VW's Van Strategy

[slushf]

I watched a very interesting video on YT here:

It charts the history of the transporter and how VW have really got themselves into a mess with the MQB, and Ford platforms. What do others think?

 

[sidepod]

I think that’s been a given ever since the ‘7’ was rolled out.

 

[bvddobb]

There's a big thread on the German Caliboard about how dealers are trying to sell the T7 MV Cali at 30-40% discount if you order before end Sept, now...

 

[TripleBee]

Well, first of all, the "T7" isn't a Transporter anymore, but in fact the new Sharan.
The Buzz is a test case for an electric van.
And last, the Transit isn't a VW.
So the only van from VW nowadays is the Buzz.
VW didn't learn about the first and second generation of the Sharan? Where it was a decent success, it just wasn't (certainly the first generation) a VW. The only thing from VW in the Sharan were the engines.

 

[stoobthealien]

There's a big thread on the German Caliboard about how dealers are trying to sell the T7 MV Cali at 30-40% discount if you order before end Sept, now...

VW finance are confident enough about the residuals still

 

[sticky1]

I watched a very interesting video on YT here:

It charts the history of the transporter and how VW have really got themselves into a mess with the MQB, and Ford platforms. What do others think?

I thought it was a well considered observation and frustrating to see this automotive brand imploding.
When you look at some of the decisions their executives have made, including “diesel gate” you can see their business is in distress.
I think we all know the VW Transporter has gone, it was such a solid platform and the Ford / VW version has so many compromises I cannot see it being a success.

Having had a T6 California and now a T7 it suits my needs and I’m hoping that being on the MQB platform that underpins so many of the VW, Audi & Skoda models that it will be well supported and at least it is a VW product.

It’s a bit frustrating to hear of 30/40% discounts in Europe, I think at those prices I’d have considered a left hand drive version. This will surely hit residuals at some point?

 

[DevonGuy]

I read on a Ford forum how disappointed Transit drivers are that it’s now more like a VW Transporter…

I don’t think we need to panic about residuals quite yet, provocative captions and non expert analysis from YouTube doesn’t worry me personally and I learnt nothing I didn’t know already. Residuals remain high as does brand love, whether for commercials or passenger cars and although VW have not been without their product and business issues over many years, they have proven to be able to sustain one of the worlds most iconic brands for over 75 years. I trust they still can.

I’ve had T5’s, T6’s and still run a T6.1 as my work vehicle and I’m picking up a new Cali very soon after enjoying a trial. I’ve driven the new Transporter - it’s a fantastic drive, if maybe not so easy on the eye yet, I’m sure we’ll learn to love it too. If MQB is responsible for more comfort and efficiency, keep building on it!

BTW, officially there is no ‘T7’ at the moment - it’s new Transporter and California. Why? No idea, maybe there’s more to come?

 

[sidepod]

I read on a Ford forum how disappointed Transit drivers are that it’s now more like a VW Transporter…

Priceless!

 

[WelshGas]

It's all just click bait for the journalists and You Tubers to keep up their revenue streams.
It's a pity VW got found out about Dieselgate. I bet other manufacturers were doing similar and the American environmentalists are the biggest hypocrites in the world.
Has anyone driven on the 6× lanes Interstates in California? They have the outside lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more passengers. They are virtually empty as the inner lanes were full of big SUVs with 1 occupant, the driver, toddling along at 30mph.
Things change , people want more for less, especially in the commercial world. It makes sense for manufacturers to cooperate on basic vehicle platforms and then individualise models.
I have a Multivan , the successor to the T6.1 Caravelle and the difference is significant , a much more pleasant and safer drive.
The World has moved on, the Transporter based vehicles have reached the end of the line. The next big change is in 2030/35 with the end of IC powered vehicles, unless of course the People's voice is heard and taken account of by the likes of Milliband and his cronies.

 

[Kayleigh]

I find the marketing so confusing. The Multivan was originally advertised as the successor to the T6.1 Caravelle, but now there is a new Caravelle based on the Ford Transit. The Sharan disappeared but the Multivan feels somewhat closer to that than the T6.1 Caravelle, as it’s based on a car platform. Everyone talks about the ‘T7’ but is there actually a T7?

