If so, how would one go about it? All my friends talk about either moving or getting one of these to be able to evacuate quick. The … Volkswagen Westfalia Camper Was A Conversion Of Volkswagen Type 2, Known Informally As The Bus. It’s comfortable, intelligently designed and very powerful, we were on the Autobahn’s of Germany where there is no speed limit and it easily kept up with the Porsches, BMW’s and Mercedes driving well over 110 MPH. Earlier in 2019, we looked at this adorable … Westfalia is the designation of various specially converted Volkswagen camper vans.It is named after Westfalia-Werke, the contractor that built the vans, which is headquartered in the town of Rheda-Wiedenbrück, located in the Westphalia region of Germany.. Westfalia-Werke also converted non-Volkswagen … This year we’re excited to see Volkswagen … 24 MPG. You could consider this a “smart camper.” A sophisticated control system handles things like the onboard fridge, lighting systems, and the pop-up tent. The rewards could also be larger, but the competitors will likely be tougher. I’d gladly do it and sell it to you for $80k. Throw some tires on there and you’re set. The base model starts at nearly $50k, without shipping charges, which, sure that’s a lot of money. Vintage camping – the feel of these vans will turn your camping adventures into a mini journey through time. Sadly it’s gone on deaf ears so far. (wife is Czech). In 2018, Volkswagen sold 354,053 new vehicles (all VW models in total) in the US. This thing would sell like hotcakes in the US. Please read our. That’s an interesting point. But there's … If so, how did he respond. <–BOOM. Take a Closer Look. “Torquey”? I can send him the money, have him buy it for me and ship it home. Ever hear of Hummer or PT Cruiser? Either way I just got back fr om Czech Republic and Austria and there are a lot of these VWs on the road. Westfalia special models included the SO-23, -33 -34, -35, -42, -44, and -45. I’m now considering a Transit or Sprinter, because I don’t want a minivan. Our Rialto’s are aging. In Germany, where over 50% are sold, not every VW dealership will sell or even touch them due to the complexity of the camper part (electro-hydraulic poptop raising mechanism, anyone?). I’ve currently got a new Diesel VW Caravelle 6.1 which has 4 wheel drive and an automatic DSG gerabox. The Second-Generation Type 2 Did Away With Its Distinctive... More. If memory serves, the Eurovan has always been a really expensive van too, and VW has sold plenty of them in the US. This is the “Ocean” trim — each trim level gets a beach-y themed name. VW California, and is comparable in price. I think of this all the time when I see 5 people get into a VW estate wagon when I’m in Europe 🙁. Maybe VW recognizes this as well. The inside is styled out in wood and aluminum trim, which sounds like something out of a hipster farm-to-table restaurant, but looks clean and appropriate here. – Land Rover: 92,143 vehicles I would pay you in advance to get a New California or the 2019 Kepler one. We have been waiting for a new van for so many years since there’s really no great replacement for a VW Rialto. Due to the huge success of the Westfalia brand over the last few years, we are excited to now have extended our stock of the all-new 2021 Westfalia collection with a huge range of high-class campervans being welcomed to our forecourt built on renowned Mercedes, VW, Fiat and Ford chassis for maximum performance on the road.. Westfalia … Well this article didn’t age well. At $50k, almost no one under 30 could afford it. And they are vw experts so they know the history. 4.2 / 5. Head of Product Line Communications Moving up a league doesn't always bring success. This Van would sell out like crazy!! (SMB converted these as well among the 30. VW is shooting themselves in the foot thinking people won’t invest in this kind of vehicle. No more were built. Shoot him an email and let him know your thoughts on the matter. View our entire inventory of New or Used Volkswagen RVs. Europe gets the California. 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon - Great for camping, but overheats I love the size of my Westfalia and have had a few over the years. I thought it was a desert mirage– it instantly grabbed my eyes and heart. MattR BRING THE $86,347 VW CALIFORNIA TO THE STATES, ALREADY! At this moment, the only brand new AWD or 4×4 options in the states are the insanely inflated diesel Sprinters or the highly anticipated (sad) 2020 Ford Transit. Performance – an old VW camper van won’t accelerate or slow down very quickly and it may struggle to go uphill, so you should drive carefully. Every nook and cranny is perfectly thought out, it was comfortable driving and camping plus handled well through the alps. Set an alert to be notified of new listings. I will be happy to go back to buying my VW vehicles when VW brings That’s a good plan for getting one here – I looked into it too. Mercedes Maco Polo, Why don’t we have deposit program to find out how many are there to but be campervan. Eurovans and other variants are in high demand, https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2000-Volkswagen-EUROVAN-FULL-CAMPER-5008346425. Vehicle must be 25 years or older to import. 