VW and Opel to make crossovers; PSA is also considering a niche model that blends minivan, sedan traits.(News)(Volkswagen AG)(Peugeot S.A.)

Byline: Jason Stein

Volkswagen and Opel are developing crossover vehicles to attract customers who want something between a minivan and a sedan.

VW will launch its crossover in 2008 or 2009 and position it against the Mercedes-Benz R class, supplier and company sources say. The vehicle, internally called the C-tour, will be built in VW's factory in Mosel, Germany, said a supplier source familiar with VW plans.

Such a vehicle would be the first of its kind for VW. It has the Touareg premium SUV and the Tiguan medium SUV arrives next year.

Opel model possible in 2009

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