Have you ever wondered where some of the world’s most popular Volkswagen vehicles are made? In China, Volkswagen operates a vast network of factories, each producing a range of models. Let’s take a closer look at the top VW bus factories in China and what makes them stand out.
SongSan Motors Summer Camper Van Is a Retro VW Bus …
Product Details: The Songsan SS Summer is a camper van inspired by the classic Volkswagen Microbus. It features a turbocharged 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain. The vehicle was showcased at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show and is set to enter production. It is produced by BYD under a contract-manufacturing deal, utilizing BYD’s platforms, powertrains, software, and infotainment systems.
Pros:
– Retro-modern design inspired by the classic Volkswagen Microbus
– Turbocharged 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain for efficient performance
– Produced by BYD, leveraging their advanced technology and manufacturing capabili…
Cons:
– Limited availability and production details at the time of its debut
– No extensive performance or efficiency data available yet
China’s Maxus takes on VW’s Transporter with new electric …
Songsan Summer Is A Retro-Modern Clone Of The Classic …
Product Details: The Songsan Summer is a retro-modern clone of the classic Volkswagen T1 bus. It features a turbocharged 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain, including a 16 kWh battery pack. The vehicle has a pair of circular headlights, circular turn signals, and a triangular-shaped hood section. It is equipped with retro wheels, sliding rear doors, a spare wheel at the rear, and a small hatch door. The roof can be tilted up, revealing a canopy that allows passengers to stand up and look through the sunroof. The interior is clad in cream-colored leather across the seats, dashboard, center console, and door panels. It
includes a small digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen. The second row has a pair of captain’s chairs and a center seat that can be folded down to reveal four cupholders, along with a third row of seats.
Pros:
– Retro design inspired by the iconic Volkswagen T1
– Modern plug-in hybrid powertrain for reduced emissions and improved performance
– Upscale interior with cream-colored leather and modern amenities like a digital…
– Practical features such as sliding rear doors, a spare wheel, and a tilting roof…
– Multiple rows of seating including captain’s chairs and a fold-down center seat
Cons:
– Limited market availability, initially targeted for the Chinese market
– No detailed specifications on battery range or charging times
– Design may not appeal to those seeking a more contemporary look
– Potential for higher cost due to hybrid powertrain and premium interior
CC Outtake: Suzuki Carry Mini-Me VW Bus
Product Details: The vehicle is a ninth generation Suzuki Carry van converted to resemble a VW bus. It is powered by a 657cc three-cylinder engine mounted low ahead of the rear axle. The van features a three-speed automatic transmission and has two rows of seats with a cargo area behind them. It is noted for its bright and cheerful interior but appears to need some maintenance. The van is equipped with features typical of Japanese kei cars, including a restrictive speed limiter, which may be around 120 km/h (75 mph).
Pros:
– Compact and suitable for city use
– Automatic transmission, which is popular in Japanese kei cars for navigating slo…
– Low center of gravity due to the engine placement, potentially improving stabili…
Cons:
– Limited speed capability due to the speed limiter
– Lack of accident protection typical of forward control vans
– Small size makes it less suitable and potentially scary for driving on highways…
– Needs maintenance as indicated by its current condition
Songsan SS Dolphin and Summer – Neoclassic Corvette …
Electric VW bus for North America and Europe
Product Details: The 2025 VW ID.Buzz is an electric vehicle with a retro design inspired by the classic VW Microbus. It features a longer wheelbase for the North American market, providing three rows of seats and space for six or seven passengers. The ID.Buzz comes with two powertrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel-drive with 282 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive with 330 horsepower. It is powered by an 86.0-kWh battery pack, with an expected range of around 260 miles and fast-charging capability to 80% in 30 minutes. The vehicle includes modern features such as a 12.9-inch infotainment screen,
wireless charging, eight USB-C ports, and VW’s IQ.Drive driver assistance package.
