Volkswagen Transporter (T4) - T4 in North America (Eurovan)

T4 in North America (Eurovan)

The Transporter T4 was exported to North America from 1992 until 2003 under the moniker Eurovan. In the USA, the short wheelbase Eurovan 5-cylinder passenger models (CL, GL, GLS, and MV) were only sold for model year 1993. Smaller than a standard American delivery van, but larger than an American or Japanese passenger minivan, Volkswagen played up its size with the slogan, "EuroVan: There's nothing mini about it". VW only imported them to the USA for one year because sales in the USA were disappointing, but sales continued in Canada and Mexico. VW imported the short wheelbase Eurovan 5-cylinder gas engine passenger models (CL, GL, GLS, MV Weekender and Westfalia Camperised) to Canada from 1991 to 1996. The 77 hp 2,4L diesel engine was optional in Canada between 1993 to 1996. The long wheelbase version was also offer in 1992 only as a 10 seaters CL or GL model trim. Combi and crwecab pick-up version (sold as Transporter) were also available in 1992. A panel version (long wb only) was sold from 1993 to 1997. VW reintroduced the Eurovan passenger models in the USA for model year 1999 with a VR6 engine as standard, and discontinued it again with worldwide T4s after 2003. Manual shift transmissions were not offered in North America with the VR6 engines.

The Eurovan Camper by Winnebago was introduced in the USA and Canada in 1995 with the five-cylinder engine, and was upgraded to the VR6 for the 1997-2003 models. These were only available on the longer 3,320 mm (131 in) wheelbase T4. These small pop top camper vans are unique in North America and have developed a cult following.

Winnebago also built three small Class C motorhomes with the forward cab of the T4/Eurovan called the Rialta, Vista, and Sunstar(Itasca branded). The Rialta was available in 1995-1996 with the five-cylinder engine, in 1997-2001 with the AES version of the VR6, and in 2002-2005 with the AXK engine. The Vista and Sunstar were only produced in 2002-2004, all using the AXK engine.

In the U.S., the models were:

• the seven-seat Eurovan CL,GL, and GLS
• the Eurovan MV, in which the second row of seats face the rear and are removable, the third row converts into a bed, a folding table in the passenger area, window curtains, and a fluorescent lamp above table.
• the Eurovan MV Weekender, an MV plus a Westfalia conversion that adds a pop-top roof, a second overhead bed, bug screens for side windows and rear hatch, utility battery, and standard refrigerator.
• the Eurovan Camper, which is the long wheelbase commercial van converted by Winnebago Industries to include a pop-top roof, two two-person beds, seating for four (plus optional single or two-person center seats), a one cubic foot refrigerator that runs on propane, DC, or AC, a propane furnace, a closet, cabinets, sink with cold water and a gray water tank, a two-burner propane stove, two two-person dinette tables, coach battery, house lighting, and the two front bucket seats made to swivel around to face the dinette/kitchen area. The 2000 EVC is 17 feet long (5,189 mm.)