The Evolution of the Transporter Series

The history of the camper van goes back to the end of the Second World War, when the British were running the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsberg in Germany. The introduction of the first  Volkswagen campervans date back to 1940s when the concept of the VW Transporter was first acknowledged by the Type 1 Volkswagen Beetle. This car was based on a design by Porsche titled as the ‘Prototype 1.’

The public’s love for Volkswagen camper vans began with the iconic VW split-screen bus, or 'splitty', also known as the T1. This first generation transporter campervan was developed based on the design of the initially created by Volkswagen importer Ben Pon. During his time at the Volkswagen factory, he drew a detailed sketch of a car, which inspired the engineers at VW and was eventually developed into the VW T1, starting a new beginning for the major Transporter series stepping into the campervan market. The VW transporter 1 looked chic and made a great market entry to the campervan market and become a favourite for surfers, campers and tradesmen across the globe. Even today, the classic Volkswagen campervans still have dedicated fans admiring these vintage campervans and a whole culture has built up around people’s love for these classic campervans.

 The type 2 VW Transporter (also known as the VW Bus, Kombi or Microbus) is a panel van created by Volkswagen in 1950.  The Volkswagen Transporter 2 overcame the weakness of the VW Beetle being impractical for work use; the VW T2 was designed as an alternative for functional work purposes. With various models and generations of the Transporter being produced over the years, the Volkswagen Transporter 2 emerged as a desired choice of a campervan amongst camping enthusiasts.

The VW T3 was designed to be larger in size and heavier in weight in comparison to the previous Transporters. The Volkswagen T3 physically appeared to be squarer shaped than previous versions. The T3 Transporter had larger disc brakes in the front and larger drums in the rear than earlier Volkswagen Transporters. Volkswagen began production of the VW T4 in 1990. The van had a water-cooled engine in the front of the vehicle, making it the first Volkswagen Transporter to include this efficient feature, specifically useful during camping trips in the summer seasons.

Production of the Volkswagen T5 and Specifications

The home plant of Hanover was completely restructured for the start of production of the Volkswagen T5 series on 3rd March 2003. The Volkswagen T5 was first built in the year 2003, in Hanover and Poznań, Germany. The closed vehicle versions are built in Hanover and the open construction versions, dropside and double cabin, are built in Poznań. With approximately 12,000 employees, the plant is the largest industrial employer in the Hanover region. The van is available in an extensive choice of options, including Short-Wheelbase (SWB), Long-Wheelbase (LWB) with optional low, medium and high rooflines. The VW T5 replaced the VW T4 and became the fifth generation of the VW transporter.

Volkswagen T5 Transporters are available in various configurations such as the Van, Minibus, Single-cab, Double-cab, Drop side or Chassis Truck. It is also available as a people carrier with various seating options, which were also known as the Shuttle, Kombi, Caravelle, and Multivan. The Volkswagen T5 is available in both petrol and diesel engines, from 1.9 to a 2.5 litre TDI. The VW T5 has sufficient engine under the bonnet to easily cope with long road journeys on UK roads. There is a choice of two different diesel engines in the VW T5, producing a total of four different power outputs; the 1.9 PD offered either 85 or 105bhp, while the five-cylinder 2.5-litre is available in 130bhp or 174bhp guise. There is also a 114bhp 2.0-litre petrol offering, but it’s relatively rare. The 1.9 running gear has the tried and tested five-speed ‘box from the T4, while the 2.5 comes with Volkswagen’s new six-speed unit to handle the extra power and torque. In September 2009, the Volkswagen T5 was given a facelift. Volkswagen launched a new version of the T5 Transporter with changes made to the front of the van, such as traction control and day light running lights , but the most important alteration was the addition of an upgraded 180bhp engine and transmission options including a 7 speed double clutch gearbox.  To bring the VW T5 into the camping sector, Volkswagen developed a rail system inside the van which meant different aspects to the vehicle could easily be attached, converting it into a campervan. This system is also flexible with seats, which can easily be removed and new ones can be added.

Market Leadership

Alongside Germany, the most important markets for Volkswagen in Europe include Great Britain, The Netherlands and Austria. Volkswagen has come a long way from its roots in wartime Germany, this is highly due to its international focus and highly localised marketing strategy. If you asked the question “I want a campervan, which one should I buy?” 10, or 20 years ago, the Volkswagen Transporter vehicles was way ahead of the competition. However, in recent times commercial vehicles have developed hugely, and now each manufacturer has efficient vans available. Manufacturers who traditionally tried to enter into the commercial van industry with vans, with outdated products, and those who had never competed, are now joining forces to offer very competent products at competitive prices. Despite some manufacturers trying to enter into the market, Volkswagen still remains the market leader in the van industry for both B2B and B2C consumers. The VW T5 continues to out-perform all other models in its sector when it comes to price and quality. After all it is the bestselling light commercial vehicle. The Transporter series has been a driving force for Volkswagen’s success in the market.  In 2013, UK sales of the Transporter reached 18,350 , a figure proving the vehicle’s success and its ability to grow in the long term.

The Volkswagen T5 as a campervan

As well as the increased demand for the Volkswagen T5 in the commercial sector. A further reason why they are in demand is due to the travel and leisure sector. There are a growing number of private buyers, in particular families, travellers and regular campers who are eager to convert them into camper vans and take an adventure on the road across the UK. The VW T5 is an ideal base van to convert into a travel friendly campervan for a number of reasons. The Volkswagen T5 is relatively affordable yet is a high quality choice of campervan.  Purchasing a purpose-built campervan such as the Volkswagen California could mean having to put up with features that don’t suit you. The major benefit the VW T5 brings to consumers is the ability to customise the base van according to their individual preferences. The Volkswagen T5 has a new sleeker design and an elevating pop up roof that offers another double bed or increased standing room. The spacious base van of the Volkswagen T5 allows a conversion which can be tailored to suit individual needs, providing a perfect campervan and adds a personal touch. Volkswagen van base vehicles hold a unique place in campervan history and in people's hearts.

The Volkswagen T5 is highly reliable and can also be used as a second family car. It is highly spacious and provides great comfort for those long awaited road trips. The VW T5 has a tyre monitoring system to alert the driver if there is a change in tyre pressure. Furthermore, the side assist warns the driver if there are any vehicles in the blind spot area. There is also a cornering light integrated in the front fog light to illuminate the road in the direction in which the vehicle is turning, added to that is a reversing camera to display the area behind the van, with virtual guidelines showing where it is going. The Volkswagen T5’s refined independent suspension and defined electric power assisted steering, provides a comfortable and safe handling campervan which is a joy to drive over long distances.

Achievement and Success

The year 2009 marked the moment when one million Volkswagen T5 vans were sold since the production in 2003. The Volkswagen Transporter was named International Van of the Year for a consecutive three years, including the Volkswagen T5 being awarded the International Van of the Year in 2004. The year 2014 marked a significant milestone in the history of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, as sixty years from then, the first ever right-hand drive Transporter arrived in the UK. At that point, the VW T1 marked the start of a revolution in the commercial vehicle industry. The Volkswagen T5 has won many nominations and became a great success as an all-round vehicle. Over 6 generations the transporter has developed to incorporate more streamlined bodywork, more proficient engines and greater comfort inside. The Volkswagen T5 is the new state of the art camper and passenger van, which took the public by storm and continues to strive to success as the ideal campervan.