin fuel tank that lies beneath the passenger seats.

All these innovations have cost some serious coin to develop, but over the iQ's lifetime, along with the implementation of these systems on other models, Toyota is confident that the expense is worth it for both the automaker and consumers.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ

[Source: MotorTrend]

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Paris Preview: Fiat Fiorino Qubo for the young folk

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Paris Motor Show, FIAT

Click above for high-res gallery of the Fiat Qubo MPV

The new Fiat Fiorino Qubo is a new multi-purpose vehicle that looks a bit like Kermit the Frog with a massive under-bite. Judging from the photos supplied by Fiat, it's a great vehicle for surfer dudes with hot girlfriends and families with dogs. Considering its got dual sliding doors and airy cockpit, we can imagine that the young guys and gals towards which it's marketed can find plenty to do with the MPV. Think of it as a very Italian Honda Element. Anyway, there are some nice details here, including an interior with six possible seating configurations -- all for a 13,000 euro starting price, which translates to about $18,500 in the States. Two engines are available, a 73-horse 1.4-liter gas-powered four and a 1.3-liter oil-burner with 75 horsepower along with a five-speed stick or six-speed "robotized" automatic. We expect to see the Qubo in person at the Paris Motor Show, soon after which folks in Europe will actually to get to buy one. Read the whole press release after the break and check out the gallery below to view more beautiful people having fun with the Qubo.

Gallery: Fiat Qubo MPV

[Source: Fiat]

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VIDEO: Brooke Shields pretending VW Routan is NOT a Dodge Caravan

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen

Click above to watch video after the jump

In what could very possibly be the worst auto-related commercial we have ever seen, Volkswagen has somehow convinced Brooke Shields (really Brooke, are things this bad?) to shill its new, at least to VW showrooms, ~~Caravan~~ Routan minivan. Apparently, what the people want is a badge-engineered Volkswagen version of the Pentastar minivan platform. In the extended commercial, Shields attempts to explain with a straight face that Americans are getting pregnant just so they can buy a Routan and enjoy its German engineering. Except that it's not German engineered, unless you count the fact that Daimler was still married to Chrysler when the van was developed. We certainly don't. Sure, the Routan's Chrysler-sourced suspension was probably tweaked by Volkswagen, and it's got softer styling up front to differentiate it from its Auburn Hills-based brothers, but those credentials are far from enough to call it "German engineered". It's likely that the Routan is a perfectly fine minivan, maybe even markedly better than the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, but does VW honestly think people won't realize it's true origins? To watch the absurdness unfold, click past the break.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VIDEO: Brooke Shields pretending VW Routan is NOT a Dodge Caravan

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Chrysler ekes out additional 2 mpg on 2009 minivans

Michael Harley — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivans/MPVs, Green, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge

With moms now actually reading EPA fuel economy figures on the window sticker before trying out the dozen cup holders found in most modern minivans, Chrysler went back to the engineering lab and knocked out a few more miles per gallon for its 2009 minivan offerings. Bragging that no other minivan offers better fuel economy than the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, the automaker is boasting EPA figures of 17 city / 25 highway for the minivans when equipped with the automaker's 4.0L six-cylinder engine and minivan-first 6-speed automatic. Considering that the original 1984 Chrysler Town and Country achieved 18 city / 21 highway with a 2.6L four-cylinder and three-speed transmission, we've clearly come a long way. To squeeze out the extra miles per gallon, Chrysler tweaked the large 4.0L V6 engine and then changed the ratios on the transmission. With a higher ratio first gear, and smaller steps between the new ratios, the minivans are quicker off the line and the engine doesn't loose as much speed between shifts. The result is a fuel economy improvement of about 8 percent or about 2 mpg. Now, if the engineers could just do something about that minivan stigma...

