Date: Sat, 3 Feb 2001 14:44:55 -0800
Reply-To: Ari Ollikainen <Ari@OLTECO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ari Ollikainen <Ari@OLTECO.COM>
Subject: New 2001 EV details
Content-type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"
While hunting for 2001 EV information I came across some
conflicting details at Edmunds.com and KBB.com causing me
a hunger for "official" info...whereupon I stumbled upon VW's
latest EV price reduction announcement.
Note that the 2.8L 24valve makes 201hp(@6200rpm) and 181lb-ft
at 2500 (the torque band is actually flat from around 2500 to
past 5500 rpm!! see
http://www.vw-nutzfahrzeuge.de/deu/technik/vr6.html
for more info). Somewhere else I recall reading that the German
version of the 24vVR6 requires premium fuel (ie 98RON) but can
accommodate lower octane since it has a knock sensor.
So, for 2001, the 2.8L VR6 has gone from 12 to 24 valves, 140 to
201 peak HP and 177 to 181 lb-ft over a wider rpm band...Other
than the ability to move the bulk of the EV at higher cruise and
top speeds, I don't quite see the advantage. In fact, I'm really
perplexed by VW's inability understand that they actually
**could** compete with minivans from the other manufacturers IF
they were to sell a range of EVs (as they do in Europe) with more
combinations of power and options (including such obvious things
as AWD [syncro], driver's side sliding doors and the longer
wheelbase models...and some of the nifty "California" models).
16 inch alloys are standard (KBB says the tires are 205/60TR16)
VW makes a big deal about the now standard Electronic Stability
Program, ESP (switchable, thank goodness) which supposedly helps
handle over and understeering situations...and there's also
the Anti-Slip Regulation, ASR, system for front wheel traction
control
BTW, the dealer "invoice" for the 2001 EV GLS is now 23810 + 615
destination charge, while the MV invoices at 25165 + 615. (
Note that the prices given in the press release below are the
low-balled top of the window sticker number which are exclusive
of the destination charge.
The Weekender option is listed by cars.com at $2,856 invoice
and $3,235 retail making an MVW MSRP without additional options
bottom line at $31550. I suspect that the EVC will be priced
within $1K of that amount...
I wonder if the existing Y2K EV inventory is going to be sold
off at fire sale prices as soon as the 2001 EVs start arriving?
Late last year the dealer incentive on the EV was 3K...
It's somewhat disappointing to see that, for a company setting
out to improve their sales volume with a supposedly improved and
better priced vehicle, no one proofread the press release
sufficiently to notice that the EVC's "longer wheelbase...than
GLS" is listed at 115.0 inches (instead of the 130.7in ) which,
actually, IS the GLS/MV wheelbase... But then again, setting a
sales goal to DOUBLE EV sales to 5000 <giggle> annually is
actually not a really bold move but a really timid and tentative
step given how badly VW has managed to bungle their approach to a
market segment they created.
Some history (see
http://dealer.vw.com/vwpress/fullStoryA.html?release_id=5027 ):
+ From its introduction in 1950 to 1966 Volkswagen sold 325,200
"Microbuses" in the United States.
+ The T2 had the best year of any Volkswagen bus and sold 65,069
units in 1971. Overall 433,594 Microbuses were sold in the U.S.
between 1967 and 1978.
+ From the introduction in 1979 to the launch of the Eurovan,
Volkswagen sold 191,158 Vanagons in the U.S.
+ VW sold 1,742 EVs during 1998
+ VW sold 3,395 EuroVans in 1999 in the US.
+ VW sold 2,535 EuroVans in the US through October 2000.
Almost a million VW vans of all models sold in the US during
the last 50 years!!
01 FEB 2001
VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES VALUE PRICE REDUCTION FOR ITS 2001 EUROVAN
AUBURN HILLS, Mich.-Volkswagen announced a major price realignment
for its passenger vans sold in the U.S., with its 2001 EuroVan being
priced below minivans that offer less space and a fraction of the
versatility.
While adding standard equipment and improving performance, Volkswagen
will reduce the price of the 2001 EuroVan-due to go on sale in
April-by 16.3% for the GLS and 15.5% for the Multivan (MV). The 2001
EuroVan GLS will sell for $26,200 (compared to $31,300 for 2000). The
MV version will be priced at $27,700 (compared to $32,800 in 2000).
