Volkswagen celebrates this month 75 years of the vanone of the cars most emblematic in automotive history. Known in Germany as Transport T1 and in the United States as VW Busthe model is the most successful commercial vehicle in Europe, crossing generations. The model is still produced, currently in the seventh generation, and still has an electric successor, the ID.Buzz.
The story started with the first transporter, the T1launched on March 8, 1950, derived from the Volkswagen Fusca. Since then, more than 12.5 million units have been produced. Kombi’s trajectory reflects changes in the automotive sector and society, evolving from a simple van, hippie culture icon, for a diversified line that includes passenger vanselectrical versions and motorhomes.
To celebrate the world’s world birthday, Volkswagen plans to make a global campaign, with events, digital content and special editions.
A major event will take place in May in the historic factory of Wolfsburgin Germany, celebrating the 75 of the model. There is no other information about programming in Brazil yet. Here, the van was manufactured between 1957 and 2013.
The beginning with T1: 1950 to 1967
The vehicle arose in the postwar context to meet the growing demands for cargo transportation and passengers. Based on the mechanics of the Beetle, the T1 had a 25 hp rear engine and reached up to 80 km/h. Its characteristic design, with windshield divided into two parts, became an icon. The model soon gained different versions, including pickup, six doors and the Samba Bus, the latter a vehicle with 23 windows and panoramic sunroof. The van arrived in Brazil imported from 1953 and was manufactured in 1957.
T2: Young culture and global expansion (1967-1979)
The second generation of the van, known as T2, brought significant changes in design and mechanics. The front gained a whole windshield, the side windows were expanded and the traditional side door was replaced by a sliding door.
In addition to improvements in suspension and brakes, the model won a legion of admirers by being associated with hippie movement and wheeled travel culture. The second generation began to be produced from 1975 without the sliding side door. Only in 1996 that the vehicle won the equipment. T2 production extended until 2013, marking one of the longest stories of a vehicle in the country.
T3: More Technology and Versatility (1979-1992)
The third generation of the van (T3) kept the concept of rear engine, but brought a more rectilinear and spacious interior design. It was at this time that versions such as Multivan and Californiadesigned for travel and leisure. The T3 also marked the introduction of, called Syncro, expanding its capacity to ride on various land. The production continued in South Africa until 2002. This generation did not come to Brazil.
T4: Front Motor (1990-2003)
With the arrival of the 1990s, Volkswagen completely reformulated the VW Busmoving the engine forward and adopting front -wheel drive. This allowed a better use of internal space and dynamic behavior closer to that of a passenger car. T4 was offered in commercial and passenger versionsin addition to receiving more powerful engines, including the first TDI (direct injection turbodiesel) in transporter.
T5 (2003-2015)
The fifth generation of Transporter brought a more modern and functional design, closer to the vans. The T5 innovated inside with a Joystick exchange on the center console. The range of engines included TDI diesel options, ranging from 86 to 174 hp, and gasoline versions, from 115 hp to one V6 the 235 CV.
T6 and T6.1: More connectivity (2015-2024):
The sixth generation brought more security and technology. In addition to the updated design, the T6 has introduced advanced driving assistants and new engine options. The range of propellers kept the TDI and TSI of two litersranging from 84 to 204 hp. All versions have gained start/stop system, reducing consumption. T6.1, launched in 2019, further modernized the line, bringing a digital panel redesigned and e-SIM-based connectivity systems. Improved electromechanical steering has improved the driving, and safety systems began to include range output alert and emergency automatic braking.
T7: WAS Electrification (2024-Present)
The new generation of T7 Transporter e T7 Multivannow under the MQB platform, marks the transition to electrification. Current versions include diesel options, plug-in and electric hybrids. Transporter T7 continues to serve the commercial market, with van, chassis-Cabine and van.
Already Caravelle is still focused on passenger transport, offering variants from eight or nine -seat taxis to luxurious shuttles vip. Volkswagen bets that this new generation will maintain the legacy of the van as a multifunctional and iconic vehicle for the future.
Electric van: id. Buzz (2022 – Present)
In addition to the “t family”, Volkswagen has another heir to the classic van: a ID. Buzzalso known as Electric van. Launched in Europe in 2022, it has a T1 -inspired design and has passenger versions and 286 hp rear electric motor load. The product also has the sports version ID. BUZZ GTX, with 340 hp and all -wheel drive. In Brazil, ID.BUZZ is offered only by subscription.
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