Dehler Mobilbau

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The Dehler Germany GmbH was founded by the brothers Heinz and Willi Dehler shipyard based in Meschede , district of Freienohl .

history

T3 Dehler Profi 1989, Haribus 2
T3 DP room layout
T4 Optima 4.7 1998
T4 Optima 5.4 1994
T4 Optima 5.4 1998
T4 Optima 5.4 Syncro 1998

After the departure of his brother in the late 1970s developed Willi Dehler next to the Dehler Yachtbau the Dehler Mobilbau for the expansion of VW vans .

Based on his knowledge of the processing of glass fiber reinforced plastic, Dehler Transporter expanded , starting with the VW Type 2 T3 . The low weight and easy assembly are an advantage when converting cars.

Starting with the VW Type 2 T3 (actually Type 2 Model 80), the T3-PROFI was marketed from around 1981 until the early 1990s. In addition to a new interior concept, the most important external distinguishing features after the conversion were the aerodynamic high roof ( for the entire vehicle), the new window insulation and the complete paneling. The designer Gert Volker Hildebrand designed this for his diploma thesis, the T3 Traveler Jet, which was presented at the IAA in 1979. At VW itself, the paneling was only used later.

With the model change from the T3 to the T4, a T3 small series was launched. The 2 + 2 was limited to Bluestar (150 pieces) and Whitestar (50 pieces). The interior was modified and slimmed down for cost reasons. The pane insulation was dispensed with and a classic bench construction and furniture arrangement were used inside. An upgrade from the normal Multivan to the Dehler 2 + 2 was offered, but at 14,991.00 DM it was so expensive that the number of units was relatively small.

With the introduction of the VW Type 7 T4 (late 1991 / early 1992) the name Profi was taken over again. The clearest difference in the T4 was in the usage and interior concept.

The T4 series: Profi, Profi GL, Maxivan and Maxivan GL were more appealing to frequent drivers with few or short overnight stays - i.e. an office and conference vehicle for up to six people.

The T4 Optima series 4.7, 5.1 + 5.4 was designed for many overnight stays. It was a leisure and vacation vehicle for up to four people with appropriate living suitability due to four independent areas: the driver's cab, living area (sitting / sleeping), work area (cooking) and sanitary area. The number combinations indicate the length of the vehicle. 4.7 m = short wheelbase, 5.1 m = long wheelbase and 5.4 m = long wheelbase with rear extension.

In the mid-1990s, the company ran into economic difficulties. In 1995 Willi Dehler left the company.

From 1996, with the "Great Product Upgrade" (T4 GP) at VW, the Optima 5.1 was discontinued and the Maxivan became the professional again .

In the late 1990s, the Ambiente was developed on the basis of the VW LT . The bankruptcy on September 7, 1998 went hand in hand with the development and marketing of this model. The Dehler-Reisenmobile division was subsequently dissolved.

Dehler Yachtbau GmbH filed for bankruptcy in 1998 for the yachts and motorhome sectors. However, Dehler Yachtbau still exists today.

Willi Dehler died at the age of 70 in 1999.

Web links

Commons : Dehler  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. VW 'Traveler Jet' from 1979 , accessed on February 14, 2018