Long live the Microbus

Volkswagen built a new version of the Microbus as a show car in 2001, but they've decided not to build it - despite the great public reaction it got at auto shows, and the fierce devotion of the Microbus's legion of fans.

I honestly cannot understand what VW is doing these days. The New Beetle singlehandedly saved the company in North America, but instead of following it up with an updated version of their other beloved classic, they're concentrating on luxury cars and SUVs nobody wants to buy as long as they bear the humble VW badge on the front. (This despite the fact that they already have a luxury division, Audi.) And once again, for no particular reason, we North Americans have to wait for the latest version of the Golf and Jetta long after it's been on the market in Europe.

Volkswagen almost pulled out of North America in the early 1990s, and I won't be at all surprised if they actually do it within the next decade. It's like the company doesn't want to understand this market.

Posted by damian at November 30, 2004 07:36 AM