Hot news: Official info on VW Microbus debut

VW Gears Microbus to International Markets

Production starts in Hanover in 2007










The Board of Management of Volkswagen AG decided on Tuesday evening to change the concept for the planned Microbus. The new model with its innovative design is scheduled to go into production in Hanover in 2007 and will not only aim for the US market but will also be geared to other markets.

The original concept that was considered for production was to be based on Volkswagen’s Microbus design study that was first shown at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show. This original concept version is no longer being considered according to the decision from the Board of Management yesterday.

With the decision, the Board of Management under the chairmanship of Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder has made a commitment to the Hanover plant and the planned Microbus production. The model is being given a new orientation since an exclusive focus on the US market would have jeopardized the success of the Microbus, particularly in view of the continuing unfavorable exchange rates and market conditions. Pischetsrieder emphasized: “Our decision secures worldwide success for the Microbus.”

The new Microbus will be built in Hanover from 2007 based on the modular strategy principle. A larger number of components from the new T5 will be used than foreseen by the original design. This will result in noticeably greater synergy effects. The design will be characterized by an emotional styling language and an ambitious space concept.

Following an intensive dialogue between the Board of Management and labor representatives at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, both sides agreed that Volkswagen will continue with the planned implementation of the 5000 x 5000 collective bargaining model in Hanover in spite of the delay in production start-up. This was underscored by Dr. Peter Hartz, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources, on Wednesday. On the basis of present plans, 1,500 new jobs will be created in Hanover to produce the Microbus under the innovative collective agreement.