T6 VW California Delays

[T6 CFO]

Cool, my mate has a T2 just now, he loves it but he's campervan nut and is able to repair it himself.
There's certainly a good few creature comforts in the Ocean compared to a T2.
Our dealership gave us one leat week for the day, the auto DSG took a bit of getting used too (left foot braking !)
We've sold out car and our trip to Loch Lomond with our boat is on the balance if we

Left foot braking!

 

[Richy]

Left foot braking!

I'm used to a manual

 

[T6 CFO]

I'm used to a manual

Sorry was just checking. Thought you meant left foot braking with the DSG

 

[Loz]

I'm used to a manual

and boy don't you stop quick when you do that!

 

[Geezso]

Left foot braking!

It has its advantages in track driving conditions/ rally style stages. But that's another subject

 

[Nottledim]

To get back to the subject of this thread, we ordered our T6 on 05 March and were initially told that delivery should be circa 12 weeks.
We then got informed it would be built in week 30 (end July) and now have been informed that there will be additional but unspecified delays to the build week caused by MY 2017 changes. This pushes delivery into October or even November.
The order to delivery period for us is now about 8 months.
Not very happy.

 

[Geezso]

12 weeks build for a California is a dream and the dealer should have properly informed you. As opposed to stating standard Transporter build schedules.

 

[Nottledim]

To be fair to the dealer he did say we would have to wait for notification of a build week.
I would like VW to have been clear about the scale of the delay to production schedules created by the MY 2017 introduction. They must know this.

 

[Sp0_0k]

12 weeks build for a California is a dream and the dealer should have properly informed you. As opposed to stating standard Transporter build schedules.

Had 11 weeks though dealer warned about 18-24 weeks wait. There are too many factors involved.
It is a good vehicle to wait for. Really sad it takes them so long to build and the worst is how they can't provide clear information.
12 weeks is a standard VW response I've got from several dealers on initial requests.

 

[Spotlight Kid]

12 weeks build for a California is a dream and the dealer should have properly informed you. As opposed to stating standard Transporter build schedules.

Not at all a dream as order to handover was just under 12 weeks for me. However, I realise that this appears to be by far the exception and I feel really, really lucky. I was told within 20 weeks was the standard time when I ordered though.

 

[Mr Q]

Does anyone know what the differences are for the MY2017? Looking at the price list there doesent seem to be much change to the standard specification.

 

[Teejay]

There is at least two dedicated threads to the MY2017 changes. See post from Loz as some options have been combined.

 

[Mr Q]

I have looked at these threads but my point is tinkering with options seems to be the only difference. I don't see any changes to the standard build specs that would mean delays in producing vans already ordered. Or am I missing something?

 

[snowy55]

I have looked at these threads but my point is tinkering with options seems to be the only difference. I don't see any changes to the standard build specs that would mean delays in producing vans already ordered. Or am I missing something?

Any option that is put on at the factory has to go into the "just in time" system. Modern factories don't have massive warehouses full of all the parts to make a vehicle everything arrives at the appropriate time as the vehicle is built. If you change anything after the initial order has been accepted then if that part won't be available at the correct time then the build will be delayed.
It's not like your Tesco home delivery where they might substitute Granny Smiths apples for Golden Delicious. Even if it's just a washer that is not available then it may get held up.

 

[Loz]

I have looked at these threads but my point is tinkering with options seems to be the only difference. I don't see any changes to the standard build specs that would mean delays in producing vans already ordered. Or am I missing something?

There was an overall delay on swivel seats that held up all orders, add to this the backlog and new orders with options. I'll be lucky to see ours before Christmas at this rate..

 

[Geezso]

Not at all a dream as order to handover was just under 12 weeks for me. However, I realise that this appears to be by far the exception and I feel really, really lucky. I was told within 20 weeks was the standard time when I ordered though.

That's great news, I suspect however it was due to be a quota vehicle and you got lucky

Sometimes things do work out

 

[T6 CFO]

Any option that is put on at the factory has to go into the "just in time" system. Modern factories don't have massive warehouses full of all the parts to make a vehicle everything arrives at the appropriate time as the vehicle is built. If you change anything after the initial order has been accepted then if that part won't be available at the correct time then the build will be delayed.
It's not like your Tesco home delivery where they might substitute Granny Smiths apples for Golden Delicious. Even if it's just a washer that is not available then it may get held up.

I believe what MrQ is asking is why the delay is being put down to the MY2017 changes. We haven't changed our orders and are not looking for substitutions. To say the delay is due to production run changes in May might be correct but it's not because of changes after the initial order, it's down to an inefficient and opaque ordering/time system. Luckily I'm not in a hurry but we all want them sooner rather than later. Quite honestly being told 12-14 weeks and then it being double that is inexcusable.

 

[CoboCali]

I did hear, though not sure if true, that each year when the model year changes the planned build timeline is extended by VW to ensure there is time allowed for re-tooling production and the updating of systems. As that updating process is completed then the extended timeline returns closer to the original plan. Heres hoping that proves true and the delivery timelines start to reduce quickly.

 

[T6 CFO]

I did hear, though not sure if true, that each year when the model year changes the planned build timeline is extended by VW to ensure there is time allowed for re-tooling production and the updating of systems. As that updating process is completed then the extended timeline returns closer to the original plan. Heres hoping that proves true and the delivery timelines start to reduce quickly.

Sounds plausible.

 

[Spotlight Kid]

That's great news, I suspect however it was due to be a quota vehicle and you got lucky

Sometimes things do work out

I agree that I was really lucky. No rhyme or reason to it all as I went with a top of the range model and lots of options which seems to contradict the theories about shortages of anything.

Lots of sympathy for those waiting extended periods. I would be going mad with impatience!

 

[Richy]

I agree that I was really lucky. No rhyme or reason to it all as I went with a top of the range model and lots of options which seems to contradict the theories about shortages of anything.

Lots of sympathy for those waiting extended periods. I would be going mad with impatience!

I've just been onto our VW dealer, who has assured me that our Beach has been confirmed as build week 21, I'm lead to believe that's next week or the week after.

I asked about all the delays we're hearing about and he confirmed that due to VW systems being updated for the new MY2017 changes that there will be slight delays initially but our build "SHOULD" not be effected (fingers & toes crossed this time).

 

[Spotlight Kid]

I've just been onto our VW dealer, who has assured me that our Beach has been confirmed as build week 21, I'm lead to believe that's next week or the week after.

I asked about all the delays we're hearing about and he confirmed that due to VW systems being updated for the new MY2017 changes that there will be slight delays initially but our build "SHOULD" not be effected (fingers & toes crossed this time).

Good luck!

 

[Martin Batt]

We've sold out car and our trip to Loch Lomond with our boat is on the balance if we don't get our van in time.
But today is another day and I've got a Positive Attitude

Great stuff - have a good summer!

 

[Blubus]

It is a shame this page does not work for commercial sales. https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners/track-my-order/faq

Perhaps is we all mail VW customer service requesting support they might start supporting It.

 

[matt-k918]

I spoke to VWCS yesterday to try and get more details about my order - Beach, slipped from a hopeful mid May delivery I.e. Now, and "worst case" July delivery to mid sept delivery (wk31 build). Unable to give any reasons, just apologies. I was told it'd come forward from a wk 38 build which would've seen delivery end October or early November!

The only positive I can see at the moment is that I have it in writing that I will receive full refund of deposit if (when!) I cancel.