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44-774: The Volkswagen Transporter (T4) , marketed in North America as the Volkswagen EuroVan , is a van produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles between 1990 and 2004, succeeding the Volkswagen Type 2 (T3) and superseded by the Volkswagen Transporter (T5) . Introduced in 1990, the T4 was the first Volkswagen van to have a front-mounted, water-cooled engine. Prompted by

88-476: A refrigerated van, or "reefer", used for cold goods. A railway car used to carry baggage is also called a "van". A vehicle referred to in the US as a " full-size van " is usually a large, boxy vehicle that has a platform and powertrain similar to their light truck counterparts. These vans may be sold with the space behind the front seats empty for transporting goods (cargo van), furnished for passenger use by either

132-515: A " minivan " in American English is called a "people-carrier", "MPV" or multi-purpose vehicle, and larger passenger vehicles are called " minibuses ". The Telegraph newspaper introduced the idea of the " White Van Man ", a typical working class man or small business owner who would have a white Ford Transit , Mercedes-Benz Sprinter , or similar panel van. Today the phrase "man and van" refers to light removal firms normally operated by

176-501: A cargo box trailer or semi-trailer is used rarely, if ever, in Australia. In India, the van is one of the most common modes of transportation and is often used for taking children to and from schools, usually when parents, especially working parents, are too busy to pick their children up from school or when school buses are full and unable to accommodate other children. Vans are also used for commercial purposes and office cabs. Some of

220-569: A convoy of multiple wagons. The word van has slightly different, but overlapping, meanings in different forms of English . While the word now applies everywhere to boxy cargo vans, other applications are found to a greater or lesser extent in different English-speaking countries; some examples follow: In Australian English , the term van is commonly used to describe a minivan , a passenger minibus , or an Australian panel van as manufactured by companies such as Holden and Ford at various times. A full-size van used for commercial purposes

264-452: A similar layout and could accommodate a V8 engine . Chevrolet also switched to this layout. The Ford, Dodge, and Corvair vans were also produced as pickup trucks. The standard or full size vans appeared with Ford's innovation of moving the engine forward under a short hood and using pickup truck components. The engine cockpit housing is often called a dog house . Over time, they evolved longer noses and sleeker shapes. The Dodge Sportsman

308-465: A sole business owner transporting anything from the contents of a whole house to just a few boxes. The word "van" also refers to railway covered goods wagons , called "boxcars" in the United States. In the United States, a van can also refer to a box-shaped trailer or semi-trailer used to carry goods. In this case, there is a differentiation between a "dry van", used to carry most goods, and

352-463: A type of vehicle arose as a contraction of the word caravan . The earliest records of a van as a vehicle in English are in the mid-19th century meaning a covered wagon for transporting goods; the earliest reported record of such was in 1829. The words caravan with the same meaning has been used since the 1670s. A caravan, meaning one wagon, had arisen as an extension, or corruption, of a caravan meaning

396-753: Is a type of road vehicle used for transporting goods or people. There is some variation in the scope of the word across the different English-speaking countries. The smallest vans, microvans , are used for transporting either goods or people in tiny quantities. Mini MPVs , compact MPVs , and MPVs are all small vans usually used for transporting people in small quantities. Larger vans with passenger seats are used for institutional purposes, such as transporting students. Larger vans with only front seats are often used for business purposes, to carry goods and equipment. Specially equipped vans are used by television stations as mobile studios. Postal services and courier companies use large step vans to deliver packages. Van meaning

440-521: Is also known as a "van" in Australia; however, a passenger vehicle with more than seven or eight seats is more likely to be called a "minibus". The term van can also sometimes be used interchangeably with what Australians usually call a "caravan", which in the U.S. is referred to as a " travel trailer ". The British term people mover is also used in Australian English to describe a passenger van. The American usage of "van" which describes

484-474: Is also used to describe full-fledged station wagons (passenger car front sheet metal, flat-folding back seats, windows all around) and even hatchbacks with basic trim packages intended for commercial use. These are referred to as "light vans" ( Japanese : ライトバン ), with "light" referring to the glazing rather than the weight of the vehicle. In British English , the word van refers to vehicles that carry goods only, either on roads or on rails. What would be called

