Volkswagen Confirms Plans to Build Microbus
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Apparently, Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen’s Chief Designer, has revealed, in an interview given to British Autoexpress magazine, that the German carmaker is working on plans to build a new version of the classic Camper. “I would not be doing my job at Volkswagen properly if I was not thinking of bringing back the Camper," he said in the interview given at the recent LA Auto Show.
Details about what shape the future model will take are scarce. The Design team is undecided weather this should take the form of a modern MPV, with a conventional interior, or some sort of multi-purpose machine that is versatile and meets different customers’ needs at the same time. This was the case with the original Minibus, as it was used by everyone from Rock bands to surfers.
The European design team is working hard on the project, trying to come up with a design that caters to VW fans but also fits well in the model range. We should not expect the concept for the new Minibus earlier than 2012, as the project is still in the early stages of development.
The German automaker has created a Minibus concept before, in 2001, and unveiled it at the Detroit Motor Show that year. This concept car was supposed to be a modern version of the original Volkswagen Microbus. It was originally scheduled to go into production, but was later canceled in 2005.
With its 'flower power' image, the future generation bus should definitely have a hybrid or even EV version in our opinion.
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comments written so far
On 2 December 2010 at 15:43 UTC, RaiderMS3 said:
BRING IT TO THE USA! I would be one of the first at the dealer to put a deposit down.
On 2 December 2010 at 15:44 UTC, Guy Snow said:
A new minibus would be great! Have driven one on several occasions many years ago and it was an experience!!
On 2 December 2010 at 15:44 UTC, Ridgebone said:
THANK GOD!!!
On 2 December 2010 at 15:45 UTC, volkkarifriikki said:
Bring the microbus on... I have 3 beetles; -65, -69 and a -73 and a early bay...
On 2 December 2010 at 15:45 UTC, phillyscooter said:
YES!!!!
On 2 December 2010 at 15:48 UTC, Bekah said:
Microbus here in the US is a MUST!!!!
On 2 December 2010 at 15:49 UTC, David Allin said:
Please! Please! Please! Let us in the U.S. be Happy!
On 2 December 2010 at 15:51 UTC, Taifun said:
VW needs to get with the program and bring the Scirocco, the Polo and the Microbus to the US. The Corrado has made them gun-shy of bringing unique cars here and VW enthusiasts in the US suffer for it.
On 2 December 2010 at 15:51 UTC, Buslady said:
Dear VW:
Biggest boo-boo was not making a Microbus similar to the concept bus, it should have followed the same path as the New Beetle, which was a brilliant little car.
I miss having my old type 2s and Vanagons, if you build this, I will buy. I miss all the room I used to have.
I would have certainly gotten one like the concept if it had been in production the last time I was looking for a car.
Build us, the USA folks, a VW Microbus. It will sell. We need something that looks different.
Hopefully someone @ VW might see this note.
Biggest boo-boo was not making a Microbus similar to the concept bus, it should have followed the same path as the New Beetle, which was a brilliant little car.
I miss having my old type 2s and Vanagons, if you build this, I will buy. I miss all the room I used to have.
I would have certainly gotten one like the concept if it had been in production the last time I was looking for a car.
Build us, the USA folks, a VW Microbus. It will sell. We need something that looks different.
Hopefully someone @ VW might see this note.
On 2 December 2010 at 15:53 UTC, Johannes Klaus said:
this is a wonderful idea. I hope it will be chockfull of innovation such as the ability to:
play mp3s, satellite radio, internet, TV, gps, bluetooth, hybrid or clean diesel, etc etc.
and it would definitely look cool in black or deep red. (my favorite colors)
play mp3s, satellite radio, internet, TV, gps, bluetooth, hybrid or clean diesel, etc etc.
and it would definitely look cool in black or deep red. (my favorite colors)
On 2 December 2010 at 15:53 UTC, Chris Lembke said:
bringing back a microbus/transporter throwback, would be a great idea!!! As a VW fan, I think it would be great if it were affordable to buy, and own, maybe a good competitor for the Scion xB and Nissan Cube!!!
