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Forbes
2 days ago
- 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.
BBC News
15-07-2025
- BBC News
Harley Hibberd: Tribute to teen killed in Reading motorbike crash
An 18-year-old motorcyclist who died in a crash has been described as a "beloved son" by his family. Harley Hibberd was riding a red Yamaha when it collided with a black Ford Galaxy on the A33 in Reading at about 23:40 BST on 7 July.A 38-year-old man was arrested the following day on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and driving a motor vehicle with a controlled drug above the specified limit. He has been released on bail until 30 a statement released through Thames Valley Police, Mr Hibberd's family said he was "taken from us far too soon... before his life had even begun". "He was a larger than life character who filled a room with laughter," they said."Forever in our hearts, you will be missed beyond words, life will never be the same."Police have previously appealed for witnesses to the crash, which happened at the junction of Island Road and Lindisfarne Way. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Paul Doyle: Liverpool FC parade crash suspect appears in court
Paul Doyle, 53, from West Derby, has been accused of driving a Ford Galaxy into crowds celebrating Liverpool FC's Premiership title in May. Dozens of people were hospitalised A man accused of ploughing his car into crowds at the Liverpool FC victory parade has appeared in court. Paul Doyle, 53, from West Derby, appeared in Liverpool Crown Court via video link from prison on Tuesday. He was arrested after a Ford Galaxy was driven into dozens of football fans in the city's centre. Pedestrians, ranging from children as young as nine to a pensioner, aged 78, were reported to have been injured. A total of 50 people were hospitalised following the incident when a car crashed into people on Water Street shortly after 6pm on May 26. Doyle has been charged with two counts of wounding with intent, against 52-year-old Simon Nash and an 11-year-old boy, two charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, in which the complainants are named as 66-year-old Christine Seeckts and 77-year-old Susan Passey, two of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm upon 18-year-old Ethan Gillard and a 17-year-old boy and dangerous driving. He is scheduled to face a trial, lasting three to four weeks, on November 24 this year, reports Liverpool Echo. His case was listed before Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Tuesday, for a case management hearing. Doyle, wearing a grey t-shirt and glasses and sporting short, slicked back dark hair, spoke only to confirm his name and sat taking notes with a pen and paper during proceedings. The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC further remanded him into custody ahead of plea and trial preparation on August 14. His trial remains listed before the same court in November 2025.
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Design boss for major carmaker reveals the unexpected motors set to make a ‘come back' – and it's good news for families
It could shake up the family car market WHEEL I NEVER Design boss for major carmaker reveals the unexpected motors set to make a 'come back' – and it's good news for families Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE DESIGN boss for a major carmaker has revealed the unexpected motors set to make a comeback and it's good news for families. Once a regular sight on roads across Europe, these motors could make a stunning return to shake up the family car market. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Renault's design boss has suggested people carriers could make a comeback Credit: Alamy 2 Renault Espace Credit: Handout Gilles Vidal, Renault's design boss, predicts the people carrier could make a comeback as "SUV bashing" becomes more prominent. The likes of the Renault Scenic, Vauxhall Zaifra, Ford Galaxy and Citroen Picasso were once the first-choice for families across the continent. They used to account for more than 10% of the regional car market with their ability to accommodate up to seven people in a tall cabin. And they occupied a footprint comparable to an estate car too. But the decline of the people carrier, or multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), started in 2006 when Nissan launched the Qashqai. It came to be the default choice for families and dominated Europe's car market. At present, SUVs make up more than half of all European car sales while people carriers have dropped to a market share in the low single digits. But Giles Vidal believes a renaissance of the people carrier is on the cards with the transition to electrification. Car manufacturers are striving to make their motors as efficient as possible and exploit the packaging freedoms afforded by EV "skateboard" architecture. EV "skateboard" architecture refers to the EV chassis design where the the battery pack, electric motors, and other core components are integrated into a flat, skateboard-like platform. "SUVs won the battle against the MPVs because MPVs are cars that you need but you don't desire, and suddenly SUVs with the same engines, same weight, same everything - they are shapes that you will desire," Vidal said. New Renault 4 is no longer a cheap, simple no frills runabout - it's now a funky family crossover and a capital B bargain But now, Vidal claims, there's a lot of "SUV bashing" in Europe. However, he added that the general concept of an SUV is "still attractive" today to most people and remain a functional and practical vehicle. But as cars become more aerodynamic in pursuit of efficiency, he adds that we may see a comeback of the lower, sleeker and more MPV-like motors. Vidal predicts that SUVs will attempt to become more efficient, becoming lower and having better aerodynamics. He said: " They will morph into a very efficient car, less energy consuming, with equivalent habitability and roominess and everything that's probably the trend." Renault's Embleme concept, which is due in production in the coming years as the first of a new-generation electric car line-up, is a "morphing of all of that". It has a raised ride height but a sleeker, lower profile than any of Renault's current SUVs. Multi-purpose vehicles are already taking off in China, the world's biggest car market. Manufacturers such as Zeekr, Lynk&Co, Li Auto, Denza and Xpeng have all launched luxurious three-row people carriers with technology and refinement to rival the likes of the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Vidal believes that the pursuit of efficiency could spur an all-out rethink for Europe's most popular type of car. But he did admit that MPVs would be broadly comparable with SUVs in terms of energy consumption and usage of materials. "I see two trends: super-efficient SUV transformation, and maybe a big comeback of sexy, desirable MPVs,' he said. Elsewhere, Renault has confirmed that its new EV will arrive in the UK shortly after its launch next year. The Renault Twingo electric car is set to launch in the UK sometime in 2026 with an affordable starting price tag of £16,700. And an iconic 1980s Renault 5 Turbo is returning as an EV "beast" in 2027. Each car will be outrageously fast, hand built, predominantly carbon fire and priced at around £135,000.
