Date:         Sun, 29 Oct 2006 23:18:32 -0500
Reply-To:     robertmstewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         robertmstewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Microbus Concept in Production says this website...
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2006102517151893@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
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Here's a statement I found on the VW media website regarding the Mircobus
development schedule I appears to be the final word, no us model only
Europe:

http://media.vw.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=9361

19 May 2004
VOLKSWAGEN GEARS MICROBUS TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
Production starts in Hanover in 2007
WOLFSBURG/HANOVER, Germany - The Board of Management of Volkswagen AG
decided on Tuesday evening to change the concept for the planned Microbus.
The new model with its innovative design is scheduled to go into production
in Hanover in 2007 and will not only aim for the US market but will also be
geared to other markets.

The original concept that was considered for production was to be based on
Volkswagen¹s Microbus design study that was first shown at the 2001 Detroit
Auto Show. This original concept version is no longer being considered
according to the decision from the Board of Management yesterday.

With the decision, the Board of Management under the chairmanship of Dr.
Bernd Pischetsrieder has made a commitment to the Hanover plant and the
planned Microbus production. The model is being given a new orientation
since an exclusive focus on the US market would have jeopardized the success
of the Microbus, particularly in view of the continuing unfavorable exchange
rates and market conditions.  Pischetsrieder emphasized: ³Our decision
secures worldwide success for the Microbus.²

The new Microbus will be built in Hanover from 2007 based on the modular
strategy principle. A larger number of components from the new T5 will be
used than foreseen by the original design. This will result in noticeably
greater synergy effects. The design will be characterized by an emotional
styling language and an ambitious space concept.

Following an intensive dialogue between the Board of Management and labor
representatives at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, both sides agreed that
Volkswagen will continue with the planned implementation of the 5000 x 5000
collective bargaining model in Hanover in spite of the delay in production
start-up. This was underscored by Dr. Peter Hartz, Member of the Board of
Management for Human Resources, on Wednesday. On the basis of present plans,
1,500 new jobs will be created in Hanover to produce the Microbus under the
innovative collective agreement.


Regards to all, 

-- 
Rob
NYC/Long Beach, NY
88 Wolfsburg, Silver
http://web.mac.com/rmstewart
AIM: rmstewart@mac.com