After revamping its old favourite, the Beetle, Volkswagen has hinted that another classic, the Microbus, could soon be put into production.
After revamping its old favourite, the Beetle, Volkswagen has hinted that another classic, the Microbus, could soon be put into production. The model would stay true to the concept unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in 2001.
Future company chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder said at the Geneva Motor Show at the weekend that a decision would be made about the new Microbus in June, and that it might hit dealerships, mainly in the United States, in two years’ time.
Pischetsrieder told that the company was thinking of making two sizes of the vehicle. A bigger one would be made for the American market, while the rest of the world was likely to get a narrower, smaller version.
The company has described the vehicle, which was designed in the Volkswagen design studio in California, as the bus of the future. With its original design and numerous innovative ideas, the Microbus harks back to a great tradition that started in 1950 with the first VW bus. This Volkswagen was successful worldwide and reached cult status, especially in the USA, with the name Microbus.
The new design is completely independent from the original, say the designers.
It has a striking front end with particularly thin-line Xenon headlights, and the side windows have a new look. The side body of the design study is characterised by the concept of the windows and it has an additional side window in front of the A-pillar, powerful D-pillars with integrated glass slits, and large sliding doors. These doors open and close electrically at the push of a button.
A dynamic appearance is guaranteed by the wide wheel arches and the specially developed 20" alloy wheels.
The flat rear lights correspond in design to the front headlights. From this perspective, the wide track and tyres have a particularly dynamic effect. As a conscious element of the design, the large VW symbol dominates the large tailgate, as it does the front end.
The Microbus offers three rows of seats. The middle centre seats can be turned through 180 degrees, and the third row has been designed as a seat bench. All passengers have the protection of an integral seat belt.
The vehicle features a screen in the centre console, four monitors in the backrests of the first and second rows, and two extendable displays between the second and third rows.
A second little screen, located towards the front of the roof area, provides a view of what is behind the Microbus. The picture is provided by a so-called backeye camera. Along with both the exterior mirrors, this provides a comprehensive view of what is behind the vehicle.
Large lights integrated into the roof area create a friendly and light atmosphere. The floor is made of a semi-transparent material with a geometric pattern.
A layer of aluminium is fitted underneath this material (urethane), and this shines through, harmonising perfectly with the other interior colours.
