Caravelle (formerly Multivan) and California: Production of the enhanced models starts at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover

• Evolution of the iconic VW Bus: Caravelle¹ (formerly Multivan)² and California¹ receive a new front end, a redesigned cockpit and the latest driver assistance systems
• New Caravelle rolls off the production line in Hanover-Stöcken
• New California has also been produced at the brand’s main plant since August
• “Generation” special model complements the existing Trend, Life, Style and Edition trim levels (not planned for UK release)

Hanover, 11 September 2026 – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has started production of the revised Caravelle (formerly Multivan)² and California models.

Both model lines feature a new front design, a completely redesigned cockpit, enhanced lighting technology, new convenience features and an expanded range of driver assistance systems.

Since summer, the Generation special model (not planned for UK release), featuring particularly attractive equipment and an exclusive colour scheme, has complemented the existing Trend, Life, Style and Edition.

With the start of production, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is continuing the evolution of two of its most important product lines. The Caravelle recorded a record year in 2025, with 38,700 units delivered to customers – more than ever before.

At the same time, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is opening a new chapter in California production. Since August, the campervan has been manufactured entirely on new production lines at the Hanover plant for the first time. Previously, camper conversion work was carried out outside the main plant. Bringing the production processes together enables more efficient operations and closer integration between vehicle manufacturing and camper conversion.

Upgrade for the Caravelle (formerly Multivan)² & California

New Caravelle nameplate² nameplate replaces the outgoing ‘Multivan’ in the UK market, returning to its heritage and bringing the name into the modern day. The vehicle will still be produced under the ‘Multivan’ nameplate for the German market.

Powerful VW Bus drivetrains: The drivetrain highlights for both models is the eHybrid 4MOTION, introduced only in 2025: a plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive system with a system output of 180 kW (245 PS)¹ and a 19.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. In addition, both VW Bus models will again be available in two body lengths and can be configured as front-wheel-drive vehicles with either a 110 kW (150 PS)¹ turbodiesel engine (TDI) or a turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) producing 150 kW (204 PS)¹. All Caravelle and California models are equipped with a direct shift gearbox (DSG).

VW Bus special-edition model (not planned for UK release): The particularly well-equipped Generation special-edition model for the Caravelle and California complements the Trend, Life, Style and Edition trim lines. The new Candy White/Sunset Red Metallic two-tone paint finish is available exclusively for these two models (optional).

New VW Bus headlights: The designers have redesigned the front end of the Caravelle and California below the bonnet. The LED headlights are a defining visual feature. They are now larger, giving the characteristic VW Bus face an even sharper appearance.

The headlights now also offer significantly higher light output. The area ahead of the vehicle is illuminated more brightly and evenly, while the width of the light cone has also been improved, both when driving straight ahead and when cornering. Even the entry-level headlights come with a significantly expanded range of functions.

New VW Bus front bumper: The new front section below the headlights has a more consistent and harmonious appearance than before. The air intakes for engine cooling and air conditioning ventilation are now integrated into the lower section of the aerodynamically optimised bumper. Two horizontal air intakes, together with a body-coloured section between them, emphasise the width of the Caravelle and California.

New VW Bus colours, now also in matt finish: Few van model lines are as renowned for their two-tone paint finishes and wide range of colours. Six of the 16 available colour combinations have been newly developed. A particularly elegant option is the new Candy White solid/Grey Brown Metallic two-tone paint finish, one of three new two-tone colour variants. The Candy White/Sunset Red Metallic paint finish is initially available exclusively for the new Caravelle Generation. For the first time, a matt paint finish is now available for both the Caravelle and the California (Indium Grey Matt).

New VW Bus cockpit landscape: The interior features major enhancements. Immediately noticeable is the newly developed dash panel landscape with even higher-quality surfaces and integrated topstitching. Technically, it incorporates a new stage in the development of the Digital Cockpit and a new generation of infotainment systems. The Digital Cockpit offers three different display layouts, which can be selected via the View button on the multifunction steering wheel. Also new is the visually free-standing infotainment system touch display with a diagonal of 12.9 inches (32.8 cm). Illuminated touch sliders for the audio and air conditioning functions are located below the infotainment system.

