I’ve emailed the folks at VW a handful of time over the years telling them that they are missing the boat– I think there is more than enough demand here is the states to sustain the market for these vans in the $50-80k price range. At $50k, almost no one under 30 could afford it. I’m not sure you’re going to be able to “import” one to the states that easily. Because of the success of the trip around Europe we’ve just placed an order for a new California Ocean 4 wheel drive camper. Brand: Volkswagen Product: California Ocean T6.1 Release Date: Never, at least for us Americans Price: ~$83,729+ From: volkswagen-vans.co.uk Volkswagen is one of the few carmakers that’s managed to create icons both within and outside of the automotive world. Yes, that was for a car that wasn’t even in production, and with a 3-year wait time. He then puts them together. Millions of people will randomly join in when they see others doing so, let alone your measily 200,000 target for us actual campers/explorers. Come on man, use a real modifier. Don’t know why the article singled it out…, I just got back from road tripping through Europe… those California vans are everywhere and all I want is to sell my Honda Element and get one. Do these vans meet North American Safety Standards and emissions? Volume in Europe is now at an all time high of 12000 units. The folks at GoWesty might at least be able to point you in the right direction. If we ever move there a van like this is definitely in the must have category. Import yourselves a Mazda Bongo (aka Ford Fred?) Here it is and i cant buy it? Yeah, and I’m one of them. My current business imports from Europe and brings containers over on a regular basis. Output 177 Horsepower / … Will you send me the details of how you know that? It is very strange that people in the United States won’t be having this camper van. LOL I dunno why I just invested so much time in this rant. Toss that clucking ankle biter into my signature Pterodactyl Stew. Simply click on the correct pin to get their telephone number and details. It will be unveiled at the Caravan Fair in Germany and launched in early 2019. This is the “Ocean” trim — each trim level gets a beach-y themed name. It has a full kitchen, sleeping areas and a full built-in bathroom. Well this article didn’t age well. I’ve had three vans in my life– I’m 41 now. But making payments? $28,990 . Volkswagen The new Volkswagen Grand California … Glamp your heart out in the VW Grand California. Mercedes start at $160k – that’s price is a deal breaker for most people. Also, NO ONE sells 200,000 camper vans a year in any country, don’t know where that figure came from. Since its inception in 1947, the VW Type II van has become the symbol for any wandering tribe of free-spirited individuals … 2020 Volkswagen Grand California. Your email address will not be published. Compact and driveability as anti-selling points? VW Grand California 2019 Interior, Release Date, Changes, Price – Whether at the house or on a break: VW Grand California 2019 is the best journey and free time vehicle in which you feel proper at a residence just about anyplace. I would be willing to do some research on this, if you don’t know. These are Euro6 engines which are very clean running so I can’t see any problem with the EPA. Most high top conversions seat 4-5, sleep 2. We have been waiting for a new van for so many years since there’s really no great replacement for a VW Rialto. Do you know if there are any cabinet parts available from the European California Ocean Camper so I might modify my 1999 VW Eurovan camper. Sadly it’s gone on deaf ears so far. I just thought of a possibility. Used Eurovan campers with the Westphalia conversion are going for $40K here in Colorado with 150K miles on them. Our license plate said VW’s VW. Introducing five-billion-star accommodation. As we already wrote, the newest VW California XXL Camper Van is the longer version of the popular California model. VW Needs to produce a basic cargo version of this van, and produce it in the U.S. to keep the price down. MattR For comparison, here are some of the brands that sold fewer than 200,000 vehicles in the US last year: 2019 VW California XXL Camper Van Engine. BRING THE $86,347 VW CALIFORNIA TO THE STATES, ALREADY! I will buy her one, have her drive it long enough to make it “used”, and then have her ship it home to us. These would sell by the boatload in the U.S. at any price under $70k. Loved the fun we had!!!! No more were built. I saw “cliffy” used to describe a campsite in AJ #13 the other day. Plus, they might have to make changes to the design based on the outcome of the tests. I’ve been waiting to buy such a VW camper van In Canada for years too. VW hasn’t sold an original van in the US, since the Eurovan. C’mon VW, you’re creative! Volkswagen For those avid voyagers who think that the regular Volkswagen California camper van isn’t enough for their needs, there’s a new, even bigger VW pop-top called the Grand California. Surely a European car, especially from Germany, would meet US standards? This thing would sell like hotcakes in the US. Not a fan of that collaboration, at all. Back in the early 70s, we dreamed of buying a Volvo this way. It’s only sold with a TDI engine which may not be smog legal and certainly isn’t going to be a commercial success in the US. Well, California vans have occasionally been spotted in the US, so maybe, just maybe some enterprising van lover can get their hands on one. But there are many people here that will buy a shell van and convert it on their own. “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. But until then, I’ll keep my Eurovan oiled and tuned. Or the $80,000+ customs mentioned by the OP, literally selling faster than they can make them? It is very similar to the It’s like listening to a politician, doctor, judge, mechanic, window drapes salesman, etc. Seriously. Soooooo much cheaper. I’ve been considering buying a nice sprinter camper van. Your email address will not be published. 