On 2 December 2010 at 16:06 UTC, Steve-o said:
if Volkswagen brings the bus to the US......I will be buying one......please
On 2 December 2010 at 16:07 UTC, Craig Deakin/Bugler1 said:
Sonnenschein (our 1977 bright yellow Microbus Westfalia Conversion) was reliable for more than ten years. Our children lived in it for so long and for so many excursions, that they were homesick when we donated it to charity. Touring Europe for five years and having the luxury of Manfred our VW trained mechanic helped keep us merrily rolling along autobahn or scenic byway. The VW Microbus makes a family stronger.
On 2 December 2010 at 16:11 UTC, John Mathis said:
WOW!! Its great as I have owned 4 buses and currently own 1962 Black / Sunroof All Orginial beetle, 1974 Thing, 2006 TDI Beetle!!
I hope it comes to the US!!! Keep up the good work!!! I can't wait for the new 2012 TDI Beetle!!
I hope it comes to the US!!! Keep up the good work!!! I can't wait for the new 2012 TDI Beetle!!
On 2 December 2010 at 16:13 UTC, mary said:
send them to the u.s. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On 2 December 2010 at 16:27 UTC, KimberlyW said:
Re-introduction of the Beetle was successful and I see no reasons why re-introducing the Microbus would be any different.
On 2 December 2010 at 16:30 UTC, Arby said:
How about it seats six or more average sized adults with their luggage (internally); TDI diesel; 30+mpg city; and start under $30K. Skip the ev and hybrid versions - they are not worth the extra cost and are too complicated compared to a diesel. Most importatnly, import it to North America. And finally, please do not just rebadge a Chrysler.
On 2 December 2010 at 16:31 UTC, blairsdad said:
I'd love to see this become: Versatile on the inside and easy to 'hose down' like the Honda Element, safe with 5 star crash ratings, standard iPod connections throughout, DVD monitors in back, GPS standard, swivel captains seats that are very easy to completely remove, the 'stow and go' concept offered by Chrysler where extra storage is hidden, rain gutters so 3rd-party roof rack systems like those from Yakima can be mounted. You know, the ultimate ride! Thanks for bringing this back. Oh, one more thing...I heard this was tried before but was scrapped due to the excessive price consumers would have had to pay. I've been a loyal VW driver for more than 16 years, and now with two kids I NEED a vehicle like this. Price it comparable to vehicles like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Sienna and you will sell tons of these. Can't wait to see on in person!
On 2 December 2010 at 16:59 UTC, Ed White said:
i've had every generation of vw transporter except the eurovan and the routan, (still own the 76 and an 84) thats because those are too similar in asthetics to "normal" vans. you get a new microbus on this side of the pond about spring 2012 and I'll be on the waiting list. an added bonus would be retroish westy plaid fabrics and paint colors. vw transporters arent quite right without being a shade of bright green or orange.
On 2 December 2010 at 16:59 UTC, Jeff said:
Years ago, I was a Volkswagen GOD! I was lucky enough to get to own a 1967 TWENTY-ONE window Deluxe Microbus with rag top. Green on the bottom, white on the top.(back in the eighties) Well, at least I felt like a god, when passing people that would do a full neck turn. Plus other would just walk up to me, when I was parked somewhere, and tell me how much they like my microbus. Also, talk about an ice breaker. After that they would tell me all about the old volkswagens they had owned at different times. AWESOME times!
I have owned at least nine volkswagens in a row, 68'Type 1,67' Type 2,75' Porsche 914( this car had a VW Type 4 engine in it, so I thought of it as a VW.), 90' Fox,92' Corrado G60, 99 1/2" Jetta 4, 02' Silver New Beetle turbo S, 04 R32 (lease), 02'Black New Beetle turbo S. I'm sorry to say that in 06', I went ahead and traded in the Black Beetle for a work truck. :( First to try a Chevy Colorado, drove it for a year. Hated it, traded it in for a 07' Mitsubishi Raider.
