Automotive world premiere with glamorous history and fantastic guitar-rock concert: at an impressive gala motoring event attended by around 500 guests from 30 countries, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles today unveiled the new generation T series in Amsterdam.
A cross-generational vehicle presentation, which makes history: 20 different models from every T series to date appear on stage. Flying in onto the screens come photos of contemporary witnesses, celebrities and events from the decades. Music from these vehicle eras fills the air. The final vehicle to appear is the pigeon blue ‘Sofie’ panel van (from 1950), the most valuable and oldest ‘Bulli’ in the possession of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Classic Cars. A fascinating story begins, told – ranging from the start of the vehicle’s production up to the present day of the T series – in gripping fashion by Marco Tempest, probably the world’s best ‘storyteller’. He also impressively describes why this Transporter presentation is taking place in Amsterdam: it is a homage to Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon. For it is said that with a notepad sketch of the van in 1947 the car dealer gave a key impetus for the vehicle’s creation.
Shortly after this journey through time, the stage is plunged into darkness. Suddenly headlights come on: three new generation T models (Transporter, Caravelle and Multivan) drive onto the stage. From the Multivan Highline step the Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand, Dr Eckhard Scholz, and Board Member for Technical Development Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler, who then welcome the guests, including Fanja Pon, granddaughter of the man who provided the inspiration for the camper. She has even brought the famous camper sketch with her to the presentation from Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. Now, the two directors introduce the sixth generation of the T series. Scholz: “The market demands extremely reliable, variable and individualised vehicles. This is true for the past as well as today. We supply our models in top quality to meet every requirement exactly – for the craft trades, retail trade, service providers, family and recreation. With this sixth generation of the T series, we have succeeded in doing that once again. We create value. See for yourself!”
They also introduce the ‘Generation SIX’ launch model. Rothenpieler: “It’s a Multivan with exclusive features. Plus two-tone paintwork – as previously on the Samba Bus, which is now also on the stage. But despite the retro look, the ‘Generation SIX’ is ultra-modern, with numerous electronic aids.” Scholz adds: “Or to put it another way: the future needs roots!”
Guitar virtuoso Mark Knopfler rocks the sixth generation
The informative part is followed by emotion: Mark Knopfler, multiple Grammy winner and founder of the legendary rock group Dire Straits, performes at the launch of the sixth generation of the T series! Incidentally: like the ‘Bulli’, the cult musician is 65 years old – but precisely like the former still going strong and more in demand than ever: Knopfler’s new album ‘Tracker’ is at number one in the charts in Germany and in the top three in Europe. The global star (136 million records sold) shows at once why he is one of the world’s best electric guitarists: it is the start of a unique concert by the ‘King of the Guitar’, featuring one global hit after another: Walk of Life, So far away, Sultans of Swing… The guests sing along to his rock anthems, wave lighters in the air- having a once in a life- time moment. A classic performer of the modern era making his mark – like the T series sixth generation!