New T6.1 order delays

[Scoobyboy5555]

Checked my email today, and saw a message "regarding your VW California order" got really excited opened it up and it said "Hi, your order is still showing in build, I will continue to monitor this and update you once I have news"

Was originally told it would be here in 12months when I ordered it March 2022, but since I was told it was in build September 16th I got excited and thought it would be here sooner.

Cant wait until it arrives, feels like waiting for Xmas when I was a child.

 

[CampervanFlattie]

Our expected delivery timescale was 12 months so to say the least we were surprised. However, we have been looking forward to seeing whether it might replace my LR Discovery which will be 7 years old in March so actually we can live with the timing.

regarding spec, it’s an Ocean 204 4 motion and embarrassingly we appear to have ticked most things on the options list except the tow bar and body packs.

 

[PhilR]

I’m really pleased for you all that have much reduced delivery dates, but I just can’t get my head round how this has happened??? There’s no rhyme or reason at all it seems.

 

[Nate73]

It would be interesting to understand how many orders are being cancelled due to the uncertainty many are facing. That must be a major factor in the reduced lead times we are hearing over the last few weeks.

 

[Wifi_____Rodney]

You didn’t by chance have Mike from EV did you?

No, not Mike, we're dealing with Ben.

 

[Wifi_____Rodney]

Our expected delivery timescale was 12 months so to say the least we were surprised. However, we have been looking forward to seeing whether it might replace my LR Discovery which will be 7 years old in March so actually we can live with the timing.

regarding spec, it’s an Ocean 204 4 motion and embarrassingly we appear to have ticked most things on the options list except the tow bar and body packs.

Interesting, our spec is pretty much a bogo standard 150 but for a few tiny bits. I assumed that is probably the reason it's here early. Hope enjoy yours!

 

[Wifi_____Rodney]

What model and spec have you gone for?

Pretty much a bogo standardo 150 but for a couple of tiny bits like a shower for example.

 

[Wifi_____Rodney]

How do you feel about that in view that your expectations were that you would probably take delivery next spring?

Incredible, less than 4 months from a 12 month lead time!

 

[Wifi_____Rodney]

Just want to say a big thanks to everyone for all the replies and advice.

I guess for us the frustration is the sheer lack of any communication from EV and VW. The Cali is our 6th new VW on the bounce and every single time we have had clear comms telling us the vehicle is in build months in advance. Then it's the fun of following it through the build stages, from the German port to the UK and finally to the dealer.

This vehicle is literally double the cost of our last two and is by far the biggest purchase we've made aside from our house, I guess I expected better customer service than this, especially when you look at EVs reviews online. Our last communication was an email in August saying the build had been delayed and here we are near Christmas scratting around trying to make up the shortfall for a few unfortunate incidents.

That all said, we will be getting the Cali very soon which is still awesome, I guess it just turned out to be a stressful experience rather than an exciting one, but life ain't perfect is it?

Onwards and upwards! Hopefully, our next posts in the forum will be tales of excitement and adventure as we travel the land in our new Cali, and who knows we might be able to start giving some advice to others as we learn the ropes.

Thanks again folks.

 

[Wifi_____Rodney]

PS. Forgot to add, there is one distinct advantage with the unexpected arrival of our Cali. It will save us a fortune in regard to the many, many unnecessary accessories we would have bought next year!

 

[PhilR]

Great stuff mate. We’ve just had 13 months of hardly any info from EV. Very frustrating but I think what it is, they are a very busy dealership and it takes time and effort to chase up where your van is at any given time. Not an excuse for them but any conversations I’ve had with Ben he has been really nice and helpful. He sent us a great video of the Cali in the compound last week. We are finally meeting him tomorrow to pick up our (very) long awaited van!

 

[OxonCalifornia]

Just want to say a big thanks to everyone for all the replies and advice.

I guess for us the frustration is the sheer lack of any communication from EV and VW. The Cali is our 6th new VW on the bounce and every single time we have had clear comms telling us the vehicle is in build months in advance. Then it's the fun of following it through the build stages, from the German port to the UK and finally to the dealer.

This vehicle is literally double the cost of our last two and is by far the biggest purchase we've made aside from our house, I guess I expected better customer service than this, especially when you look at EVs reviews online. Our last communication was an email in August saying the build had been delayed and here we are near Christmas scratting around trying to make up the shortfall for a few unfortunate incidents.

That all said, we will be getting the Cali very soon which is still awesome, I guess it just turned out to be a stressful experience rather than an exciting one, but life ain't perfect is it?

Onwards and upwards! Hopefully, our next posts in the forum will be tales of excitement and adventure as we travel the land in our new Cali, and who knows we might be able to start giving some advice to others as we learn the ropes.

Thanks again folks.