 

[Louis II]

I will be interesting to see how sentiment towards the T7 changes over time - T4 - T6.1 were all more like facelifts than new models. T7 I think is quite different so may take people longer to adjust.
I used chat GPT to analyse forum sentiment towards new models around the launch period which seems to imply an initially more negative response to a bigger change but positive user experience now starting to build as more people take delivery of T7s and so possible it will eventually be well received.

 

[Kayleigh]

I will be interesting to see how sentiment towards the T7 changes over time - T4 - T6.1 were all more like facelifts than new models. T7 I think is quite different so may take people longer to adjust.
I used chat GPT to analyse forum sentiment towards new models around the launch period which seems to imply an initially more negative response to a bigger change but positive user experience now starting to build as more people take delivery of T7s and so possible it will eventually be well received.

View attachment 140763

I think a good indication of how well the new models are doing will be the amount of special editions VW introduce. That goes for the new Cali, Multivan and Ford based Transporter. Just my personal view…

 

[sidepod]

I have a Multivan , the successor to the T6.1 Caravelle and the difference is significant , a much more pleasant and safer drive.

Never realised the 6.1 was such a death trap!!!

 

[sidepod]

I think you’re confusing safety with unnecessary interventionist software.

 

[WelshGas]

I think you’re confusing safety with unnecessary interventionist software.

Nope, Safety. Different standards for Cars and Commercial vehicles.

The VW Multivan, a passenger-oriented model, achieved a top five-star rating in its 2022 Euro NCAP assessment, while the Volkswagen Transporter T6.1, a light commercial vehicle, was awarded a Gold medal for being the safest van in its 2020 assessment. The Multivan's five-star rating reflects its high performance in crash safety and its advanced assistance systems, whereas the T6.1's Gold medal highlights its exceptional safety and performance among commercial vans, including its standard Autonomous Emergency Braking system in the UK.
Volkswagen Multivan (T7) - Passenger Vehicle

• Rating:5 Stars
• Context:The Multivan is a passenger vehicle and was tested under Euro NCAP's standard car safety protocols.
• Key Features:The five-star rating indicates excellent performance in crash safety, alongside well-equipped and effective crash-avoidance technologies.

Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 - Light Commercial Vehicle

• Rating:Gold Medal / 5 Stars (in the "Safest Van" category)
• Context:The T6.1 was assessed in a separate Euro NCAP Commercial Vehicle Safety assessment, specifically designed for light commercial vehicles (LCVs).
• Key Features:
  • Awarded for: Its high-performing active safety systems and available driver assistance functions.
  • Safety Standard: In the UK, it was the first van manufacturer to fit Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) as standard on all new vans, a key factor in its strong performance.

In summary:
The VW Multivan and the Transporter T6.1 are evaluated in different categories by Euro NCAP. The Multivan, as a passenger vehicle, achieved the standard five-star car rating, while the T6.1, as a commercial vehicle, was recognized with a Gold Medal for being the leading safe light commercial vehicle of its time

 

[WelshGas]

Expected response, from an “ Expert in Everything “.

 

[stoobthealien]

I find the marketing so confusing. The Multivan was originally advertised as the successor to the T6.1 Caravelle, but now there is a new Caravelle based on the Ford Transit. The Sharan disappeared but the Multivan feels somewhat closer to that than the T6.1 Caravelle, as it’s based on a car platform. Everyone talks about the ‘T7’ but is there actually a T7?

I agree that it's very confusing that they have both the multivan and also a people carrier based on the new transporter..but decided to base the california on the multivan! They said it was partly because they couldn't get it under 2m but I don't buy that given you can get new transporter conversions under that

 

[TripleBee]

Nope, Safety. Different standards for Cars and Commercial vehicles.

The VW Multivan, a passenger-oriented model, achieved a top five-star rating in its 2022 Euro NCAP assessment, while the Volkswagen Transporter T6.1, a light commercial vehicle, was awarded a Gold medal for being the safest van in its 2020 assessment. The Multivan's five-star rating reflects its high performance in crash safety and its advanced assistance systems, whereas the T6.1's Gold medal highlights its exceptional safety and performance among commercial vans, including its standard Autonomous Emergency Braking system in the UK.
Volkswagen Multivan (T7) - Passenger Vehicle

• Rating:5 Stars
• Context:The Multivan is a passenger vehicle and was tested under Euro NCAP's standard car safety protocols.
• Key Features:The five-star rating indicates excellent performance in crash safety, alongside well-equipped and effective crash-avoidance technologies.

Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 - Light Commercial Vehicle

• Rating:Gold Medal / 5 Stars (in the "Safest Van" category)
• Context:The T6.1 was assessed in a separate Euro NCAP Commercial Vehicle Safety assessment, specifically designed for light commercial vehicles (LCVs).
• Key Features:
  • Awarded for: Its high-performing active safety systems and available driver assistance functions.
  • Safety Standard: In the UK, it was the first van manufacturer to fit Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) as standard on all new vans, a key factor in its strong performance.

In summary:
The VW Multivan and the Transporter T6.1 are evaluated in different categories by Euro NCAP. The Multivan, as a passenger vehicle, achieved the standard five-star car rating, while the T6.1, as a commercial vehicle, was recognized with a Gold Medal for being the leading safe light commercial vehicle of its time

And knowing that the T6.1 was still based on a commercial vehicle that was introduced in 2003.
This means that all the needed safety features (apart from the van itself) did their job.
Does this mean that a T5 (2003) is less safe? Yes, if you only count the driving aids. The structure of the van is still the same.
I am still glad I don't have any driver's assistance. But it's good it is there for those who can't drive safely without.
And as I said before: the "T7" is a Sharan, not a van, so it should be safer that a commercial vehicle.

 

[stoobthealien]

And knowing that the T6.1 was still based on a commercial vehicle that was introduced in 2003.
This means that all the needed safety features (apart from the van itself) did their job.
Does this mean that a T5 (2003) is less safe? Yes, if you only count the driving aids. The structure of the van is still the same.
I am still glad I don't have any driver's assistance. But it's good it is there for those who can't drive safely without.
And as I said before: the "T7" is a Sharan, not a van, so it should be safer that a commercial vehicle

Judging by the number of speeding fines issued every year it seems that a lot of people need help keeping to speed limits...

 

[Ch1pbutty]

It's a pity VW got found out about Dieselgate. I bet other manufacturers were doing similar

Ford spent a fortune on trying to find out how the VW engine could be so efficient, but still retain power. Ford lost a lot of car / van sales as a result as which led to alot of skilled engineers being made redundant mainly due to VW’s dishonesty. Ford felt that their own technical experts lacked expertise, so were made redundant. When the truth came out, all the Ford technicians felt a great relief!

I had a friend who works for Ford on the technical side, and another who worked in audit at VW in Milton Keynes, so heard the story from both sides of the fence.

 

[WelshGas]

And knowing that the T6.1 was still based on a commercial vehicle that was introduced in 2003.
This means that all the needed safety features (apart from the van itself) did their job.
Does this mean that a T5 (2003) is less safe? Yes, if you only count the driving aids. The structure of the van is still the same.
I am still glad I don't have any driver's assistance. But it's good it is there for those who can't drive safely without.
And as I said before: the "T7" is a Sharan, not a van, so it should be safer that a commercial vehicle.

Keep repeating it in case you forget.
If you know how they work and the capability of modern driving aids then you would realise their usefulness in today’s traffic in dealing with those drivers who don’t have them or don’t know how to use them correctly.
Oh, and the Multivan is nothing like the Sharan you often mention. Different chassis, different drive train and different body. Having driven both there is no comparison.

 

[Corradobrit]

'T7' is pure marketing. Makes selling them as a successor for the T6 easier in some markets. VW don't officially call it the T7, its a Multivan.

 

[Corradobrit]

And used by journo's who have no clue.

 

[TripleBee]

Oh, and the Multivan is nothing like the Sharan you often mention. Different chassis, different drive train and different body. Having driven both there is no comparison.

I'll make myself more clear. The new Multivan is the successor of the previous Sharan. Of course it's based on a new platform. Where the VW Galaxy was based on a Ford MPV platform, and the first real VW Sharan on a VW platform, the new Multivan is based on yet another platform. That is how evolution works.
Unless the T5 to T6.1, where they are all based on the T5.

 

[TripleBee]

@WelshGas
What do you disagree with?
The T5 to T6.1 are based on the T5 from 2003. Just some minor updates on exterior and interior.
The first VW Sharan (from 1995 to 2010) was a Ford Galaxy with VW engines.
The second generation (2010 - 2019) was made by VW.
The T7 Multivan is based on the MQB evo platform, the same platform of the Golf.
Where they want to make it look like the next van, from VW, it is just a new Sharan in disguise.
The new Transporter is just a new Ford Transit Custom.

What do you disagree with?