Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles or Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge started originally as part of Volkswagen itself.
In 1995, Dr Bernd Wiedemann, chairman of the management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, announced Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as a separate marque to Volkswagen Passenger cars.
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[edit] Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Company highlights
1947 VW Dutch importer Ben Pon sketches a van based on Beetle componetry which becomes the legendary Transporter range after seeing the VW Beetle based Plattenwagen.
1948 VW General Director Heinrich Nordhoff approves Ben Pon's sketch for production.
1949 the 1st prototype was unveiled in Wolfsburg christened "Bulli", On November 12 the production Bulli was launched officially to the public.
1950 full production began Bulli was renamed Transporter due to "Bulli" being trademarked by another company.
1954 VW celebrates production of 100,000th Transporter at Wolfsburg plant.
1956 the 1st Transporter rolls off the Hanover plant.
1962 1,000,000th Transporter leaves production line in Hanover.
1967 the 2nd generation Transporter (T2) is released.
1968 the 2,000,000th Transporter leaves production line in Hanover.
1975 the 1st generation of the LastenTransporter LT is released which opens the door to Volkswagen in the light truck sector.
1979 the 3rd generation Transporter (T3) is released.
1980 a diesel engine is added to the Transporter (T3) range.
1981 Hanover celebrates 25 years of producing 5 million VW Commercial Vehicles.
1982 Watercooled engines are added to the German Transporter (T3) range. The Caddy Ute which is based off the Golf is launched to the public.
1983 the luxurious Caravelle MPV is launched into the T3 range.
1985 Volkswagenwerk GmbH changes its name to Volkswagen AG.
1990 the 4th generation Transporter/Multivan (T4) is released, VW celebrates 40 years of the Transporter, 6 million have been produced since its 1950 introduction.
1994 the 5,000,000th Transporter/Multivan (T4) leaves production line in Hanover.
1995 Dr Bernd Wiedemann Chairman of the Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles announces the formation of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as an independent Volkswagen marque.
1996 The Type 9K Caddy Panel Van & Type 9U Caddy are released on the market.
1996 VW Commercial Vehicles and Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle unit launch a joint venture to replace there ageing large vans, the jointly developed Volkswagen LT & Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are launched onto the market with success.
2000 VWCV celebrate 50 yrs of building the legendary Transporter/Multivan (T4) range.
2003 the 5th generation (T5) Transporter & passenger orientated Multivan MPV are released.
2004 the T5 Transporter range wins UK's What Van ? Van of the Year, the all new Type 2K Caddy is released, Caddy now has Golf Mk5 front suspension.
2005 the 7 seat passenger orientated Caddy Life is released.
2006 the replacement to the Volkswagen LT the Crafter is revealed, this time it is built alongside its joint venture twin the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at the Mercedes-Benz factory in Ludwigsfelde, Germany.
The Volkswagen Crafter & Mercedes-Benz Sprinter wins the What Van? Van of the Year Award & What Van? Large Panel Van of the Year, also VWCV wins the What Van? Technology Award for its DSG transmission in the Caddy van.
2007 Stephan Schaller replaced Dr. Bernd Wiedemann as Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Managing Director, also a LWB Caddy called Caddy Maxi will be released.
[edit] Unique VW Commercial Vehicles
VW have made some rare Commercial Vehicles in its 50 plus years of producing commercial vehicles. One of them was a small postal van which was built at the request of the German Postal Services, in 1964 the Type 147 or Kleinlieferwagen was made, it has also coined the nickname Fridolin.
From 1975-1979 VW produced for developing countries a small FWD truck called the Volkswagen EA489 Basistransporter, with a rudimentry chassis and basic metal sheeting it was easily manufactured from semi knocked down kits into a light truck.
In 1989 VW partnered Toyota to build Toyota Hi-Lux pick-up truck as a Volkswagen Taro. This partnership was to help Toyota build sales in Europe and give VW a vehicle in the 1 tonne pick-up segment. The venture was not a huge success and it split in the late 1990s.
[edit] MAN AG & Volkswagen AG Joint Venture 1977-1993
 MAN-VW 8.136 Truck 1979-1987 |
 MAN-VW 8.150 Truck 1987–1993 |
 MAN-VW 8.136 FAE 4x4 Truck 1987–1993 |
Volkswagens 1st joint venture into trucks outside of their own LT Range was with MAN Nutzfahrzeuge (Commercial Vehicles) from 1977-1993.
