>Volkswagen says the Microbus, due out late in 2004 as a 2005 model, >will create a new segment - "a MPV (minivan) combining striking >design and high functionality with the comfort of a limousine". What garbage. The Japanese have had such for many years. And the new 7/8-seater Toyota Alphard, which Yoshi was so kind as to send me a brochure of, is disgustingly luxurious. Obviously taking an airliner's first-class cabin as inspiration, but with leather, LCD monitors all over the place (but no manual trans??)... it appears to be a mildly-restyled Estima (=Previa, Tarago) with panel and side-glass differences, sold by the Vista dealer network. >Making the announcement, Pischetsrieder said that "with the Microbus, >a legend begun some 50 years ago when the first VW bus left the >production line here is now returning to Hanover. But it's not a REAL Microbus. The engine & drive are at the WRONG END!!!!!!! >"The VW bus was never just a means of transport, it has always been >an emotive cult object. The public's reaction at motor shows combined >with the findings of market studies already show us that the Microbus >design has a spontaneous appeal, and that the vehicle will follow in >the footsteps of its successful predecessor." It won't. Like other modern VWs, it's automotive whiteware. -- Andrew Grebneff 165 Evans St, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand <andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz> Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.