18 | CONCEPTS
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has a legacy of unusual concept vehicles
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s the next generation of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles such as the I.D. BUZZ are revealed, it highlights that many new models like this originally began life as a concept vehicle or prototype to eventually evolve into a ready-to-market production version. To honour the German brand’s heritage of iconic vans and unusual concepts, here are some of the best design studies since the turn of the century - from the very earliest Microbus revival
through to adventurous Amaroks and sea-faring Caddys. Highlighted at many motor shows over the years, each concept has put its own unique stamp on the design talents within Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. And while not all of these creative ideas made it into dealerships, each design study has provided a futuristic look to what’s next for the humble van and helped shape the future of the brand.
2001: Volkswagen Microbus Concept The Microbus/Bulli concept debuted at the IAA in 2001 and showed a vision for the next generation Transporter. It featured a seven-inch screen in the dashboard with another in the roof allowing drivers to see behind them. Power was from a new 3.2-litre V6 engine. The concept spawned a design series which included the 2011 Bulli and 2016 BUDD-e, showing the brand’s desire for a model that harks back to the iconic original but encapsulates modern design and powertrains. The all-electric I.D. BUZZ will now look to bring the classic Bulli design into the 21st century.
2006: Volkswagen Crafter Atacama Prepared by the Design Centre in Wolfsburg, the Atacama was a short-wheelbase Crafter ready for life off-road with an innovative four-wheel-drive system. Named after the South American desert, the vehicle had off-road body panels, larger wheel arches and a rear ladder. An upper sleeping level could be fitted for life in the great outdoors. The Atacama name was used on a special edition Amarok in 2015.
2008: Volkswagen Caddy ToposSail Created for the Caravan Salon in 2008, the ToposSail was designed as the ultimate lifestyle Caddy. Taking inspiration from 1950s sports boats, the Caddy ToposSail featured a rooftop sundeck accessible from a hidden ladder and wooden rear loading platform. On the sundeck, secret compartments stored cushions and awnings, while the wooden design could be adjusted to create a sun lounger layout. Tinted windows and aluminium inlays added to the exclusive feel for the yachting van.
FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Autumn 2020
