Volkswagen Announces Value Price Reduction for Its 2001 EuroVan

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 1 Volkswagen announced a major
price realignment for its passenger vans sold in the U.S., with its 2001
EuroVan being priced below minivans that offer less space and a fraction of
the versatility.
    While adding standard equipment and improving performance, Volkswagen will
reduce the price of the 2001 EuroVan -- due to go on sale in April -- by 16.3%
for the GLS and 15.5% for the Multivan (MV).  The 2001 EuroVan GLS will sell
for $26,200 (compared to $31,300 for 2000).  The MV version will be priced at
$27,700 (compared to $32,800 in 2000).
    With the price realignment Volkswagen said it expects to double its annual
sales volume of the EuroVan to nearly 5,000 units annually.
    In addition to a lower price tag, Volkswagen's newest EuroVan will come
with a more powerful engine.  The EuroVan will employ a new four-valve-per-
cylinder version of Volkswagen's renowned VR6 that offers a maximum horsepower
of 201 versus 140 in the previous model year.  Just as importantly, this 2.8
liter multi-valve engine has also increased the torque for 2001.  The engine
now creates a peak torque of 181 lbs. ft. at 2,500 revolutions per minute, up
from the 177 lbs. ft. that was offered on the 2000 EuroVan.
    To enhance performance and control, Volkswagen is equipping every EuroVan
with its highly advanced Electronic Stability Program, ESP.  For traction
control the Anti-Slip Regulation, ASR, system will also be standard.  The
wheels have been upgraded from 15 inches to 16-inch alloy wheels.  Other
updates to come on the 2001 model include a new premium, six-speaker stereo
sound system; standard integrated fog lights; and middle seating with two
removable, folding seats with dual armrests and adjustable back rests.
    Built in Hannover, Germany, the EuroVan is available as a well-equipped
GLS model and versatile MV.  Both models offer comfortable, spacious and
functional interiors, and a unique European driving experience.
    With 206 cubic feet of interior room, the 2001 EuroVan (MV) has 18.8% more
interior volume than the Dodge Grand Caravan ES and 11.4% more space than the
Chrysler Town and Country LXi, at a lower manufacturer's suggested retail
price (MSRP).
    Comfort and convenience features for the 2001 EuroVan again include power
windows, with one-touch up/down and pinch protection features, central remote
locking, cup holders, privacy glass, and a pollen and dust filter for the
ventilation system.
    Additional standard equipment on the EuroVan includes a Climatronic
system; power door locks (including side and rear hatch); cruise control;
AM/FM cassette stereo with six speakers; programmable intermittent wipers;
heated windshield washer nozzles; rear hatch wiper/washer and defroster; power
outside mirrors; illuminated vanity mirrors; and a four-speed automatic
transmission.
    Cargo capacity for the EuroVan is optimized by its high stance and
versatile interior.  Long items, such as plywood, slide in and out due to its
long load length with bench seats removed.
    The EuroVan comes with a variety of options and packages.  The optional
Weekender Package for the EuroVan MV combines day-to-day functionality with
the adventurous overnight capabilities of the EuroVan Camper.  Its features
include a pop-up roof with two-person bed; window screens for two side sliding
windows; fixed left-hand rear facing seat (with refrigerator beneath lift-up
seat bottom); second battery; and alternator.
    Each model also comes with a unique seating arrangement that best suits
its individual purpose.  Behind the front passenger seats the EuroVan GLS
contains two forward-facing individual seats and triple rear bench seat,
making it possible to seat a total of seven passengers.  The MV also seats
seven passengers, but contains two separate rear-facing seats, positioned
back-to-back with front passenger seats.  A triple rear bench seat with bed
conversion capability is also standard, which best suits the optional
Weekender Package (only available on the MV).
    EuroVan options include a sliding sunroof with sliding sun visor and
windscreen capabilities (not available with Weekender Package), and heatable
front seats.
    In the spring Volkswagen will release the price for the EuroVan Camper.
With a longer wheelbase (115.0 inches) than the EuroVan GLS and MV, it is
capable of seating up to six passengers with its optional and removable two-
person center bench seat.
    An option for the Camper is the companion seat, which serves as a single-
seat alternative to the optional double center bench seat and provides more
interior room for passengers.  The standard rear double bench seat, capable of
bed conversion, best caters to the EuroVan's standard and versatile Winnebago
Camper conversion package.  Featured items include a pop-up roof, full-
swiveling captain seats, two-burner LP gas stove and other amenities.
    Warranty coverage for all EuroVan models include a six-year/unlimited
mileage corrosion perforation limited warranty and a 5-year/50,000 mile
limited powertrain warranty.
    Also included is a two-year/24,000 mile no charge scheduled maintenance
plan and basic warranty, and two-year/24 hour roadside assistance.