Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has started production of the updated Multivan and California at its Hanover-Stöcken plant, with the Multivan set to return to the UK market under the Caravelle name.
Production began on 10 September 2026. Volkswagen said the updated models receive a revised front end, redesigned cockpit, upgraded lighting, additional comfort equipment and expanded driver-assistance systems.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK says the Multivan will be renamed Caravelle for Britain. This is the UK-market name for the Multivan rather than a separate model produced at the Hanover factory. UK orders for the new Caravelle are due to open in October 2026, with first customer deliveries expected in early 2027.
Final UK specifications, features and availability remain subject to confirmation. The announcement therefore does not establish the complete British range or equipment levels.
The revised cockpit includes a 12.9-inch infotainment screen and a configurable Digital Cockpit. Travel Assist adds traffic-light recognition and assisted motorway lane changing, although these functions operate within the system’s limits.
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Powertrain options cited for the Multivan and California include the eHybrid 4MOTION system, which delivers 180kW, or 245PS, and uses a 19.7kWh lithium-ion battery. Front-wheel-drive alternatives include a 110kW, or 150PS, TDI diesel and a 150kW, or 204PS, TSI petrol engine. All the cited variants use a DSG transmission.
Volkswagen said the Multivan recorded 38,700 customer deliveries globally in 2025, its highest annual total. The figure is a worldwide manufacturer-reported result and does not represent UK sales.
The California has been fully built and camper-converted on new production lines at Hanover since August 2026. Conversion work was previously carried out outside the main plant. Volkswagen said integrating vehicle manufacture and camper conversion is intended to make the process more efficient.
The returning Caravelle name is relevant to multi-passenger transport, including business, VIP-shuttle and family use. The production announcement does not confirm UK pricing or the final British specification.
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