New transporter will not be a Cali!

[bgg1b]

EV in new Transporter line-up - Read this story on Magzter.com

Read this exciting story from Autocar UK September 27, 2023. New Ford-twinned VW van to offer electric, plug-in hybrid and diesels from 2024

www.magzter.com

“The next-gen Transporter will not, for the first time, be the basis for the new California camper. Instead, that model will be derived from the MQB-platformed Multivan MPV, as previewed by a concept in August.”

 

[Digger]

The end of an era! Bet the converters will grab the chance to take up the opportunity with the next transporter transit.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

The end of an era! Bet the converters will grab the chance to take up the opportunity with the next transporter transit.

Westfalia are already there with Ford with a tried and tested Nugget layout. Hopefully they will also release a LWB version in the new design.

 

[DevillBelgium]

Was to expect.
There was a change somewhere I read with VM not wanting to prolong the platform and giving it up.
Westfalia is already filling in the Gap.

 

[edocali]

On Autocar online today

New Volkswagen Transporter line-up to be crowned by 236-mile EV | Autocar

New Ford-twinned VW van to offer electric, plug-in hybrid and diesels from 2024

www.autocar.co.uk

 

[chockswahay]

I'm in!

 

[WelshGas]

It would be good if VW then sold the Multivan via their Car Dealerships rather than Commercial.

 

[bvddobb]

The end of an era!

Depends on how you see it... The VW California has never been based on a Transporter, but always on the Multivan. So, the purists will argue: "Nothing new, here!".

The new Concept California is based on the new Multivan, which is based on the MQV-platform. But if that will be a reality, eventually? There are still rumours eeking from Hannover currently that the new California may stil be based on the Turkey-built Ford/VW-basis.

No telling, really, until one pops up in a catalog...

 

[Corradobrit]

End of an era indeed, after 6 generations. The T6.1 and earlier Transporter based VW Campervans will be future classics. Guaranteed.
The MV version will not be able to fill the T series sizable shoes.

 

[bvddobb]

It would be good if VW then sold the Multivan via their Car Dealerships rather than Commercial.

Don't know, in the UK perhaps. Here on the continent I hope it will remain with the specialised California dealers. Would hate to be talking California with a Polo salesman...

 

[Corradobrit]

Depends on how you see it... The VW California has never been based on a Transporter, but always on the Multivan. So, the purists will argue: "Nothing new, here!".

The new Concept California is based on the new Multivan, which is based on the MQV-platform. But if that will be a reality, eventually? There arestill rumours eeking from Hannover currently that the new California may stil be based on the Turkey-built Ford/VW-basis.

No telling, really, until one pops up in a catalog...

The MQB is a car based chassis and not commercial with all the limitations that imposes eg towing capacity, payload etc

 

[WelshGas]

Don't know, in the UK perhaps. Here on the continent I hope it will remain with the specialised California dealers. Would hate to be talking California with a Polo salesman...

Well in the U.K. we have talk to sales people, in many Commercial Dealerships, who know nothing about anything to do with the camping side of things and what they do know is wrong. There are some good ones but few and far between.

 

[pluc99]

End of an era indeed, after 6 generations. The T6.1 and earlier Transporter based VW Campervans will be future classics. Guaranteed.
The MV version will not be able to fill the T series sizable shoes.

The new platform offers a possibility to provide a camper somewhere in between the Multivan (future) one and the GC models. Just because they haven't announced it doesn't mean it can never happen. It's always bothered me that the Ocean only seats 4.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

End of an era indeed, after 6 generations. The T6.1 and earlier Transporter based VW Campervans will be future classics. Guaranteed.
The MV version will not be able to fill the T series sizable shoes.

Myself and all fellow Cali owners sincerely hope you're right! Unless of course VW manage to turn out an absolutely groundbreaking replacement that's loved by all then the used values could go the other way. That said I appreciate that's very unlikely but VW will be desperate to get it right!

 

[Camperfamily]

@bvddobb after visiting the excellent Campercentrum Amersfoort in July, it would be awesome to have such a dealer in the UK

 

[JollyGoodShow]

@bvddobb after visiting the excellent Campercentrum Amersfoort in July, it would be awesome to have such a dealer in the UK

I get the strong sense that Breeze Poole are specialising in Californias and downplaying their other commercial vehicles. And their reputation is strong, so it seems to me we have on specialised California dealer in the UK.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Volkswagen have put a lot of effort into the new Multivan. I would say, give it a chance first.
Until it’s released and in action, I don’t think anyone can comment.