2021 Jayco Jay Feather 16RK Broadmoor RV SuperStore - 54 mi. Because of their small market share, VW doesn’t think they can do it. That’s the closest you can get right now. The Volkswagen Grand California is the latest version of the VW California camper. Problem was we had no money…. The same van is sold in the US as the Metris. – Cadillac: 153,863 vehicles I would like to buy one over there, drive and store it for a few years and then bring it home. My understanding is that the van hasn’t been tested to meet US standards and that is why it isn’t being sold here. With the overall height of 2,900mm and length of 6,240 mm, it offers great aerodynamic efficiency. Engine Turbodiesel 2.0-liter I4. You’re right on both counts: the basic vehicle (VW Transporter) in this generation (and the previous 2) was never engineered for the US. Sadly that won’t be happening , CaveVan can build you a Custom Eurovan or poptop Metris here in the USA. I just got back from Czech and took a blip through Germany to Innsbruck while there for 3 weeks. My 15 oz tent cost me $580. Volkswagen RVs For Sale in California: 4 RVs Near You - Find Volkswagen RVs on RV Trader. Long story short: unless VW were able to also sell the full range of other Transporters in the US, reengineering just the California and creating a support system for it would be ridiculously expensive. CaveVan builds modernized Eurovans, and Metris poptop campers. Built for bigger adventures, the California has been an icon on the road since it first launched in 1988, the Grand California is the latest edition of freedom on wheels. My gear is B list, and probably obsolete at this point. And my kids would be thrilled to find this in their inheritance! We have to have garganfuan everything, from houses to vehicles. Look up 2019 Volkswagen Eos Convertible 2.0 Colors, Release Date, Redesign, Price – It may be a year in the entryways of the new model, but a constrained are used in 2019 Volkswagen Eos, with development, performing in a, generate in October. That’s our promise to you. ), then immediately follow up with, “My F-250 would eat those for lunch…”. Could be the deal. You can also subscribe without commenting. I will be buying one of these for myself and getting it shipped here. I will. Peace Vans on Seattle are building very slick campers with mercedes. Pfft. This would be a great way for VW to validate the market. Took forever to sell them. So why can’t we get this thing here? I’d gladly do it and sell it to you for $80k. Volkswagen presents its new motorhome, Grand California. Both of these problems are solved by the super trendy n cyclically stylish (you don't even have to be a camper to want/drive one of these) VW California. The discussion usually ends with the price tag, or they are more interested in a diy project. 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. SMB converted 30 to be sold for $65k+ at Nissan “commercial” dealerships. Anything?? 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. As much, anyway. Pop top? Every nook and cranny is perfectly thought out, it was comfortable driving and camping plus handled well through the alps. Now, Europeans can call a Volkswagen home because the brand is taking an even bigger step into the camper market with the launch of the nearly 20-foot-long (6-meter-long) Grand California. I would pay you in advance to get a New California or the 2019 Kepler one. A pop top seats 4-5, sleeps 4. While 200,000 vehicles is only 1.2% of the US car market, that’s actually a lot of cars. I do believe they would sell, maybe not like hot cakes, but they would sell. If there’s any company that’s helped to shape the world’s preoccupation with camper vans, it’s Volkswagen.From the first “Splitty” bus in the 1940s to their best-selling California van, Volkswagen is an industry leader in figuring out how to build functional, well-priced campers for families.Today, the company announced the next van to join the VW lineup: the Grand California. away . This would obviously be worse in the US where no support infrastructure exists at all. On Eurovan boards of which I’m a member, when people check out these vans while vacationing in Europe, the price with tax, destination fees, etc., is usually closer to With superior performance and adaptability at a reduced cost, a Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen is a driver’s best friend. Buzz is cool looking but I don’t see it as a camper. They are amazing! The USA needs these and I think they would sell like hotcakes! It’s a bullshit conspiracy, that or VW is absolutely nuts!! Premium. 