Pros:
– Spacious and configurable interior with three rows of seats
– Modern tech features including a 12.9-inch infotainment screen and wireless char…
– Retro design with contemporary spin, appealing to nostalgia
– Strong power options with both RWD and AWD configurations
– Fast-charging capability and significant electric range
– Standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
Cons:
– Heavier than competitors, which can affect handling and braking
– Regenerative braking can be difficult to manage smoothly
– Acceleration to highway speeds can be slower compared to other EVs
– Higher cost associated with potential electrical service upgrades for home charg…
Bizarro World: China builds fake VW Beetles from fibreglass
Product Details: The Wecan Beetle is a fiberglass replica of the classic Volkswagen Beetle, powered by an electric motor. It is based on the 1968-1969 model and features a one-piece fiberglass body that combines the wings and central body. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 35 km/h and can travel 80 kilometers with two charges, which last from six to eight hours. It is equipped with a complete lighting system, though the connectors and other components are not identical to the original. The car is used for short trips, weddings, tourist rides, advertising appearances, and display in shop windows. The FOB
(export) value is around US$7,513 for a single unit, or US$6,990 for orders of more than five units.
Pros:
– Affordable for specific use cases such as weddings and promotions
– Environmentally friendly due to its electric motor
– Unique nostalgic appeal for those who cannot afford or find original VW Beetles
Cons:
– Poor build quality with noticeable discrepancies from the original VW Beetle des…
– Limited performance with a maximum speed of 35 km/h
– Simplified and less comfortable interior compared to the original
– Not suitable for long-distance travel or daily driving due to its limited range…
VW-Traton also fears Chinese competition in commercial …
Product Details: The TRATON GROUP, which includes brands such as MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, is concerned about increasing competition in the commercial vehicle market from Chinese manufacturers. Chinese electric bus providers have quickly established themselves in the market, primarily due to their access to advanced battery technology. This trend is expected to extend to trucks, posing a significant competitive challenge to European manufacturers like TRATON.
Pros:
– Chinese manufacturers’ advanced battery technology could drive innovation and ef…
– Increased competition could push European manufacturers to accelerate their own…
Cons:
– TRATON and other European commercial vehicle manufacturers face tough competitio…
– The rapid growth of Chinese electric bus and truck manufacturers may disrupt the…
VW T1 Camper Bus China Cup/Mug
Product Details: The VW T1 Camper Bus China Cup/Mug is made from china material. It is designed with a theme of the Volkswagen T1 Camper Bus. The product is food safe and suitable for everyday use. However, specific details such as volume, microwave safety, and dishwasher safety are not provided on the webpage.
Pros:
– Made from china material, which is generally durable and long-lasting.
– Themed with the iconic Volkswagen T1 Camper Bus design, appealing to VW enthusia…
– Food safe, ensuring it is safe for consumption.
Cons:
– Lack of detailed specifications such as volume, microwave safety, and dishwasher…
– No information on whether the product is microwave or dishwasher safe.
