VW's Attorneys Will Appreciate Skyworth's Latest Bus | Carscoops

      The Summer minivan from Chinese brand Skyworth resembles a classic bus more than VW’s own ID.Buzz, according to details released by China’s MIIT.

      This retro MPV bears an uncanny resemblance to VW’s iconic T2 bus from the 1950s and ’60s, showcasing a 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid engine that delivers a total of 215 hp and a top speed of 103 mph.

      Many Western automotive brands have a long history, spanning over a century, with a wealth of beloved classics to draw inspiration from. For example, Ferrari’s Daytona-inspired 12Cilindri and VW’s microbus-themed ID.Buzz. However, Chinese brands lack this advantage, leading some, like Skyworth, to replicate Western designs directly.

      Details regarding the vintage-style vehicle were published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, accompanied by images that reveal it resembles the classic VW Type 2 more closely than even the ID.Buzz does.

      While the headlights are positioned higher and the grille differs slightly from a V-shape, the similarities are undeniable. The Summer features a roof that curves at the sides, reminiscent of the Type 2, and its bumper and side window shapes closely mimic the classic model.

      Skyworth also seems to have emulated the renowned two-piece front windshield configuration of the iconic VW ‘splittie’ by using a single-piece windshield with a central crease.

      The main distinction lies at the rear, where the Summer boasts a pair of outward-opening doors, unlike the VW, which couldn’t feature this design due to the height requirements of its air-cooled flat four engine.

      In terms of mechanics, expectations for an all-electric powertrain were high, but the Summer is actually a plug-in hybrid, a quickly expanding segment in China. It combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine providing 154 hp (156 PS / 115 kW) with an electric motor contributing an additional 94 hp (95 PS / 70 kW), resulting in a total output of 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW). The top speed is electronically limited to 103 mph (165 km/h).

      With a massive 3,250 mm (128 inches) wheelbase, the Summer surpasses the 2,989 mm (117.7 inches) of the ID.Buzz and the 3,000 mm (118.1 inches) of Honda’s Odyssey minivan, allowing ample space for up to seven passengers, as indicated by the MIIT.

      While the Summer may offer more space than the Buzz, it is the design that is likely to concern VW executives. The German automaker's lawyers were displeased in 2021 when Great Wall’s Ora brand unveiled the Punk Cat, a retro EV that was a blatant imitation of the Beetle. VW did not respond lightly.

      Additionally, there was a previous case where VW enforced legal action against a Suzuki kei van styled like a classic VW Bus. Its listing on Cars & Bids was quickly removed following a strongly worded letter from VW’s legal team. Therefore, if you assume VW is ignoring the Summer, reconsider.