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Forbes
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
VW's Nostalgic Reboot: The Microbus
Volkswagen, second-largest car maker in the world after Toyota, had been tinkering for two decades with a simple, compelling idea: design an updated version of the Microbus, the iconic ride of the 1960s 'flower power' generation and one of the best-selling vehicles of all time. It should have been a no-brainer. Volkswagen had banked on riding a wave of nostalgia for a treasured symbol of 1960s hippie counterculture as a gambit to refresh the brand and try to broaden its shrinking share of the prized U.S. auto market. For more than 50 years, the company has tried and failed to breech its peak of 7%, set when the Microbus was a Boomer favorite way back when. The bus and its older sibling, a micro-passenger car dubbed the Beetle or Bug, were part of a phenomenal marketing campaign complete with clever, self-deprecating ads. In one ad it pitched to families with children, the flat, hoodless front of the Microbus was described as 'a face only a mother could love.' It was smart, thrifty, and hip to drive a Microbus. From the late 1950s through the 1970s the Microbus was among the better-selling imported vehicles in the U.S., in the process shaping the culture of a generation and blazing a trail for vans and campers. Like the Beetle, the Microbus boasted then-unheard of fuel efficiency—averaging 24 miles per gallon—and it was affordable. The base price for the VW bus in 1970, the peak year for unit sales in the US, was about $2,500, equal to about $21,000 today when adjusted for inflation. The best-selling car at the time, the Ford Galaxy, cost more than $3,000. The Microbus appealed to thousands of families with young children, Boomers with wanderlust, and hipsters with disdain for Detroit's gas-guzzling muscle cars. Of the roughly six million produced worldwide, more than 800,000 were sold in the U.S. between 1955 and 1979. Assuming those 800,000 had more than one owner, there potentially could be a couple of million Americans who'd have a soft spot in their hearts for an updated edition. It was a natural branding opportunity. Volkswagen teased the notion in 2001 with a picture of what a reimagined Microbus might look like. According to a company announcement at the time, the concept Microbus 'was designed in the Volkswagen design studio in California especially for the U.S. market.' A flurry of interest came and went, but no car went into production. Fast forward to 2016. At a Las Vegas consumer electronics show that year, company executives offered a hopeful plan for a new and improved VW bus. It would be an affordable all-electric vehicle called the Budd-E. Another flurry of interest came and went, but still no car. It would be eight more years before the new Microbus finally debuted in the U.S., last Thanksgiving. In the interim came the Tesla juggernaut and the surge in demand for all-electric vehicles. Between 2016 and 2024, while VW was dithering its way through the design and production process of its reboot—renamed the sold nearly 7.25 million electric vehicles and China flooded the global market. Across the U.S. auto-verse, industry experts and reviewers had been eager to get their hands on the new Microbus and give it a test drive. The nostalgia factor was strong. Auto enthusiasts were rooting for it. But Americans were losing interest in all-electrics. In spite of polls that showed up to 40% of American consumers 'interested' in EVs, a First Insight survey in 2022 found that only one in seven Americans said they would actually consider buying one. Today that number is even smaller. The single biggest obstacle to EV adoption has been range anxiety, whether real or imagined. U.S. drivers don't like to have to plan their itinerary around charging opportunities. In a country where there is a gas station on just about every corner, why risk running out of watts? So, reviewers and auto industry analysts were stunned to learn that the range of the was E.P.A.-rated at only 230 miles (versus about 300 miles for a Tesla). Actual tests found that, at highway speeds, the new Microbus couldn't even go 200 miles without a charge. Additionally, the new bus was priced at between $60,000 and $70,000 depending on options, putting it up against luxury SUVs. This was not the smart, frugal, hip ride that was the foundation of VW's original popularity of the Microbus. Hundreds of disappointed fans vented on subreddit r/electricvehicles: 'VW ID buzz - why is it not working out in the U.S.?' According to published reports, sales of the in the U.S. have been predictably lackluster: fewer than 2,000 in the first quarter this year, and fewer than 1,000 in the second. Globally however the car is said to be selling faster. Somehow, it seems that VW managed to miss the point of its own origin story at least with the US market. As one reviewer wrote, 'The original Microbus is one of those iconic cars that was born from entirely practical considerations, and all of the character and personality and soul that it developed over the years was an unintended side effect of just being such a useful, unpretentious machine.' This might have been a different story had VW further observed how Toyota has managed its power systems and perhaps engaged consumers to understand their needs and concerns. Toyota began producing its ubiquitous economy hybrid, the Prius, in 1997. Toyota dodged the range issue completely. Today, the majority of Toyota's car sales are hybrids and last year the Prius was named the 'greenest' car in the U.S. by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. Globally, the company has sold more than 6 million. Marketing cars is subject to the same rules of retail engagement as selling lingerie or throw pillows or smart phones. Success comes to companies that deliver what customers have said they want (and need), at a price they are willing to pay. As things look, that's may be a very expensive lesson for a number of companies.
