Hyperdrive
VW Straddles Old and New in Electric Buggy, Passat Face-off
- While the trusty Passat fades, VW needs to milk it for profit
- VW is investing $50 billion on 50 new battery-powered models
Volkswagen I.D. BUGGY showcar.
Source: Volkswagen AG
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Volkswagen AG’s delicate balancing act between the old and new automotive eras will be on full display this week at the Geneva car show, where a fun-loving electric beach buggy will share the limelight with the trusty Passat sedan.
VW’s I.D. Buggy concept combines battery power with styling reminiscent of carefree days tearing around California sand dunes, tapping a retro flair similar to the I.D. Buzz minibus. Behind the revival of the Beetle-based Meyers Manx buggy lies a deeper message: VW can, and probably will, build almost any type of model off its new electric vehicle platform, dubbed MEB.