The Crafter officially replaced the Volkswagen Transporter LT that was launched in 1975, although it is known as the LT3, its production plant code.

Like the second-generation LT, the first-generation Crafter is a rebadged Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, built by Daimler AG,[1] with a powertrain by Volkswagen.

It also utilises a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing all engine variants to comply with Euro IV European emission standards.

An engine update was also released under the guise of "Blue TDI", which used AdBlue – or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) – in combination with a DPF to attain the more stringent Euro V EEV European emission standards.

It is equipped with front airbags as standard, and side and curtain airbags as options, along with anti-lock braking system (ABS), load adapting electronic stability programme (ESP), anti-slip regulation (traction control) (ASR), and electronic differential lock (EDL).

Sensors monitor both roadwheel speeds across a driven axle, and if one is rotating substantially faster than the other (i.e. slipping) the EDL system momentarily brakes it.

The Crafter Chassis and Double Cabs models have payloads ranging from 1,472 to 3,026 kilograms (3,245 to 6,671 lb), and come in gross vehicle weights (GVW) of either 3.5 or 5.3 tonnes.

[13] emission standards In September 2016, Volkswagen unveiled the e-Crafter all electric van at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover.

[3] At the 2017 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen presented the California XXL motorhome concept, based on the Crafter.

[15] RMMV and Torsus have entered a strategic partnership ot develop a special operations vehicle based on the a modified variant of the VW Crafter / MAN TGE.