[Source: Chrysler]

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Paris Preview: Citroën C3 Picasso unveiled ahead of show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Citroen

click above for more hi-res shots of Citroën's new C3 Picasso

It sounds as if Citroën sees it's new C3 Picasso as a rolling contradiction in terms. According to the automaker, it is compact and spacious and blends strength and comfort; quality and affordability; performance and economy; contemporary and retro design; square shapes and flowing curves and style and practicality. All right, we can give them style and practicality, which the peculiar C3 seems to offer in spades -- though the French people mover is stylish in the same way it's namesake's paintings are a beautiful, if not an acquired taste. After reading through Citroën's press release, pasted after the break, it sounds as if there are plenty of innovative storage options as well. We do like how the automaker revels in its own quirkiness and was able to make the cockpit seem so bright and airy with all that glass. Four engines will be offered, two gas and two diesel. Look for more when we visit Paris later this month.

Gallery: Citroen C3 Picasso

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Citroën C3 Picasso unveiled ahead of show

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Paris Preview: Chevy Orlando concept previews compact 7-seater for Europe

Alex Nunez — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet, GM

Click either image for a hi-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando

GM has announced that it will unveil the Chevy Orlando show car at the Paris Motor Show next month. The compact 7-seat crossover has a 105-inch wheelbase, rides on the same platform (Delta II) as the Chevy Cruze and gets turbodiesel power from a 2.0-liter four. The Orlando and the Chevy Tacuma prototype caught testing in disguise would appear to be one and the same, and as the Tacuma spy shots hinted, instead of a traditional vannish MPV appearance, the Orlando show car demonstrates that the production vehicle will follow the CUV pack and adopt tougher-looking SUV styling queues (Quien es mas macho? Orlando.) A substantial split grille dominates the front end, along with headlights that sweep back onto the front fender. Inside, an attractive cabin blends styling elements from a number of modern Chevys and Opels. We'll get the rest of the skinny and report back live from the Paris show next month.

Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando concept

[Source: GM via Autoblog Spanish]

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Out 'n about: Dodge Caravan R/T goes shopping

Alex Nunez — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, Dodge

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Caravan R/T in the wild

Reader Joe Donaldson was out taking photos over the weekend when he happened upon a more-interesting-than-normal Dodge Caravan parked outside a Best Buy. While we generally find the terms "interesting" and "Dodge Caravan" to be mutually exclusive, we'll grant an exception here, because what Don stumbled upon was none other than a Caravan R/T sporting manufacturer tags. Is it the very same Caravan R/T that we saw in Detroit back in January? Who knows, but from the looks of things, it's identically equipped, with the hood scoop, darkened grille area, big wheels, Brembos, dual exhaust, and the requisite badging. We're not particularly big on minivans, but we thought that the Caravan R/T show car was pretty cool, and seeing it in the wild does nothing to change that opinion. Hey Chrysler, Dad might not feel as lame driving around in one of these boxes if you were to, you know, actually offer this.

Gallery: Dodge Caravan R/T in the wild

[Source and Photos: Joe Donaldson]

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Rumormill: VW Microbus back on the table?

Alex Nunez — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the '01 VW Microbus concept

The 2001 VW Microbus concept was really cool; so much so that it looked like it was headed for 2005 production. Then the project started getting expensive at the same time the U.S. dollar began to hit the skids. So, then-boss Bernd Pischetsrieder swung the axe, and it was curtains for the retro breadbox. Fast-forward to the present. Instead of a spiffy new Microbus, we now have the Routan, which is fake German for "Dodge Caravan." Not very exciting, to say the least.

A revival of Flower Power's official vehicle seemed hopeless -- until now. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that VW's entertaining the possibility of a 21st-century Microbus built on the same platform as the new sedan that'll pe produced at VW's Chattanooga, TN facility. An unnamed "senior Volkswagen official" told the paper that European production's basically a non-starter, and Volkswagen Group of America's Jill Bratina played it coy, saying only that a second vehicle line out of Chattanooga is "conceivable in the foreseeable future." A locally-built, car-based Microbus is an idea that certainly piques our interest. How about yours?

(Oh, and by the way, should you ever decide to move to Brazil, you can still kick it old-school down there in the meantime.)

Gallery: 2001 VW Microbus Concept

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald via Squob.com]

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