German Car Zone

The 2001 VW Microbus concept was really cool; so much so that it looked like it was headed for 2005 production. Then the project started getting expensive at the same time the U.S. dollar began to hit the skids. So, then-boss Bernd Pischetsrieder swung the axe, and it was curtains for the retro breadbox. Fast-forward to the present. Instead of a spiffy new Microbus, we now have the Routan, which is fake German for "Dodge Caravan." Not very exciting, to say the least.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald via:autoblog

just do it
design would totally fit todays requirements

This is not going to happen. Vans are dead because of SUVs. The only way VW would be able to pull this off is if they made it like a mini van all cute and cuddly.

i don't think that the van concept is completly dead. the problem with vans was simply that they were boring as hell. but people still need transporters, thats why suvs are so super cool.
bmw is trying to reinvent the van with their Yseries, which is more or less just a different perspective on the van topic. so why shouldn't it work with a retro perspective powered by vw ?

Make it a hybrid and the yuppie crowd will lap it up.

Very good point. Not only that but VW should take notes from Scion, they did a terrific job with the xB which is incredibly popular amongst the young crowd in the US. For the first time since the original Microbus a van-like car was cool.

Will be a Minivan with a pretty face

I think VW missed their chance greatly on this. It might still work, but back in 2001 it would have been a sure fire hit. The key to this project then as well as now, it to have the production version come to market looking as much like that concept as possible. It would be a Beetle thing all over again IMO.

M

There is potential in the car. VW should revive it as well as design a new Bettle making both cars novelty competing with the Mini. All they have to do is make the microbus small and cute with two tone paint in true Veyron-spirit.

I must also agree that when I bought the nasty golf I was looking at this Mircobus too, it's very very coo!
I'm no hippie but that car you can fill up with teens !
It looks great as Centurion pointed in two tone colors..
and I see no problems or issues with this car..

And I guess Vw is making one, maybe only for the Chinese market or something but
a GOOD LOOKING and PRACTIAL + ECONOMICAL (low emission ect.)
people carriers are priceless and "IN"