Volkswagen New Concept Car "Microbus" a Homage to a Great Tradition

WOLFSBURG, Germany and DETROIT January 8, 2001; Volkswagen is showing the concept car "Microbus" as a world premiere at the North American International Auto Show. You can watch the complete presentation right here on TACH.

The bus of the future was designed in the Volkswagen design studio in California especially for the US market. With its original design and numerous innovative ideas, the Microbus harks back to a great tradition, starting in 1950 with the first VW bus. This Volkswagen was successful worldwide and reached cult status, especially in the USA, with the name Microbus. This design study redefines this cult with an up-to-date expression of personality and freedom.

With the background of the legendary first generation of VW buses, the design of which is even today as well-known and well-loved as that of the Beetle and the New Beetle, the designers didn't want to run the risk of merely copying the old bus style. The aim was to create another Volkswagen original, which was to pay homage to a great history in its own independent visionary way. The innovative Californian design team has succeeded in doing just this. This independence is demonstrated on the Microbus by the striking front and with particularly thin-line Xenon headlights, the design of the side windows and the large sliding doors. These open and close electronically at the push of a button. The wide wheel arches guarantee a dynamic appearance. They provide the space for the specially designed 20" alloy wheels.

The Microbus offers three rows of seats. The middle center seats can be turned through 180 degrees and the third row has been designed as a bench seat. All passengers have the protection of an integral seat belt. Intelligent features such as these are characteristic of many features in the interior. The Microbus can be transformed into a veritable car cinema: The appropriate visual images are provided by a seven-inch screen in the center console, four monitors in the backrests of the first and second rows as well as two extendable displays between the second and third rows.

A second seven-inch 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.