Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 10:49:57 -0800
Reply-To: David Marshall <mailinglist@FASTFORWARD.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Marshall <mailinglist@FASTFORWARD.CA>
Subject: Re: Nvc-but maybe future vans-pretty please VW
In-Reply-To: <001a01c4f0f8$e58152f0$7efc5e44@noner4688xfd1h>
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The reason for no LT in North America is two fold, VW America and the US
Government. All trucks and commercial German manufactured vehicles are
subject to a 25% import duty for the USA. Hence the Mercedes G and Unimog
are so $%&#%#% expensive as they are made in Germany and imported. VW
hasn't sold the Transporter in the USA since 1973 or close to that since the
25% "chicken" tax started. The only reason why the Dodge Sprinter is sold
in the USA is that it is made in the USA along with the Mercedes M class is
made in the USA and I think the Unimog is starting to be made in the USA.
Toyota trucks, made in USA. Good policy for job creation and everyone know
the US economy is in the crapper now so job creation is good. The only way
the LT will come to the USA is if it is made in Canada, USA or Mexico.
Volkswagen won't get off their ass and do anything like that because it is
too little, too late because Dodge had the smarts and built the Sprinter in
the USA first.
David Marshall
Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel-Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada V2J 6Z3
http://www.fastforward.ca mailto:sales@fastforward.ca
Phone: (250) 992 7775 FAX: (250) 992 1160
- Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions
- Vanagon, Transporter and Iltis Sales and Importation
- European Lighting for most Volkswagen models
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-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Stan Wilder
Sent: January 2, 2005 10:29 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Nvc-but maybe future vans-pretty please VW
I think UPS, DHL and US Postal servioce has already purchased over 120,000
total units.
A friend of mine has one he uses for deliveries.
He says it gets 18-25 MPG but doesn't handle hills or winds well with the
low powered diesel.
It cost him right at $38,000.00 with no frills other than an extended
warranty.
Possibly there are diesel options in Europe that make it perform better
there.
Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Wasson" <briwasson@VERIZON.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 12:06 PM
Subject: Re: Nvc-but maybe future vans-pretty please VW
> I haven't driven the LT yet, but did have the opportunity to drive a
> Mercedes Sprinter for over two weeks this July while staffing a bike tour
> that followed the Tour de France around France. After driving it thousands
> of kilometers, I really fell in love with it. The CDi engine coupled with
> the 5 speed tranny had lots of power and returned decent mileage. The
> turning radius was great, it was comfortable to drive, and felt very
nimble
> when driving the tiny little back roads of France and in heavy traffic in
> Paris. All in all, a very nice design and very roomy.
>
> I'm starting to see a lot more of these in the USA (rebadged as Dodges and
> Freightliners), and I think as word gets out a lot of service people will
be
> buying them. I did see a US-built camper conversion of the Sprinter at an
RV
> dealer, but they wanted something like $85,000 for it. That's a lot for a
> campervan, I think.
>
> I'm going to keep my eyes open in few years for a used Sprinter and maybe
> look into doing a self-conversion into a camper.
>
> Brian W.
>
>
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