Volkswagen Just Re-Released Everyone’s Favourite Hippy-Van… But Now It’s Electric – Design You Trust — Design Daily Since 2007

Volkswagen Just Re-Released Everyone’s Favourite Hippy-Van… But Now It’s Electric

1

Rumours have begun to circulate about the re-emergence of the iconic VW hippy-van, a beloved road-trip staple and unparalleled adventure machine. Board member, Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser spilled the beans at the recent New York Auto Show that Volkswagen is in fact working on producing an electric version of the classic camper bus.

2

Years of sourcing VW buses from Kijiji, Craigslist and auto-trader websites have long left van enthusiasts wondering why production for the popular vehicle ever halted in the first place. The first VW camper was produced in 1950, and in the ’70s, production for the iconic bus was outsourced to Brazil due to a number of changing German safety regulations. In 2013, the assembly-line was halted all together because the vehicles failed to meet a 2014 modification to Brazilian safety standards, including the requirements of ABS and multiple airbags.

The rumours have been confirmed that Volkswagen is producing an electric version of the classic camper bus.

3

However, with these requirements in mind and a vision of re-invigorating sales in the US, it looks like Volkswagen may be re-introducing the cult-classic with a modern twist of sustainability to create the ultimate form of hippy transportation. Neusser spoke to Autocar about the importance of maintaining a number of “very important” original hippy-bus features.

“First the wide, solid, D-Pillar, second the boxy design of the centre section and, thirdly, the front end must have a very short overhang. The distance from the A-pillar to the front end must be very short.”

4

We can only keep our fingers crossed that it maintains the original aesthetic, unlike previous vehicle concepts.

Re-launching the hippy-bus seems too good to be true—is it possible that Neusser is just getting our hopes up? Unfortunately the new electric model of the hippy-classic is still a concept car, and releasing it to the masses depends largely on manufacturing cost.

5

As Outsideonline points out, the company has a track record of teasing hippy-bus diehards with promises of re-initiating the VW factory lines with updated versions of the classic vehicle, including the 2001 Retro Microbus and 2011 Bulli. Still, it’s worth noting that neither of these versions hold a candle to the original design. If Volkswagen does revive the old bus from the dead, we can only keep our fingers crossed that it maintains the original aesthetic, rather than slapping the VW logo on a Yaris and trying to make it cool, like the aforementioned 2011 concept.

6

Via The Plaid Zebra

If you want more awesome content, subscribe to 'Design You Trust Facebook page. You won't be disappointed.

More Inspiring Stories

A Bullied Student With Vitiligo Is Celebrating Learning To Love Her Skin By Turning It Into Art
This Restaurant Is Designed To Look Like A Teddy Bear Factory
Georgia Couple Convert Old Blue Bird School Bus Into A Cozy Home On Wheels
Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken: The World Of Daniel Lismore
Stare Into The Deep Blue Darkness Of The Abyss Dining Table
Fuck COVID-19: I Survived Coronavirus 2020 Coin Is Here!
How Is It Even Possible To Make Such Things Out Of Sand?!
Guy Proposes With Engagement Ring Made From Wisdom Tooth, And His Girlfriend Loves It
Wire Animal Sculptures Look Like Life-Size Scribbled Drawings Suspended in Mid-Air
Vintage Photos of Ugly Restaurants in the USA From the Mid-20th Century
"Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?": A CGI Master Made A New Artwork Every Day For 10 Years
This 20 Foot-Wide Tapestry By The Fiber Artist Vanessa Barragão Recreates The World In Textural Yarn
Artist Duo Creates Large Installations Based On Phrases
Programmer Decided To Do Something That Would Get Her Away From The Computer - Started Making Driftwood Portraits
These Surf Enthusiasts Are Repurposing Old Billboards Into Awesome, Sustainable Surf Bags
Someone Just Made An Epic ‘Game Of Thrones’ Lamp
Davos Elite Genetic Secrets For Sale: The Davos Collection Heads To Auction
Solar Powered Glow-In-The-Dark Bike Path Inspired By Van Gogh
Innovative Russian Bakery Uses 'Brushstroke' Decorations To Create The Most Amazing Cakes
Artist Spends 200 Hours Making Stunning Portrait Of Bill Murray Out Of Rolled Vinyl Tape
“Yoga Joes” Green Army Men Toys Encourage People To Find Inner Peace
This Entrepreneur Makes Anti-Mask Masks For Anti-Maskers
Ramen Guitar: Russian Craftsmen Builds A Tasty Guitar Out Of Instant Ramen Noodles
Chocolate Now Comes In Slices And We’re Very, Very Excited