Glasgow Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow: The Laurieston pub gets visit from Fontaines D.C.
Grian Chatten, frontman of Fontaines D.C., was spotted enjoying a drink and chatting with staff at The Laurieston Bar on Bridge Street—just south of the River Clyde—the same day the band performed at Glasgow Green. The iconic Southside venue was bustling with punters as the Dublin-born musician mingled with staff and fans. (Image: The Laurieston pub Facebook) READ MORE: Kevin Bridges poses with huge TRNSMT act The Laurieston is widely regarded as one of the best pubs in the UK, lauded for its 'cult status' and 'almost unspoilt' 1960s interior, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Glasgow's social history. The pub posted the snap on social media with the caption: "Great to have Grian Chatten from @fontainesband in the pub yesterday. Thanks for taking time to take a picture with the staff." Later that evening, Fontaines D.C. delivered a powerful set on the Main Stage, just ahead of headliners Biffy Clyro. As reported by The Glasgow Times, the band used their performance to shine a light on the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel. READ MORE: Fontaines DC lead Palestine chant during TRNSMT set During their set, Chatten led the crowd in a passionate 'Free Palestine' chant following the band's performance of Bug, with many audience members joining in and waving Palestinian flags. A Palestinian flag was draped over the band's stage equipment, and guitarist Carlos O'Connell displayed a 'Free Palestine' sticker on his guitar. READ MORE: Fontaines D.C. fans are all wearing this ONE thing to TRNSMT Fans also paid tribute by donning a limited-edition Fontaines D.C. x Bohemians FC football shirt, which was released last year. Designed by guitarist Carlos O'Connell in collaboration with Dublin-based Bohemians Football Club, the jersey was created to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). The kit also pays homage to the band's acclaimed fourth album, Romance, which has earned widespread critical acclaim.
Glasgow Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Kevin Bridges spotted at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow
The 38-year-old Clydebank comic attended the event with his wife and was photographed alongside Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten. Sharing the moment on social media, Bridges captioned the image: 'A wee day oot…' READ MORE: Fontaines DC lead Palestine chant during TRNSMT set Fontaines D.C., who took to the main stage ahead of headliners Biffy Clyro, used their performance to draw attention to the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel. As reported by The Glasgow Times, lead singer Grian Chatten led the crowd in a passionate 'Free Palestine' chant following the band's performance of Bug. Audience members quickly joined in, with many seen waving Palestinian flags. (Image: Kevin Bridges Instagram) READ MORE: Fontaines D.C. fans are all wearing this ONE thing to TRNSMT A Palestinian flag was draped over the band's stage equipment, and guitarist Carlos O'Connell displayed a 'Free Palestine' sticker on his guitar. Fans of the band also paid tribute by wearing a unique Fontaines D.C. x Bohemians FC football shirt. The limited-edition jersey, designed by O'Connell in collaboration with Dublin-based Bohemians Football Club, was released last year to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). The kit also serves as a tribute to the band's acclaimed fourth album, Romance, which received widespread critical praise.
Glasgow Times
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Fontaines DC lead Palestine chant during TRNSMT set
Performing on the main stage before headliners Biffy Clyro, the Irish group weren't shy in using their platform to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel. (Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest) Grian led a free free Palestine chant after their tune, Bug, and the crowd quickly joined in as a sea of Palestine flags went up in the air. The Irish group had a Palestine flag draped over their equipment on stage and Carlos O'Connell had a free Palestine sticker on his guitar. (Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest) The pinnacle of the set was when the group performed I Love You from their album, Skinty Fia. Free Palestine appeared on the two big screens on either side of the stage as Grian belted the line 'Selling genocide' in the song's bridge and a Palestine flag appeared on the huge screen behind them. They also displayed the sign 'Israel is committing genocide, use your voice' during the song. It wasn't long before the crowd led their own free Palestine chant. (Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest) We reported earlier today that fans of the band were all wearing a Dublin Bohemians FC's footie top which has the band's logo emblazoned on it. It is a one-off edition designed by guitarist Carlos O'Connell. The design, which is a third alternative jersey, raised funds for Medical Aid For Palestinians (MAP) when it was released last year. The top is also a homage to the band's award-winning fourth album Romance. (Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest) Fontaines played an incredible set this evening, with strong choices from each of their albums. Before playing Favourite from their new album Romance, Grian dedicated the song to Glasgow, revealing the city is the band's home away from home. He added: "We love you." (Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest) (Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest) After finishing the set with Starburster, the band left the stage as Grian stayed behind. Taking to the mic one last time, he said: "Cheers Glasgow. Free Palestine."
Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Fun With Kids: Book Bugs cards, free screening at Gardens by the Bay, Hong Kong Disneyland turns 20
Visit the Book Bugs: Unearthing Memories exhibition, watch Walking With Dinosaurs series and be part of Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th anniversary celebrations. PHOTO: BBC, HONG KONG DISNEYLAND, NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD Fun With Kids: Book Bugs cards, free screening at Gardens by the Bay, Hong Kong Disneyland turns 20 SINGAPORE – Make family time all the more special with these ideas and activities. Book Bugs cards exhibition If your kids are avid collectors of the National Library Board's (NLB) Book Bugs cards, take them to the Book Bugs: Unearthing Memories exhibition, which will showcase all 425 cards from five editions since 2016. Until July 17, four public libraries in Punggol, Tampines, Jurong and Woodlands, as well as the Central Library in Victoria Street will each showcase a panel of cards from an edition. Complete the activities at these libraries to get a limited-edition Book Bugs postcard. From July 29 to Aug 17, all five panels will be exhibited at the Asian Civilisations Museum, where you can collect a commemorative card featuring Empress, a new Book Bug inspired by a royal assyrian butterfly. These Book Bugs programmes kick off NLB's 30th anniversary celebrations. Book Bugs: Unearthing Memories will exhibit all 425 cards from five editions since 2016. PHOTO: NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD Book Bugs was launched to encourage children to visit libraries and discover the joy of reading. They earn points by borrowing books or e-books, which can then be exchanged for the collectible cards. As of April 2025 , more than 486,000 people have participated in Book Bugs activities and events, with more than 9.1 million cards redeemed. Find out more at BBC Earth Screening Festival Watch the new Walking With Dinosaurs series' first episode at the free BBC Earth Screening Festival, which returns to Gardens by the Bay. PHOTO: BBC A new series of Walking With Dinosaurs has premiered on BBC Earth, 25 years after its original debut. Each of the six fresh episodes offers the perspective of a different prehistoric creature. These include a Spinosaurus, the largest carnivorous dinosaur, navigating the rivers of ancient Morocco and a Triceratops fending off a hungry Tyrannosaurus rex in North America. Your family can catch the first episode at the free BBC Earth Screening Festival, which returns to Gardens by the Bay's Supertree Grove on July 5. Arrive early to enjoy a line-up of dinosaur-themed fringe activities, which start at 5pm, before the 8pm screening. Budding palaeontologists can dig for bones and eggs at the fossil excavation pit and unleash their creativity at the dino egg painting station. Families can also enjoy free popcorn and Choco Dinosaur drinks – while stocks last – and watch animated shows Bluey (2018 to present), Hey Duggee (2014 to present) and Stan Can (2025). Go to for details on the event. Watch the remaining episodes on BBC Earth (StarHub Channel 407 and Singtel Channel 203) and BBC Player. Hong Kong Disneyland turns 20 Meet the beloved characters of Encanto at the Friendtastic! Parade. PHOTO: HONG KONG DISNEYLAND Plan a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, which is celebrating its 20th birthday with a year-long party. The festivities, which kicked off on June 28, feature a 15-minute concert-style show Disney Friends Live: Party At The Castle!. The star-studded line-up includes Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Duffy and Disney Princesses – all in special party attire. Be sure to catch Friendtastic!, the largest parade in the park's history. This 30-minute spectacle features 11 floats and more than 100 performers, including the debut appearances of Isabela from Encanto (2021) and Officer Clawhauser from Zootopia (2016). Round up your outing with an evening show that illuminates the sky for nearly 30 minutes. Momentous: Party In The Night Sky involves eight multimedia elements, including projection mapping, drones, lasers and pyrotechnics effects. Find out more at Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
