| Volkswagen Routan | |
|---|---|
 2009 Volkswagen Routan SE | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler LLC (2009) Chrysler Group LLC (2009–2014) FCA US LLC (2014) |
| Production | 2008–2013[1][2] |
| Model years | 2009–2014 |
| Assembly | Canada: Windsor, Ontario (Windsor Assembly) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Minivan |
| Body style | 5-door minivan |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Platform | Chrysler RT platform |
| Related | Chrysler Town & Country Dodge Grand Caravan Chrysler Voyager Lancia Voyager |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.6 L Pentastar V6 (2011–2014) 3.8 L EGH V6 (2008–2010) 4.0 L EGQ V6 (2008–2010) |
| Transmission | 62TE 6-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 121.2 in (3,078 mm) |
| Length | 202.5 in (5,144 mm) |
| Width | 76.9 in (1,953 mm) |
| Height | 68.9 in (1,750 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Volkswagen Transporter (T4) (U.S. & Canada) Volkswagen Sharan (Mexico) |
| Successor |
|
The Volkswagen Routan is a seven-seat minivan and rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform, with revised styling, content features, and suspension tuning from the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.[3][4][5]
Manufactured alongside the Chrysler and Dodge minivans at Windsor Assembly and marketed in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Routan debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and went on sale in the United States in September of the same year as a 2009 model.[6] The Routan's minivan variants include the Dodge Caravan, Ram C/V, Chrysler Town & Country, and Lancia Voyager (export)—that by 2009 have ranked as the 13th best-selling automotive nameplate worldwide, with over 12 million sold.[7]
Production of the Routan was halted in 2012 due to high inventory levels, and Volkswagen announced the 2013 model year would be primarily reserved for rental car companies and other fleets, with limited availability to the public at dealer showrooms.[8] This also held for the 2014 model year Routan.[9]
- ^ "Routan Customer Announcement" (Press release). 4 January 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ Nelson, Gabriel (17 December 2012). "VW says it will resume Routan production in 2013". Automotive News. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
- ^ Korzeniewski, Jeremy (6 February 2008). "Chicago 2008: Volkswagen unveils the newish Routan minivan". autoblog.com. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
- ^ Nagy, Bob (November 2008). "2009 Volkswagen Routan". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
- ^ Bailey, Shaun (7 February 2008). "2009 Volkswagen Routan - A price-conscious decision over the less practical Touareg". Road and Track. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
- ^ "Volkswagen Reports September 2008 Sales" (Press release). Volkswagen. 1 October 2008. Archived from the original on 5 December 2008. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
- ^ Stern, Daniel (16 November 2020). "25th Anniversary of the Chrysler Minivan at the Windsor Assembly Plant". allpar.com. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
- ^ Demuro, Doug (9 April 2013). "2013 VW Routan Canceled". autotrader.com. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
- ^ Lowney, Damon (25 September 2013). "Volkswagen Routan dead one last time". autoblog.com. Retrieved 6 July 2022.