The Volkswagen Transporter is unique. Not only is it one of the most easily recognised vans ever designed, it’s also built up a loyal following. Its popularity has been sustained, remaining Volkswagen’s best-selling van.

This success is not just due to the Transporter’s style and design, but also Volkswagen’s enviable reputation for quality, durability and competitive whole life costs, a nationwide network of dedicated Van Centres, plus the wide range of derivatives available to suit many needs.

Facts from the history of the Volkswagen Transporter:

• 1947: first design sketch of the rear-engined Transporter produced.
• 1950: Production of the first generation, ‘split-screen’ Transporter started in Wolfsburg for the 1950 model year with an air-cooled, 1,131 cc engine borrowed from the Volkswagen Beetle.
• 1956: Transporter production moved to a new Volkswagen factory in Hanover.
• 1967: The second generation, ‘bay window’ Transporter was introduced.  Over three million were made during 12 years of production. It’s still produced to this day in Mexico.
• 1979: The third generation Transporter was introduced.
• 1982: After 32 years and with production totalling over five million vehicles, the Transporter switched from air-cooled to water-cooled engines – still rear-mounted.
• 1990: The fourth generation Transporter was introduced and became the first to have the engine at the front to leave a completely flat load area.
• 2003: The current, fifth generation Transporter made its debut.
• 2007: An event to celebrate 60 years of Volkswagen vans held in Hanover, Germany, attracted 71,000 visitors with an amazing selection of over 5,000 Transporter vans present.