Volkswagen CEO Doesn’t Rule Out New Beetle EV On MEB Platform

When you talk about iconic Volkswagen vehicles, there are two that arguably rise above the rest. Back off, GTI fans – we’re talking Bus and Beetle here. Hot hatchbacks are certainly fun, but the classic VW Beetle and Microbus are legendary nameplates with a legacy that spans more than half a century. We’ve got a new electric bus in the form of ID.Buzz, but what about the Beetle?

The classic Type 1 Bug remained in production for an incredible 65 years, with over 21 million produced. The New Beetle isn’t nearly as popular, nor is the latest generation A5 ending production in 2019. Rumors have been rife in recent years about a new electric Beetle on the horizon, but further details have never emerged. That’s still the case today, but the rumors took on new life with an interesting statement straight from the top of the VW hierarchy. In a recent Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, CEO Herbert Diess responded to a question about bringing back the Beetle with a rather optimistic statement.

“Our most emotional car in our history has to be the microbus. It is my first priority to bring this icon back to life. But yes, many other emotional cars are possible on our scalable MEB platform.”

This isn’t confirmation by any means, but it certainly opens the door for the Beetle’s revival. The tone of the statement by specifically mentioning the scalable MEB platform suggests it’s something at least on the minds of VW executives. It’s also not the first time Diess has spoken about a possible reboot of the EV Beetle. Similar statements emerged in 2018, providing further support for the long-standing rumour.

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Reddit AMA also saw Diess casually dump it great idea commented on questions about electric pickup trucks for the US market. Obviously, the VW CEO didn’t want to give away any secrets in this Q&A session, but it’s worth noting that Diess does offer some definite yes and no answers to other questions, like the possibility of Skoda coming to America. Just answer great idea to the EV pickup of course left the door open, which suggests – as was the case with the Beetle EV – that the topic is at least under consideration.

Like almost all major automakers today, Volkswagen has strong electric ambitions. Whether those ambitions include a reborn Beetle or a new pickup remains to be seen, but the next few years are sure to be interesting.