Few vehicles trigger happier memories than the iconic Volkswagen bus, a practical van
that became an emblem of the free-wheeling '60s.
VW has toyed for years with the idea of bringing back this model, and this week it's
displaying its latest interpretation of the bus at the Geneva motor show.
Dubbed the Bulli, as the original bus was called in Germany, the concept vehicle
features cutting-edge technology and a zero-emission electric drivetrain, yet remains
true to the spirit of the bus launched in 1950.
While the Bulli is a show car, the company indicated it might provide the inspiration
for a new model that would join the VW lineup.
"This concept has the potential to establish a new people carrier next to the Caddy,
Touran, Sharan and its large counterpart, the Caravelle," Volkswagen said in a
statement, referring to its global lineup of family haulers.
The Bulli is equipped with an electric motor located forward of the front axle. Powered
by a 3,200-pound lithium-ion battery, it can store 40 kilowatt hours of electricity
providing a driving range of 186.4 miles.
But the vehicle also can be fitted with VW's gas and diesel direct-injection engines.
With a length of 156 inches, a width of 68.4 inches and height of 66 inches, the two-
toned Bulli is wider and shorter than the old bus.
"It's very cool-looking," said Jack Nerad, an industry analyst at Kelley Blue Book, the
used-car pricing firm. "There are retro elements to it, but it's not a retro design."
The Bulli's interior combines technological updates with nostalgic touches. Like the
old Microbus, as it was known in the United States, the Bulli concept has a single
bench seat in front.
Its updated console features a removable iPad offering Internet-based applications as
well as controlling functions, such as a Bluetooth hands-free phone and a navigation
system. U.S. guitar and amplifier maker Fender produced the sound system.
Like the old bus, the Bulli's seating system can be rearranged easily into a large
reclining surface, transforming the vehicle into a compact camper.
Analysts said they expected Volkswagen to launch a model based on the Bulli concept, in
part to fulfill its ambitious U.S. sales targets. The Wolfsburg, Germany-based
automaker aims to triple U.S. sales of VW cars by 2018.
Currently it offers the Routan in North America, a slow-selling model derived from
Chrysler's Dodge Caravan.
A production version of the Bulli is likely to appeal "to the same demographic that was
drawn to the minibus back in the day — the 18-to-34's," Nerad said.
"It would probably bag some aging boomers who were fans of the original Microbus, as
well."
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