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?). This is a prime example of the vulgar and excessive state of mind in America. The “California” name alone makes it seem as though Volkswagen is trolling us. Nice, without being too flashy. All of us Rialto owners have been waiting a long time. (We earlier had an ‘83 Westy.) Our confidence is your assurance that a new Volkswagen will be a reliable, practical and fun addition to your daily life. But here’s a very sticky issue: once you get it here you are going to have a very difficult time finding people who will work on it. All-season. That represents 2% of the total 17.4 million new vehicles sold in the US, making VW the 13th largest brand (out of 35) by vehicles sold. Those are people who are hardcore fans for this segment, but they’re just too few to justify making a new version of this only for this market. VW has to be more selective. You can buy one and import it for $58k. Far better than the method I use when leveling, the ole’ drive over a rock and eyeball it. That’s an interesting point. It will be unveiled at the Caravan Fair in Germany and launched in early 2019. Oh, yeah I do: I wish Buhlmann had done his homework, like, for one day, so I could buy this perfect van. I did catch a glimpse of one of these VW California’s last year driving past me north on the 101 here in Los Angeles. There’s a reason Volkswagens have one of the best warranties on the market – they’re built to last. So you need something compact in order to get where you want to go. Maybe they will come up with an electric version of the California since they built/ expanded that large plant in Tennessee specifically for electric vehicles. – Porsche: 59,116 vehicles Happy vanning! It’s possible to get one here. Perhaps this should be the starting grounds for identifying the demand, not statistics from 2004 when MySpace was exploding, and people were still living in their tiny worlds (today, we all want to be Mark Twain again like in the 70s, not Eminem n Marylin Manson like in the Y2K). It’s not a “world vehicle”. I can bring them in. That’s the mindset. Any comments made on this website are the views of the respective poster, and in no way represent the views of the VW California Club Administration or VAG It will be dropped off to be converted in October. Problem with shipping one home is getting parts and service. How can you “bring them in”? For 7 years, people have asked about our van. I loved it, it was what I was looking for since I sold my Honda Element in ’16. The company that brought us one of the first camping ready vans, the Microbus, and later iterations of the Vanagon and even the underrated Eurovan, sells a van purpose-built for camping and living out of, calls it the “California,” looks at the booming market for overlanding vehicles and camper vans in the US, and still refuses to sell it here. The “California” name alone makes it seem as though Volkswagen is trolling us. Actually have people put money down and have skin in the game. Same $+ for a 4×4 conversion. ... 2021 Grand Design Solitude 310GK Blue Dog RV of Pasco - 54 mi. Probably not enough to build a support structure for the vans themselves and the camper part. Mine runs great, has low mileage and since I can’t seem to import a vehicle from Europe, I am wondering if I can get parts to modify the cabinet section (cooler/refrigerator, sink, stovetop and storage below these items). So here’s the question: of the 211 million Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials in the US, how many could fall in love with the California if VW sold it here? Environmental or related levies and taxes may vary by jurisdiction. Two adults can fit up here, actually, with a second bed down below. Thanks Robin. All knowledgeable VW California specialists for the UK market. $80K than $50K. I woukd willingky sell my house and buy one of these as my full-time home but nooo – we can’t have anything that intelligent in America! I would love a new camper van. 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. Millenials would gobble them up. Selling and supporting Californias is tricky even in Europe. If old US beaters can be licensed and driven, why couldn’t this van? It has many safety features such as collision alerts and active cruise control. My Moms initials were VW. People who nowadays still drive a T2, T3, T4, you name ‘em – those vans that we used to have until the 2000s – most of them are enthusiasts that run these vehicles in perfect weather conditions. Not something huge. Eurovans and other variants are in high demand, https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2000-Volkswagen-EUROVAN-FULL-CAMPER-5008346425. Seems like they could get it to where they only need to sell 50K or even 10K vehicles to make a profitable. DIY conversions go with high tops because the pop top will add $10k+ to the price of the van. You can do this! Christian Buhlmann My expatriate daughter lives and works in Germany. I miss our old ’73 Westy. You could consider this a “smart camper.” A sophisticated control system handles things like the onboard fridge, lighting systems, and the pop-up tent. Assuming one had the time; and the money: Is there a way of buying one in Europe and shipping it to US? Speaking of which, town that is, standard parking spots are 18 feet long. Derived from the California XXL concept unveiled in 2017, the 2020 VW Grand California is a new motorhome that has all the equipment of a good camper. By American standards, I'm poor. . – Land Rover: 92,143 vehicles All fun. Same for V6 and V8.) I travel internationally for my job and every time we’re out and about a coworker will always comment derisively about how “small” and tiny the foreign cars are (Europe, Asia, Australia, etc. My UL down quilt cost me $250. Once again, a $50,000 camper van beats a 21+' mini RV any day of the week; whether you're buying overpriced, organic groceries in your hometown, or you're stopping to sleep in an Iowa WalMart lot on your way crosscountry (let's face it, you didn't stop in Iowa for any other reason). I wonder what the owners of Marathon Oil, the Koch family, would explain the disparity? The headline news, however, is a toilet. Rubbish. Yes, there’s a market! So much for free trade. And they are vw experts so they know the history. Volkswagen says the Grand California’s interior design has been inspired by yachts, with white cabinets and flooring that apes a teak deck. I would buy this. Why not give it a shot. Pass the yearly emission test? “Once the people that want them buy them, that will be it for sales.”