Volkswagen has teased a new electric vehicle concept that will take pride of place on its Detroit Motor Show stand in January. The concept model is believed to be a multi-passenger vehicle that will become an integral part of VW's new MOIA mobility brand.
Described as a "multi-functional vehicle of a new era", the concept's teaser images show a bold-looking vehicle with striking resemblance to the old VW Microbus concept. It's not the first time the German brand has teased such a vehicle, but this time it's likely to be a bit more than a retro design showcase.
• Best electric cars to buy now
At the launch of VW's ride-sharing mobility brand, MOIA, boss Ole Harms said there would be an "imminent reveal" of a "built for purpose" bespoke ride-sharing vehicle with an electric drivetrain and autonomous driving features. VW's press release with these new teasers starts with the words, "the era of electric mobility begins".
The minibus is said to have full autonomous capablity, with an electrically-retractable steering wheel that folds into the dashboard at the touch of a button. It's described as providing "ample space for travel with a long electric driving range".
VW will trial autonomous prototypes for the MOIA brand in cities over the next few years, so we don't expect to see a production version until after 2020. Even then, we don't know if the brand plans to physically sell the vehicle or use it solely to take on Uber as an on-demand ride-sharing shuttle.
Check out our 2017 Detroit Motor Show preview here...