Pilot models of the all new 2009 Volkswagen (RM) Minivan are currently being assembled at Chrysler Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor Ontario. RM platform is based on the current 2008 Chrysler (RT) model. New front & rear fascia, liftgate, "D" pillar styling, hood and exterior lights & trim are many of the styling features exclusive to the RM version. The completed pilots are closely guarded & shrouded as they roll off the assembly line, no pics are allowed. The official announcement & pics will likely be at the NAIAS in Detroit, Jan '08. Official model launch will be early in the new year.

 

All of a sudden, there's a lot of news on the web (such as the Edmund's site) about this new minivan/bus. It will be called the Routan and will actually debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February. VW actually admits to all of this info. They have kept it well under wraps, as there still are no spy photos floating around.Routans will be in VW showrooms in October, 2008 as 2009 models.

I, for one, will wait at least a year before considering a Routan. Because of the Chrysler engine and electrical work, the diagnostics will be done with Chrysler computers. I'm a little worried about VW service personnel becoming well-versed in Chrysler diagnostics.