Most of us never got the chance to cruise in a Volkswagen bus, which is a damn shame really because these things are just so iconic and so deliciously retro.
Of course, at the time of their release in the 1960s, they were just considered another groovy and relatively inexpensive way to get around town. But since then, these rotund buses have become a shining example of just how deep our obsession with everything cool and retro really goes.
However, we may soon have the opportunity to own our very own VW, and maybe even clean up the air while we’re at it.
If you’re like me, you probably recognize the VW bus best as being from the movie, “Little Miss Sunshine.”
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.
While VW buses have become a pop culture icon, they have also faced their fair share of criticism and even scandal.
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.
The scandal left a huge black mark on the company who have since struggled to come back from the damage this caused their brand.
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.
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The proposed I.D. Buzz concept is an all-electric tribute to the iconic original with production planned to begin in 2022, Forbes reported.
The company recently released a new ad campaign to move the brand forward and upward.
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.
At the end of the ad, the viewer is left with the message, “In the darkness, we found the light. Introducing a new era of electric driving.”
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.
Volkswagen Group of America President and CEO Scott Keogh said this new car and campaign are for everyone.
“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.”
So what can we expect from this new-old Volkswagen Microbus?
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.
Inside, the camper van looks spacious, making it perfect for long car rides.
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.
To get the full sense of what this new kind of electric van will offer, check out the company’s YouTube video below.
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