The “California” name alone makes it seem as though Volkswagen is trolling us. The company that brought us one of the first camping ready vans, the Microbus, and later iterations of the Vanagon and even the underrated Eurovan, sells a van purpose-built for camping and living out of, calls it the “California,” looks at the booming market for overlanding vehicles and camper vans in the US, and still refuses to sell it here. It’s as if they haven’t heard of #vanlife.
This is particularly annoying because VW just released details about the newest version of the California van, and it looks near-perfect. The setup is an offshoot of the Transporter van, which you can’t buy in the US, probably the reason they won’t sell the California here either—more on that in a moment—and the new California is the T6.1 version.
Besides the ingenious camper-friendly and no doubt camper-designed guts of this thing, there are two crucial bits of envy-inducing details to share: they all come with a 2.0-liter diesel engine, and you can have one with AWD.
Essentially it’s as if you took a Vanagon Westy Syncro and modernized and electrified everything and gave it a torquey, fuel-efficient diesel motor. This thing would sell like hotcakes in the US.
You could consider this a “smart camper.” A sophisticated control system handles things like the onboard fridge, lighting systems, and the pop-up tent. All of which is displayed and operated through a clean-looking display above the windshield. There is even a setting that shows the van’s angles when parked, helping the driver dial in the most level camping position without having to eyeball it or use a line level.
This is the “Ocean” trim — each trim level gets a beach-y themed name.
Far better than the method I use when leveling, the ole’ drive over a rock and eyeball it.
If desired, maybe on a cold and grey morning, when extreme privacy is wanted, or just to keep out a soul-penetrating early morning sun’s glare through the windows, you can set an alarm that will gradually raise the interior LED lights to mimic the sunrise.
The inside is styled out in wood and aluminum trim, which sounds like something out of a hipster farm-to-table restaurant, but looks clean and appropriate here. There’s a two-burner stove, the front captain seats swivel, the rear bench seat reclines, the tables stow easily for huge amounts of floor space.
So why can’t we get this thing here? Well, it’s hard to say exactly, but seems to be that VW doesn’t think there’s a big enough market in the US and that potential buyers would balk at the cost. The base model starts at nearly $50k, without shipping charges, which, sure that’s a lot of money. But people are climbing over each other to drop twice that on a Sprinter van, buying far, far more van than most actually need, and Mercedes isn’t complaining. If memory serves, the Eurovan has always been a really expensive van too, and VW has sold plenty of them in the US.
Nice, without being too flashy. That rear bench seat reclines too.
Two adults can fit up here, actually, with a second bed down below.
Michigan radio interviewed the press relations pro at VW, Christian Buhlmann, a few years ago when the California first debuted and here’s what he had to say about keeping the van out of the US:
“It’s either love ’em or hate ’em. People who nowadays still drive a T2, T3, T4, you name ‘em – those vans that we used to have until the 2000s – most of them are enthusiasts that run these vehicles in perfect weather conditions. Those are people who are hardcore fans for this segment, but they’re just too few to justify making a new version of this only for this market.
“The second problem is currently we make those vans in Europe, and even with the rising dollar and weaker Euro share, it is not enough units to make up for a reasonable price. We are selling vans, very well-equipped vans with four-wheel-drive, with kitchenette, with everything that you want for prices of $50,000 and up, which is not where the market here is, or where the camping market is. There is an RV market, true, but those RVs are much larger in size than what we currently offer.
“Let’s say you’re taking your average camper van and you’re going to Italy, take a U.S. van, you wouldn’t be able to access all these little alleys, these streets that they have – you would be stuck.
So you need something compact in order to get where you want to go. Over here, where everything is accessible, even for large RVs, there is just not this demand. Therefore, people in the majority would rather go for something bigger, if they’re looking for RVs.”
Buhlmann went on to explain that VW is aware people love vans in the US, but they’d need to sell 200,000 units to make it worthwhile, economically. Because of their small market share, VW doesn’t think they can do it. Ford can sell boatloads of Transit vans, for example, but they’re one of the Big Three, so they can sell a ton of anything they make. VW has to be more selective.
So, we get the, uh, Tiguan. Europe gets the California. Great.
Well, California vans have occasionally been spotted in the US, so maybe, just maybe some enterprising van lover can get their hands on one. Or just move to Europe. In the meantime, VW is promising the electric new bus, the “ID Buzz” will hit US dealers in 2022.
The folks at Jalopnik did a nice walkaround of last year’s model that’s more illustrative of what this van can do than the stock VW shots above. Check it out below.
We have been waiting for a new van for so many years since there’s really no great replacement for a VW Rialto. Incredibly sad the California isn’t coming to the US and praying VW will change their mind
Given the sad amount of time off Americans get in comparison to Europe they probably assumed not worth the bother. Only a very small portion of Americans actually travel within the US let aline abroad.
Yes Europeans mainly get a lot of time off. But Americans love their adventures and I for one would be interested in this van. I just got back from Czech and took a blip through Germany to Innsbruck while there for 3 weeks. (wife is Czech). Saw so many of these vans on the road. Looking at the price tag seems like Europeans are doing well. (Maybe on paper). If we ever move there a van like this is definitely in the must have category.
Well this article didn’t age well. Bet you VW regrets not coming to the US now lol
It is a tragedy. Just got to ride in one in Taiwan, and I would spend $75k – $80k easy on this camper, and drive it daily for work, and then off we go on the weekends. It is sad thst we have to make do with Ford, Chevy, and Mercedes conversions that start at $90k, and dont offer anything near what this little guy can do. I wish there was a way to import it.
There are smaller van conversions with pop tops available in the US. Check out GTRV!
VW Needs to produce a basic cargo version of this van, and produce it in the U.S. to keep the price down. Then people can buy them and do whatever they want to convert them into a camper , passenger, or leave as a cargo van. Another thing is VW is selling an electric van here in 2022.
