Latest news with #Microbus
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Britain's most popular car brand to bring back ‘favourite' model with a retro twist
Popular car brand Volkswagen are looking to offer a new practical alternative to SUVs with qualities similar to the iconic microbus. The MPVs are renowned for their space, practicality and people carrying, making them the According to It is these features that have led to the car being likened to a modern-day microbus. The microbus was first introduced in 1950 and went on to have an iconic history, becoming synonymous with hippie culture. Motors The design direction of the new model is still under wraps although it is expected to be influenced by the likes of the 2011 Bulli and 2016 Budd-e. This new take on the classic Microbus type 2 is reportedly aimed at families looking for a 'no-nonsense, high-utility electric vehicle with sliding rear doors and strong day-to-day usability.' It is rumoured that this new model is under internal review, with a production decision yet to be officially made. Reportedly, Volkswagen recently retrieved various MPV concepts from storage to support these internal discussions and explore how their design could be adapted for a new model. Most read in Motors Autocar added: 'This move reflects a broader shift in thinking in Volkswagen's Wolfsburg headquarters in , where there is renewed recognition that a dedicated family-focused MPV may still have commercial relevance.' This model would rival popular electric SUV models like the 2026 Genesis GV70, No old ideas The design direction of the car is also yet to be revealed, although buyers can expect an upright silhouette, short overhangs, a flat floor and a high roof line. All of these considerations have been made with the aim of making the car as spacious as possible. Launched in 2003, the Touran model is one of the most successful European models of its type with 2.6 million units sold globally. However, it could soon be replaced with this new model. It is reported that if given the green light, the new model could be released as soon as 2027 or 2028. This has the potential to revive the Touran badge in line with Volkswagen's plan to provide future 1 The 2016 Budd-e that the model is set to take inspiration from
Car and Driver
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
VW to Restore the Microbus That Survived the California Wildfires
A white-over-blue Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus that survived the Los Angeles wildfires was the star of a famous photograph. In the photo, it looked to be entirely spared, but the far side was blistered by the heat. Now, Volkswagen of America has offered to restore it back to its original glory, as a symbol of hope. After devastating wildfires tore through neighborhoods around Los Angeles, there was little hope to be found. Rich or poor, people lost their homes and possessions, and many are still waiting to be allowed to return home. But among the countless images of charred destruction, one stood out: a white-over-blue 1977 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus, surrounded by burnt and broken buildings but seemingly untouched. Mark J. Terrill | AP AP photographer Mark J. Terrill snapped the above photo, and it instantly went viral. A vintage VW Microbus is as pure California as it comes, and for such a machine to have survived seemed like a little fragment of magic in a time when many were reeling. However, it wasn't completely untouched by the fires. It suffered significant scorching on the right side, which is hidden in the photo. Now, Volkswagen of America will be restoring this survivor to like-new condition. The '77 Bus belongs to Megan Weinraub, a resident of Malibu who designs surfboards and skateboards. She was learning to drive a manual transmission with it. Before that, it belonged to Weinraub's business partner, Preston Martin—also a surfboard maker. He lived in the van during his senior year of college to save money. His mom sewed curtains for it. This VW van is so 100 percent Californian, they should put it on a flag and fly it over the state capitol. Volkswagen Volkswagen of America needed special permission to rescue the T2—which Weinraub has dubbed 'Azul' for its blue hue–as the area was still closed to the public. From there, it was shipped to VW's Oxnard campus, where Volkswagen's historic vehicles fleet is stored and maintained. It's going to need significant mechanical work and repairs to the scorched side, but it's in the right hands. Along with offering to repair Weinraub's beloved VW, Volkswagen also donated to the California Fire Foundation earlier this year. The announcement about the restoration came on June 2, which happens to be the third International Volkswagen Bus Day on the national day calendar. Volkswagen Volkswagen T2 buses have been homes and transportation for many people over the years, not to mention a Hollywood star in films such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Little Miss Sunshine. It could not be more fitting that, when SoCal was hurting, a little VW Microbus provided a small miracle of hope. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volkswagen and Uber to test, deploy robotaxis
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Volkswagen and Uber inked a partnership to offer robotaxi service on the Uber app via thousands of the automaker's ID. Buzz vans, the companies announced April 24. Testing with human operators is set to begin later this year. The companies anticipate launching the service in Los Angeles in 2026 before expanding to other U.S. locations over the next decade. Volkswagen's all-electric ID. Buzz, a retro-styled minivan with a design based on the classic Volkswagen bus, can seat up to seven passengers. It was first available for sale in the U.S. in 2024. Volkswagen's ride pool and autonomous mobility arm, MOIA, will be responsible for the van's self-driving technology and the software to deploy the vehicles on the Uber platform. The subsidiary has been developing and testing autonomous ride pool service in Hamburg, Germany, since 2021. Automakers have increasingly tapped strategic partnerships such as the one between Volkswagen and Uber to expedite deployment of autonomous technology. For example, robotaxi company Waymo has partnered with Jaguar to expand its self-driving ride hail service in a handful of U.S. cities and it recently announced a partnership with Hyundai to install fully autonomous driving technology in the Ioniq 5. And in August 2024, General Motors announced a partnership with Uber through GM's robotaxi subsidiary Cruise—before the automaker stopped funding Cruise in December 2024, citing an 'increasingly competitive robotaxi market' and a new focus on autonomous driving for personal vehicles. 'Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer—we are shaping the future of mobility, and our collaboration with Uber accelerates that vision,' Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility, said in a statement. He added that Volkswagen combines 'high-volume manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of urban mobility needs.' With thousands of ID. Buzz vans on U.S. city streets, the partnership could also draw more customers to the ride hailing service as well as buyers for VW's EV microbus. 'Through our work with Uber, we'll introduce the ID. Buzz, the reimagined version of the iconic Microbus in all-electric form, to a growing number of riders in the years to come,' said Kjell Gruner, Volkswagen Group of America president and CEO. Recommended Reading NHTSA seeks to fast-track AV deployment Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volkswagen and Uber partner to deploy autonomous ID. Buzz