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528-560: Is also useful in handling and rollover prevention. A van is taller than a typical passenger car, resulting in a higher center of gravity . The suspension is also higher to accommodate the weight of 15 passengers, who can weigh over one ton alone. In the United States, it is common for only the front seat passengers to use their safety belts . The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined that belted passengers are about four times more likely to survive in rollover crashes. Safety can be improved by understanding

572-620: The Bulli . In the event, the Bulli also was not actually produced as envisioned in 2011. The Bulli concept was powered by a 85 kW (114 hp) motor that developed 270 N⋅m (199 lb⋅ft) of torque, drawing from a 40 kWh (140 MJ) battery for up to 186 mi (299 km) of range. Rear seats may be folded, expanding cargo room from 370 to 1,590 L (13 to 56 cu ft). The interior featured two rows of bench seats and could accommodate six people; dimensions were similar to

616-584: The United States Department of Justice filed suit against Volkswagen AG for its role in the diesel emissions scandal. Like the earlier Bulli concept of 2011, the BUDD-e used two rows of seating. The 101 kWh (360 MJ) battery in the BUDD-e gave it an estimated range of 233 mi (375 km). The MEB-based BUDD-e used two motors, one each on the front and rear axle for a total mechanical output power of 225 kW (302 hp). It

660-474: The sedan deliveries of the 1930s to late-1950s. The first generation of American vans were the 1960s compact vans , which were patterned in size after the Volkswagen Bus . The Corvair -based entry even imitated the rear-mounted, air-cooled engine design. The Ford Falcon -based first-generation Econoline had a flat nose, with the engine mounted between and behind the front seats. The Dodge A100 had

704-542: The 2.4D, 2.5Tdi and 2.5 petrol engines on all body types and both wheelbases. Some syncro models also have a mechanically locking rear differential . Since the rear differential precludes the placement of the spare wheel in the usual place under the body, syncro vans either store it inside the body or on an external, hinged bracket. The T4 is a very popular base for building a small to medium-sized camper and day-vans, both as self-build projects and for professional conversions. Volkswagen themselves also sold campervan versions of

748-456: The LWB chassis, although campervan conversions often have pop-top or (usually fibreglass) high-tops added to both SWB and LWB chassis. Vans have either a single, roof-hinged "tailgate" or two "barn" doors at the rear and either a single (passenger side) or twin (both sides) sliding doors but they are commonly only on one side of the van, usually on the passenger side. There was one major facelift to

792-587: The Microbus Concept was handled by Volkswagen's California Design Studio in Simi Valley . The Microbus Concept debuted at the 2001 NAIAS in Detroit. In June 2002 Volkswagen announced the Microbus Concept, using the platform of the forthcoming T5 light van , was slated for production commencing during 2003 at the company's Hannover plant, ramping up to 80,000 units annually by 2005. The launch

836-454: The Nordic countries. The Transporter T4 was exported to North America from 1992 until 2003 under the moniker EuroVan. In the United States, the short wheelbase EuroVan 5-cylinder passenger models (CL, GL, GLS, and MV) were only sold for model year 1993. Smaller than a standard American delivery van, but larger than an American or Japanese passenger minivan, Volkswagen played up its size with

880-530: The Routan is a seven-seat minivan and is a rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform , fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country . In September 2008, Autoblog reported that the Microbus Concept might actually yet be produced, and at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show , Volkswagen unveiled a second, smaller concept van (also reminiscent of the first generation Transporter) called

924-531: The T1 for length of production in its home market. Part of the success of the T4 was its versatility. It was available in many forms and sizes as standard and formed the basis of many specialist vehicles, from buses to campervans to ambulances. Two standard wheelbases were available; a short (2920 mm) and a long (3320 mm) one. Panel vans were available with two different roof heights; standard (1940mm) and high-top (2430mm). High-tops were only manufactured on

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968-539: The T4) has an extensive following amongst enthusiasts. Meetings are held regularly throughout the year in countries across Europe and there are several Internet forums dedicated to T4 owners and enthusiasts. In May 2010, the German enthusiasts of the T4 held a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the production of the first T4. Several hundred T4s took part with vans from as far afield as Russia, France, Spain, central Europe and

1012-515: The T4, in 1996, when a reshaped, longer front end was introduced. This was needed to fit the six-cylinder VR6 engine into the T4's engine bay. Initially, only Caravelles and Multivans were available with the longer nose, since these were the only models available with the VR6 engine. The commercial variants continued to be produced with the shorter nose until 2003. However, campers and other specialist vehicles produced between 1996 and 2003 may have either