Used Eurovan campers with the Westphalia conversion are going for $40K here in Colorado with 150K miles on them. These would sell in the states like hotcakes. Millenials would gobble them up. Wake up VW, you’re missing the camplife revolution in the states.
Look up
Mercedes Maco Polo,
It is very similar to the
VW California, and is comparable in price.
Is this sold in the US?
You can buy one and import it for $58k. I’d gladly do it and sell it to you for $80k.
Are you saying you can import a new VW California camper?
Will you send me the details of how you know that? Contact info? Anything??
Frustrating, my guess is that it is part of a strategy to flood the US market with the all electric vw counter culture bus in 2022. looking forward to it but need a van NOW
Me too! I would import it for sure!
I would buy this. The younger generation, want something smaller and affordable. Not something huge. That eats gas. Huge camper vans are not great for big trips, when the dont get good gas milage.. I say bring one of those camper vans to the US and see how many orders you get for them, especially if they under 50,000 dollars. Why not give it a shot. What do you all have to loose??
Typical of how much better European quality of life is for average people!! See Michael Moore’s Who To Invade Next. Americans are such saps to accept their lousy lives so passively.
We rented one in France and followed the Tour several years ago and have been trying to figure out how to get one in the US ever since. They are amazing! Every nook and cranny is perfectly thought out, it was comfortable driving and camping plus handled well through the alps.
The RV class B market is completely different today than it was two years ago. Demand has skyrocketed for camper vans based on the Sprinter and Transit platforms with bare van prices north of $40K and conversions at $150K and up. Options for smaller conversions in the $50-60K range just don’t exist which explains the red-hot market for 35-40 year old Westys and all the issues associated with owning such an old, under-powered vehicle. VW, if you are listening, bring the California to the U.S. and make some money…people have forgotten “dieselgate”.
Can we purchase a VW California 680 in Spain and bring it back to Canada?
What is the cost in Euros please.
Buhlmann and VW CLEARLY have no clue
They need to bring samples to the US and tour shows with them.
Eurovans and other variants are in high demand
Here’s a 20 year old one
https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2000-Volkswagen-EUROVAN-FULL-CAMPER-5008346425
VW brought a bunch of T6 camper vans to the states last year and they were all given high praise by the media. I was really hoping that this was to test the waters to see if there really was a strong demand for the product. VW is shooting themselves in the foot thinking people won’t invest in this kind of vehicle. The I.D. Buzz is cool looking but I don’t see it as a camper.
Here’s a question…and I am seriously trying to do this!!!
Do you know if there are any cabinet parts available from the European California Ocean Camper so I might modify my 1999 VW Eurovan camper. Mine runs great, has low mileage and since I can’t seem to import a vehicle from Europe, I am wondering if I can get parts to modify the cabinet section (cooler/refrigerator, sink, stovetop and storage below these items). Maybe even out of a salvaged vehicle with exterior body damage. Is this possible? Mikki
The folks at GoWesty might at least be able to point you in the right direction.
Check us out at http://www.Van-Mod.net. We build custom camper van storage and furniture solutions. I’m sure we can help you out.
Why don’t we have deposit program to find out how many are there to but be campervan.
I’m so tired of the American attitude that “big is better, and biggest is best”! It’s a wasteful attitude. I woukd willingky sell my house and buy one of these as my full-time home but nooo – we can’t have anything that intelligent in America! We have to have garganfuan everything, from houses to vehicles. For those of us who want to downsize, this country is the worst!
I absolutely love your comments. I live in Scotland, and have been to the states a couple of times, lovely folk, but your bang on
Lol
Thank you! My ancestors were Borders Scots. I would love to visit Scotland sometime!
I am currently reading this while sitting a hotel in Edinburgh having just driven one of these around the Scottish Countryside and now trying to figure out how to get one back home in the states!
VW hasn’t sold an original van in the US, since the Eurovan. They bought a rebadged Chrysler T&C, with a couple VW specific items, like MMI interface, but it was a $45k mini van. Ever since the Dodge Omni, Chrysler has taken advantage of VW, building a similar version of the VW engine supplied to Chrysler. Not a fan of that collaboration, at all.
Looks like an old Chevy Astro.
Well, there’s an alternative:
https://terracamper.us/tecamp
Unfortunately, the Metris isn’t sold as a 4×4 in the states, but the Tecamp is really sweet 🙂
In 2012, we bought a Nissan NV converted by Sportsmobile, Fresno. (We earlier had an ‘83 Westy.) SMB converted 30 to be sold for $65k+ at Nissan “commercial” dealerships. Took forever to sell them. No more were built. For 7 years, people have asked about our van. The discussion usually ends with the price tag, or they are more interested in a diy project. Plenty of vans to chose from. VW is right; they will not sell enough of these. But, it might work if you could order one for delivery in Europe, drive/camp and ship it home. Back in the early 70s, we dreamed of buying a Volvo this way. Problem was we had no money…
Problem with shipping one home is getting parts and service.
I looked into it. It’s not practical.
I didn’t mean to imply they would sell 200,000 west of the Rockies in a single year, but that’s a fair assumption since I was making a comparison to the single-year sells disaster of <4,000.
That stat from my arse was more of a tie into my entire rant, wherein I can't go to town without seeing multiple PT Cruisers — one of the most accident prone (cause, windows are for nerds) vehicles on the road. Likewise, people were told to buy Hummers, they did, and then they got played by the fuel industry. Both of these problems are solved by the super trendy n cyclically stylish (you don't even have to be a camper to want/drive one of these) VW California.
Now we're making claims this thing costs $80,000? Heck, let's say it costs $99,976: I'd prob still buy it first, because I can make car payments. Do I–the average WANKER (lol)–have $30,000, "Cash Only" for the jabroni selling his rusty clunker on eBay or advertising through a car website? Not at all. But making payments? Making payments is one of the main reasons a lot of us have to get up in the morning LOL!
