Industry Report: Bernhard Uses Close Ties to DCX for VW Minivan Replacement
While we’re not quite sure of VW’s intentions for the minivan, with regards to North American objectives, if any, DCX’s plans are clear-cut for a new subcompact. As a part of Dodge’s aggressive European entry, such a vehicle would target entry-level buyers, an essential element to an overall global strategy that currently includes cars from its compact Caliber to supercar Viper. As the new B-segment model would no doubt share many components with the equivalent VW, it will no doubt incorporate the build quality and performance that appeals to Europeans. What would a Dodge subcompact look like? Look no further than the Hornet Concept that was introduced at the Geneva show just a few days ago for a few good clues.
While no one knows for sure what DaimlerChrysler will offer Europeans in the subcompact segment, or if that model or a derivative thereof will be available anywhere else in the world, namely here at home in North America where B-segment cars are experiencing a revival, one thing that is most certain, however, is that Volkswagen will replace its European Sharan with the upcoming DCX joint venture van. Oddly, VW hasn’t had a competitive minivan in North America since the demise of its original bus, missing out on untold profits and losing market share to the Big 3 and Japanese. Even more oddly, if Volkswagen introduces its new van in the U.S. and Canada alongside the Dodge and Chrysler versions, it will enter a market that is currently soft on vans, seemingly more interested in crossover vehicles at the moment. This said Hyundai is also entering the market for the first time, showing that there is still significant numbers to warrant investment. If VW can do a good enough job producing the “Cadillac of minivans”, to coin a phrase John Travolta’s Chili character used to describe a first-generation Oldsmobile Silhouette he drove in the comedy film “Get Shorty”, it may have a hit on its hands. Hopefully, for VW’s sake, its new van does better than GM’s “Dustbuster” vans. Chrysler Group’s versions will undoubtedly be best-sellers.