General
The VW Transporter, also known as the Volkswagen Type 2 or Microbus, is an iconic light commercial vehicle (LCV) produced by Volkswagen since the 1950s, featuring a distinctive boxy shape and various configurations. It was introduced in 1950 as the Type 2, following the Type 1 (Beetle), and is informally referred to as the Bus in the US, Camper in the UK, or Bulli in Germany.
The VW Transporter, or VW-Bus, is the second civilian vehicle from Volkswagen, succeeding the VW Beetle. Its first prototype was built in 1948, with serial production starting in 1950. Successive generations, including the T6.1 and T7 since 2019 and 2021, respectively, are based on the MQB platform. The Type 2 series designation was abandoned from the T4 model onward.
Volkswagen also introduced the mid-size sedan VW 1500 (Type 3) in 1961 and the larger VW 411 (Type 4) in 1968.
The VW Transporter is available as a minibus, panel van, and pickup truck, receiving accolades such as the Van of the Year in 1992 for the T4 and in 2004 for the T5.
Some configurations, like the "California" camper van variants are considered luxury vehicles with premium features and pricing.