BRING THE $86,347 VW CALIFORNIA TO THE STATES, ALREADY!
Here's obvious food for thought: European and American cultures–however both systemically Aryan–are vastly different from one another, and neither understands the other. Point proven once again by Bulhmann's take on 2004 America in 2016 — or whenever the BLOODY interview was conducted. =D
The thing is they wouldn’t cost $90,000 here. Europeans have to pay VAT which ranges from 19-21% when they register a new car, so yeah they do cost $90K over there. Exported vehicles are exempt from this tax so the US prices would be closer to $72,000 plus a couple thousand for shipping. I can sell my 1989 VW syncro Westfalia fir almost that much and it’s 33 years old!
The big boys at VW are idiots. Don’t believe me see how many Billions they had to pay in fines for trying to cheat at emissions. The entire corporate leadership and board of directors need to be canned.
There is also the issue of Diesel engines. I’ve spent alot of time looking for a diesel powered camper & have been told by some that the gasoline lobby prevailed to have diesel fuel made more expensive than gasoline, even though it’s cheaper to produce. I wonder what the owners of Marathon Oil, the Koch family, would explain the disparity?
We have a 1999 Eurovan Camper that we love.Was offered what we paid for it last year! Yes, there’s a market!
Pleasure-way used the Dodge Ram van and basically ripped of the VW California layout. It’s called the “Tofino”.
I’m an ex Eurovan owner and moved to a sprinter van, when my VW died. I would buy a California tomorrow. Or maybe a Tofino if I was in the market again.
Problem is that the Tofino does not have the same nice cabinetry for storage that the California has. Just not the same at a ridiculous price.
Isn’t the real reason they’re not available in NA the chicken tax?
It’s like listening to a politician, doctor, judge, mechanic, window drapes salesman, etc. etc…simply saying there isn’t a market for $50,000 camper vans in the US doesn’t make the statement true, nor remotely accurate.
For all of us actually living in the states, we are WELL AWARE of the incredibly high demand for AWD, compact, short wheel base, narrow bodied, trail-capable and overland-ready camper vans. Throw some tires on there and you’re set. At this moment, the only brand new AWD or 4×4 options in the states are the insanely inflated diesel Sprinters or the highly anticipated (sad) 2020 Ford Transit.
Pop top? Now it’s garage kept unlike a RV. You can take it to any campground as a van, not an RV. You can opt for shade spots, low limbs, car access only, etc. unlike that cumbersome RV. You can actually use it to drive places instead of destinations. <–BOOM.
Parts is a non issue…at least with Westfalias, Delicas, etc. Parts is a non issue. Service? I can't find a good mechanic (including the dealerships) for my Jeep Cherokee or my Hyundai Elantra…don't get me started on 'Service'. 'Chicken Tax'? Toss that clucking ankle biter into my signature Pterodactyl Stew.
Ever hear of Hummer or PT Cruiser? Millions of people will randomly join in when they see others doing so, let alone your measily 200,000 target for us actual campers/explorers. You would sell north of 200,000 west of the Rockies alone.
Compact and driveability as anti-selling points? 'Americans Like Big, Small Thing Bad'. That's laughable…Every blonde haired, silicon altered mom living in the yuppy housing plan next to my farm would buy this thing tomorrow to run to town and look oh so extra adorable (right?) while doing it. Every single one of em.
Speaking of which, town that is, standard parking spots are 18 feet long. Once again, a $50,000 camper van beats a 21+' mini RV any day of the week; whether you're buying overpriced, organic groceries in your hometown, or you're stopping to sleep in an Iowa WalMart lot on your way crosscountry (let's face it, you didn't stop in Iowa for any other reason).
My 15 oz tent cost me $580. My UL down quilt cost me $250. My down jacket was $380. My gear is B list, and probably obsolete at this point. By American standards, I'm poor. $50,000, no camper's market? Pfft. Shall we point out the ludicrous asking price for the thousands of 30 yr old rigs with 100 lb batteries n generators with insulations and hoses crumbling to bits? Or the $80,000+ customs mentioned by the OP, literally selling faster than they can make them? Perhaps this should be the starting grounds for identifying the demand, not statistics from 2004 when MySpace was exploding, and people were still living in their tiny worlds (today, we all want to be Mark Twain again like in the 70s, not Eminem n Marylin Manson like in the Y2K).
LOL I dunno why I just invested so much time in this rant. Oh, yeah I do: I wish Buhlmann had done his homework, like, for one day, so I could buy this perfect van. =(
Yeah, my first thought when I read that quote was, dude, people pay $25k for 30-year-old Westys that they KNOW will break down repeatedly. Surely, plenty of those people would pay $50-60 for a brand new, far better version that won’t break down. As much, anyway.
Yeah, and I’m one of them. I miss our old ’73 Westy. We camped all over the west in that puppy. I have money in hand. Sell me an “Ocean” now…although I wish it was available in a manual shift.
I had a 76 Westy,was my best vehicle, easy ride, put a new front end on her,called her Red Fern, took her to a few musical concerts,and did a photo project with her there wasn’t anywhere she could not go.Atlantic Canada.
I was told by someone from my local VW dealership that the reason they do not sell these vans in the US is because of the environmental standards. He said that it costs beaucoup bucks to prove that vehicles pass our safety and emissions standards. VW has chose not to invest the money that it would take (apparently millions) to do the test to show that the vans meet those standards.
Nope. Chicken tax is applied to trucks. Camper vans are exempt.
It’s more complex than that. Ever heard of the “chicken tax?” That adds a few grand to the price as well. In 2003, the final year that VW imported the Eurovan to the US, less than 4,000 sold in the entire year! However, at least offer the opportunity for people to buy over there and bring over here to the US like some of the European auto brands offer to their customers. Someone else suggested that as well here on this thread. I do believe they would sell, maybe not like hot cakes, but they would sell.