Truck production started in 1979 and ended in 1993 with 72,000 units produced.
It was available with 4 engines & 4 wheelbases over its lifetime, there was also an 4X4 version called 8.150 FAE. FAE means "forward control" cab, all-wheel drive, single tyres so the F nomenclature means "forward control" cab.
MAN AG supplied engines which were available in 4 and 6 cylinder inline configurations with power outputs of:
- 90 hp/66 kW
- 100 hp/74 kW
- 136 hp/100 kW
- 150 hp/110 kW.
MAN AG replaced the G series as it was known internally with the L2000 and M2000 ranges.
VW and MAN shared the project development in accordance with the collaboration agreement as follows:
Volkswagen took care of:
- the tilting driver's cab including steering wheel and fixing, hand levers and foot pedals.
NOTE the VW LT Mk 1 cabin was used for the MAN-VW range, the cabins are wider than the standard LT cabins so they can fit the truck chassis.
- the complete interior equipment and heating.
- the manual gearbox with clutch and gear lever, the rear axle with rear-axle transmission and suspension.
- the cardan shafts including bearings.
- the electrical system for the entire concept, and the platforms for the standard design.
MAN was responsible for:
- the engine including cooling, exhaust, inlet and fuel system.
- the front axle with suspension and steering.
- the frame with all parts for attaching the springs and axles, the steering, the batteries, the power braking system and fuel system.
- the brakes, i.e. for the complete wheel brakes front and rear, the dual-circuit power brakes and parking brake.
- the wheels and tyres
- the platform for special designs and tipping mechanism.
MAN-VW's were built in the Volkswagen's Hanover factory until other Volkswagen models took priority; they were then made at MAN AG's Salzgitter-Watenstedt factory.
MAN-VW Range 6.90, 8.90, 6.100, 8.136, 8.100, 8.150, 9.136, 9.150 & 10.136. F & FAE are sometimes on the end of some of these model numbers.
Several models of the MAN-VW and the VW LT ranges were marketed in Spain by Enasa as Pegaso Ekus, in a typical badge engineering operation.
Some of this article contains excerpts from MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG article dated Munich, April 2005. MAN-VW History Article
[edit] Volkswagen Truck and Bus Operation
In 1975 Volkswagen AG acquired a small percentage in Chrysler Motors do Brasil Ltda. In January of 1981 Volkswagen AG buys 100% of shares in Chrysler Motors do Brasil Ltda, therefore giving VW the rights in renaming the company to Volkswagen Caminhões Ltda.
Volkswagen Caminhões Ltda. released their first trucks in March/Febuary of 1981, the VW 11.130 & VW 13.130 had a reworked version of Volkswagen's Mark 1 LT cabin and with MWM engines on Chrysler engineered platforms.
[edit] Autolatina Years
From 1990 to 1995 VW Trucks were built with Ford parts as part of the Autolatina venture, Ford had the know how in building trucks and VW had the know how in cars. The trucks were built in Ipiranga Complex in Brazil. Once the Autolatina marriage fell through VW had no factory for its Trucks and their parts so Resende was built in 1995.
[edit] Resende, Rebirth of VW Truck and Bus
1996, Resende was the Official start for VW Truck and Bus developing their own parts and platforms. The Modular Consortium was introduced for the 1st time in Resende.
The Modular Consortium is the group of main suppliers that make the parts and assembles them for VW Truck & Bus on site in the Resende factory.
VWs involvement is only in supplying the factory & inspection at the end of production, VW pays only a small amount of wages, as each partner of the Modular Consortium pays the workers.
[edit] Sales
Most of the early sales of the Truck & Bus Chassis operations were mainly within South America, with the exception of small exportations to China & the Middle East. Prior to VW Commercial Vehicles new role of managing the truck & bus operation, In 1995 VW imported to Germany a 7 tonne truck the L80, due to the European Union Gas Emissions EU IV standards, exports discontinued in late 2002.
[edit] New Era with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles took over the Truck and Bus operation in 2000 from Volkswagen's Brazilian subsidary, this signalled the start of a new era for the Volkswagen Group in producing its own Heavy Truck and Bus Chassis Range which covers GCM of 5 tonnes to 57 tonnes catergory.
