Volkswagen has been active in the Netherlands for 75 years. On August 8, 1947, the Pon brothers became the first foreign importer of Volkswagen. In the run-up to that, Ben Pon visited the VW factory. That visit eventually led to a legendary sketch, which led to the development of the VW Bus (or: Transporter, if you prefer). The Typ 2 T1 was a huge hit and laid the foundation for the success story of the VW van. Volkswagen Netherlands adds luster to the multiple 75th anniversary, because on June 1, 2022, Volkswagen is organizing a unique gathering of the 75 most beautiful buses in the Netherlands: the Bus tot Buzz Tour. And if you are the owner of a VW Bus or a variant model, you can be there. Because the Tour is accessible to all owners of all Bus generations. You can now sign up.
The VW Bus needs no further introduction for a long time. It proved its usefulness in many ways and applications for countless entrepreneurs, campers and families. He still does. For decades, the bus has been a permanent part of the daily traffic image in several generations. And that history started almost 75 years ago.
April 23, 1947, waypoint
The success story of the VW Bus begins on April 23, 1947. Ben Pon then visits the Volkswagen factory to discuss the import of the Volkswagen Beetle. His eye falls on the 'Plattenwagen', a simple transport cart with Beetle technology. Pon immediately sees sales opportunities. As a businessman, he knows that there is a great need for this type of company car in Europe.
No approval for Plattenwagen
However, the 'Plattenwagen' is not approved for use on public roads. This is because the driver sits at the very back of the car, just above the engine. However, Pon devises a solution. During his next visit to the Volkswagen factory, he sketches it in his diary. He moves the control of the Plattenwagen to the front and creates a closed loading space in the back. The sketch by Pon now belongs to the collection of the Rijksmuseum. It was a sketch with major consequences.
Effortlessly to the 75th anniversary
The bus (Type 2) becomes the second Volkswagen model from March 1950 and as stated: many fall for the practical and multifunctional charm of the Volkswagen van. Millions are built, the VW Bus effortlessly reaches its 75th anniversary. And that is something that Volkswagen Netherlands wants to work on together with the owners of a VW Bus, also because on August 8, 2022, Volkswagen will be active in the Netherlands for 75 years.
June 1, 2022. Bus to Buzz Tour for Owners
On Wednesday, June 75, Volkswagen Netherlands is organizing the Bus tot Buzz Tour: a ride with 1 of the most beautiful and special Volkswagen buses in the Netherlands. The start is naturally at Pon in Leusden and from this location the procession of buses drives past various places in search of the history of the Volkswagen bus.
Sign up from today until May 6th
Volkswagen is calling on as many Dutch bus owners as possible for this special ride. Do you own a VW Bus? Then you can register no later than May 6th register via this link. Please note: the Tour is intended for all generations of Volkswagen buses and also for special specifications, models or versions. An expert jury determines the final selection of 75 copies, and on the day itself will also declare one of the participating buses 'Most beautiful Volkswagen bus in the Netherlands'. The winner will attend the European Bulli Festival in Hamburg this summer on behalf of Volkswagen Netherlands.
History and future
The 75th anniversary of Volkswagen in the Netherlands coincides with the arrival of the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo. The shapes of this fully electric van or passenger car are strongly reminiscent of the first Volkswagen bus, the Typ 2 T1. Obviously the ID. Buzz will also be part of the party on June 1, so that past and future are beautifully united.