That’s a funny way to come outta the closet these days
These would sell by the boatload in the U.S. at any price under $70k.
Import yourselves a Mazda Bongo (aka Ford Fred?)
Soooooo much cheaper.
Last year, my wife and I were waiting for a ferry in Croatia and a guy in line had a California van (not a camper). I loved it, it was what I was looking for since I sold my Honda Element in ’16.
I’m guessing the market is too limited, and once the people that want them buy them, that will be it for sales. That’s what happened to the Element.
Cool looking unit, though.
“Once the people that want them buy them, that will be it for sales.”
That’s an interesting point. Could be the deal.
The Element was poorly marketed to aging parents that wanted to run to Lowes and didn’t want to gas expense of a truck. I think they would have sold much better had the targeted the Subaru crowd especially now with companies like fifth element campers that are making small camper conversions with the westy style ecamper.
The Element is such a great vehicle – I totally agree about targeting Subie crowd. Tons of space, you can hose ’em out! The AWD ones are near-perfect camp mobiles.
Peace Vans on Seattle are building very slick campers with mercedes. And they are vw experts so they know the history
the vw eurovan sales in the us were nowhere near where they needed to be. vanagons still reign supreme if you can afford to maintain them but with the higher priced competitive vans in market now, the consumer desire to get back to nature, and the tiny house popularity perhaps the vw van time has returned. the Rialto is an eyesore or should I say a quite generic styled van so, why not bring back the delicious super functional vw California van and watch it take off??
Wow this car is really kick-ass! VW did a superb job!
Selling and supporting Californias is tricky even in Europe. In Germany, where over 50% are sold, not every VW dealership will sell or even touch them due to the complexity of the camper part (electro-hydraulic poptop raising mechanism, anyone?). Volume in Europe is now at an all time high of 12000 units. In automotive terms, that’s peanuts. How many would sell in the US? 4000 to 6000? Probably not enough to build a support structure for the vans themselves and the camper part.
CaveVan builds modernized Eurovans, and Metris poptop campers.
That’s the closest you can get right now.
Here’s Christian’s email:
Christian Buhlmann
Head of Product Line Communications
christian.buhlmann@volkswagen.de
Shoot him an email and let him know your thoughts on the matter.
On Eurovan boards of which I’m a member, when people check out these vans while vacationing in Europe, the price with tax, destination fees, etc., is usually closer to
$80K than $50K. Also, NO ONE sells 200,000 camper vans a year in any country, don’t know where that figure came from.
Last — kind f annoying that Adventure Journal was too lazy to call up VW themselves and get some one to comment in 2019, instead of relying on an interview “a few years ago.”
That’s because cars sold in the EU are subject to a 19-21% Value Added Tax which is NOT collected on vehicles exported from the EU. In addition campers do not pay the 25% “chicken tax”. VW could sell these for $65,000 all day long but they are too stupid to realize it. Never forget these same geniuses in the C Suites are the ones who tried to cheat at the emissions game, got caught and almost sank VW North America with the multi Billion dollar fines.
Instead of assuming that there is not enough demand, why don’t they ask for pre-orders with the contingency that they’d only produce and ship if they hit their target numbers? Or alternatively add a premium to the sell price to make the #s work for them in order to meet the demand in the US?
I think with Covid, there’s has never been a time where getting outdoors is so vital. People are simplifying their lives. Downsizing. More environmentally friendly. This Van would sell out like crazy!! I wish the CEO was more of a visionary. Times have changed.
Did you check the EU price list from VW?
I just bought a California,
and it is without Kitchen stuff and furniture otherwise nearly fully loaded.
96000EUR list price.
I don’t know if many people in US are willing to pay that.
In addition, Volkswagen have to bring over the complete T6.1 Diesel infrastructure.
To sum it up it’s probably not worth to do until the US will drop the ‘chicken Tax‘
If you love the California, the new Westfalia Kepler One has what the California has PLUS an inside shower and cassette toilet (sleeps and rides 4). The price converts to $64k without any transfer fees to the US. My need is a Campervan that can fit in my 7 ft high garage that is self contained with a toilet & inside shower. There is certainly a market for this in the US, especially (me included ) the recently retired traveler.
I’ve had three vans in my life– I’m 41 now. A 74 Type 2 Westy Tin Top, an 86 GL Vanagon (my first car), and currently have a 2003 Eurovan MV Tintop.
I’ve emailed the folks at VW a handful of time over the years telling them that they are missing the boat– I think there is more than enough demand here is the states to sustain the market for these vans in the $50-80k price range.
Sadly it’s gone on deaf ears so far. I did catch a glimpse of one of these VW California’s last year driving past me north on the 101 here in Los Angeles. I thought it was a desert mirage– it instantly grabbed my eyes and heart. I’d willingly part with my money for one of these whenever they decide to bring em stateside.
But until then, I’ll keep my Eurovan oiled and tuned. Happy vanning!
I wish I could post a photo of our 2012 Nissan NV 2500 Sportsmobile with pop top and same floor plan as our ‘83 West. Where were all of you when these were built and sold? Had the “demand” been there, more than 30 would have been converted. Part of the problem was nonexistent marketing and perhaps a misplaced need to own a Sprinter or nostalgia for a VW. So far to my knowledge, only 1 used NV SMB has come on the market. In our travels, we have only seen 1 as well.
I saw one the other day in Lee Vining, California. Seriously. Had a little propane tank built onto the back.
