Will the New Microbus Replace the Eurovan or Join It?
Nearly as much of an icon as Volkswagen's classic Beetle, the Volkswagen 'Bus' has shared the spotlight with the VW Beetle as one of the most easily recognizable vehicles ever built. Round, tall and synonymous with surfers in the '60s and the hippies in the '70s, the funky Microbus became a style and image emissary.
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| The retro Volkswagen Microbus may find its way back onto roads sooner than expected. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
Wakened from its cryogenic automotive freeze in 2001 with the Microbus Concept (see detailed review in concept archives), the 'Bulli' could be on the road sooner than initially thought. Announced by VW President, Bernd Pischetsrieder, the return of the retro bus could be as soon as 2006.
For those bent on looking in the rearview mirror, literally and figuratively, the return of such an automotive icon will be of particularly good news, taking its place alongside the reincarnated New Beetle and New Beetle Convertible.
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| Will the 2006 Microbus replace the slow selling Eurovan, in the same way the New Beetle Convertible took over for the Golf Cabrio? (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
Whether or not the 2006 Microbus will completely replace the Eurovan in the same way that the New Beetle Convertible took over for the Golf Cabrio is anyone's guess. Being that the Eurovan is very slow selling in North America, despite enjoying an ardent following, it's entirely possible VW will pull the plug once the new retro van becomes available.
The Microbus should garner a loyalty of its own, however, with half of the total Hanover plant production expected to ship to North America.