'Chicken Tax'? You would sell north of 200,000 west of the Rockies alone. Same $+ for a 4×4 conversion. A 74 Type 2 Westy Tin Top, an 86 GL Vanagon (my first car), and currently have a 2003 Eurovan MV Tintop. Actually have people put money down and have skin in the game. unlike that cumbersome RV. That’s it? Mercedes start at $160k – that’s price is a deal breaker for most people. There are many smart touches, like the fact that the. I am also disappointed the California is not available. Given the sad amount of time off Americans get in comparison to Europe they probably assumed not worth the bother. Thinking of buying 2 more and selling them. [email protected]. Buhlmann went on to explain that VW is aware people love vans in the US, but they’d need to sell 200,000 units to make it worthwhile, economically. ... business awards recognized ClassicCars.com's first-class Customer Support team with a Stevie Bronze Award in 2019… That’s what happened to the Element. Sadly that won’t be happening 🙁, CaveVan can build you a Custom Eurovan or poptop Metris here in the USA. Exterior paint and de-rust job. Parts is a non issue…at least with Westfalias, Delicas, etc. That support would be missing in the US. “Let’s say you’re taking your average camper van and you’re going to Italy, take a U.S. van, you wouldn’t be able to access all these little alleys, these streets that they have – you would be stuck. I’ve been waiting to buy such a VW camper van In Canada for years too. These would sell in the states like hotcakes. VW is right; they will not sell enough of these. Plus, they might have to make changes to the design based on the outcome of the tests. 🙁. Problem is that the Tofino does not have the same nice cabinetry for storage that the California has. And most Americans over 30 would be way too fat to fit in anything that small. And eliminates it from my dreams. Far better than the method I use when leveling, the ole’ drive over a rock and eyeball it. But people are climbing over each other to drop twice that on a Sprinter van, buying far, far more van than most actually need, and Mercedes isn’t complaining. While 200,000 vehicles is only 1.2% of the US car market, that’s actually a lot of cars. Wet bathroom, outdoor shower, 110L fresh water tank, 70L fridge-freezer, outdoor speakers, solar system, heating and AC. Selling and supporting Californias is tricky even in Europe. Pleasure-way used the Dodge Ram van and basically ripped of the VW California layout. Unfortunately, the Metris isn’t sold as a 4×4 in the states, but the Tecamp is really sweet 🙂, In 2012, we bought a Nissan NV converted by Sportsmobile, Fresno. Maybe even out of a salvaged vehicle with exterior body damage. I have been looking for years to find a way to import a new camper without paying the 150% plus the cost to get the van certified by NHTSA via RI. Why not give it a shot. Incredibly sad the California isn’t coming to the US and praying VW will change their mind. 36 for sale near you. But my estate might be stuck with a problem. Christian Buhlmann If old US beaters can be licensed and driven, why couldn’t this van? They bought a rebadged Chrysler T&C, with a couple VW specific items, like MMI interface, but it was a $45k mini van. They’d have to ship it back to Europe to sell it.]. Why couldn’t VW sell an add on package to meet requirements like dealers used to for other environmental upgrades 40 + years ago. Check out GTRV! That eats gas. Westfalia Campers were available from Volkswagen dealers worldwide and were also delivered via the Tourist Delivery Program — whereby a customer would pick up their new van in Germany, drive it in Europe, then VW … My down jacket was $380. But i promised her i would have a new camper one day!! That stat from my arse was more of a tie into my entire rant, wherein I can't go to town without seeing multiple PT Cruisers — one of the most accident prone (cause, windows are for nerds) vehicles on the road. And and getting parts is going to require importing most items from Europe. “Once the people that want them buy them, that will be it for sales.”. I’m an ex Eurovan owner and moved to a sprinter van, when my VW died. I just bought a California, This would be a great way for VW to validate the market. Lost my Mom 34 years ago to cancer. Volume in Europe is now at an all time high of 12000 units. Loved the fun we had!!!! My 2002 Eurovan was amazing, it just wasn’t build in a reliable fashion. I would like to buy one over there, drive and store it for a few years and then bring it home. Kevin, it sounds like you know quite a lot about this industry so maybe you can verify if what I was told at the dealership is correct or not. I’ve spent alot of time looking for a diesel powered camper & have been told by some that the gasoline lobby prevailed to have diesel fuel made more expensive than gasoline, even though it’s cheaper to produce. Good Article and good comments. There’s a two-burner stove, the front captain seats swivel, the rear bench seat reclines, the tables stow easily for huge amounts of floor space. It is a tragedy. Then people can buy them and do whatever they want to convert them into a camper , passenger, or leave as a cargo van. Sorry, You Missed Out On This Affordable VW Camper. My understanding is that the van hasn’t been tested to meet US standards and that is why it isn’t being sold here. I’m going to look into buying in Europe and transporting to US – once it’s safe again to travel abroad. Instead of assuming that there is not enough demand, why don’t they ask for pre-orders with the contingency that they’d only produce and ship if they hit their target numbers? http://www.alpesevasion.com0479612383Consultez notre page internet pour vous tenir au courant des nouveautés. VW brought a bunch of T6 camper vans to the states last year and they were all given high praise by the media. Had the “demand” been there, more than 30 would have been converted. So much for free trade. Peace Vans on Seattle are building very slick campers with mercedes. I absolutely love your comments. For all of us actually living in the states, we are WELL AWARE of the incredibly high demand for AWD, compact, short wheel base, narrow bodied, trail-capable and overland-ready camper vans. Last — kind f annoying that Adventure Journal was too lazy to call up VW themselves and get some one to comment in 2019, instead of relying on an interview “a few years ago.”