Most if not all of the converted Nissan NV 2500 or 3500 you see are the high top version. (SMB converted these as well among the 30. Same for V6 and V8.) DIY conversions go with high tops because the pop top will add $10k+ to the price of the van. Same $+ for a 4×4 conversion. Most high top conversions seat 4-5, sleep 2. A pop top seats 4-5, sleeps 4. By the way, we also have the last year for the smaller Tiguan. Don’t know why the article singled it out…
I just got back from road tripping through Europe… those California vans are everywhere and all I want is to sell my Honda Element and get one. Sadly that won’t be happening 🙁
CaveVan can build you a Custom Eurovan or poptop Metris here in the USA
I just can’t understand why they won’t bring it to the USA. All of us Rialto owners have been waiting a long time. Our Rialto’s are aging.
I’ll buy your Element…
Buhlmann says that VW would need to sell 200,000 California vans for the product to be economically viable. Let’s put some context around that number.
In 2018, Volkswagen sold 354,053 new vehicles (all VW models in total) in the US. That represents 2% of the total 17.4 million new vehicles sold in the US, making VW the 13th largest brand (out of 35) by vehicles sold.
For comparison, here are some of the brands that sold fewer than 200,000 vehicles in the US last year:
– Porsche: 59,116 vehicles
– Land Rover: 92,143 vehicles
– Volvo: 98,786 vehicles
– Cadillac: 153,863 vehicles
– Tesla: 197,517 vehicles
While 200,000 vehicles is only 1.2% of the US car market, that’s actually a lot of cars. It would bump VW’s total sales by 50%. And presumably, VW would need to keep hitting 200K or so in California sales every year.
Here’s what doesn’t add up for me: why does VW require 200K units sold for this to be viable? It just seems like they could re-engineer the California for the US market – i.e., increase the price, or eliminate the some of the most expensive-to-manufacture features, or some combination of both. Seems like they could get it to where they only need to sell 50K or even 10K vehicles to make a profitable.
So here’s the question: of the 211 million Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials in the US, how many could fall in love with the California if VW sold it here? One percent? Three percent? More? That’s millions of potential buyers.
Trinh, who commented on 8/13, had the idea a California Pre-Order. This would be a great way for VW to validate the market. Actually have people put money down and have skin in the game. Tesla did this in 2016 with the Model 3 and got 325,000 pre-orders. Yes, that was for a car that wasn’t even in production, and with a 3-year wait time.
C’mon VW, you’re creative! You can do this!
Not to mention the back log of people that are paying $50-200K to have vans outfitted just like these. My 2002 Eurovan was amazing, it just wasn’t build in a reliable fashion. I’m now considering a Transit or Sprinter, because I don’t want a minivan. I’m not interested in the ID Buzz it doesn’t seems to offer the utility my Eurovan did.
MattR
I couldn’t have said I better!
Did Christian ever have a chance to receive your well-articulated commentary?
If so, how did he respond.
Respectfully,
MikeA
Agreed. That is a BS number made up on the spot when he was interviewed. VW can sell a fraction of that number and still make money.
“Torquey”? Come on man, use a real modifier. We need to discontinue the sloppy, twee trend of adding a “y” to nouns and calling them a adjectives. I saw “cliffy” used to describe a campsite in AJ #13 the other day. Rubbish.
Another thing to consider is the resourcefulness of the average American camper. The people that have the money will buy a decked out RV. But there are many people here that will buy a shell van and convert it on their own. I’ve been considering buying a nice sprinter camper van. But I will probably build one. A lot of the bells and whistles in a van like the VW Cali are not necessary and a home build (if you/I can do it) is far cheaper and more specific to your personal needs. Maybe VW recognizes this as well. Either way I just got back fr om Czech Republic and Austria and there are a lot of these VWs on the road. Very nice looking.
I disagree. Unless you buy a beater van with $100K miles on it, you can’t do a decent DIY build for under $60K (with all the systems the California has…and two beds). New full-size vans cost $40K+, $50K+ nicely equipped. A new Transit Connect costs $30K and that’s for a van with a fraction of the California’s usable volume. If VW can sell in the $50-60K range, they have a winner.
This is a prime example of the vulgar and excessive state of mind in America. I travel internationally for my job and every time we’re out and about a coworker will always comment derisively about how “small” and tiny the foreign cars are (Europe, Asia, Australia, etc.), then immediately follow up with, “My F-250 would eat those for lunch…”. That’s the mindset. Or how many times do you hear a family of 3 say, “We need a minivan for the room”? I think of this all the time when I see 5 people get into a VW estate wagon when I’m in Europe 🙁
I will be happy to go back to buying my VW vehicles when VW brings
The campers back to USA.
I will be happy to go back to buying my VW vehicles when VW brings
The campers back to USA.
I will be happy to go back to buying my VW vehicles when VW brings
The campers back to USA.
Would love to have one here in the states – my in laws have on in Germany and it is great little camper !
When California Ocean available?
I have cold hard cash that I would immediately pay for the new VW California van. There is indeed a market for these vans! I much rather leave one of these vans at a trail head then a Mercedes Sprinter van.
Having traveled all over Europe in a VW Bus I would love to have a new VW California! The USA needs these and I think they would sell like hotcakes!
Come on V.W.!! Americans really want to buy these van campers. I have been looking for years to find a way to import a new camper without paying the 150% plus the cost to get the van certified by NHTSA via RI. It is ridiculous that we are held hostage by our own government regulations. So much for free trade.
I would pay you in advance to get a New California or the 2019 Kepler one.
It’s a bullshit conspiracy, that or VW is absolutely nuts!! I’ve been tracking this and waiting since 2014 and I know that it’s not just enthusiasts but It’s families, Couples, teens, elders… everyone talks about wanting the perfect camper/eurovan.. it’d be a dream to have a newly built one!! I think they know.. i think there’s some underlying conspiracy for there is no logic behind this reasoning..
Assuming one had the time; and the money: Is there a way of buying one in Europe and shipping it to US? If so, how would one go about it? Or, is it illegal to have one in US?
And although it is mostly perfect, I would opt for gas over diesel having lived through both the TDI situation, and three of the slow, under-powered diesel Westie’s of the past.
