Volkswagen USA Recalling Almost 16,000 Routan Minivans for Fire Hazard

Yep, it's another recall for a possible fire danger - the fourth this month after General Motors, BMW and Chrysler issued recalls on certain models for (unrelated in the first two cases) problems that could lead to a fire.

In Volkswagen's case, the German automaker is recalling a total of 15,902 Routan minivans manufactured from June 2008 through July 2009 because the door hinge on some models could tear through wire insulation, causing a short circuit and possible fire.

The same issue led Chrysler to announce a recall for 284,831 Dodge Grand Caravans and Chrysler Town & Country minivans (upon which the Routan is based) in the beginning of the month.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the German automaker will inspect the wire assembly and the sliding door power drive unit, and if necessary, repair and/or replace any damaged parts. In addition, the two harnesses will be tied together and rerouted under the under the sliding door weather strip.

Chicago Show: 2009 VW Routan Minivan Live Pics

Sure it looks a bit better overall from its Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan siblings, but we still can’t figure out why Volkswagen decided to enter the minivan category now that consumers are pointing there attention to alternative segments like crossovers.

In any case, VW’s minivan proposition will be offered with two V6 engines, a basic 197 HP 3.8-liter unit and a 251 HP 4.0-liter with prices starting under $25,000 when it goes on sale in the US latter on this year. -More pics after the jump

Chicago Leak: 2009 Volkswagen Routan Minivan

While we where on the road to our hotel in Chicago struggling with afternoon traffic, initial details and images of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan where leaked into the net thus ruining VW’s plans to officially unveil the minivan at the Chicago Auto Show opening tomorrow morning.

Based on the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, the Routan differs from its American sibling thanks to the VW-style fascia and a new rear-end design along with a few changes here and there in the interior that features three rows of seats. VW’s minivan will be offered with a basic 3.8L V6 delivering 197 HP and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission along with a 4.0L V6 generating rated at 251 HP and 259 lb. ft. of torque.

The German carmaker supports that the Routan features European tuned suspension and improved driving dynamics. According to VW, prices will start under $25,000. -Details and image gallery after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS ROUTAN AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
European inspired design and driving dynamics highlight new minivan

CHICAGO – Volkswagen of America today unveiled the Routan, an all new seven-passenger minivan. It delivers the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines European sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value.

The Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its stylized front grille and exterior treatments. The interior enhancements create an environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and meticulously detailed. The high quality materials, beautiful textures and rich luxurious colors are combined with exacting tolerances and superb fit and finish. While pleasing and contemporary, the interior also follows the traditional Volkswagen design philosophy that form follows function.

Second row captain's chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort while still providing the convenience of a traditional minivan, with over 32.7 cubic feet available behind the third row seats and a full 83 cubic feet is available behind the second row.

The Routan will come standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.0L V6 will be available rated at 251 hp and 259 lb. ft. of torque. Routan features European tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP, brings safety and security to the Routan.

The Routan comes with a host of unique features, including:

• Conversation Mirror
• Rear seat entertainment system with two 9 inch screens for second and third row, wireless headsets, and remote control
• Dual power sliding doors with power windows
• Touch screen navigation with twenty meg hard drive
• Power lift gate with flood lamp
• Thirteen cup holders

Volkswagen delivers a competitively priced entry into this high volume segment with prices starting below $25,000. The Routan will be built in an already existing facility in Windsor, Ontario.

With Routan, Volkswagen dealers add a vehicle that will provide additional, incremental growth in the market. A distinctly designed minivan at an attractive price point will broaden the brand portfolio, while providing a roomy alternative to existing Volkswagen owners.

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: VW

2009 VW Routan: Chrysler Based Minivan Coming to Chicago Show in February

Volkswagen announced that at the upcoming Chicago Show in February, it will show for the first time in public, a new minivan called the Routan. The midsize vehicle has been jointly developed with Chrysler LLC and it will be built in the Canadian Chrysler factory in Windsor, Ontario. When VW’s says “jointly-developed”, it means that the Routan is based on Chrysler’s Town and Country minivan. However, the German carmaker states that both the interior and the exterior of the 7-seater Routan will follow the company’s design concept. Hopefully, VW’s proposition won’t look like the photoshop we made… Picture: Carscoop