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Volkswagen Routan
European inspired design and driving dynamics highlight new minivan
CHICAGO – minivan. It delivers the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines European sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value.
The Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its stylized front grille and exterior treatments. The interior enhancements create an environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and meticulously detailed. The high quality materials, beautiful textures and rich luxurious colors are combined with exacting tolerances and superb fit and finish. While pleasing and contemporary, the interior also follows the traditional Volkswagen design philosophy that form follows function.
Second row captain’s chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort while still providing the convenience of a traditional minivan, with over 32.7 cubic feet available behind the third row seats and a full 83 cubic feet is available behind the second row.
The 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 251 hp and 259 lb. ft. of torque. 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
Volkswagen delivers a competitively priced entry into this high volume segment with prices starting below $25,000. The Routan will be built in an already existing facility in Windsor, Ontario. With Routan, Volkswagen dealers add a vehicle that will provide additional, incremental growth in the market. A distinctly designed minivan at an attractive price point will broaden the brand portfolio, while providing a roomy alternative to existing Volkswagen owners.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you really believe that current VW owners and prospects will be interested in a
“badge engineered” vehicle?
– The Routan is not “badge engineered,” it is a “partnership” venture. Volkswagen has a
What is the Routan and how you pronounce the name?
– It’s our latest product offering, a seven seat minivan.
– The vehicle is pronounced Rew-Than
When will it be introduced?
– Current Market Introduction date for the vehicle is mid-September as a 2009 MY vehicle
Market focus
– We must ensure that potential consumers recognize the Routan as the only Europeaninspired
minivan in the US market. This minivan is truly the best of both worlds: authentic
European design, fit and finish, ride and handling and North American market-relevant
features.
long and successful history of working on “joint partnerships” – Touareg/Cayenne is
current example.
– Volkswagen has spent thousands of hours in Design, Engineering, and Technical
Development to ensure the vehicle looks, feels and performs as a true Volkswagen.
– Our customers will be purchasing a European-inspired minivan. Exterior and interior
design, fit and finish and European ride and handling characteristics will differentiate us
from our competitors.
– Results from our research reaffirmed that minivan owners and intenders said they would
love to have a Volkswagen minivan (particularly the more import-minded)
Volkswagen of America today unveiled the Routan, an all new sevenpassenger
VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS ROUTAN AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
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