Now VWCV has been looking at expanding Truck and Bus sales to other markets outside of South American region.
All Volkswagen Truck and Buses are built in the Resende, Brazilian factory and sent in Semi Knocked Down kits to South Africa & Mexico.
Planned future markets for export are Australia, Asia Pacific countries, Middle East, Eastern Europe & some African countries.
Volkswagen Truck & Bus division released in September of 2005 the new Volkswagen Constellation range with a GCM from 33 tonne to 45, future versions will have a GCM of 57 tonnes.
[edit] Truck & Bus Company Facts
- The Resende plant was built in 153 days at a cost of US$ 250 Million dollars.
- The Resende plant adheres to International Standards ISO TS and ISO 14001.
- Resende plant produces 140 vehicles per day in two working shifts and employs 3,045 workers.
- VW Truck & Bus are sold in over 35 countries around the world some of the countries are Argentina, Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia
- Most of the VW Truck & Bus growth has been in the last 8 years.
- All the 2007 Volkswagen Truck range are capable of operating in minus 20°C and plus 45°C, Middle East specified trucks can stand 55°C degrees celsius.
[edit] BMB Mode Center
Established in 2002 10km from Resende the assembly plant, the BMB Mode Center is responsible for modifications to the Truck & Bus range that cannot be done on the production line.
BMB Mode Center build:
- For Bus range: low entry buses and articulated buses.
- For Truck Range: 4x4, 8x4 & 8x2 conversions as well as an armored truck & finally exterior design modifications.
The BMB division moved in June 2006 to the new location 150m outside the Resende Plant. The new location has 30,000 square metres of land, it cost Brazilian R$ 7 million to build.
[edit] Truck & Bus Highlights
- January 1981
Volkswagen AG acquires 100% of the Chrysler Motors of Brazil Ltda.
- February 1981
VW Caminhoes releases 1st trucks 11.130, 13.130 & an Ethanol powered truck.
- March 1981
Changing of name from Chrysler Motors of Brazil Ltda to Volkswagen Caminhoes (Trucks) Ltda
- September 1982
Launching of 6 tonne Truck range.
- July 1984
Integration of VW Caminhões Ltda. into VW do Brasil.
- August 1984
VW 140 the 1st methane gas/biogas powered truck in Brazil
- July 1985
VW 11.130 exported to China.
- July 1987
Truck division intergrates with Ford Trucks with the formation of Autolatina.
- July 1990
Truck plant moves to Industrial Complex of the Ipiranga.
- April 1993
Launching of the 1st Volksbus chassis 16.180 CO.
- April 1994
VW Truck & Bus celebrate 100,000th VW Truck produced.
- June 1995
Beginning of the L80 exports to Germany
VW Caminhões Ltda. announces Resende, Brazil as site for the construction of the future Truck & Bus plant.
- November 1996
VW Caminhoes Ltda moves to new Resende plant.
- September 1997
Commemoration of the 5000th vehicle made in the Resende plant.
- June 1998
Launching of the trucks for the Argentine market
Exportation of Completely Knocked Down kits of Volksbus microbus chassis' to Colombia.
- January 2000
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWN) of Germany, with headquarters in Hannover, assumes the responsibility for the Truck and Bus operation.
- March 2000
Launching of Series 2000
- April 2001
For the first time in its 20 years, the VW Caminhoes becomes leader in the Brazilian market for trucks.
- August 2002
VW Truck & Bus has 30% market share of Brazilian market, Brazil is the Number 1 in the world, buyer of Buses and Number 2 for Trucks.
- December 2002
Production of 100,000th truck in Resende.
- July 2003
Volkswagen Truck & Bus participates in the International Rally of the Sertões, with 3 8.150 trucks.
- October 2003
Announcement of the creation of VW Truck & Bus Operation in Mexico, construction of an assembly line starts in the City of Puebla, Mexico.
- November 2003
In pioneering research in Brazil, VW tests a Volksbus powered by biodiesel with the support of the Government of the State of Rio De Janeiro and the UFRJ, in the Riobiodiesel project.
- April 2003
VW 18.310 Successful for the first time in the Super European Truck Championship.
- July 2003
VW Truck & Bus add 3 more vehicles in the RioBiodiesel program.
