Photo: SB-Medien
After launching the T6 version of the Transporter, Volkswagen has started testing the Crafter as well.
We've snapped our first photos while the 2016 Crafter began its testing session in the Alps. One model is a regular passenger version while the other has a pickup bed and a 4-door crew body.
While the design is obscured by camouflage, we can make out some of the styling details. Just like the T6 Transporter, design elements are being borrowed from the regular passenger models, especially the Passat.
Much wider headlights are used, and they appear to be connected by the flat, horizontal grille. The rest of the design at the side and rear is very straight-lined. We’ve also noticed a lower trunk sill. Maybe Volkswagen is leaving out all the frills during testing and will add LED daytime running lights only when production starts.
According to official statements, Daimler will stop all commercial vehicle production for Volkswagen by 2017. The Swabians need every inch of factory space they have for the next Sprinter.
"That's why our staff will only produce our own brands in the future," said the head of the Daimler Transportation Division Volker Mornhinweg.
Volkswagen has decided production of the Crafter will thus have to take place at a factory 50 kilometers from Poznan, where the smaller Caddy is made.
“With the decision to produce the Crafter in Poland, we have laid the foundations for the strategic reorientation of our light commercial vehicles,” said Dr. Leif Östling, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft responsible for commercial vehicles.
Although the Crafter is expected to come out in 2016, its market launch could be pushed back a little. As many as 1.8 million light commercial vehicles are going to be affected by the TDI emissions rigging scandal, so extra precautions need to be taken not to anger customers even further.
While the design is obscured by camouflage, we can make out some of the styling details. Just like the T6 Transporter, design elements are being borrowed from the regular passenger models, especially the Passat.
Much wider headlights are used, and they appear to be connected by the flat, horizontal grille. The rest of the design at the side and rear is very straight-lined. We’ve also noticed a lower trunk sill. Maybe Volkswagen is leaving out all the frills during testing and will add LED daytime running lights only when production starts.
Mercedes says "no more vans for Volkswagen."
The Crafter is currently built in the Mercedes-Benz Ludwigsfelde and Düsseldorf plants, the same German facilities where the Mercedes Sprinter is made. The two currently share many of their components, although the 2.5-liter TDI is one of Volkswagen's own 5-banger diesels.According to official statements, Daimler will stop all commercial vehicle production for Volkswagen by 2017. The Swabians need every inch of factory space they have for the next Sprinter.
"That's why our staff will only produce our own brands in the future," said the head of the Daimler Transportation Division Volker Mornhinweg.
Volkswagen has decided production of the Crafter will thus have to take place at a factory 50 kilometers from Poznan, where the smaller Caddy is made.
“With the decision to produce the Crafter in Poland, we have laid the foundations for the strategic reorientation of our light commercial vehicles,” said Dr. Leif Östling, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft responsible for commercial vehicles.
Although the Crafter is expected to come out in 2016, its market launch could be pushed back a little. As many as 1.8 million light commercial vehicles are going to be affected by the TDI emissions rigging scandal, so extra precautions need to be taken not to anger customers even further.
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