. Wake up VW, you’re missing the camplife revolution in the states. Just not the same at a ridiculous price. There is also the issue of Diesel engines. There is a guy in Sebastapol CA who buys the innards of the Marco Polo and ships them over in a container in sets of 10. – Tesla: 197,517 vehicles. Is this possible? Sep 14, 2017. Looking at the price tag seems like Europeans are doing well. Frustrating, my guess is that it is part of a strategy to flood the US market with the all electric vw counter culture bus in 2022. looking forward to it but need a van NOW. The I.D. More? But I will probably build one. I’m going to look into buying in Europe and transporting to US – once it’s safe again to travel abroad. Vehicle must be 25 years or older to import. We were so lucky!! That’s it? John. Three percent? Specifications, equipment, options and prices are subject to change without notice. The Volkswagen Grand California is set to arrive in early 2019, confirming the official name and production details for the California XXL concept unveiled last year. Volkswagen equips the Grand California with the highest-tech driving features that it has to offer. Volkswagen plans to officially launch the new Grand California later this month at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. Importing parts will take time but it’s not impossible and these vehicles usually just require like for like part replacements. There is an RV market, true, but those RVs are much larger in size than what we currently offer. I was also told that if we somehow were able to import one, we wouldn’t be able to sell it to anyone because it would not be verified as meeting US environmental standards. All of which is displayed and operated through a clean-looking display above the windshield. 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. We have a 1999 Eurovan Camper that we love.Was offered what we paid for it last year! It is sad thst we have to make do with Ford, Chevy, and Mercedes conversions that start at $90k, and dont offer anything near what this little guy can do. It’s as if they haven’t heard of #vanlife. And most Americans over 30 would be way too fat to fit in anything that small. Speak for yourself—any of my 6 grandkids could afford it since they have good income and live with parents who don’t charge rent and buy all their food ; ). This doesn’t seem insurmountable? A night under the stars. Mercedes Maco Polo, That's laughable…Every blonde haired, silicon altered mom living in the yuppy housing plan next to my farm would buy this thing tomorrow to run to town and look oh so extra adorable (right?) 19 Photos. We camped all over the west in that puppy. The Grand California is the biggest and most luxurious camper van that Volkswagen makes! The all-new Grand California motorhome is Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ latest addition to its proud story of building freedom on four wheels. But i promised her i would have a new camper one day!! I couldn’t have said I better! By the way, we also have the last year for the smaller Tiguan. VW’s ultimate, range-topping camper van will make its debut at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon in Germany.. Here’s a question…and I am seriously trying to do this!!! In Europe, Transporters are used as a base van for anything from ambulances, to plumber’s vans, to courtesy shuttles so there is enough volume for all VW dealers know how to work on the vehicle side. Making payments is one of the main reasons a lot of us have to get up in the morning LOL! Volkswagen California XXL Concept First Look VW designers pen a tiny house for the iGeneration. In our travels, we have only seen 1 as well. You would sell north of 200,000 west of the Rockies alone. I’ve currently got a new Diesel VW Caravelle 6.1 which has 4 wheel drive and an automatic DSG gerabox. Another thing is VW is selling an electric van here in 2022. There is indeed a market for these vans! I would buy a California tomorrow. If so, how would one go about it? The Volkswagen Grand California is finally here in production form. Gallery: 2020 Volkswagen Grand California: First Drive. Particularly with the pandemic, these would sell very well. However, at least offer the opportunity for people to buy over there and bring over here to the US like some of the European auto brands offer to their customers. 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. Everything is more refined, from … VW California, and is comparable in price. My van was delivered bare bones on August 16th. Asking for a friend…. I much rather leave one of these vans at a trail head then a Mercedes Sprinter van. Are you saying you can import a new VW California camper? I’m so tired of the American attitude that “big is better, and biggest is best”! That support would be missing in the US. The interactive map below pinpoints the exact locations for our featured dealerships in the UK. On top of that, we offer a range of extra options for free, like Cruise Control and Park distance control. Hi Jeff, European VW van here. I am also disappointed the California is not available. Or alternatively add a premium to the sell price to make the #s work for them in order to meet the demand in the US? Did Christian ever have a chance to