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Volkswagen's U.S. CEO Pushes For Bulli Concept Production

By Kurt Ernst
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8 2,239 views Apr 6, 2011

VW Bulli Concept, from Volkswagen AG

VW Bulli Concept, from Volkswagen AG

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Jonathan Browning, president and CEO of Volkswagen of America, has the Bulli microbus concept at the very top of his “unfunded projects he’d like to see in production” list.

Shown at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, VW’s Bulli combines styling elements from the 1950s VW Type 2 Transporter and their 2001 Microbus concept. Unlike either of these earlier models, the Bulli is quite a bit smaller and meant to compete against the Kia Soul, Scion xB  and Nissan Cube. At the same time, a production Bulli wouldn't steal market share away from VW's Chrysler-sourced Routan minivan (a Camper variant of the Bulli would be all but useless).


Still, the Bulli’s styling and urban functionality would be enough to lure both former VW Bus owners, as well as a new generation of buyers, into Volkswagen showrooms.

Browning emphasizes that very point, and insists the Bulli is essential to maintain Volkswagen’s youthful image. In Geneva, the concept was shown as an EV powered by an 85-kW electric motor, theoretically capable of an 87-mph top speed and up to a 186-mile range. If the Bulli does see production, a small-displacement gas or turbodiesel engine is a far more likely choice to bring the concept to market in a timely manner.

The concept certainly generated worldwide interest, so don’t be surprised if the Bulli moves from the “unfunded projects” list to the “fully funded projects” list in the not-too-distant future.  

[Automobile via 4 Wheels News]


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Comments (8)

  1. fb_82100996 avatar Richard Shanks Posted: 4/6/2011 6:25pm PDT

    Build it. It's cool.
     
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  2. Dennis King Posted: 4/6/2011 7:16pm PDT

    I would buy it. I had a 65 bus with a canvas top and would love to replace my 06 xb scion with this.
     
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  3. Allen Rideout Posted: 4/6/2011 11:54pm PDT

    Im into high fuel efficient cars, but smart car is not practical. I do like to have a diesel 1.6L . You can do better job to sell diesel bulli . I want to buy it now!! 50 mpg ..
     
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  4. Kurt Posted: 4/7/2011 4:06am PDT

    I agree that it's cool and needs to see production. I say build it with a small TDI engine instead of an electric or hybrid powertrain.
     
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  5. J N Posted: 4/7/2011 11:54am PDT

    We cant the Scirocco or a decent Tiguan with a diesel powertrain (in the U.S.), and this guy has Ford Flex envy?
    Like politicians, this guy has his priorities all wrong.
     
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  6. fb_579789275 avatar JL Serkes Posted: 4/7/2011 5:59pm PDT

    Build It, its retro but modernist. Put a decent engine in it, and under 25K please.
     
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  7. el smith Posted: 4/13/2011 7:30am PDT

    vw bus is comeing back neat.would love to have one if the price isnt to high and it get great gas ml.
     
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  8. Morgan Posted: 4/14/2011 8:16am PDT

    It's A SCION XB!!!! PUT THEM NEXT TO EACH OTHER!!!! IDIOTS!!! Look at the CEO tanding proud next to it. ....please.
     
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