- August 2003
First truck production tests are conducted in the plant of Puebla, Mexico.
- September 2003
VW announces construction of plant for VW Truck and Bus range in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
- October 2003
The Puebla, Mexican plant officially opens. VW Titan 18.310 is champion in the Super European Truck Championships in the first year it competes.
- October 2005
Beginning of the Volkswagen Truck and Bus operation in South Africa.
- November 2005
VW Truck & Bus release Delivery (5 to 8 tonnes) & Constellation (33 to 45 tonnes) lines.
- June 2006
The BMB Mode Centre is opened for specialized modification of Truck & Bus range.
The Constellation Daycab is released.
- September 2006
The top of the line 18.320 VIP Volksbus is released.
- February 2007
Release of the 31.320 6x4 Constellation and 15.190, 17.230 Volksbus line.
[edit] Truck & Bus products
Current
E models = Electronic versions
OD = front engine versions OT = rear engine versions
Delivery 5 to 8 Tonne Range
- 5.140
- 8.150
Worker 8 to 33 Tonne Range
- 8.120 Euro III
- 8.150 E
- 8.150 CE
- 13.180 E
- 13.180 Euro III
- 15.180 E
- 15.180 Euro III
- 17.180 Euro III
- 17.220 Euro III
- 17.220 Euro III Tractor
- 17.250 E
- 24.220 Euro III
- 24.250 E
- 26.220 Euro III
- 26.260 E (6x4)
- 31.260 E
Constellation 33 to 45 Tonne Range
- 13.180
- 15.180
- 17.250
- 24.250
- 19.320
- 31.320 (6x4)
Volksbus
Minibus
- 5.140 EOD
- 8.120 OD Euro III
- 8.150 OD (Export)
- 8.150 EOD
Microbus
- 9.150 OD (Export)
- 9150 EOD
Medium
- 15.180 EOD
- 15.190 EOD
- 17.210 EOD
- 17.230 EOD
- 17.260 EOT
Coach
- 18.320 EOT
[edit] VWCV Gallery
 1947 Plattenwagen |
 Caddy (Type 2K) 2005-Present |
 Transporter / Microbus (Samba) (T1) 1949-1967 |
 Transporter / Microbus (T2)1967-1979 |
 Transporter / Caravelle / Multivan (T3)1979-1990 |
 Transporter / Caravelle / Multivan (T4)1990-2003 |
 Transporter / Caravelle / Multivan(T5)2003-Present |
 1993 LT Mk1 Facelift 1993-1996 |
 LT Mk2 1996-2002 |
 L80 1996-2000 (Brazilian built) |
 Constellation Pace Truck |
[edit] Future
- In 2007
VWCV will release a longer wheelbase version of the Caddy, called Caddy Maxi.
VWCV may release productions versions of the AWD van studies/concepts that were unveiled at 2006 IAA Nutzfahrzeuge (Commercial Vehicle) Show, the Crafter Atacama in limited prodcution run of 100 vehicles & the AWD Multivan PanAmericana.
-
- VW Truck & Bus will produce a Right Hand Drive Constellation in South Africa for RHD markets, a 360hp engined Constellation will be released and VW will add new models to expand the Volksbus range.
- In 2008
VWCV will release a MPV Lifestyle orientated vehicle for Europe & their 1st pick up in the 1 tonne segment built by VW, not like the 1989 Toyota Hi-Lux / Volkswagen Taro rebadge.
- Other
It is expected that VW will merge the Brazilian heavy truck operation into a combined MAN AG / Scania AB group, in which VW plans to hold at least a 25% stake. It is speculated that MAN AG will buy a 10% stake in VW to further cement this relationship. VW Heavy Trucks will sit side by side with brands such as MAN, Scania and ERF.
[edit] External links
- Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Germany (German)
- Volkswagen Truck & Bus Press site Brasil (Portuguese)
- Volkswagen Truck & Bus Website (Portuguese)
- Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK
- Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles South Africa
- Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia
- BMB Mode Center (VW Truck & Buses Modification Branch) (in Portugese)
- Resende Plant Sustainability Site
- Hanover Plant Sustainability Site
- Poznan Plant Sustainability Site
- South African Constellation & Volksbus Specifications
- Caddy & Transporter/Multivan & LT/Crafter Forums (in English)
- Australian VW Vans Forum