No. Vehicle must be 25 years or older to import. There are some rare exceptions, none of them are vans.
No Gas version available in europe. But the 150 hp diesel is superb (and a 195 hp is also available, with the same 2 litre engine)
I just thought of a possibility. My expatriate daughter lives and works in Germany. I will buy her one, have her drive it long enough to make it “used”, and then have her ship it home to us.
If that doesn’t work, one of my former students is now a Marine Corps Staff Sergeant stationed in Stuttgart. I was stationed in Europe and had the military ship my European-made car home. I can send him the money, have him buy it for me and ship it home.
Don,
That’s a good plan for getting one here – I looked into it too. It’s possible to get one here.
But here’s a very sticky issue: once you get it here you are going to have a very difficult time finding people who will work on it. And and getting parts is going to require importing most items from Europe.
While it’s not a VW – you might be better off looking at the Tofino built on a Ford platform, but largely the same layout.
Admittedly, it does lack the soul of a VW.
I’ve been waiting to buy such a VW camper van In Canada for years too. I have no doubt it will sell like hot cakes here.
The past 5 years we have a bad fire season every summer in California. Whole sections of counties have to evacuate with little notice. All my friends talk about either moving or getting one of these to be able to evacuate quick. It’s hard to find an emergency hotel room when you’re competing with 20k other people. Particularly with the pandemic, these would sell very well. Mercedes start at $160k – that’s price is a deal breaker for most people. I’m going to look into buying in Europe and transporting to US – once it’s safe again to travel abroad.
I’m not sure you’re going to be able to “import” one to the states that easily. It’s not a “world vehicle”.
I would buy a VW Camper van like this. I like that it is easy to drive and park. I drive a VW GTI now. My first car was a VW Karman Ghia that we bought in Germany, drove it around Europe and shipped it back to the USA. I would love a new camper van. I think more baby boomers are moving towards getting some type of RV, especially since Covid-19 came onto the scene.
Do these vans meet North American Safety Standards and emissions? Seems to be a very huge criteria for importing one. I would like to buy one over there, drive and store it for a few years and then bring it home.
I want one am in the USA
At $50k, almost no one under 30 could afford it. And most Americans over 30 would be way too fat to fit in anything that small.
Speak for yourself—any of my 6 grandkids could afford it since they have good income and live with parents who don’t charge rent and buy all their food ; ).
I am very disappointed in VW! We had 2 westfalias while i was growing up. Loved the fun we had!!!! My Moms initials were VW. Our license plate said VW’s VW. We were so lucky!! Lost my Mom 34 years ago to cancer. But i promised her i would have a new camper one day!! Here it is and i cant buy it? Shame on u VW!!!!!
It is very strange that people in the United States won’t be having this camper van. The company should reconsider its decision of not launching the van in the USA.
Bring the Eurovan to the IS!!!!
US!
I will be buying one of these for myself and getting it shipped here. Thinking of buying 2 more and selling them. Email me how much you will pay for one…
That’s right—become an Indy dealer!
You can’t register these nonconforming vehicles in the USA. They have to be exported or destroyed after 1 year.
I can bring them in. Just trying to see if it makes financial sense.
How can you “bring them in”? Asking for a friend…
My current business imports from Europe and brings containers over on a regular basis. I have some connections out there that are assisting with this.
Thanks Kevin. I am curious, whether you know this or not, if there are tarfiffs, anything needing to be done to align with EPA standards or anything else legal. I would be willing to do some research on this, if you don’t know.
John
Good Article and good comments. I am also disappointed the California is not available. The 2022 VW I.D Buzz is not a camper, and I prefer the body style of the California. Maybe they will come up with an electric version of the California since they built/ expanded that large plant in Tennessee specifically for electric vehicles.
My understanding is that the van hasn’t been tested to meet US standards and that is why it isn’t being sold here. I was told at my VW dealership that it would cost the VW company quite a lot of money to do the testing to verify that it meets our standards. Plus, they might have to make changes to the design based on the outcome of the tests. But, Kevin, if you are able to import them, I would be an interested buyer.
Oh, one more thing. I was also told that if we somehow were able to import one, we wouldn’t be able to sell it to anyone because it would not be verified as meeting US environmental standards. Kevin, it sounds like you know quite a lot about this industry so maybe you can verify if what I was told at the dealership is correct or not. [In my case, I am old enough that this wouldn’t matter because I would keep it until I die! But my estate might be stuck with a problem. They’d have to ship it back to Europe to sell it.]
Hi Jeff, European VW van here. You’re right on both counts: the basic vehicle (VW Transporter) in this generation (and the previous 2) was never engineered for the US. It’s only sold with a TDI engine which may not be smog legal and certainly isn’t going to be a commercial success in the US. In Europe, Transporters are used as a base van for anything from ambulances, to plumber’s vans, to courtesy shuttles so there is enough volume for all VW dealers know how to work on the vehicle side. That support would be missing in the US. Another problem is the camper side. It is hugely complex with its electrohydraulic roof and even in Germany not many VW dealerships know how to work on them. This means that with many of the niggling faults that complex new cars can have, owners complain of long repair times while dealers figure out what to do. This would obviously be worse in the US where no support infrastructure exists at all.
Long story short: unless VW were able to also sell the full range of other Transporters in the US, reengineering just the California and creating a support system for it would be ridiculously expensive. Just my $0.02.
Thank you, Robin!
There are 2 different roof tops at VW Cali 6.1: The Ocean (with electrohydraulic function) and the Coast / Beach, both with manual operation (in reality, it opens with no effort at all, and closes with minor strength. This option gives effectively better sleep with zero problems.
