Date:         Thu, 16 Dec 2004 19:53:12 -0500
Reply-To:     Alex Towner <altowner@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alex Towner <altowner@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Vanagon name
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Interesting story to highlight that Vanagon is a combination of Van and Wagon:

In the early 1980's Toyota released their minivan in the US. It was called the VanWagon. Much like the VW, it was mostly used as a commercial van abroad. The front seats were on top of the engine, which in turn was between the front wheels. Ugly as sin, but it had a very reliable powertrain. Access under the front seats was a joke however. It was later redesigned and called the Previa.

Anyway, within the VanWagon's first year on the American market, Toyota got a call from VW lawyers. I'm not sure what litigation ensued if any, but soon the Toyota was called simply the "Van". VW claimed the Toyota name was way too close to Vanagon, and therefore infringing on a VW trademark.

Now you know the Rest of the Story...

-Alex
Freezing in NH and wishing for a car that won't rust.