Volkswagen Unveils Limited Production 2019 Grand California 30 Years Camper And 2019 Grand California Production Model

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
The Auto Channel

The Hague, August 10, 2018. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of its iconic California camper with a limited edition. The ‘California 30 Year’ will be unveiled at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany (25 August 25- September 2). Only 999 units will be built. At the same time the all new Grand California will celebrate its world premiere.

The first California (1988) was based on the T3, with the air-cooled, rear-mounted boxer engine. It was initially available in two colors: Pastel White or Marsala Red. The smart kitchen unit was designed in white and gray. The combination of the competitive price, smart layout and robust character made the California a bestseller: in the first year alone 5,000 were sold. In the following years, the California continued to gain popularity and 22,000 units of the first generation were sold. Now, the California T3 has the classic status, but perhaps more importantly, every California has a cult status.

During the past 30 years, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched several special editions. The new California 30 Years follows in the footsteps of the Freestyle (2002), NoLimit (2007) and Generation (2013), which have since become collectors' items.

The California 30 Years has two badges with the production number and is recognizable by its tilting roof and mirror covers in the contrasting color. The b-styles are painted shiny black. It stands on 17 inch light-alloy Cascavel wheels in silver or anthracite.

Inside, the Bright Wood finish of the kitchen and the greenhouse stand out. The model is standard equipped with Camper interior lighting, Camper interior lighting with LED lights in the rear roof, the tailgate and the kitchen. At the rear of the camper has a connection for an outdoor shower. The interior heating can be operated with a remote control or with buttons in the interior to make camping in the spring and autumn more comfortable.

2019 Grand California

At the Caravan show, Volkswagen will also have a world premiere with the unveiling of the 2019 Grand California, which is based on the Crafter platform. The completely new camper reinforces the range of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the six-meter class. The market introduction of the new camper is planned for the spring of 2019.

The very first California-launched Bulli-based in 1988 was the most successful camper worldwide with 160,000 units sold. The experiences with the camper during the past three decades have now been used to the maximum in the development of the Grand California, that was previewed by the California XXL study model at the 2017 Caravan Salon.

The Grand California gets lots of smart solutions. The light interior is mainly in white for a fresh look and a spacious ambiance, which is enhanced by large windows in the back and side , as well as large light domes in the back above the double bed and in the living area. All windows are equipped with double plissés (mosquito bait and blackout). For the driver's cab, Volkswagen developed a new blackout concept.

The motor home is equipped with swivel chairs in the front and a two-seater sofa in the living area. The latter is combined with ISOFIX anchorages and Topteather child protection. The kitchen consists of an extendable 70-liter (2.47 cu. ft) refrigerator including freezer (also accessible from the outside via the sliding door), a two-burner gas cooker, a sink and various cupboards and drawers.

The new camper gets the same assistance, comfort and infotainment systems that are also available for the Crafter, such as Front Assist with city emergency stop system, Instead of light switches, the camper comes standard with motion detectors that switch on the lights. Optional available is a Bluetooth-controlled speaker in the living area.

A substantial difference compared to the more compact California T6 is the bathroom (840 x 800 mm/330 x 314 in.) featuring a toilet and shower, a fold-away washbasin, a towel rack, a cupboard with integrated toilet roll holder and a roof hatch for vent

This Grand California has exterior lighting above the sliding door and a connection for an outdoor shower at the rear with adjustable water temperature. An electrically folding step under the sliding door facilitates entry and exit, while the sliding door is provided with a two-part screen in all cases. The Grand California has a fresh water tank with a capacity of 110 liter/29 gallon.

The option list includes Lane Assist, Blind Spot Sensor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear View.