The Volkswagen Multivan minibus changed generations back in 2021, and the current T7 generation car is radically different from its predecessors. It is built on a purely lightweight MQB platform in its most stretched and reinforced version. Such a Multivan has acquired modern electronics and has become easier to manufacture, but it does not have and will not have cargo versions. Another replacement is being prepared for the commercial Transporter and Caravelle models of the T6.1 family. Now the new model has been shown for the first time on teasers, and this is by no means a Volkswagen development.
Ford Transit Custom
In the new generation, the Transporter and Caravelle will become brothers of Ford’s newest low—tonnage trucks – the Transit Custom van and Tourneo Custom minibus, respectively, which debuted last year. This is the third stage of cooperation between the two companies in the field of light commercial vehicles: previously, Ford Ranger became a donor for the Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck, and the “heel” Volkswagen Caddy had a twin Ford Tourneo Connect.
It is already clear that the Transporter/Caravelle will differ from Ford Customisations in a different front design: the headlights, grille and hood are made in the same style as the T7 generation Multivan. But other alterations have not yet been disclosed. Although the range of powertrains, apparently, the cars under the two brands will be the same. Volkswagen has announced diesel versions (including 4Motion all-wheel drive), rechargeable hybrids and all-electric variants (e-Transporter and e-Caravelle): Fords have exactly the same set.
The transporters will be offered in the form of an all-metal van and a combi (there are two options for the length of the wheelbase and the height of the roof), as well as an on-board truck with a double-row cabin. In Germany, order acceptance will be open by the end of this year, but the premiere of the new family will take place only in the spring of 2024. Thus, the new range of “medium” commercial Volkswagen models will consist of three completely different models (in the image above) — a fashionable electric ID. Buzz, a passenger Multivan T7 and a working Transporter/Caravelle.