by Holly Tribe
The classic VW campervan could be set to make a comeback as Volkswagen design chiefs give the go-ahead for a new generation of motorhome.
Back in 2001, VW built a prototype of the ‘Microbus Concept’, a new campervan based on the original Type 2 generation. But despite widespread approval from the motoring press, mass-production of the van was mothballed, and eventually scrapped in 2005 with the company citing ‘unfeasible costs’ as the reason.
But now, after years of waiting, the Microbus Concept is getting a reprieve. At the LA Auto Show held at the end of November, VW’s Chief Designer, Klaus Bischoff, told motoring magazine Autoexpress: “I would not be doing my job at Volkswagen properly if I was not thinking of bringing back the Camper.”
He explained the final design is still being considered and “the key question is ‘what sort of car should we build?'”
“It could be a traditional MPV, with a conventional interior, or we could be much bolder, designing a more flexible, versatile machine – perhaps one that is closer in spirit to the original model. It is not yet decided,” he added.
The Chief Designer’s comments were later verified by Volkswagen: “Klaus Bischoff confirms #VW is working on plans to ‘bring back’ a new version of the Microbus! Interested?”, the firm published on their official twitter feed.
Although the final design is still far from finished, a sketch (pictured) makes a rough estimation of what the new Microbus might look like. It depicts a simplified version of the 2001 concept with the same retro look but with pared down features aimed at keeping costs down.
The Original Type 2
The original campervans were created by German automaker Volkswagen in May 1950. Production of the first generation marque stopped with the 1967 model year, and the iconic T2 left our shores for good in 1979, but these iconic motorhomes have since developed a cult following around the globe.
Details of a release date have not yet been confirmed, but speculators estimate it could take anything between two to four years to reach the marketplace.
