Volkswagen's Microbus-inspired concept has the 'thumbs up' for production so far, but it needs a global green light first.
10 Mar 2017 | 6746 Views | By Richard Bremner, Autocar UK
Volkswagen is close to greenlighting its Microbus-inspired ID Buzz concept, with public reaction set to determine whether it goes into production.
"The concept has been well-received in the US and Europe," said design chief Klaus Bischoff, "but the missing link is China. From the business case point of view it’s ...
This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.
Volkswagen is close to greenlighting its Microbus-inspired ID Buzz concept, with public reaction set to determine whether it goes into production.
"The concept has been well-received in the US and Europe," said design chief Klaus Bischoff, "but the missing link is China. From the business case point of view it’s quite an investment – it needs a global green light. In the meantime, it’s thumbs up."
Bischoff admitted that the design of the ID Buzz, which is the same length as a long-wheelbase Caravelle, is currently being worked on. "It’s more than a skin, and more than a show car," he added. "Maybe it will shrink a little, but inside it is much bigger."
The ID Buzz is the third Microbus concept, but the previous two never made production. "I've tried quite a bit to bring this [the Microbus] to life," Bischoff said. "This is the final temptation."
The Buzz will be followed by an electric SUV concept for the Shanghai Motor Show, followed by a saloon concept later this year. The SUV will look "non-aggressive but self-confident," according to Bischoff, while a "surprise" is promised for the saloon, which apparently prompted 'wows' from colleagues on seeing it for the first time.