Iconic Volkswagen Bus Will Make Its Epic Eco-Friendly Comeback By 2022

This bright yellow and deeply problematic Microbus was tasked with taking one equally problematic family across several states so youngest child Olive could compete in the "Little Miss Sunshine" beauty pageant.

Along the way, both its gearshift and horn malfunction, leading to some hilarious and iconic misadventures for the poor family stuck inside (and, often, outside) of it.

In 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice of violation against Volkswagen, accusing the automaker of intentionally programming their engines with software that could detect when the car was undergoing a test cycle, so it would then operate at a pass-worthy level.

In doing so, they ensured their vehicles met the U.S. standards during these tests, although they emitted much higher outputs in real-world driving.

To put it simply, Volkswagen used software in its diesel vehicles to fool emissions tests.

Now, four years since the emissions scandal first broke, the company has announced a "rebirth" of their classic Volkswagen Microbus, this time with a much more eco-friendly spin.

The proposed I.D. Buzz concept is an all-electric tribute to the iconic original with production planned to begin in 2022, Forbes reported.

In the new ad, Simon & Garfunkel's song "Sounds of Silence" plays, likely in a nod to both the 1960s-era song styling and the VW itself.

A design engineer can be seen reacting to a radio report about the diesel scandal before returning to his work designing what would ultimately become the I.D. Buzz concept car.

Basically, the ad is the company's way of admitting that yes, they've done wrong in the past, but they've now come up with a much more eco-friendly concept car that will hopefully help them redeem themselves while also making a positive impact on the environment.

"This campaign is for all those we disappointed, and all of those who stayed with us, those who worked like crazy to keep us moving forward and for all of those who stopped caring," he said. "We have a responsibility to do better, to be greater and we intend to shoulder that responsibility."

Well first of all, nostalgia. Lots and lots of nostalgia.

But more specifically, each bus will reportedly have its batteries and electric motors installed inside the vehicle's floors, thus allowing for much more room for both passengers and cargo. This design also lets the I.D. Buzz meet modern crash safety standards while also keeping its iconic flat face.

On its website, Volkswagen says each I.D. Buzz can fit up to seven people comfortably. There's also a console installed in the van that appears to easily transform from additional compartment space to a handy table for passengers to enjoy during their ride.

Judging from the comments alone, people seemed pretty hyped at the prospect of being able to cruise in an eco-friendly Volkswagen Microbus. It's new, it's retro, and it's good for the environment. What's not to love about this thing?

h/t: Forbes