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Design boss for major carmaker reveals the unexpected motors set to make a ‘come back' – and it's good news for families
THE DESIGN boss for a major carmaker has revealed the unexpected motors set to make a comeback and it's good news for families. Once a regular sight on roads across Europe, these motors could make a stunning return to shake up the family car market. 2 Renault's design boss has suggested people carriers could make a comeback Credit: Alamy 2 Renault Espace Credit: Handout Gilles Vidal, Renault's design boss, predicts the people carrier could make a comeback as "SUV bashing" becomes more prominent. The likes of the Renault Scenic, Vauxhall Zaifra, Ford Galaxy and Citroen Picasso were once the first-choice for families across the continent. They used to account for more than 10% of the regional car market with their ability to accommodate up to seven people in a tall cabin. And they occupied a footprint comparable to an estate car too. Read more Motors News But the decline of the people carrier, or multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), started in 2006 when Nissan launched the Qashqai. It came to be the default choice for families and dominated Europe's car market. At present, SUVs make up more than half of all European car sales while people carriers have dropped to a market share in the low single digits. But Giles Vidal believes a renaissance of the people carrier is on the cards with the transition to electrification. Most read in Motors Car manufacturers are striving to make their motors as efficient as possible and exploit the packaging freedoms afforded by EV "skateboard" architecture. EV "skateboard" architecture refers to the EV chassis design where the the battery pack, electric motors, and other core components are integrated into a flat, skateboard-like platform. "SUVs won the battle against the MPVs because MPVs are cars that you need but you don't desire, and suddenly SUVs with the same engines, same weight, same everything - they are shapes that you will desire," Vidal said. New Renault 4 is no longer a cheap, simple no frills runabout - it's now a funky family crossover and a capital B bargain But now, Vidal claims, there's a lot of "SUV bashing" in Europe. However, he added that the general concept of an SUV is "still attractive" today to most people and remain a functional and practical vehicle. But as cars become more aerodynamic in pursuit of efficiency, he adds that we may see a comeback of the lower, sleeker and more MPV-like motors. Vidal predicts that SUVs will attempt to become more efficient, becoming lower and having better aerodynamics. He said: " They will morph into a very efficient car, less energy consuming, with equivalent habitability and roominess and everything that's probably the trend." Renault's Embleme concept, which is due in production in the coming years as the first of a new-generation electric car line-up, is a "morphing of all of that". It has a raised ride height but a sleeker, lower profile than any of Renault's current SUVs. Multi-purpose vehicles are already taking off in China, the world's biggest car market. Manufacturers such as Zeekr, Lynk&Co, Li Auto, Denza and Xpeng have all launched luxurious three-row people carriers with technology and refinement to rival the likes of the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Vidal believes that the pursuit of efficiency could spur an all-out rethink for Europe's most popular type of car. But he did admit that MPVs would be broadly comparable with SUVs in terms of energy consumption and usage of materials. "I see two trends: super-efficient SUV transformation, and maybe a big comeback of sexy, desirable MPVs,' he said. Elsewhere, The Renault Twingo electric car is set to launch in the UK sometime in 2026 with an affordable starting price tag of £16,700. And an iconic 1980s Each car will be outrageously fast, hand built, predominantly carbon fire and priced at around £135,000.