receive your well-articulated commentary? Well, PJ Williams, we can at least dream about one!! Lost my Mom 34 years ago to cancer. The company should reconsider its decision of not launching the van in the USA. For those of us who want to downsize, this country is the worst! Very nice looking. Here’s what doesn’t add up for me: why does VW require 200K units sold for this to be viable? Just trying to see if it makes financial sense. And presumably, VW would need to keep hitting 200K or so in California sales every year. Then people can buy them and do whatever they want to convert them into a camper , passenger, or leave as a cargo van. VW did a superb job! VW is shooting themselves in the foot thinking people won’t invest in this kind of vehicle. Now we're making claims this thing costs $80,000? I think they know.. i think there’s some underlying conspiracy for there is no logic behind this reasoning.. All my friends talk about either moving or getting one of these to be able to evacuate quick. Oh, one more thing. These two men discuss the same engine alternatives. 1 of 12 . Why couldn’t VW sell an add on package to meet requirements like dealers used to for other environmental upgrades 40 + years ago. Having traveled all over Europe in a VW Bus I would love to have a new VW California! Now it’s garage kept unlike a RV. Either way I just got back fr om Czech Republic and Austria and there are a lot of these VWs on the road. Easy to drive and park and garage. Saw so many of these vans on the road. So, we get the, uh, Tiguan. Therefore, people in the majority would rather go for something bigger, if they’re looking for RVs.”. Maybe VW recognizes this as well. That’s a good plan for getting one here – I looked into it too. Definitely a market for these so I’ll be looking at how to import legally and satisfy emission regulations and any other legal problems. $50,000, no camper's market? I will be happy to go back to buying my VW vehicles when VW brings I say bring one of those camper vans to the US and see how many orders you get for them, especially if they under 50,000 dollars. I was really hoping that this was to test the waters to see if there really was a strong demand for the product. Or just move to Europe. Am I missing something? That truly clears things up. The younger generation, want something smaller and affordable. Volkswagen will premiere the Grand California at the 2018 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon later this month, where it will reveal pricing and other details. =D. Now more than ever, we understand the need to put people first: To give back to the communites in which we live and work. The base model starts at nearly $50k, without shipping charges, which, sure that’s a lot of money. I can send him the money, have him buy it for me and ship it home. Tesla did this in 2016 with the Model 3 and got 325,000 pre-orders. VW brought a bunch of T6 camper vans to the states last year and they were all given high praise by the media. 4000 to 6000? I would buy a VW Camper van like this. We need to discontinue the sloppy, twee trend of adding a “y” to nouns and calling them a adjectives. 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. The campers back to USA. Would love to have one here in the states – my in laws have on in Germany and it is great little camper ! MikeA. Available on select models and trims*. Only a very small portion of Americans actually travel within the US let aline abroad. Where were all of you when these were built and sold? Point proven once again by Bulhmann's take on 2004 America in 2016 — or whenever the BLOODY interview was conducted. (SMB converted these as well among the 30. 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. Most if not all of the converted Nissan NV 2500 or 3500 you see are the high top version. Now, we have found the best deal on new Volkswagen Californias and commercial vehicles (on request). In spite of the several positive … You can take it to any campground as a van, not an RV. Had the “demand” been there, more than 30 would have been converted. Just got to ride in one in Taiwan, and I would spend $75k – $80k easy on this camper, and drive it daily for work, and then off we go on the weekends. I think more baby boomers are moving towards getting some type of RV, especially since Covid-19 came onto the scene. My 2002 Eurovan was amazing, it just wasn’t build in a reliable fashion. Check it out below. I’m an ex Eurovan owner and moved to a sprinter van, when my VW died. Bet you VW regrets not coming to the US now lol. I wish there was a way to import it. VW is promising the electric new bus, the “ID Buzz” will hit US dealers in 2022. VW California XXL Camper Van exterior design is stronger. What do you all have to loose?? I was stationed in Europe and had the military ship my European-made car home. the vw eurovan sales in the us were nowhere near where they needed to be. It would bump VW’s total sales by 50%. Americans really want to buy these van campers. There are some rare exceptions, none of them are vans. It’s a wasteful attitude. while doing it. Volkswagen presents its new motorhome, Grand California. Shoot him an email and let him know your thoughts on the matter. I was told by someone from my local VW dealership that the reason they do not sell these vans in the US is because of the environmental standards. I was told at my VW dealership that it would cost the VW company quite a lot of money to do the testing to verify that it meets our standards. How many would sell in the US? And and getting parts is going to require importing most items from Europe.