Needless to say, I miss all my vw's! But my microbus was like a one room apartment on wheels. Even though, the big white flat steering wheel made you feel like a school bus driver. Ha Ha. So the name I used was Twenty One window.
I know I will go to my grave, always loving Volkswagens! Thanks A Lot, for building such fun products. (p.s. I know I will get another VW some day when the time is right.) Maybe a 2012 VW UP Space. The mini microbus. :)
I have owned at least nine volkswagens in a row, 68'Type 1,67' Type 2,75' Porsche 914( this car had a VW Type 4 engine in it, so I thought of it as a VW.), 90' Fox,92' Corrado G60, 99 1/2" Jetta 4, 02' Silver New Beetle turbo S, 04 R32 (lease), 02'Black New Beetle turbo S. I'm sorry to say that in 06', I went ahead and traded in the Black Beetle for a work truck. :( First to try a Chevy Colorado, drove it for a year. Hated it, traded it in for a 07' Mitsubishi Raider.
Needless to say, I miss all my vw's! But my microbus was like a one room apartment on wheels. Even though, the big white flat steering wheel made you feel like a school bus driver. Ha Ha. So the name I used was Twenty One window.
I know I will go to my grave, always loving Volkswagens! Thanks A Lot, for building such fun products. (p.s. I know I will get another VW some day when the time is right.) Maybe a 2012 VW UP Space. The mini microbus. :)
On 2 December 2010 at 17:02 UTC, Dustin Rader said:
Please bring the Microbus to the US! and also bring us the scirocco too!!!
On 2 December 2010 at 17:02 UTC, Anthony Seda said:
When I first saw the 2001 Volkswagen Microbus Concept I knew that I wanted to own one. When it was cut off the plans for Volkswagen, my heart broke. I'm a big fan of VW. I used to drive BMW. But later in life I found that my first VW GTI was much funnier to drive. I am now a proud owner of the VW Bug that I love even more. America needs this camper because Americans families have become bored with the same crap that everyone us has given us. So please bring back the micobus and I will be waiting in line to buy mine.
On 2 December 2010 at 17:12 UTC, philosothink said:
I think it should be a diesel plug in hybrid with an expansion under the floor to alternatly expand the fuel tank or the battery supply, depending on your needs... cross country travel or city driving.
On 2 December 2010 at 17:30 UTC, Wes said:
Bring the bus to U.S. I'm sure if VW sells it at a reasonable price, they will sell here in the States. It would be awesome to have something like this, even get rid of the disaster that is the Routan if we have too.
On 2 December 2010 at 17:37 UTC, Robert Peterson said:
Please bring the Microbus back to the U.S.
On 2 December 2010 at 17:54 UTC, Marnie said:
We want a new version of the micro-bus that DOES NOT have chrysler badges on the engine compartment. We Want VW!! And we want a westy version with a powerful TDI. Look what folks are doing to the vanagons on thesamba.com to give your engineering team some inspiration. That's where you will see what we really want!! If you build it (right) we will buy. But not that piece of crap the Routan - it's a joke for VW!!
On 2 December 2010 at 18:06 UTC, Scrapyard Junkie said:
Great. Just what we need, another 'New Beetle'... Hopefully they kill this before it gets to a prototype.
On 2 December 2010 at 18:19 UTC, Gary Lester said:
Bring the bus to the US!
On 2 December 2010 at 18:51 UTC, BOB356B said:
We want the new microbus. We have owned nothing but VWs (various models) since 1963. We miss our bus/camper the most. I'll sell my MINI for the microbus. Is it a deal?
On 2 December 2010 at 19:00 UTC, Hector said:
I love my Routan SLE. But will be good to see a 100% VW in the form of Minivan or Minibus or what ever they want to call it
On 2 December 2010 at 19:08 UTC, Marianne Bahnsen said:
I gasped with delight when hearing that you might turn out a microbus! Please go through with this idea!!! It is possible and would be a worth the cost of production! Let my voice be heard!!!! By the way, I own a 1992 Jetta with over 220, 000 miles and a 2010 Jetta TDI Sportswagen and my husband and I would love to own a new model of the microbus!!!!!!
