Intriguing Volkswagen Bulli concept moves closer to reality
(August 14, 2011) Volkswagen's Bulli concept vehicle, a modern interpretation of the original VW Microbus, may be getting the green light for production. The Bulli was a hit at the Geneva Auto Show is March.
Thanks to a lot of positive feedback, VW’s top officials claim that they are “very serious” about giving the Bulli electric MPV concept the green light for production. The plans are now for the Bulli to sell next to the Beetle in a proposed “heritage range.”
The heritage and history isn’t the only reasoning behind finally turning the Volkswagen Bulli into a real car. Much like the original VW van, there’s an ambition to capture the mood of the times. Volkswagen wants to genuinely make a heritage lineup and not just a model.
The chance that the Bulli concept would remain an electric car are slim. But it may give Volkswagen the opportunity to showcase some progress in the world of fuel economy, perhaps with some hybrid technology.
If the intriguing Bulli does get the green light, Volkswagen will most likely make the Bulli’s production version at its Mexican plant and a market release could happen as soon as 2014.
Inside the Bulli concept has six seats, three on a front bench seat (which can be split and folded) and three on the rear bench which can be folded flat to maximize loadspace — or turn into a bed in the true spirit of the iconic campervan.