The popular Caddy light van is about to add a new string to its bow, courtesy of all-wheel-drive
By Gary Worrall | July 4, 2011
The popular Caddy light van is about to add a new string to its bow, courtesy of all-wheel-drive.
Volkswagen will offer the 4motion system on both the Caddy and the Life variants from later this year.
The announcement came during the 2011 Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne.
Volkswagen’s director of commercial vehicles, Phil Clark, says the idea of an all-wheel-drive version had been around for a while before the project was approved.
In an interview with ATN, Clark says the timing is right for the new version and adds to Volkswagen’s ability to appeal to niche markets.
“We have got the Caddy in occupations that need the extra traction and safety, like working as an ambulance in mud and snow,” Clark says.
“There is a definite market opportunity on both the van and life models.”
Clark says although the last six months have been tough, Volkswagen has actually increased its share in a declining market.
“Even excluding the newly released Amarok, we are selling above the 2010 year to date figure, expanding our share in a shrinking market.”
Clark says the market is still recovering from the “pull forward” of orders caused by the Federal Government’s investment allowance in 2010.