Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles - Company - Chronicle - 1983-1989 > Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles - Company - Chronicle > Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

1983

This year marks a further milestone in the history of the Transporter. The "Caravelle" makes its appearance as a vehicle designed entirely for comfortable passenger transport – an MPV, so to speak. This is in line with a development which, strictly speaking, already began with the introduction of the legendary "Samba Bus" in June 1951. The Type 2 had always been not only an ideal transporter and a universal vehicle which could be converted into an almost endless variety of versions – but also a family-friendly vehicle for everyday journeys, a travelling companion par excellence, living space on wheels, automotive freedom. The range now also includes injection engines with and without catalytic converter, power assisted steering.

1985

Presentation of the all-wheel drive Transporter "syncro", the parts for which are produced in Hanover for final assembly at the cooperative partner Steyr Daimler Puch in Graz. It is a commercial vehicle with a high level of utility, even when not on normal roads. Its innovative viscous coupling transmits power to the front axle variably in line with driving conditions and is a fully fledged replacement for a centre differential, automatically building up an almost 100% locking effect when required.

Introduction of the turbo-diesel and a new, high-capacity injection engine.

A resolution to change the name of the company to Volkswagen AG was passed at the Annual General Meeting in July.

The idea for the "Multivan" closes the gap between routine job related journeys and the weekend – the MPV for very versatile use is born.

1986 - the Transporter is world champion

The 6,000,000th Transporter leaves the assembly line. The Transporter is clearly the world champion in its category. Some 4.6 million of this successful vehicle were produced in Hanover alone. To this are added: 1.6 million vehicles in Wolfsburg, Brazil, Africa, Mexico and Australia. The Transporter was sold in 180 foreign markets and had an export share of 56.8% in 1985.

It receives de luxe equipment with electric windows and central locking.

The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG agrees to the acquisition of SEAT, the Spanish car manufacturer.

1987
Volkswagen signs a cooperation agreement with Toyota which plans for a pick-up to be jointly built at the Hanover factory as of 1989. Volkswagen expands its range of commercial vehicles with this pick-up in the 1 tonne payload category.

1988
The “California” Volkswagen motorhome is presented.

50th anniversary of the Brunswick factory. The original preliminary plant for training apprentices, skilled technical workers and engineers is older than the main factory in Wolfsburg.

1989
The first Volkswagen Taro leaves the assembly line at the Hanover factory on 10th January. The basis for this vehicle is an agreement in principle concluded with the Japanese manufacturer Toyota in 1987 for the production of a pick-up in the 1 tonne payload category.

1989/90
The highest capacity engine receives a regulated 3-way catalytic converter. The engine: 2109 cm3 cubic capacity, output of 68 kW at 4500 rpm.

A total of 1,227,669 third generation Transporters is built.

VOLKSWAGEN AGIVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles International

Company.

The Caravelle MPV.

1983

1985

1986 - the Transporter is world champion