A self driving campervan with all the charm of a VW van? Sign us up!
The North American International Auto Show, currently running in Detroit, is one of the biggest events on the calendar for those in the auto industry, so it’s not unusual for exciting new models to make their debut at the show. However, Volkswagen has managed to stir up an extraordinary amount of excitement with the introduction of the I.D. Buzz - an ultra-futuristic take on the classic VW bus. The original VW vans have become cultural touchstones and many of them were converted into camper vans allowing an entire generation to experience the best kind of road trip adventures. It might seem difficult to do any better than the iconic original, but there’s no doubt that the I.D. Buzz does its level best.
The I.D. Buzz concept vehicle unveiled by Volkswagen at the North American International Auto Show is not only electric and emission free, but fully autonomous. Self driving cars have a reputation (whether merited or not) for being less powerful, but the Buzz boasts plenty of muscle with a 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds capability and a top speed of 160 km/h. One of the best things about the old VW vans was the ability to pile a group of friends onboard and hit the road together, and the I.D. Buzz doubles down in this department. A retractable steering wheel, a moveable centre console and a front seat that swivels 180 degrees takes full advantage of the fact that this is a self driving car, allowing better interaction between passengers while on the road.
It’s still not certain whether the Buzz will make it all the way from concept to finished product, but there’s no doubt that Volkswagen is committed to both electric and self driving cars, with another electric model paralleling their Golf compact car set to hit the streets in 2020, followed by a fully automated version in 2025. This ties in with Volkswagen’s ambitious goal to sell at least one million electric cars per year by 2025.
While the future of campervan holidays looks bright, the present isn’t too shabby either. Self driving cars and motorhomes may be out of reach for a few more years, but in the meantime even those who don’t own a campervan have the chance to enjoy the motorhoming lifestyle. Motorhome rental is a popular choice with many seeking to taste the freedom of the road for a few days. Whether you’re picking up an RV rental in Las Vegas so you can watch the sun come up over the Grand Canyon, booking a campervan hire in NZ to immerse yourself in the real Middle Earth, opting for a motorhome rental in Australia to roam between beach, desert and rainforest, or heading to some other far flung corner of the globe, a motorhome holiday will have you setting the pace and exploring to your heart’s content.
If you’re seeking a little inspiration for your next trip, take a quick look over these itineraries: spanning seven different countries and created specifically with motorhome travellers in mind, these guides can be easily modified to create your very own dream trip.
Written By: Kristof Haines
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
