Celebrating 75 years of the VW Transporter
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Volkswagen celebrates 75 years of the VW Transporter
Volkswagen has announced a series of celebrations to commemorate 75 years of the VW Transporter. Since the beginning of its production on 8 March, 1950, the Volkswagen Transporter (T for short) has become the most successful commercial vehicle with the longest production run in Europe to date.
The VW bus was originally manufactured in Wolfsburg, but then moved to Hanover in 1956 where a significant amount of the 12.5 million VW buses have since been built. In their 75-year history, the Vee Dub has become possibly one of the most iconic campervans worldwide.
Nathaniel Cureton Content Editor
Nathaniel Cureton Content Editor
The anniversary will be celebrated internationally, most notably at the Salzburgring in Austria on 16 – 18 May. In Germany however, the Autostadt, Wolfsburg, will celebrate the anniversary with a two-day event (24 – 25 May). All generations of VW bus will be on show for visitors along with other activities related to the VW bus.
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant in Hanover-Stöcken will mark the occasion, too, with a VW Bus & Coffee event. Guests will be able to view the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles collection with free coffee being offered to anyone who arrives in, and exhibits, a Volkswagen bus.
History of the VW bus
T1: 1950 – 1967
The T1 came to be as German companies required an affordable van in the aftermath of war. It was a 4.1m panel van with a capacity of 4.5 cubic metres. It remains popular today among collectors with up to six figures being paid depending on the variant.
T2: 1967 – 1979
The most distinctively different feature on the T2 was a new front end; horizontal lines as opposed to the previous V-shape design. Elsewhere, the side windows were larger and in one piece of material, unlike the previous model, with a sliding door coming as standard, too.
1978 saw a major milestone achieved by VW as 4.5 million Transporters had left the factory floor. One year later German T2 production was discontinued. Production of the T2 did, however, continue in Brazil due to the model’s popularity in South America. They continued to be manufactured until 2013.
T3: 1979 – 1992
Presented in 1979, the Volkswagen T3 was then the most angular VW bus of all time and the basis of the first California and Multivan. The T3 followed previous models in terms of appearance, but with the modern technologies of its time. Volkswagen also had notable advances in passenger safety as well as increasing the length and height to increase passenger and load space.
T4: 1990 – 2003
The fourth-generation VW Transporter model was considered a technical revolution during its time. After 40 years of production, the model moved to a front engine and front-wheel drive. The T4 also became longer to provide space for a new four and five-cylinder engine.
T5: 2003 – 2015
The fifth-generation Transporter was more spacious and offered more options than any previous model. The T5 also marked the Transporter’s debut as a kombi, panel van, dropside, double cab, and chassis variant for coachbuilders.
The VW bus was also refined with the new editions of the Caravelle, Multivan and California. Its design was primarily based on the style of its predecessor with an adapted interior. With the launch of the new California, previously built by Westfalia, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also moved production of the iconic campervan to Hanover.
T6/6.1: 2015 – 2024
In 2016, the T6 featured a new engine, more comprehensive assist systems, and a more modern infotainment system. On the exterior, the T6 is most recognisable by its redesigned front section, including a new low-drawn front apron. Transporter models of the past were acknowledged through new two-tone paint finishes.
Unveiled in 2019, the T6.1 featured a redesigned dash panel including the first dash with fully digital instruments. The digitalisation continued further with a new infotainment system featuring interactive connectivity via e-SIM and online-based functions and services.
T7: 2024 – present
Based on a Ford Transit Custom platform, the seventh generation is currently being built in Turkey, alongside the Ford Transit, as part of the VW Ford alliance. Unlike its predecessors, the T7 will be available as a diesel, plug-in hybrid or with electric powertrains.
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