On 2 December 2010 at 20:35 UTC, Barbara Kalist said:
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Come back with the microbus!! VW needs a revival of the old days!
On 2 December 2010 at 20:46 UTC, chris said:
bring it to the US
On 2 December 2010 at 21:32 UTC, Chad said:
I/m glad to see they might bring back the classic van. For all those that think its a nitch market, look at how many new VW Beetles are out there. I own a 06 TDI Bug. They need to do a retro van with a TDi motor and make the inside utilitarian (think Honda Element). Look at the kits made in Japan for new vans to convert the appearance to look like and old VW on the front. I would love to see a "new" 23 window transporter with a clean diesel engine to boot.
On 2 December 2010 at 21:51 UTC, Greg Osborn said:
Great news, please bring it back! My wife and I would seriously consider buying a new Microbus. We have an '09 Routan now. Though we like it a lot, it has a very strong Chrysler flavor and experience, which, unfortunately, is not a positive. We've owned two Passats so we know the difference of a more pure VW versus a joint-venture like the Routan. Please do it - VW fans and purists will love you for it...
On 2 December 2010 at 22:12 UTC, Joy said:
Love my 2001 Eurovan. Only problem I have ever had was with dashboard warning lights. Have about 120,000 miles. Love Volkswagens.
On 3 December 2010 at 00:18 UTC, Ron Nelson said:
Bring back the bus to the U.S. please!!!! Repeal the chicken tax!!!!
On 3 December 2010 at 00:50 UTC, woodrobot said:
I think I just spilled my coffee in my custom vw mug onto my custom vw jacket. I have noted the time on my vw watch and it's 10:46pm. I look out the window at my custom 1972 VW westy and grin... soon my friend you will have a buddy. This is fabulous news. I remember being excited to get my hands on the new beetle and my dream was fulfilled. Now I need more room and looking at my old van, it's not up to modern life...sigh. But now a glimmer of hope on the horizon, and not a cheesy animation with no room for the engine... a real concept. I want the logo bigger though. and will there be a camper version?
On 3 December 2010 at 07:19 UTC, Beerboyone said:
sweet news. Hopefully it will resemble the original a little more than that old concept. http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3dauTujW0EVygn5Sgyz8Kg?feat=directlink this is one of my first purchases in Gran Turismo 5
On 3 December 2010 at 08:26 UTC, bfrtech said:
I haven't owned a bus but I am looking for a late '70s westfalia. However, I have owned six VWs so far. 1965 Bug, 1979 Rabbit Diesel, 1988 Fox, 1997 Jetta GL, 2004 Jetta GLI (RIP) and a 2008 Rabbit (HASE 2). I am looking for a mid 2000s TDI I love the brand!
On 3 December 2010 at 08:28 UTC, Mike said:
Bring the bus over to both the U.S & Canada! There are quite a few Westfalia & Vanagon models still on the road here in Atlantic Canada.
On 3 December 2010 at 08:39 UTC, Twells said:
BRING IT TO THE US!
awd?
awd?
On 3 December 2010 at 09:40 UTC, lonewolfe said:
I've been waiting for a new micro-bus ever since seeing your prototype design online a few years ago. I can't tell you how disappointed I was when the project was shelved. I am a true VW guy through and through. I learned to drive in a 1967 Beetle and am now on my eighth VW which is a GTI. I am also restoring a 1970 Westfalia tintop camper bus. I'll be ready to buy a brand new VW in a couple of years so hopefully you will have the new micro-bus in production and being sold here in America by then. Just do it!!!!!!!!!
On 3 December 2010 at 09:48 UTC, Baby boomer said:
I always loved the microbus. My parents raised us in one and then I bought one in my 20's. They were always among my favorite cars.
Yes, the camper version would be a welcome addition.
Yes, the camper version would be a welcome addition.
On 3 December 2010 at 10:51 UTC, suzy said:
count me in, FIRST IN LINE!
On 3 December 2010 at 11:00 UTC, Alex said:
my garage needs another VW next to my Touareg.