Turbo diesel engine vans sell very well in the U.S. Just look at how well Mercedes Benz is doing (and has done) with the Sprinter. Amazon used to be 100% Sprinter-based for their delivery vehicles until they realized they could fit more boxes into a Transit for less money. The three leading 4×4 van conversion companies all build on the Sprinter 4×4 platform (Sportsmobile, Winnebago Revel, and Storyteller MODE). An AWD TDI platform like the California would be an easy win for VW if they can get over their fear of “dieselgate” backlash. No one remembers that debacle. Also, as another reader has mentioned, there are non-power roof models of the California available. VW doesn’t have to re-engineer a thing…just make sure the engines and exhaust are tuned for U.S. emissions standards. Not very difficult or costly.
That’s it? Surely a European car, especially from Germany, would meet US standards? I’m sure a black market would spring up for resales But, would you be able to get it licensed to drive? Pass the yearly emission test? If old US beaters can be licensed and driven, why couldn’t this van? Why couldn’t VW sell an add on package to meet requirements like dealers used to for other environmental upgrades 40 + years ago. Am I missing something? This doesn’t seem insurmountable? And my kids would be thrilled to find this in their inheritance!
Thanks Robin. That truly clears things up. And eliminates it from my dreams. 🙁
Well, PJ Williams, we can at least dream about one!! 🙂 I will. I owned a Eurovan Weekender for about 12 years and it was my favorite vehicle.
I’ve currently got a new Diesel VW Caravelle 6.1 which has 4 wheel drive and an automatic DSG gerabox. We have just used to tour around Europe and it is an exceptional vehicle. It’s comfortable, intelligently designed and very powerful, we were on the Autobahn’s of Germany where there is no speed limit and it easily kept up with the Porsches, BMW’s and Mercedes driving well over 110 MPH. It has many safety features such as collision alerts and active cruise control.
Because of the success of the trip around Europe we’ve just placed an order for a new California Ocean 4 wheel drive camper. I’ll be importing it to the USA temporarily to tour around the national parks with my son in 2021 for a few months.
I was surprised to hear that these are not available in the states. Definitely a market for these so I’ll be looking at how to import legally and satisfy emission regulations and any other legal problems. These are Euro6 engines which are very clean running so I can’t see any problem with the EPA. The issue will be maintenance and parts but I’ve always use normal garages to fix my previous VW T5’s unless under warranty. Plenty of diesel mechanics around that can fix these. Importing parts will take time but it’s not impossible and these vehicles usually just require like for like part replacements.
There’s always a solution to these problems.
VW would have made (and still would) a killing if they would have sold these camper vans in the US at the beginning of the pandemic. We aren’t air traveling, we have no idea when we will get back to active air travel. Road trips have been and will be replacing air travel and better yet camping and having the ability to not stay in a hotel. Get this camper van to the US Volkswagen and you will turn a profit for sure! Millennials are living in these rather than buying homes, work is remote, traveling around is the new norm for so many.
Could not agree more.
Wondering if anyone in Europe would be willing to “share” a camper. Split the cost with a US owner, ship to US as temporary travel vehicle for one year, or whatever the limit is, and then send it back for the European half owner to use. Perhaps do this every other year?
Having owed a 67 split window back in the day, and currently a 2002 Eurovan/Winnebago,
I long for the California to come to California. 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day. 1/10th of 1% (if not more) can afford a California Camper @75K…
VW is truly missing the boat and Mercedes is eating their lunch with the Sprinter
Living both in Los Angeles and Warsaw we just started exploring a camper van acquisition for US. The number of solutions in Europe in this segment are quite impressive, specially from Wesfalia (acquired by Mercedes in 1999). Locally, the Luxury to VW competitor, the Marco Polo in a “rich” configuration at the current exchange rate will set you back roughly $110K including 23% VAT. I have not checked the VW prices you, but instead I spoke with Keystone in Eugene where at son $36K albeit in a much more trimmed version, they will populate the Metris, which here is more of a commercial, lower standard platform, also not in a AWD in the US. In Europe there is a EU Ford, the Nugget aka Transit in the US, the Jules Verne version in the Mercedes which is simply brilliant, Fiat and Renault based solutions, but sadly none are not available in the US. Furthermore, forget about the idea of bringing one stateside as you will NEVER be able to register any of them. They will confiscate it, crash it and make you pay additional penalties. No, the US is not a free country, specifically when it comes to importing cars. It is for all practical purposes strictly prohibited, it is a car communism and it’s a good to come to peace with it if you want to avoid serious legal and financial problems. The criteria is that the vehicle has to be at least 25 years old, but this is acceptable in certain states where you can completely forget about California. The sunshine state will give you a go ahead if your car is pre 1975. Still feel like you are living in a free country? On the other hand, one can bring anything from the US to Europe. If you are a EU citizen (depending on a specific country) you can be released from import duties and VAT, meaning you will pay zero taxes with an exception of insignificant registration and technical inspection fees. Back to Westfalia. The rapid growth of the EU marketplace requires approx a 4-5 month wait for a Marco Polo, others I am not sure, but it takes time. They are simply busy fulfilling the local customers to be bothered with the US. Previously taking advantage of the EU delivery I purchased via this method 9 bmws over several decades and as Mercedes has the program, it would be great to be able to take a delivery of the Marco Polo (stay in EU for a vehicle bound for the US is formally 1 year, but manufacturers will not go over the period of 6 months on tourist deliveries), but sadly again this was a topic addressed over many years within the US to Mercedes and they simply don’t care, nor plan to do anything with it. In summary, when in the US, we are all stuck with the big RVs with crappy interiors and brown carpet, a mid size home on wheels without anything on the horizon. We like it big, heavy, ugly and big again. Cheers!
Please bring this van to the US!!!! Still driving our 2002 Eurovan and won’t let it go until we can replace
I was so stoked for this vehicle. That is, until I found out I can’t buy one here, in California. What the heck? I would practically live on the road if owned this vehicle and could adventure this comfortably and still get to sleep in a tent.
