Volkswagen resurrects its microbus

VOLKSWAGEN is resurrecting its iconic microbus, which debuted in 1950 and became a favourite of hippies for its unique styling and copious space for travellers.

Volkswagen is showing a concept version of the van — known by its German nickname, the Bulli — at the Geneva Auto Show. Among the six-seater’s modern twists: It’s powered by an electric motor and uses an iPad to control the entertainment system, climate control and other functions.

Volkswagen said the Bulli can go up to 300km on a single battery charge. That’s far, considering that the Nissan Leaf is rated at 117km on a charge by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The Bulli can go up to 140km per hour.

Dutch Volkswagen importer, Ben Pon, sketched out a simple public bus built on the wheels of the Volkswagen Beetle in 1947. The original Bulli was made from 1950 to 1967. Other versions followed, and the vehicle was eventually sold worldwide.

The concept is slightly shorter and wider than the original, with a less boxy front.

Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed that the concept van will go into production.