On 3 December 2010 at 13:57 UTC, Willy said:
Finally a retro look that is executed well , glad to see there going to make it , time to ditch that Chrysler reject , price is right , make it more reliable then the current VWs , get great mileage and you will sell everyone you ship maybe add the Westy to the line up I think for a retro this one is a sure winner
On 3 December 2010 at 14:16 UTC, Jeremy said:
Build bus for the Autobahn. The rest will take care of itself. Oh, and bring to the US please.
On 3 December 2010 at 15:07 UTC, Bob said:
Bring it on.
On 3 December 2010 at 15:07 UTC, Bob said:
Bring it on. Get Westfalia to make it into a camper.
On 3 December 2010 at 16:59 UTC, Kos said:
Yes Yes Micro Bus USA big winner in sales
On 3 December 2010 at 17:00 UTC, Kos said:
yes yes bring bus to states
On 3 December 2010 at 17:07 UTC, retrodav said:
I Would totally buy this if they brought it to the US!
On 3 December 2010 at 17:35 UTC, Busboy said:
Bring, it back, bring back!
On 3 December 2010 at 18:23 UTC, Colin said:
I saw this and I jumped for joy! Definately bring the "Bus" to North America!
On 3 December 2010 at 19:06 UTC, rita said:
PLEASE bring back the microbus, still love our '83 van -- had many good times in that van! Look fwd to more!
On 3 December 2010 at 19:08 UTC, rita said:
PLEASE bring back the microbus, I grew up with that as my favorite and still love our '83 van. Had lots of good times in VW and look forward to more.
On 3 December 2010 at 22:39 UTC, Gina said:
Thrilled about the news!!!!
On 4 December 2010 at 11:03 UTC, VW lover said:
please bring it back. And be sure to design it with reverse hinged doors without center posts, much like current Element as. The design is ideal for users of wheelchairs and prevent no problem for able bodied people. And keep it functional and simple.
On 5 December 2010 at 12:20 UTC, Panelsmasher said:
No Hippies ALLOWED!!! but bring the bus back. . . .
On 8 December 2010 at 10:40 UTC, HolyToledo said:
Please bring the new microbus to the states. As a previous poster said, the Honda Element is the closest thing we've got to a microbus here. We want a REAL VW microbus! I'm so sick of SUVs, full-size so-called mini-vans, and "Cute-Utes" that I could barf.
On 8 December 2010 at 18:42 UTC, staciehighland said:
Bring the the bus back to the US! Please Please Please!!!!
On 9 December 2010 at 00:15 UTC, Dieseldoofus said:
I am currently driving an 82 Vanagon diesel Westy. VW needs to bring back the Transporter to the US, not as a "neat, different looking car", but as was originally intended: a utilitarian platform with a number of configurations from transport to camper, sharing parts; NOT "plush"; roomy; economical; durable. Put the remaining Routans in the crusher and bring us something with MEAT on it !
On 9 December 2010 at 04:29 UTC, paul said:
yes, please bring it back!
On 10 December 2010 at 15:59 UTC, TDIplease said:
Bring a TDI version (or the tiguan for that matter) and I will sign up. Loved my 98 TBI new beetle until all the plastic parts crumbled to dust. Hopefully newer materials will age better. Anyway, I would snap up a small diesel utility vehicle. Some car maker is going to be the first with the balls to bring one of these to the US. I hoped Honda would with the CRV, but they wimped out of course.
On 10 December 2010 at 16:05 UTC, 2 Bucks 13 said:
As the father of a handicapped daughter, I would like to see a microbus that could be easily converted to a economical handicapped van. The baby boomers are also getting older and the demand for handicap equiped transportation is on the rise.
On 13 December 2010 at 19:27 UTC, All things Tuetonic said:
Please Please Please
On 17 December 2010 at 11:56 UTC, BeachBumBob said:
Yes bring it on to the U.S.! I just price it so a normal person or family of even a young college student can afford to buy it. I would like you to add some more chrome on it so it isnt "Pussyfied" or looks lame like some of your compitor's cars. Yes Please Keep the Old Classic Style! It's a winner!
