Volkswagen is still working on a business case to sell all-electric dunes buggys
Volkswagen is known for its ability to bring all-electric versions of its most iconic vehicles to world auto shows. Unfortunately none of these concepts have made it to production ( yet), so the German brand’s lineup won’t include any heritage-inspired models. The Volkswagen I.D. Buggy could make this possible.
As part of a media roundtable at the 2019 New York Auto Show’s first day, Scott Keogh, CEO of Volkswagen of America, stated that the company would love to have a production I.D. Buggy said that he believes it is a great brand halo, and he thinks it’s an excellent opportunity for brand building.
Production for the I.D. is on the horizon. The path to production for the I.D. Buggy is not yet clear. Keogh says that VW is still working on a business case to sell the car. It will arrive in dealers as a low-volume product, however, if it does. The Buggy is well-suited for use as a halo vehicle.
Keogh stated that there is no specific segment in the zone so this vehicle will be unique. “But, a lot of platform costs, frankly speaking, are being paid for by all the other vehicles around.
The Buggy would ride on the same MEB platform as the future EV efforts of the Volkswagen Group. This platform will eventually produce multiple high-volume electric cars. Volkswagen may even offer the modular architecture to other manufacturers.
It is meant to be electric like the ubiquitous MQB platform for gas-powered vehicles – an architecture that can accommodate a wide range of vehicle types. MQB is the foundation for vehicles such as the Audi TT sportscar and the Volkswagen Atlas three row crossover. MEB should offer the same flexibility for EVs.
“The platform allows you to build something like the a>https://www.motor1.com/news/133145/vw–id-buzz–concept-live I.D. Buzz] concept that you’ve seen. Keogh stated that you could build an SUV, and then a Buggy. It’s a smart spot for Volkswagen to be. We don’t want to just offer the “mainstream bread and butter” vehicles. Volkswagen’s point of view is always important. You can see it in the Buggy. It will not be mass-produced, but it would be an interesting concept.
What do you think? Do you think VW should continue to push the Buggy as a low volume halo electric vehicle (EV) or should it focus its efforts elsewhere? Let us know what you think in the comments.