The classic Volkswagen Camper van could be revived as a battery-electric vehicle, according to company board member Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser.
Speaking at the New York Show, Dr Neusser revealed that VW engineers and designers were working on a new Camper van concept using a small electric motor driving the front wheels and battery packs stored under the floor.
Neusser told Autocar UK that the design of the original Volkswagen van was "so iconic" that any attempt at a new model would have to have three "very important" design cues: "First the wide, solid, D-Pillar, second the boxy design of the centre section and, thirdly, the front end must have a very short overhang. The distance from the A-pillar to the front end must be very short."
The key to achieving the unique front-end design is the fact that an electric motor would allow a much lower "bonnet line" than a conventional petrol engine. This, in turn, would allow the A-pillars to be placed much further forward than in a conventional MPV.
Such a car, he said, with an attractive cost base could make it into production. Work on the concept was currently ongoing at Volkswagen, Dr Neusser confirmed.