Would like to see it both in a stick and manuel transmission option and or a Calif Surf Package.
Would like to see it both in a stick and manuel transmission option and or a Calif Surf Package.
On 17 December 2010 at 18:44 UTC, PdxPaulie said:
I've spent the last 3 years trying to put a TDI into my bay-window westy bus, trying to achieve that MPG / reliability balance. A new camp-able TDI-powered microbus would be too much to resist. I agree with the author that making a new version would need to have the same degree of versatility. A "hose-able" interior as mentioned by another poster would be an incredible bonus. I'll hop on the wait list as soon as the dealer starts taking pre-orders.
On 21 December 2010 at 01:02 UTC, Randar said:
Absolutely, North America needs The Transporter. Diesel.
On 25 December 2010 at 14:37 UTC, 90westfalia said:
PLEASE bring it on. Give it the legendary turning radius of the Westfalia and the
give it lots of skylights and a pop-top. Gift it with cruiser class seats and a DIESEL Bluetec engine. And.... don't make it $60,000 for a base model.
give it lots of skylights and a pop-top. Gift it with cruiser class seats and a DIESEL Bluetec engine. And.... don't make it $60,000 for a base model.
On 3 January 2011 at 01:53 UTC, christmas_bus_wish said:
bring it to the US. Please. Make it reliable (pretty please). make it affordable (not cheap, just affordable).- comparable with the other vans in the US.
On 29 January 2011 at 11:07 UTC, natasha said:
I would totally buy this.
On 7 February 2011 at 10:36 UTC, yex said:
It would be a fight to get a new Microbus-and I would be in it. If there was anything at all like the older Concept at my Dealer, I would be there today to buy one
On 25 February 2011 at 19:41 UTC, Nancy Badass said:
Please bring back the beloved VW bus to USA! I'll be the first one in line to buy it. I want mine to sleep in when I've had 1 too many (no drinking & driving!) & for road-trips on a budget. I want a fridge in it. I would love it to be a hybrid. Color: light pink & white. Options: pretty matching curtains & interior.....peace sign, flower, heart, VW logo. A girl can dream, can't she? This would be a really HOT comeback! Please bring it back to us. Thank you so much!!! xoxo
On 2 March 2011 at 22:17 UTC, axer said:
The bus looks good put to small,should be the same size than the old bus.Make a camper
i buy it tomorrow.Come on vw bring that new bus over to USA and canada thousand of
people like the vw camper, not those monster campers.
Sofar i got 15 vw and one euro van 2002 i sold my last jetta last year. No more VW until
the bus is back the the USA .
Volks wagon people read that! I am not allone? just checkt the internet out there.
Ihr macht zu viele fehler in america.look the mini routan? die americaner sind nicht D------
es greusst axer
i buy it tomorrow.Come on vw bring that new bus over to USA and canada thousand of
people like the vw camper, not those monster campers.
Sofar i got 15 vw and one euro van 2002 i sold my last jetta last year. No more VW until
the bus is back the the USA .
Volks wagon people read that! I am not allone? just checkt the internet out there.
Ihr macht zu viele fehler in america.look the mini routan? die americaner sind nicht D------
es greusst axer
On 5 April 2012 at 13:48 UTC, jaberz said:
Woooot! bring it here to the US of A!!! It has to have all the conventions of the classic T2 camper. Stove, sinks, the works. And the classic designs of the seats too.
On 17 July 2012 at 14:54 UTC, Chris And Kiwa said:
bring it to canada too please. lots of demand here too!
On 5 August 2012 at 18:20 UTC, John F. Leffingwell said:
In the past, I have bought two brand new, and one used VW buses. I would buy two this day (one red and one blue) if they were in production...I'm tired of hearing about Concept, concept, concept!!!! Just build them and you won't be able to meet the U.S.A. demand let a lone the rest of the world. Germany auto makers must be brain dead not to see this gold mine....I pray some other country steps up and produces this winner. Remember..."Winner takes all" so all car makers stop sleeping and make this easy money!!!!
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