VW To Produce Low-Cost EV With JAC For China, Sell It …
Comparison Table
Company | Product Details | Pros | Cons | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
SongSan Motors Summer Camper Van Is a Retro VW Bus … | The Songsan SS Summer is a camper van inspired by the classic Volkswagen Microbus. It features a turbocharged 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain. The… | – Retro-modern design inspired by the classic Volkswagen Microbus – Turbocharged 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain for efficient performance – Produ… | – Limited availability and production details at the time of its debut – No extensive performance or efficiency data available yet | www.motortrend.com |
China’s Maxus takes on VW’s Transporter with new electric … | www.yahoo.com | |||
Songsan Summer Is A Retro-Modern Clone Of The Classic … | The Songsan Summer is a retro-modern clone of the classic Volkswagen T1 bus. It features a turbocharged 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain, including… | – Retro design inspired by the iconic Volkswagen T1 – Modern plug-in hybrid powertrain for reduced emissions and improved performance – Upscale interi… | – Limited market availability, initially targeted for the Chinese market – No detailed specifications on battery range or charging times – Design may… | www.carscoops.com |
CC Outtake: Suzuki Carry Mini-Me VW Bus | The vehicle is a ninth generation Suzuki Carry van converted to resemble a VW bus. It is powered by a 657cc three-cylinder engine mounted low ahead of… | – Compact and suitable for city use – Automatic transmission, which is popular in Japanese kei cars for navigating slo… – Low center of gravity due… | – Limited speed capability due to the speed limiter – Lack of accident protection typical of forward control vans – Small size makes it less suitable… | www.curbsideclassic.com |
Songsan SS Dolphin and Summer – Neoclassic Corvette … | www.carnichiwa.com | |||
Electric VW bus for North America and Europe | The 2025 VW ID.Buzz is an electric vehicle with a retro design inspired by the classic VW Microbus. It features a longer wheelbase for the North Ameri… | – Spacious and configurable interior with three rows of seats – Modern tech features including a 12.9-inch infotainment screen and wireless char… -… | – Heavier than competitors, which can affect handling and braking – Regenerative braking can be difficult to manage smoothly – Acceleration to highway… | www.volkswagen-newsroom.com |
Bizarro World: China builds fake VW Beetles from fibreglass | The Wecan Beetle is a fiberglass replica of the classic Volkswagen Beetle, powered by an electric motor. It is based on the 1968-1969 model and featur… | – Affordable for specific use cases such as weddings and promotions – Environmentally friendly due to its electric motor – Unique nostalgic appeal for… | – Poor build quality with noticeable discrepancies from the original VW Beetle des… – Limited performance with a maximum speed of 35 km/h – Simplifi… | uk.motor1.com |
VW-Traton also fears Chinese competition in commercial … | The TRATON GROUP, which includes brands such as MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, is concerned about increasing competition in the commercial v… | – Chinese manufacturers’ advanced battery technology could drive innovation and ef… – Increased competition could push European manufacturers to acc… | – TRATON and other European commercial vehicle manufacturers face tough competitio… – The rapid growth of Chinese electric bus and truck manufacture… | table.media |
VW T1 Camper Bus China Cup/Mug | The VW T1 Camper Bus China Cup/Mug is made from china material. It is designed with a theme of the Volkswagen T1 Camper Bus. The product is food safe… | – Made from china material, which is generally durable and long-lasting. – Themed with the iconic Volkswagen T1 Camper Bus design, appealing to VW ent… | – Lack of detailed specifications such as volume, microwave safety, and dishwasher… – No information on whether the product is microwave or dishwash… | www.dubstyling.com |
VW To Produce Low-Cost EV With JAC For China, Sell It … | kr.pinterest.com |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Volkswagen factories are there in China
Volkswagen has a significant presence in China, with a total of 20 production locations across the country. These include both vehicle and component production sites, making Volkswagen one of the most successful companies in the Chinese automotive industry[3].
What types of vehicles and components are produced in Volkswagen’s Chinese factories
In China, Volkswagen produces a wide range of vehicles, including models from its brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, and ŠKODA. Additionally, these factories manufacture various components like engines, transmissions, chassis parts, and seat systems, all tailored for the Chinese market[3].
Why is Volkswagen considering closing some of its factories in China
Volkswagen is facing challenges in China due to declining sales of combustion-powered vehicles and the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) from domestic manufacturers. This has led to the consideration of closing or slowing production at several plants, including one in Nanjing that produces VW Passat and Skoda models[2][4].
What is the significance of the Tianjin components plant
The Tianjin components plant is notable for producing the latest generation of dual-clutch gearboxes (DSG), specifically the DQ380 gearbox. This plant contributes to Volkswagen’s goal of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and is part of a larger strategy to make Volkswagen the most sustainable automaker in China[1].
How is Volkswagen adapting to the shift towards electric vehicles in China
Volkswagen is transforming its vehicle production and component plants to focus on smart electric vehicles. The company is partnering with domestic automakers like XPeng and SAIC to launch more competitive electric models for the Chinese market. This includes the establishment of new energy vehicle plants, such as the one in Anting, which builds EVs on Volkswagen’s MEB platform[2][4].