Volkswagen to build new Caravelle Bulli in Türkiye in partnership with Ford

Volkswagen has unveiled the latest generation of its iconic Bulli van, now named the “New Transporter,” at the IAA Transportation Show in Hannover. The significant shift in production marks the end of Volkswagen building the Bulli at its own facilities. Instead, the new model will be produced in Türkiye in cooperation with Ford.

The new Bulli will replace the previous model, the T6.1, whose production ended in June 2023. Unlike its predecessor, the “New Transporter” will be manufactured alongside the Ford Transit at a Ford plant in Türkiye. This change is part of a broader 2020 agreement between Volkswagen and Ford to collaborate on light commercial vehicles.

New Transporter to launch in late 2024

The New Transporter is expected to begin deliveries across select European markets in late 2024, with Germany following in early 2025. Despite the shift in production location, Volkswagen remains confident in the vehicle’s success. Carsten Intra, the head of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWN), expressed optimism, believing the new model will match the success of the previous six Bulli generations.

Lars Krause, VWN’s sales director, highlighted the strong demand for the New Transporter, revealing that over 10,000 orders had already been placed since August 2023.

Three models to replace the traditional Bulli

With the introduction of the New Transporter, Volkswagen has officially completed the transformation of its van lineup. The company now offers three parallel models in the segment: the Multivan (introduced in 2022 and built on a passenger car platform from Golf and Passat), the fully electric ID. Buzz, and the New Transporter, which comes as part of a collaboration with Ford.

This marks a departure from the traditional Bulli lineup, which had been built in six generations since 1950.

Concerns for jobs amid Volkswagen restructuring

The shift in production, combined with Volkswagen’s broader restructuring efforts, has sparked concerns about job security among VW employees. Earlier in September 2023, Volkswagen announced stricter cost-saving measures, including the possibility of layoffs and even plant closures. The company had previously offered job guarantees until 2029, but this has now been revoked. Analysts estimate the changes could cost Volkswagen billions in the fourth quarter of 2023.

At VWN’s Hannover plant, which employs around 14,000 people, there is growing concern about the future. The plant has been crucial to VWN’s success, contributing to a strong first half of 2023, with a 43% increase in operating profit to €641 million.

Volkswagen and Ford’s growing partnership

The New Transporter is the second major vehicle developed through Volkswagen and Ford’s partnership, following the launch of the Amarok pickup truck. Volkswagen, in turn, supplies Ford with the Tourneo Connect, which is built alongside the VW Caddy at a VW plant in Poznan, Poland.