VOLKSWAGEN TO INTRODUCE NEW 1999 EUROVAN

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.-With all its standard driver comforts and interior space, the 1999 EuroVan continues a Volkswagen tradition of building highly versatile vans for active lifestyles and families on the go.

Built in Hannover, Germany, the EuroVan comes to the U.S. market as a 1999 model with a V6 engine, more safety features, and more standard equipment.

The EuroVan is available in the GLS and Multivan (MV) models, which build on past elements of comfort, safety, and functionality. Both models offer freshened, versatile, and functional interiors, and a unique combination of European ride quality and style.

The EuroVan employs a six-cylinder engine-the proven VR6, specially modified to deliver more torque for the EuroVan. The engine's peak torque of 177 ft. lbs. at 3,200 revolutions per minute, and its maximum horsepower of 140 at 4,500 rpm, allows the EuroVan to tow a 4,400 pound (braked) trailer or carry nearly 1,000 pounds of cargo. Combined with front-wheel-drive, low-speed traction control, four-wheel independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, and four-wheel ABS disc brakes, the EuroVan ensures that the driver has excellent handling and control, a characteristic found in all Volkswagens.

For a quiet driving experience, Volkswagen has added insulation at critical points that better isolates the interior from unwanted noise. The EuroVan's torsional rigidity is better than ever with a strengthened body, reinforced floor panels, as well as stronger B and C pillars.

Adding to its security are dual front airbags, side impact beams in the side passenger doors, and three-point safety belts on forward-facing window-side seats. Additional safety features include daytime running lights and a child safety lock for the sliding door (a child safety lock is unnecessary on the rear hatch because it has no inside handle).

Comfort and convenience features for the 1999 EuroVan include power windows, with one-touch up/down and pinch protection features, cup holders, a pollen and dust filter for the ventilation system, and unique cloth seating fabrics and patterns for each EuroVan model.

Additional standard equipment on the EuroVan includes an in-dash air conditioning system; power door locks (including side and rear hatch); cruise control; AM/FM cassette stereo with six speakers; programmable intermittent wipers; heated windshield washer nozzles; rear hatch wiper/washer and defroster; power outside mirrors; illuminated vanity mirrors; and a fourspeed automatic transmission.

Cargo capacity for the EuroVan is optimized by its high stance and versatile interior. Long items, such as plywood, slide in and out due to its long load length with bench seats removed.

The EuroVan comes with a variety of options and packages. The optional Weekender Package for the EuroVan MV combines the day-to-day functionality of the EuroVan GLS, with the adventurous overnight capabilities of the EuroVan Camper. Its features include a pop-up roof with two-person bed, full-swiveling captain seats, window screens for two side sliding windows, fixed left-hand rear facing seat (with refrigerator beneath lift-up seat bottom), second battery, and alternator.

An optional automatic "Climatronic" climate control system is available for the EuroVan GLS, and EuroVan MV without the Weekender Package. This system automatically keeps the EuroVan at a comfortable temperature for its passengers at all times according to their separate tastes in the front and rear.

Each model also comes with a unique seating arrangement that best suits its individual purpose. The EuroVan GLS contains a forward-facing dual center bench seat and triple rear bench seat, making it possible to seat a total of seven passengers. The MV also seats seven passengers, but contains two separate rear-facing seats, positioned back-to-back with front passenger seats. A triple rear bench seat with bed conversion capability is also standard, which best suits the optional Weekender Package (only available on the MV).

EuroVan interior options include a sliding sunroof with sliding sun and windscreen capabilities (not available with Weekender Package). EuroVan GLS also comes with optional leather trim, including front heated seats.

The EuroVan Camper continues to be available for the U.S. market. With a longer wheelbase of 15.7 inches than the EuroVan GLS and MV, it is capable of seating up to six passengers with its optional and removable two-person center bench seat.

A new option for the 1999 Camper is the companion seat, which serves as a single-seat alternative to the optional double center bench seat and provides more interior room for passengers. The standard rear double bench seat, capable of bed conversion, best caters to the EuroVan's standard and versatile Winnebago Camper conversion package. Featured items include a pop-up roof, full-swiveling captain seats, two-burner LP gas stove, and other amenities. Also available as standard equipment are the same standard features found in front driver and passenger seats of other EuroVan models.

New standard features for the 1999 EuroVan Camper include a concealed LP tank cover, front driver and passenger tray, above cab storage tie-downs, and top bunk bedboard storage.

Warranty coverage for all EuroVan models include a six-year/unlimited mileage corrosion perforation limited warranty and, a  10-year/ 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. Also included is a two-year/24,000 mile no charge scheduled maintenance plan and basic warranty, and two-year/24 hour roadside assistance.