TechVolkswagen, Volkswagen diesel emission, Volkswagen power struggle, electric vehicles, Consumer Electronics Show 2016, vehicle
Dec 31, 2015 06:22 AM EST
Volkswagen tweeted image of its highly anticipated electric vehicle on Wednesday. Until now, this boxy-appearing concept car was unnamed. Volkswagen's tweeted image appears to clear that up, as it shows the name right on the car's tailgate, which spelled "BUDD.e." Volkswagen wants to be your buddy again after diesel emissions cheating scandal that has disemboweled sales and forced the company to restructure.
The German automaker is going to unveil BUDD.e at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The latest twitter image is a prelude which gives few hints about the rear view of the concept car.
According to Tech Times, the company also released a 10-second teaser of the next generation of the Volkswagen Microbus on YouTube, last week. The video is accompanied by the description of the vehicle. The description reads, "The Internet of Things is making our cars more and more intelligent." It further says that, "We'll show you just how helpful this can be in your mobile life from 6 to 9 January 2016 at the world's leading trade fair for innovative technologies in Las Vegas."
Mashable reports that after the looks and name have been unveiled, it would interesting to know what will power it. There are chances that it will be powered by EV tech shared with Audi R8 e-tron, which is good for a 250-mile range.
Fortune says that the company is expected to focus on the electrification and connected car technologies. The concept car could be a microbus according to many believers which would be unveiled by Dr. Herbert Diess, chairman of Volkswagen's passenger car division, on Tuesday.
The company has released a number of teasers via Twitter and YouTube about BUDD.e after it confirmed that it will appear at CES. One of the first, a photo prompted gossips that the company would reveal a microbus.
By 2025, at least one quarter of all Audi cars in the U.S. will have a plug, said Scott Keogh, Audi of America president, during a dinner event ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Porshe has also announced about the production of an all electric four door sports car.
Volkswagen wants to improve its image after the emissions cheating scandal. The company will have to electrify its production models not just trot out a concept car. Other VW-owned units such as Audi and Porsche are already making moves to electrify their models.