VW Minivan: On Track for 2008?

The biggest minivan news from the recent Detroit Auto Show was undoubtedly the unveiling of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and 2008 Chrysler Town & Country. But what about the upcoming VW minivan based on the '08 Dodge/Chrysler vans?

Information on the new VW minivan wasn't available at the show, but here's what we know so far:

• Swivel n' Go is Gone - According to a post over at AutoBlog, Chrysler execs have been quoted as saying that the Stow 'n Go and Swivel 'n Go features will not be available in the VW minivan and shall remain exclusive features for Dodge and Chrysler vans only.
• Diesel Engine? A Long Shot - A diesel engine for the new VW minivan is possible, but may be less likely that thought. According to a VW rep I spoke with at the Detroit Auto Show, the cost of shipping suitable diesel engines from Europe could be prohibitively expensive, so this may be a no-go.
• Release Date - Although still tentative, the new minivans would likely debut in 2008 as 2009 model.
• Boardroom Uncertainty - Finally, Automotive News is reporting that the upcoming VW product line for the Americas may be under some new scrutiny by VW management. With the departure of Wolfgang Bernhard -- the former Chrysler exec (and VW President) who helped champion the minivan agreement between VW and Chrysler -- now out at VW, the future North American product range will likely be reviewed by VW's current president, Martin Winterkorn. Could this mean that the VW minivan is under review as well? Stay tuned.

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