The first official images of the next-generation Volkswagen Transporter van have been released in a teaser video.
Arriving in 2024, the T7 Transporter will adopt an all-new architecture developed with Ford, offering the option of electric power for the first time.
The hugely popular van, which makes up two-thirds of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) sales, is twinned with the Ford Transit Custom – the UK’s best-selling vehicle – and will be built at the Ford Otosan factory in Turkey.
From launch, the Transporter will again be available as a nine-seater Shuttle, a two-row Kombi and a cargo-carrying panel van.
A Sportline trim is also expected to be offered, although this hasn’t yet been confirmed.
For the first time, the Transporter won’t serve as the basis for the California camper van. Instead, that model will be derived from the MQB-based Multivan MPV, as previewed by a concept in August.
VWCV boss Carsten Intra told Autocar: “A Multivan has to be much more comfortable and much more upscale [than the Transporter]. This is why we now have two line-ups. This is a really important project.”
The Transporter “will be our only multi-traction vehicle”, said Intra. “We can’t afford to build another platform [for the same vehicle]. It’s just too expensive. This is a vehicle that, unlike the California, doesn’t give you the highest margin per sale.”
He added: “We have a lot of customers that need the space and need a BEV but others that can’t yet afford a BEV but drive in cities so want a hybrid. We can now offer that.”
Intra was referring to the fact that VW also offers the similarly conceived Multivan PHEV and electric Volkswagen ID Buzz.
The Transporter is expected to use Ford’s batteries, electric motors, engines, gearboxes and chassis structures across its line-up.