1056-541: The T4. Outside of the US these were made by and named after their contractor, Westfalia-Werke . These Westfalia built campervans were named 'California', except in Canada where they were called simply 'Westfalia'. . Winnebago Industries was the primary converter of VW T4 campers sold in the US. Due largely to its versatility, as well as popularity as a campervan, the Volkswagen Transporter (including

1100-448: The US may also refer to a minivan . Minivans are usually distinguished by their smaller size and front wheel drive powertrain, although some are equipped with four-wheel drive . Minivans typically offer seven- or eight-passenger seating capacity , and better fuel economy than full-sized vans, at the expense of power, cargo space, and towing capacity. Minivans are often equipped with sliding doors. The precursor to American vans would be

1144-1043: The United States, full-size vans have been used as commuter vans since 1971, when Dodge introduced a van that could transport up to 15 passengers. Commuter vans are used as an alternative to carpooling and other ride-sharing arrangements. Many mobile businesses use a van to carry almost their entire business to various places where they work. For example, those who come to homes or places of business to perform various services, installations, or repairs. Vans are also used to shuttle people and their luggage between hotels and airports , to transport commuters between parking lots and their places of work, and along established routes as minibusses. Vans are also used to transport elderly and mobility-impaired worshipers to and from church services or to transport youth groups for outings to amusement parks, picnics, and visiting other churches. Vans are also used by schools to drive sports teams to intramural games. Vans have been used by touring music groups to haul equipment and people to music venues around

1188-441: The center console and a second ceiling-located 7-inch screen that allowed the driver to see behind the vehicle. Passengers had 8-inch screens mounted in the seatbacks for video entertainment. The Microbus Concept was approximately the same size as the contemporary Volkswagen Eurovan , and was powered by a newly developed 3.2L V-6 engine with stated output of 172 kW (231 hp) and 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft). Styling of

1232-531: The country. Full-size van is a marketing term used in North America for a van larger than a minivan, that is characterized by a large, boxy appearance, a short hood, and heavy cargo and passenger-hauling capability. The first full-size van was the 1969 Ford Econoline , which used components from the Ford F-Series pickups . General Motors and the Dodge Ram Van followed with designs with

1276-507: The door open. Step vans have more boxy shapes, wider bodies, and higher rooftops than other vans, and are rarely employed for carrying passengers. The Minivan is a van which is smaller in size in length and height than a full-size van. Minivans are often used for personal use, as well as commercial passenger operations such as taxis and shuttles, and cargo operations like delivery of mail and packages. They offer more cargo space than traditional sedans and SUVs . Their lower center of gravity

1320-565: The driver to pass through to the cargo compartment of the vehicle. Volkswagen Microbus Concept Later concepts included the Bulli (2011), BUDD-e (2016), and ID BUZZ (2017), all battery electric vehicle concepts, and the ID BUZZ has now gone into production after its launch in 2022. The new Microbus Concept was completely modern compared to the Type 2, featuring a 7-inch screen in

1364-585: The earlier Space Up! concept car. Volkswagen announced that it was developing an all-electric platform in October 2015, as part of its response to the diesel emissions scandal . The platform was eventually named the MEB platform . The BUDD-e was revealed on January 5, 2016, at the Consumer Electronics Show , as the first concept based on the forthcoming MEB platform. That was the day after

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1408-532: The engines placed further forward, and succeeding generations of the Econoline introduced longer hoods. Another type of van specific to North America is the step van , named because of the design to facilitate users to step in and out of the vehicle. Widely used by delivery services, courier companies, and the parcel division of the US Postal Service and Canada Post, they are often seen driven with

1452-646: The forward cab of the T4/EuroVan called the Rialta, Vista, and Sunstar (Itasca branded). The Rialta was available in 1995-1996 with the five-cylinder engine, in 1997-2001 with the AES version of the VR6, and in 2002-2005 with the AXK engine. The Vista and Sunstar were only produced in 2002-2004, all using the AXK engine. In the United States, the models were: Concepts and future models: Microbus Concept Van A van