Brilliant News that you didnt tell 'em to put it where the sun dont shine, but other than the initial satisafaction if its what you want you would have been the only one that suffered. Well done for keeping your cool. We are collecting ours on Saturday and TBH I really would have prefered a Spring / 2023 collection for many financial and practical reasons but it is `what it is.
You are absolutely correct about saving a fortune on unnecessary accessories ...Ive got a bedroom full!
Enjoy the collection and use of your new Cali

 

[OxonCalifornia]

Great stuff mate. We’ve just had 13 months of hardly any info from EV. Very frustrating but I think what it is, they are a very busy dealership and it takes time and effort to chase up where your van is at any given time. Not an excuse for them but any conversations I’ve had with Ben he has been really nice and helpful. He sent us a great video of the Cali in the compound last week. We are finally meeting him tomorrow to pick up our (very) long awaited van!

Enjoy...good weather for you too ..we are collecting ours this Saturday.

 

[Bepto]

Last email I got from EV was 10 days ago after I enquired about changing the spec, they said...

Unfortunately, the vehicle is now in build status so no changes can be made. However, GREAT NEWS is that your new California should be with us in the next 6-8 weeks fingers crossed !!! I shall keep you updated now it is in build, the next stage will be “at Port” ready for boat then arrival in UK.

Nothing since then but I am thinking about calling to check the status & possibly cancel as I don't really want it before March. When I ordered in Sept I was pretty sure 6 months would be the minimum wait.

 

[WestSussexSpike]

I think I might be another example of the Eurovans delivery avalanche. Ordered at the end of June (quoted 12-15 months) van arrived into stock mid November and collecting tomorrow.

I realise that, for some, early arrival might be quite a challenge but there is rumoured to be a price increase planned on 1st December and I suspect there will be another one in late Spring/early Summer and as the orders aren't price protected taking an early delivery may save a sizeable amount of money. Also, there are bound to be significant increases in finance costs for those choosing that route to purchase. I guess the only downside for those that worry about it is that with more plentiful supply second hand prices may well fall from the current high levels.

It does seem odd that most of this thread refers to Eurovans. I wonder if other dealers are experiencing the same quantity of early deliveries.

 

[PhilR]

I think I might be another example of the Eurovans delivery avalanche. Ordered at the end of June (quoted 12-15 months) van arrived into stock mid November and collecting tomorrow.

I realise that, for some, early arrival might be quite a challenge but there is rumoured to be a price increase planned on 1st December and I suspect there will be another one in late Spring/early Summer and as the orders aren't price protected taking an early delivery may save a sizeable amount of money. Also, there are bound to be significant increases in finance costs for those choosing that route to purchase. I guess the only downside for those that worry about it is that with more plentiful supply second hand prices may well fall from the current high levels.

It does seem odd that most of this thread refers to Eurovans. I wonder if other dealers are experiencing the same quantity of early deliveries.

See you there! That’s mad, ordered in June?! Something strange going on.

 

[WestSussexSpike]

Makes no sense! But it seems that the 4Motions are coming through particularly quickly.

 

[OxonCalifornia]

I think I might be another example of the Eurovans delivery avalanche. Ordered at the end of June (quoted 12-15 months) van arrived into stock mid November and collecting tomorrow.

I realise that, for some, early arrival might be quite a challenge but there is rumoured to be a price increase planned on 1st December and I suspect there will be another one in late Spring/early Summer and as the orders aren't price protected taking an early delivery may save a sizeable amount of money. Also, there are bound to be significant increases in finance costs for those choosing that route to purchase. I guess the only downside for those that worry about it is that with more plentiful supply second hand prices may well fall from the current high levels.

It does seem odd that most of this thread refers to Eurovans. I wonder if other dealers are experiencing the same quantity of early deliveries.

My Dealer said to me yesterday that he thinks there will be the next price increase in Jan of around 4%..only his thought but I think something is around the corner as the jungle drums are beating

 

[Hawthorn37]

When you see tge asking price from T6.1 converters of £70k+ (2 years ago £50k) I think a 4% hike is not surprising?

 

[PhilR]

When you see tge asking price from T6.1 converters of £70k+ (2 years ago £50k) I think a 4% hike is not surprising?

The price of conversions is mind blowing to be honest. Surely if you’re happy to wait then the Cali is a much better option? Not only will it be the same or possibly cheaper, but it is undeniable that it will hold its value much better than any conversion.

 

[Hawthorn37]

The price of conversions is mind blowing to be honest. Surely if you’re happy to wait then the Cali is a much better option? Not only will it be the same or possibly cheaper, but it is undeniable that it will hold its value much better than any conversion.

I might be a bit cynical here, but given the delivery issues with the California over the past 18 months, perhaps converters feel they can satisfy market demand for campers, and price at a premium?

 

[Corradobrit]

I might be a bit cynical here, but given the delivery issues with the California over the past 18 months, perhaps converters feel they can satisfy market demand for campers, and price at a premium?

Given the long waiting lists even for the conversions, you're probably right. I can't think why someone would choose a conversion over a factory Cali, unless they love carpet on the side panels and roof. I could possibly see some advantages in a Crafter conversion vs GC but not the Cali.

 

[PhilR]

 

[PhilR]

Finally we have our van! Loving it so far, just taking it to Wales for its first outing. Couple of issues which I’ll post elsewhere.

 

[Mr T]

View attachment 102521

Congrats @PhilR - finally!