VW Routan - Good Idea or Big Mistake?

What do you guys think of the VW Routan? Do you even know what it is? It's the re-badged Dodge Caravan Volkswagen is passing off as its own. Initial sales have been very disappointing, and there's a rumor it will be discontinued after the 2010 model year, possibly even by the end of MY 2009.

I think VW should have built that Microbus concept vehicle they showed a few years ago.  

I don't know what it is, but they need to make NEW vans. Re-badging any other vehicles is poor business in my opinion. We need more variety in the vehicles we can buy today. Everyone has a cookie cutter version of someone else's vehicle already.  

You said it all, Bud...

 

I finally saw a commercial for this last night. The funny part is they have a sweet VW bus (I know some of them guys don't like it to be called vans) parked next to it and talking to it. Now, you want a great idea, BUILD a Retro looking bus with today's technology and features.




Oh, but Chop it    

The Routan is more that just a rebadged Chrysler.  It does have the Chrysler 4.0L V6 and transmission and the body is Chrysler from the front doors back, the front fascia, suspension, and interior are all VW.

Still a dumb idea though.  

VW Did show this concept off a few years ago. A lot of people think they should have built it, or something like it:



 

That's kinda neat! Almost 'bus' looking. It has a few too many clear spots for my liking, but it looks kinda cool.  

it reminds me of those old VW vans maybe its the surfboard on top.  i work with a guy who drools over these on the internet and some of them are pretty cool.  
-Cody