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.
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.
Why don’t we have deposit program to find out how many are there to but be campervan.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
[email protected]
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.”
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’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!
“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.
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.