1496-663: The front seats, where the rest of the van body is cut off (leading to the terminology "cutaway"). From that point aft, only the chassis frame rails and running gear extend to the rear when the unit is shipped as an "incomplete vehicle". A second-stage manufacturer, commonly known as a bodybuilder, will complete the vehicle for uses such as recreational vehicles , small school buses , minibusses, type III ambulances , and delivery trucks. A large proportion of cutaway van chassis are equipped with dual rear wheels. Second-stage manufacturers sometimes add third weight-bearing single wheel "tag axles" for their larger minibus models. The term van in

1540-399: The manufacturer (wagon), or another company for more personal comforts ( conversion van ). Full-size vans often have short hoods, with the engine placed under the passenger cabin. A cutaway van chassis is a variation of the full-size van that was developed for use by second stage manufacturers . Such a unit has a van front end and driver controls in a cab body that extends to a point behind

1584-758: The popular vans include Maruti Suzuki Omni and the Maruti Suzuki Eeco . Early Japanese vans include the Kurogane Baby , Mazda Bongo , and the Toyota LiteAce . The Japanese also produced many vans based on the American flat nose model, but also minivans which for the American market have generally evolved to the long-wheelbase front-wheel drive form. The Nissan Prairie and Mitsubishi Chariot as well as microvans that fulfill kei car regulations, are popular for small businesses. The term

1628-502: The short or the long nose, depending on which model was used as the base vehicle. In keeping with the Type 2's naming convention, the short and long-nose versions are also informally known as T4a and T4b, respectively. The T4 was also available with a permanent 4WD system that uses a Viscous coupling unit as a centre differential to regulate the distribution of torque to the rear axle. These models are called "syncro" and were available with

1672-457: The slogan, "EuroVan: There's nothing mini about it". Volkswagen only imported them to the U.S. market for one year because sales in the United States were disappointing, but sales continued in Canada and Mexico. Volkswagen reintroduced the EuroVan passenger models in the United States for model year 1999 with a VR6 engine as standard, but discontinued the T4 worldwide after 2003. The manual gearbox

1716-475: The success of similar moves with their passenger cars, Volkswagen had toyed with the idea of replacing their air-cooled, rear-engined T2 vans with a front-engined, water-cooled design in the late 1970s. The reasons for deciding in 1980 to instead introduce a new rear-engined T3 are unclear. Thus, the introduction of a front-engined layout was delayed until the arrival of the T4. After a run of nearly 14 years, T4 production ceased in 2003, making it second only to

1760-472: The unique characteristics of 12- and 15-passenger vans and by following guidelines developed for their drivers, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many commercial vans are fitted with cargo barriers behind the front seats (or rear seats, if fitted) to prevent injuries caused by unsecured cargo in the event of sudden deceleration, collision, or a rollover. Cargo barriers in vans are sometimes fitted with doors permitting

1804-413: Was available with an extension to the rear of its long-wheelbase model to create a 15-passenger van. Vehicles have been sold as both cargo and passenger models, as well as in cutaway van chassis versions for second stage manufacturers to make box vans, ambulances, campers, and other vehicles. Second-stage manufacturers also modify the original manufacturer's body to create custom vans. In urban areas of

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1848-664: Was deferred, however, and the project was canceled in spring 2004. In 2005, VW instead announced that Chrysler would build minivans for Volkswagen in the United States, while in Europe the VW Transporter Multivan would fill the niche previously intended for the reborn Microbus. The Chrysler built Volkswagen Routan was released to the North American market in September 2008. Unrelated to the new Microbus,

1892-519: Was not offered in North America with the VR6 engine. Volkswagen imported the short wheelbase EuroVan 5-cylinder petrol engine passenger models (CL, GL, GLS, MV Weekender and Westfalia Camperised) to Canada from 1991 to 1996. The 77 hp 2.4 litre diesel engine was optional in Canada between 1993 and 1996. The long wheelbase version was also on offer in 1992 only as a 10 seaters CL or GL model trim. Kombi and crewcab pickup versions (sold as Transporter) were also available in 1992. A panel version (LWB only)

1936-435: Was sold from 1993 to 1997. The EuroVan Camper by Winnebago was introduced to the United States and Canada in 1995 with the five-cylinder engine, and upgraded to the VR6 for the 1997-2003 models. These were only available on the longer 3,320 mm (131 in) wheelbase T4. These small pop top camper vans are unique in North America and have developed a cult following. Winnebago also built three small Class C motorhomes with

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