As for Volkswagen ending production on the T-series chassis. It’s no surprise really. It must be expensive to produce a niche vehicle on so many different platforms.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Caddy and Grand disappear in the not to distant future once the Multivan California hits the streets…

 

[Barry Chuckle]

As I've said before VW know what they're doing and they're not about to kill a cash cow. I've no doubt sometime next year this forum will be awash with comments from well heeled posters stating how excited they are to be swapping their existing' to a T7.......

 

[Corradobrit]

As I've said before VW know what they're doing and they're not about to kill a cash cow.

Not so sure about that. With the MY23 and bellowsgate it has been amateur hour. Releasing a partially tested major revision of a critical component tells me the exact opposite. Remember we are almost a year into this debacle. And the way VW have handled this situation just adds insult to injury.

 

[JollyGoodShow]

As I've said before VW know what they're doing and they're not about to kill a cash cow. I've no doubt sometime next year this forum will be awash with comments from well heeled posters stating how excited they are to be swapping their existing' to a T7.......

I agree on one level but I am unsure on another.

The existing Californias are vans, and lack obvious refinements like electric handbrakes (which you can’t really retrofit). The grey, to me, already looks very dated, and I’m waiting for mine to be built. The bench is heavy to slide. By contrast the T7 is a modern car and its interior will look fresh. It will be full of technology.

I am in two minds because I am not sure it will be like for like. A Transporter does 125,000 miles without blinking and a million mechanics can maintain it. It’s pretty bombproof. There’s a massive network of accessories manufacturers. Fixes for everything exist.

On the other hand, having two sliding doors creates potential. Put drive away awnings on both sides and you have a substantial home. You can put a toilet/bathroom tent one side and a kitchen/diner the other. The hybrid battery creates the possibility of better off grid power. It will be easier to take the seats out and use it as a van.

On balance I think we will end up with fans of both old and new. The existing T5-6.1s will go on for another decade or maybe two, becoming classics, eventually. But I reckon the new T7 will evolve and I can absolutely imagine upgrading in a few years.

It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch it play out. While playing out!

 

[Jimmylondon07]

My view hasn’t changed since I saw the T7 really, looks beautiful when accessorised for shows/brochure pics but unless they drastically change the storage solutions for the production model then it’s going to be a van for Gavin and Martine to pop to the coast for the night and enjoy a glass of Pinot and a salad.

 

[Corradobrit]

My view hasn’t changed since I saw the T7 really, looks beautiful when accessorised for shows/brochure pics but unless they drastically change the storage solutions for the production model then it’s going to be a van for Gavin and Martine to pop to the coast for the night and enjoy a glass of Pinot and a salad.

I agree with this. Compared to the outgoing T6.1, the MQB based Multivan is not going to offer the same capabilities and features from towing, payload and space (internal and storage). The Hybrid also doesn't have a flat bed in the rear, hobbling its use as a hauler. Gavin and Martine will love it though.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

I'm a believer in 'you don't know what you don't know' and I'm sure VW has plenty of aces up it's sleeve for the T7 which they don't intend to reveal until launch. I'm guessing some of these innovations may change peoples perception of the vehicle when it's available for order.

 

[Corradobrit]

I'm a believer in 'you don't know what you don't know' and I'm sure VW has plenty of aces up it's sleeve for the T7 which they don't intend to reveal until launch. I'm guessing some of these innovations may change peoples perception of the vehicle when it's available for order.

Not necessarily. Production models are often dumbed down compared to the Concept. Good example is ID Buzz. Although that said, the MV is an established platform and maybe VW will address some of the feedback regarding for example, storage space.

 

[KevH]

I get the strong sense that Breeze Poole are specialising in Californias and downplaying their other commercial vehicles. And their reputation is strong, so it seems to me we have on specialised California dealer in the UK.

I get that sense too but how many of the existing commercial dealerships have good Cali reputations? Birmingham? Liverpool? Any others?