VW Beetle could return under brand's 'iconic' vehicle range strategy

Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume has outlined plans to launch a range of new electric cars that are inspired by iconic designs of years gone by.

Speaking with Australian media at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, Mr Blume said the Group would be offering more differentiation across its brands when it comes to design, and that could include a new electric range of reimagined iconic cars.

“Our design strategy is to develop even further our established cars, then setting on some technology lighthouses, and the third pillar is to develop further an ‘iconic’ strategy,” said Mr Blume.

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“We haven't decided the full map on which iconic products we are focusing on, but the Volkswagen Group has a lot of them, and we are focusing on the right ones. And we are always having in mind exciting our customers,” he said.

At the unveiling of the ID. GTI concept car – a modern fully electric take on the original Golf GTI – the brand flashed images of the original T1 Bulli (Kombi), and the first-generation Volkswagen Beetle, too.

Furthering the case for a new-gen EV Beetle, the company’s Open Space exhibit in downtown Munich showcased a futuristic red VW Beetle-like concept car as part of a tie-in with the animated film Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir.

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Volkswagen ID GTI concept

Mr Blume did not confirm a Beetle would be one of the new range of reborn iconic models, but did say the company was always exploring options.

“We have a lot of opportunities to differentiate in electric platforms. You can already see on the products we have in the market - the Cupras and Volkswagens are different in many, many, many aspects. The Porsche Taycan and the Audi GT e-tron are different,” he said.

“So we have a lot of opportunities. Design is one of the most important arguments for the customers, but also for us,” he said.

One argument for Volkswagen to potentially relaunch the Beetle is that it could be constructed on a rear-wheel drive electric platform, which would be a return to form since the original Bug models were RWD.