Saturday, November 29, 2008

Love of "German" engineering?

Another amusing commercial oddity: the "Routan boom" - observe:



However, the Routan isn't a product of "German engineering" - it's a Chrysler minivan. Yes, it has a "German-tuned suspension" - and a VW badge - but that's about it. (Yes, slightly different exterior/interior, but that's typical of cousin-vehicles, like the Ford Crown Vic/Mercury Grand Marquis, the Mitsubish Eclipse/Plymouth Laser/Eagle Talon, etc.) It's a Chrysler platform, drivetrain, electronics, etc. It's even built in Ontario on the same assembly line as the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

Just thought I'd clear that up before it becomes too widespread a misconception. Of course, the Germans have their own minivans/MPVs (Sharan & Touran), but they don't think them appropriate for the US market.

Personally I think I'd prefer the actual German-engineered vehicles.

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