. I’m not interested in the ID Buzz it doesn’t seems to offer the utility my Eurovan did. You can take it to any campground as a van, not an RV. We have a 1999 Eurovan Camper that we love.Was offered what we paid for it last year! 1985 VW Vanagon Westfalia Camper w/ Subaru 2.2L Engine - $19,500 in Bellingham, WA 1984 VW Vanagon Westfalia w/ 2.5L Subaru - $20k in Seattle, WA Rare 5 Speed 2.1L Westy For Sale Again - … – Porsche: 59,116 vehicles Having traveled all over Europe in a VW Bus I would love to have a new VW California! Had a little propane tank built onto the back. There is even a setting that shows the van’s angles when parked, helping the driver dial in the most level camping position without having to eyeball it or use a line level. The all-new James Cook wasn't the only new camper van that Westfalia debuted at the 2019 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, nor was it even the only new expanding camper van. Bet you VW regrets not coming to the US now lol. Most high top conversions seat 4-5, sleep 2. It’s as if they haven’t heard of #vanlife. But, it might work if you could order one for delivery in Europe, drive/camp and ship it home. The company should reconsider its decision of not launching the van in the USA. Mikki. Pop-top, galley, cabinets, windows, fresh and grey water tanks, 2 small tables. Yeah, and I’m one of them. It’s not a “world vehicle”. Plenty of diesel mechanics around that can fix these. “The second problem is currently we make those vans in Europe, and even with the rising dollar and weaker Euro share, it is not enough units to make up for a reasonable price. I wish the CEO was more of a visionary. I wonder what the owners of Marathon Oil, the Koch family, would explain the disparity? VW is promising the electric new bus, the “ID Buzz” will hit US dealers in 2022. My expatriate daughter lives and works in Germany. Buhlmann says that VW would need to sell 200,000 California vans for the product to be economically viable. Get this camper van to the US Volkswagen and you will turn a profit for sure! For 7 years, people have asked about our van. The “California” name alone makes it seem as though Volkswagen is trolling us. It’s called the “Tofino”. I don't drive it as much as one should with this van. About Volkswagen . If desired, maybe on a cold and grey morning, when extreme privacy is wanted, or just to keep out a soul-penetrating early morning sun’s glare through the windows, you can set an alarm that will gradually raise the interior LED lights to mimic the sunrise. What do you all have to loose?? Where were all of you when these were built and sold? Volkswagen Westfalia RVs For Sale: 1 RVs - Find Volkswagen Westfalia RVs on RV Trader. I’d willingly part with my money for one of these whenever they decide to bring em stateside. Come on V.W.!! More? Ford unveiled the 2019 Transit Custom Nugget camper van with an upgraded look, new features, and a fully livable interior to be sold directly through select dealers. So, we get the, uh, Tiguan. Another thing is VW is selling an electric van here in 2022. That rear bench seat reclines too. I loved it, it was what I was looking for since I sold my Honda Element in ’16. I much rather leave one of these vans at a trail head then a Mercedes Sprinter van. Seriously. Downsizing. In addition, Volkswagen have to bring over the complete T6.1 Diesel infrastructure. Or just move to Europe. I owned a Eurovan Weekender for about 12 years and it was my favorite vehicle. Just my $0.02. Service? I have no doubt it will sell like hot cakes here. Here's obvious food for thought: European and American cultures–however both systemically Aryan–are vastly different from one another, and neither understands the other. We need to discontinue the sloppy, twee trend of adding a “y” to nouns and calling them a adjectives. Your email address will not be published. Likewise, people were told to buy Hummers, they did, and then they got played by the fuel industry. I couldn’t have said I better! Michigan radio interviewed the press relations pro at VW, Christian Buhlmann, a few years ago when the California first debuted and here’s what he had to say about keeping the van out of the US: “It’s either love ’em or hate ’em. Well, PJ Williams, we can at least dream about one!! Tesla did this in 2016 with the Model 3 and got 325,000 pre-orders. Wake up VW, you’re missing the camplife revolution in the states. I saw one the other day in Lee Vining, California. I can't find a good mechanic (including the dealerships) for my Jeep Cherokee or my Hyundai Elantra…don't get me started on 'Service'. I would be willing to do some research on this, if you don’t know. There’s always a solution to these problems. All original 1976 Volkswagen Westfalia pop top camper van, low miles! Or maybe a Tofino if I was in the market again. Or how many times do you hear a family of 3 say, “We need a minivan for the room”? Now we're making claims this thing costs $80,000? I just can’t understand why they won’t bring it to the USA. And my kids would be thrilled to find this in their inheritance! What’s next in the VW van world for the US? Another thing to consider is the resourcefulness of the average American camper. 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Starting Price. Plenty of vans to chose from. Used Eurovan campers with the Westphalia conversion are going for $40K here in Colorado with 150K miles on them. Look up Isn’t the real reason they’re not available in NA the chicken tax?