Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles celebrates 20th anniversary of the successful California at the Caravan-trade fair

Success story of a touring vehicle: more than 80,000 California have been sold

Caddy Topos Sail design study and mosaic module for the California Beach as further highlights

Hanover / Düsseldorf, 22nd August 2008: The most successful and popular touring vehicle in its class – the California made by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – is celebrating an important birthday at this year's Caravan trade fair (30.8. to 7.9. in Düsseldorf). New ideas for the leisure time vehicle will also be presented within the scope of the anniversary "20 Years California": the design study Caddy Topos Sail shows similarities towards yachting design; two vehicle interior concepts extend the scope of application for the California Beach.

The success story of the Volkswagen California began in 1988: that was the kick-off for the first Volkswagen touring vehicle built on the basis of the Transporter with a rear engine. Three generations – from the California on the basis of the T3 through to the current T5 – have been extremely popular with customers. More than 80,000 vehicles have already been sold. This makes the California the most successful touring vehicle in its class.

Further highlights at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles trade fair stand in Hall 16 at the Düsseldorf trade fair are the Caddy Topos Sail study as well as two vehicle interior concepts which demonstrate the flexibility of the California Beach.

The concept study Caddy Topos Sail shows a link to yachting, in particular through the multi-functional roof with wooden planking. The appearance of the new "Woody" is avant-garde and modern. Clothed in a wooden outfit, the design of the Topos is reminiscent of exclusive sports boat construction in the 1950's. Brushed or polished aluminium as well as a pool ladder with four steps in the tailgate further emphasise this character.

It all started with a mosaic programme for individual construction. The VW bus driver of more than 50 years ago was already able to set the vehicle up according to their requirements. This is now also possible with the California Beach. Two or three seat benches can be anchored as required using the rails on the floor. This option for a four or five-seater vehicle then further influences the layout of the modular camper with water boiler, sink and cooker.