Based on recent spy photos of IdBuzz, which we ARE getting, it seems VW has settled for imitating the basic cargo van but in an electric version. So, we WILl be able to buy an expensive boring van that can’t be charged at many of our homes, or go to remote camping places, or travel long distance. This is #notvanlife. It drives itself though, if that’s your jam. I have a 6-speed Subaru so I’m clearly a different demographic. I like to drive.
Americans have been creatively converting cargo vans to camper vans out of an unfulfilled need for a compact AWD camper to take on adventures. VW, why not offer us the amazing camper van you ALREADY have?
Could not agree more. I thought whatever regulations might be holding up sales in the US would be resolved by now. For extended trips and “true” off grid use, a fully electric camper is just not going to cut it in the US wide open spaces ( might work in Europe where there are smaller travel distances in general). So sorry VW missed the boat on what is a wonderfully designed camper van they already have in production. Maybe a hybrid model might work. Electric when you have it, gas when you don’t. Love my 2013 Prius C for just that reason!
I think they could sell at least 200,000. There’s like 200,000 comments here. I would buy one. I don’t want a big RV or Sprinter van and i know a ton of Americans who feel the same. Also interesting that when I travel in Europe i never see these vans. I don’t buy the argument that Europeans are buying the VW California because of narrow streets. Most of the time i see mud size RVs a bit like the size of a Sprinter. VW could make a killing on this it seems to me but maybe that’s because I live on the west coast and it wouldn’t sell anywhere else. I suppose they know what they are doing but it’s weird.
Just guessing, but the real reason is they probably bought the design for the body or the engine or something from another company and have a backroom deal not to sell it in the USA. That’s my guess. VW probably hasn’t designed their own cars since the VW Golf, Vanagon, Bug, Bus eras and that was all based on NAZI technology. I think this is the real reason they can’t sell these in the USA and can’t get their engines to pass smog. It could also be that the USA has higher crash safety requirements.
If this car can come to the United States, I will buy it as soon as possible
its just JUNK with out a bathroom
It is very strange that people in the United States won’t be having this camper van. The company should reconsider its decision of not launching the van in the USA.
Probably because it won’t pass USA safety standards, or VW doesn’t think they will sell enough units to make the USA approval process financially viable…what a shame VW is underestimating the American demand, or waiting until they can launch an “all electric “ version, which might not meet the needs of the “long distance “ US traveler, which the “all electric “ EV manufacturers have not tackled yet. I currently have a Prius C HYBRID, which I love for work and City travel, but when I make frequent 2000 mile round trips, I can refill in 5 minutes, not a 30-90+ minute recharge as with an EV….maybe with extended range Solid State batteries, but then the cost will probably match the cost of my HOME…
Nope. Because these were never approved by the DOT and EPA you can only import them temporarily. After 1 year they have to be exported or destroyed.
What’s absurd is writing an entire article about why VW won’t sell the California in the US without mentioning the Chicken Tax.
The Chicken Tax is only indirectly involved. Californias are passenger vehicles so Chicken Tax doesn’t apply to them.
The only way Chicken Tax comes in is that you could argue that because VW cannot import the Transporter cargo van at a reasonable price because of Chicken Tax, it doesn’t make economic sense to import the California because there is no critical mass at dealerships to support the technical platform.
Exactly right Robin. But I think there is enough demand for the California and passenger vans to warrant importing them. Unfortunately VW upper management is just not very bright. Witness the attempt to cheat on emissions that ended up costing them billions and almost led to bankruptcy.
The chicken tax does not apply to passenger vans or campers only “light trucks” like cargo vans.
It applies to VW being able to bring in an entire line up of vehicles though.
If they can’t bring in and be competitive with their cargo vans, truck variants, etc then it has a deterrent effect.
The van line since the 2004 T5 has run on a whole different drivetrain than cars we have in the USA. Which would require a whole EPA certification, supply chain of stocked parts and trained techs just for one variant of the vehicle.
So the Chicken tax does impact this even if the passenger version itself isn’t directly taxed.
Technically you are right. But I still say that if VW had more vision they could invest in the process, build back their reputation and still make some money. The EV van, even if it does come in a camper version which I doubt, is not suitable for the types of trips people take with camper vans. Electrical vehicles are great for around town or commuting but their limited range and the lack of convenient charging stations make them pretty worthless for camping trips into the woods or long expeditions to other countries.
I think a hybrid would be ideal for a dual purpose, daily commuter, weekend warrior van like the VW was historically used for.
Enough hybrid electric range to drive to work or dinner without consuming gas, but the infinite rage of gas for weekend adventures and summer camping.
100% agree, although I seriously doubt that VW, or any other upfitter, will be able to (legally) cut a pop-top hole in the roof of an EV van for reasons I have stated in a separate post.
And how do you know they’d make money?
Because 5 people on AJ and two of your friends said they would buy one, and most likely wouldn’t anyway?
Add in the fact that RV sales are already declining and the market doesn’t look too good.
The question is, how much of an investment would it take to bring it to the US market?
And what are the sales projections?
This is also the kind of vehicle that once the people that want them have them, that’s it, and it’s a very limited market as it is.
True I haven’t done market research or a study on it, but when MB is selling big awkward vans for $150,000 and the wait to get Ford Transit or Dodge Promaster van converted by private companies is over a year I’d say there is plenty of pent up demand. Remember customers in Europe pay a 19%-21% premium on their auto purchases (VAT) and VW still can’t keep them in stock there.
Well, seems like we’ll be getting the EV version in 2024 or 2025 now. Been long enough.
I have heard from a very reliable source that VW’s EV vans will not have pop-tops due to the weight of the battery pack and the need to reduce weight elsewhere in the vehicle…namely the roof structure. It won’t be strong enough to allow a large hole to be cut into it.
Sounds realistic to me. I passed on the Wrangler 4Xe for that exact same reason. It’s 700+ lbs heavier than any other Wrangler in a similar configuration.