Westfalia Comes to the U.S.A. in 2024
Yes a van is coming to the US from an iconic builder, but it’s not VW.
The odds are stacked against Volkswagen exporting another “new van” to the U.S.A ever again. VW pulled out in 2003 when the last Eurovan was sold in the states, and they likely will not return, with the exception of maybe the I.D. Buzz. And, that’s a big “if”.
However, the former Westfalia arm of VW, behind the camper version of classics like the Vanagon T2 and T3, is set to thrill America buyers after 21 years away from our shores, according to Car & Driver magazine.
News reports that Canadian RV outfitter Roadtrek is behind the rumor seem genuine judging by the Westfalia Website. Take note that Westfalia, headed by French Groupe Rapido, is using the Ram ProMaster 3500 platform in an effort to go head-to-head with the Mercedes Sprinter.
By the looks of it I’d say Westfalia has a good chance of succeeding in North America this time around if the economy stays strong. Westfalia is known, after all, as a premiere auto design group, and I’m sure it still holds true today.
But with a starting MSRP of $179,849 U.S. that’s a tough pill to swallow for those on a budget. You could practically buy a condo somewhere in the U.S. for that amount of money!
Reports say that the North American dealer network is still in the planning stages, however, there are RV dealers in the U.S. already signed with RoadTrek. While the only recognizable feature from the early Vanagons is the iconic pop-top roof, the Westfalia Ram ProMaster is definitely set to make its mark in the Class B motorhome segment.
I’ve test driven and reviewed Class B motorhomes from RoadTrek for publication, and they are first-rate, easily exceeding consumer expectations. So unlike the time when Westfalia put it’s iconic brand on the Eurovan outfitted by Winnebago, I believe RoadTrek might actually get it right in 2024. Although, it’s still a major departure from the compact Westfalia Vanagon campers of yesteryear.
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Larry Saavedra
Subject Matter Experts. Specializing in content for automotive and outdoor projects.