Bus terminology

The 2 nd generation of Transporters , from 1968-1979, known as the Station Wagon or Bus .

The 3 rd generation of Transporters , from 1980-1991, known in North America as Vanagon , and elsewhere as Caravelle or just Transporter .

The 4 th generation of Transporters , from 1992 to the present, known in North America as the EuroVan , and elsewhere as Caravelle or just Transporter .

An Australian manufacturer of EuroVan camper conversions. Also see: TRAKKA web page

An affectionate name for Transporter . An American slang term for 'transmission'.

Any of Volkswagen smaller trucks and vans. known as Type 2 , they evolved through four (4) 'generations': T1 , T2 , T3 , and T4 , but the entire line of vehicles has always been called ' Type 2 '.

Any Volkswagen Transporter . Since the Beetle was the first car produced by VW, it became known within the company as the Type 1. The bus or transporter was the second type of vehicle produced, so it became known as the Type 2. The Squareback/Fastback was the Type 3, and the 411/412 was the Type 4 (which had the same engine as the 1972-1982 Type 2's ( buses ).

(Technischer Überwachungs Verein) An agency of the German Federal Government. sort of a combination of DOT and EPA , as well as being responsible for inspecting cars every few years. They very thoroughly checks the car's safety features (breaks, body rust, steering). Older cars often fail, so they head for Eastern Europe, while Germany is left with only spic-and-span cars. Some people believe there is a collusion with car manufacturers to increase turnover.

Vehicle Identification Number. This is a number that uniquely identifies your vehicle. It is usually located in several locations on the vehicle, the most common being under the windscreen just forward of the driver (and intended to be viewed from the outside of the bus.) You'll also find the VIN on the frame rail under the van near the front edge of the sliding door. Also see: Table for interpretting the Vanagon VIN

Any Volkswagen Transporter from 1980-1991, distinguished by squarer body contours and extremely large windows and windshield. Also known as T3 Transporters , or Caravelle.

The engine used in the water-cooled Vanagon. The term 'Wasser' is german for 'water'. 'boxer' refers to the flat opposing piston structure of the engine (i.e., the pistons are boxing with each other.)

Another name, usually British, for the Vanagon body series.

An accessory package originally available on the Vanagon that bridged the gap between the passenger van and the camping-oriented Westfalia model. With the included rear bench that folded into a double-bed, fold-out table, and privacy curtains, an owner could easily move seven people during the week and provide sleeping space for two on the weekends. This idea and name have just been reintroduced as a model of the revamped Eurovan called the MV Weekender .

One of many camper versions made from a basic VW Transporter usually the only camper version imported into the U.S. by VW and sold at their dealers. Westfalia also converts EuroVans into full camper units for sale in Canada and Europe.

An RV manufacturer chosen by VW to convert basic EuroVans into full camper units for sale within the United States. Winnebago also manufactures the Rialta from the standard EuroVan body.

Wolfsburg Editions are models with a higher level of trim, and are probably intended to stimulate sales late in the model year. In addition trim upgrades, they usually include some options without any extra charge (power mirrors, power door locks, and power windows, etc.) The true Weekender is usually also offered as a Wolfsburg Ed. (It's believed that the Westy Weekender only came as a Wolfsburg Edition.)