Latest VW Bus assist system: The new assistance systems available for the Caravelle and California include the enhanced Travel Assist system. The latest generation of the system offers traffic light recognition for the first time and enables assisted lane changing on motorways. The integrated Emergency Assist system steers the VW Bus, should the driver suffer a medical emergency, in several stages onto the hard shoulder or the outermost lane and brings the vehicle safely to a stop there³.

New VW Bus stationary air conditioning: The electric stationary air conditioning system of the Caravelle and California eHybrid 4MOTION now enables both VW Bus models to be electrically cooled, ventilated and heated for up to eight hours while charging, parked or camping. In addition, the California eHybrid 4MOTION is equipped with a classic auxiliary heater for continuous operation via the fuel system (standard in the California Ocean, optional for other versions). For the first time, memory and massage functions are also available for the front passenger seat in conjunction with the optional AGR ErgoComfort seats.

New VW Bus seat configuration: For the first time, an eight-seat vis-à-vis configuration will be available, allowing two groups of three passengers to sit facing each other in the rear compartment. In addition, new interior colours are being introduced for the Caravelle. Alongside the two-tone interior design, fully dark ArtVelours and leather variants will also be available in future, combining exclusivity with enhanced durability. In these versions, the headliner and door pillar trim are also finished in dark colours. The California features a model-specific fabric and colour scheme in the interior.

Prices (Germany):
The Caravelle Trend starts at €48,290 net (€57,465 gross) (Germany).
The California Beach starts at €55,535 net (€66,087 gross) (Germany).
 
Further prices, such as for the Caravelle Generation special model and the other equipment lines, will soon be available in the VWCV configurator: Models and configurator | Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

(ends)

Notes:

¹Consumption/emissions:

Caravelle/California: 
Combined energy consumption: 5,3-7,1 l/100km; combined CO₂ emissions: 167-215 g/km; CO₂ classes: F-G

Caravelle eHybrid/California eHybrid (PHEV):
Weighted combined energy consumption: 15.6-16.4 kWh/100 km plus 2.6-3.2 l/100 km; combined fuel consumption with discharged battery: 7.4 – 8.2 l/100 km; weighted combined CO₂ emissions: 60-73 g/km; weighted combined CO₂ classes: B; with discharged battery: E.

²Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK is bringing back the Caravelle nameplate to replace the outgoing Multivan for UK markets. The vehicle will still be produced under the ‘Multivan’ nameplate for the German market.

³Within the system limits.

About Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles:
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

For over 75 years, the VW Bus has stood for reliability and versatility – initially in commercial use and today also in everyday family life and camping. Now in its seventh generation, the concept continues to impress: as reliable Transporter, versatile Multivan, adventurous California, or fully-electric ID. Buzz. Whether as a mobile workshop, trusted service vehicle, or utility-driven everyday hero – the vehicles by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offer space for needs and dreams and are in use worldwide for people on a mission.

At the sites in Hanover (Germany), Poznań (Poland), and Września (Poland), more than 21,000 employees produce vehicles for both commercial and private customers. Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan, Caddy, Crafter, California, Amarok, and the ID. Buzz delight and inspire customers every day. With the ID. Buzz AD, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is producing the first fully-autonomous production vehicle in Europe and shaping the future of mobility as a manufacturer. Headquartered in Hanover, the brand is shaping the mobility of today and tomorrow – meeting all the demands for clean, intelligent, and sustainable mobility. This is what Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stands for with its brand promise: success, freedom, future.

Information on all aspects of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand and the Hanover site can be found at: https://www.vwn-presse.de/content/pressedb/de/en.html 

040/09.2026/LB

Press contact
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Press Team

Christian Schlüter
Product Communications
Spokesperson Camper Vans and Classic Vehicles
Telephone: +49 160 939 854 98
Email: christian.schlueter@volkswagen.de