With the price realignment Volkswagen said it expects to double its
annual sales volume of the Euro Van to nearly 5,000 units annually.
In addition to a lower price tag, Volkswagen's newest EuroVan will
come with a more powerful engine. The EuroVan will employ a new
four-valve-per-cylinder version of Volkswagen's renowned VR6 that
offers a maximum horsepower of 201 versus 140 in the previous model
year. Just as importantly, this 2.8 liter multi-valve engine has also
increased the torque for 2001. The engine now creates a peak torque
of 181. lbs. ft. at 2,500 revolutions per minute, up from the 177
lbs. ft. that was offered on the 2000 EuroVan.
To enhance performance and control, Volkswagen is equipping every
EuroVan with its highly advanced Electronic Stability Program, ESP.
For traction control the Anti-Slip Regulation, ASR, system will also
be standard. The wheels have been upgraded from 15 inches to 16-inch
alloy wheels. Other updates to come on the 2001 model include a new
premium, six-speaker stereo sound system; standard integrated fog
lights; and middle seating with two removable, folding seats with
dual armrests and adjustable back rests.
Built in Hannover, Germany, the EuroVan is available as a
well-equipped GLS model and versatile MV. Both models offer
comfortable, spacious and functional interiors, and a unique European
driving experience.
With 206 cubic feet of interior room, the 2001 Eurovan (MV) has 18.8%
more interior volume than the Dodge Grand Caravan ES and 11.4% more
space than the Chrysler Town and Country LXi, at a lower
manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).
Comfort and convenience features for the 2001 EuroVan again include
power windows, with one-touch up/down and pinch protection features,
central remote locking, cup holders, privacy glass, and a pollen and
dust filter for the ventilation system.
Additional standard equipment on the EuroVan includes a Climatronic
system; power door locks (including side and rear hatch); cruise
control; AM/FM cassette stereo with six speakers; programmable
intermittent wipers; heated windshield washer nozzles; rear hatch
wiper/washer and defroster; power outside mirrors; illuminated vanity
mirrors; and a four-speed automatic transmission.
Cargo capacity for the EuroVan is optimized by its high stance and
versatile interior. Long items, such as plywood, slide in and out due
to its long load length with bench seats removed.
The EuroVan comes with a variety of options and packages. The
optional Weekender Package for the EuroVan MV combines day-to-day
functionality with the adventurous overnight capabilities of the
EuroVan Camper. Its features include a pop-up roof with two-person
bed; window screens for two side sliding windows; fixed left-hand
rear facing seat (with refrigerator beneath lift-up seat bottom);
second battery; and alternator.
Each model also comes with a unique seating arrangement that best
suits its individual purpose. Behind the front passenger seats the
EuroVan GLS contains two forward-facing individual seats and triple
rear bench seat, making it possible to seat a total of seven
passengers. The MV also seats seven passengers, but contains two
separate rear-facing seats, positioned back-to-back with front
passenger seats. A triple rear bench seat with bed conversion
capability is also standard, which best suits the optional Weekender
Package (only available on the MV).
EuroVan options include a sliding sunroof with sliding sun visor and
windscreen capabilities (not available with Weekender Package), and
heatable front seats.
In the spring Volkswagen will release the price for the EuroVan
Camper. With a longer wheelbase (115.0 inches) than the EuroVan GLS
and MV, it is capable of seating up to six passengers with its
optional and removable two-person center bench seat.
An option for the Camper is the companion seat, which serves as a
single-seat alternative to the optional double center bench seat and
provides more interior room for passengers. The standard rear double
bench seat, capable of bed conversion, best caters to the EuroVan's
standard and versatile Winnebago Camper conversion package. Featured
items include a pop-up roof, full-swiveling captain seats, two-burner
LP gas stove and other amenities.
Warranty coverage for all EuroVan models include a six-year/unlimited
mileage corrosion perforation limited warranty and a 5-year/50,000
mile limited powertrain warranty.
Also included is a two-year/24,000 mile no charge scheduled
maintenance plan and basic warranty, and two-year/24 hour roadside
assistance.
