Is the Routan "Simply" a Re-Badged Chrysler Town & Country?

I realize many people are disappointed that Volkswagen didn't produce and import a vehicle like the Concept Vehicle from 2002 or 2003. The reality is that most concept vehicles never see the light of day in any recognizable form.

It's true that the Volkswagen is not "all Volkswagen," or not even mostly Volkswagen. Some would argue this is a benefit. Many complain that it is a Chrysler-based vehicle. Chrysler-based mini-vans are the best selling mini-vans in the U.S., indicating that they meet the wants of the American market. And as for engineering--I know that some of the components of Chrysler mini-vans are Mercedes-designed. So, through Chrysler's Mercedes heritage and Volkswagen's unique touches, you do get some German engineering in the Routan.

Let's examine the onus of the re-badged label.

Is the Grand Caravan "simply" a re-badged Town & Country? Yes.

Does the Grand Caravan have some design details and options that are different than the Town & Country? Yes.

Does the market recognize the need for the differences between the Grand Caravan and Town & Country? Yes.

Does the Routan have some unique design cues, options, and engineering that are different than the Town & Country? Yes.

Is the Routan more different than the Town & Country than the Grand Caravan is different than the Town & Country? Yes.

Volkswagen wanted a vehicle that gets the American market to think about Volkswagen when they think about mini-vans. They weren't specifically targeting the Volkwagen-buying niche market, but the market that was buying the Town & Country and Grand Caravan. After the American market is used to the idea of a Volkswagen mini-van, VW can import a Sharan or Touran that has been adjusted for the American market. (VW knows that their vehicles have to be adjusted to the American market--that's why they're building the Chattanooga factory in order to build a larger, "more American" Passat.)

By choosing a mini-van that already sells as a base, Volkswagen didn't have to build a market from the ground up. By using a Town & Country base, the Routan brings good from Chrysler and good from Volkswagen. Do you want more good from Volkswagen? Accept some good from the Routan now and trade it in for a Sharan or Touran when it arrives.