| When Volkswagen needed to fill an important gap in | | | | necessary to ensure that the minivans could handle a |
| their line up, the German automaker turned to Chrysler | | | | V6 diesel engine. Some have said that the current |
| whose best selling line of minivans were just what the | | | | transmission pairing wouldn't be appropriate as that |
| doctor ordered. Since coming to the market last year, | | | | gearbox wouldn't be able to handle the added torque. |
| the Routan minivan hasn't sold all that well, but neither | | | | Thus a modified transmission would need to be |
| have most vehicles in its segment. | | | | developed, an additional cost that consumers may not |
| For Volkswagen, a strong selling Routan is necessary | | | | be willing to bear. |
| in order to ensure that its family carrying model | | | | The Future of the Minivan |
| offerings are complete. VW has a pair of sport/utility | | | | Chrysler has been widely credited with developing the |
| models in their line up, but no crossover model. Thus, | | | | modern day minivan, a segment it long dominated. The |
| the Routan minivan fills the gap whether it is a strong | | | | two Chrysler Group LLC models outsell the |
| seller or not. | | | | competition, although the Toyota Sienna and Honda |
| A Turbo Diesel Motor For VW? | | | | Odyssey are considered to be of a better quality. Ford |
| But Volkswagen may need to expand the Routan to | | | | and General Motors have abandoned the minivan |
| include a diesel engine option if it is to become a | | | | market, choosing to go with crossover (CUV) models |
| relevant player in the market. Volkswagen is currently | | | | which are generally just as roomy and offer all wheel |
| in the middle of a quest to offer diesel technology as | | | | drive. |
| an option across all of its many model lines, thus | | | | Having recently exited bankruptcy and fallen under the |
| leaving the Routan out would do the model some | | | | control of the Fiat Group, Chrysler's long term product |
| disservice. | | | | plans aren't quite clear yet. However, with their |
| Because the Routan is built by Chrysler, Volkswagen | | | | minivans still playing an important role in the market, |
| would perhaps extend this option to Chrysler to include | | | | Chrysler's long term commitment to this line seems |
| these engines in the Chrysler Town & Country | | | | assured. With that in mind, Volkswagen will probably |
| and Dodge Gran Caravan. That move would serve to | | | | remain a willing partner, perhaps choosing to add a |
| share costs of selling diesel technology across the | | | | diesel offering at some point down the line. |
| entire platform as well as make other modifications | | | | |