Volkswagen Group of America Inc.'s autonomous mobility subsidiary Volkswagen ADMT, LLC, and Uber Technologies, Inc. have announced a strategic partnership to deploy a fleet of thousands of all-electric, fully autonomous ID. Buzz AD vehicles within multiple US markets over the next decade, starting in Los Angeles. Testing is expected to begin later this year, with the first commercial launch expected in Los Angeles in 2026. During the initial testing and launch phases, ID. Buzz AD vehicles will have human operators onboard to help refine the technology and ensure safety. Each step will proceed only after any necessary regulatory approvals have been received. MOIA, a Volkswagen AG autonomous mobility brand, will provide its integrated solution for autonomous driving which includes the ID. Buzz AD and software-based system for the deployment on the Uber platform. 'Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer—we are shaping the future of mobility, and our collaboration with Uber accelerates that vision,' said Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility. 'What really sets us apart is our ability to combine the best of both worlds—high-volume manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of urban mobility needs.' 'Volkswagen believes that mobility is transformational. Our partnership with Uber is the next step for us to realize this vision and unleash the potential of autonomous mobility,' said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. 'Through our work with Uber, we'll introduce the ID. Buzz, the reimagined version of the iconic Microbus in all-electric form, to a growing number of riders in the years to come.' 'This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of autonomous mobility, and highlights both Volkswagen's and Uber's shared dedication to building the future of transportation,' said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. 'We can't wait to launch in Los Angeles late next year." Uber has struck deals with multiple partners to deploy self-driving technology across its ride share, delivery and freight businesses. Volkswagen has been testing its ID Buzz vans with human operators in Austin, Texas. "Volkswagen and Uber partner to deploy autonomous ID. Buzz" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Volkswagen and Uber Launch Long-Term Strategic Partnership to Deploy Autonomous ID. Buzz Vehicles on the Uber Platform
BELMONT, Calif. & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Volkswagen Group of America Inc.'s autonomous mobility subsidiary Volkswagen ADMT, LLC, and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) today announced a strategic partnership to deploy a fleet of thousands of all-electric, fully autonomous ID. Buzz AD vehicles within multiple U.S. markets over the next decade, starting in Los Angeles. Testing is expected to begin later this year, with the first commercial launch expected in Los Angeles in 2026. During the initial testing and launch phases, ID. Buzz AD vehicles will have human operators onboard to help refine the technology and ensure safety. Each step will proceed only after any necessary regulatory approvals have been received. MOIA, a Volkswagen AG autonomous mobility brand, will provide its integrated solution for autonomous driving which includes the ID. Buzz AD and software-based system for the deployment on the Uber platform. 'Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer—we are shaping the future of mobility, and our collaboration with Uber accelerates that vision,' said Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility. 'What really sets us apart is our ability to combine the best of both worlds—high-volume manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of urban mobility needs.' 'Volkswagen believes that mobility is transformational. Our partnership with Uber is the next step for us to realize this vision and unleash the potential of autonomous mobility,' said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. 'Through our work with Uber, we'll introduce the ID. Buzz, the reimagined version of the iconic Microbus in all-electric form, to a growing number of riders in the years to come.' 'This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of autonomous mobility, and highlights both Volkswagen's and Uber's shared dedication to building the future of transportation,' said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. 'We can't wait to launch in Los Angeles late next year." About Uber Uber's mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 52 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities. About MOIA MOIA, a Volkswagen AG autonomous mobility brand, unlocks the potential of autonomous driving with a scalable solution for driverless mobility. The company empowers mobility platforms and operators worldwide to seamlessly deploy autonomous mobility services. MOIA's integrated solution brings together an OEM-grade, autonomous-ready vehicle, a comprehensive self-driving system with driver-as-a-service functionality, and a proprietary Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) ecosystem tailored for autonomous operations. This includes intelligent fleet control, operational software, and end-to-end service management. About Volkswagen Group of America Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. VWGoA houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished and exciting brands including Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Volkswagen and is the sole importer and distributer of Bugatti and Rimac vehicles in the U.S. VWGoA's headquarters are in Reston, Virginia. The company has approximately 10,000 employees in the United States and sells its vehicles through a network of approximately 1,000 independent dealers. About Volkswagen ADMT, LLC Volkswagen ADMT, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., tests autonomous vehicles in Austin, Texas, using Volkswagen's all-new, all-electric ID. Buzz, vehicles which are outfitted with an autonomous driving (AD) technology platform developed by the global Volkswagen Group in partnership with the technology company Mobileye. During the testing phase, highly trained human operators accompany each vehicle, monitoring the vehicle's driving and ready to take over if necessary. 'VW,' 'VolkswagenV,' the Volkswagen logo, 'ID. Buzz,' 'ADMT' and 'MOIA' are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
