CES: Volkswagen's new EV concept takes shape

VOLKSWAGEN has released a teaser video of its electric concept vehicle ahead of next week’s full unveiling at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) by chairman of Volkswagen passenger cars Herbert Diess.

Rumoured to be based on the now defunct Volkswagen Bulli concept, the short, 10-second video shows little design cues which keep the as-yet-unnamed CES concept close in styling to Volkswagen’s 2011 Geneva small van concept.

Most telling are the newly revealed tail lights, which feature a slim and slick aesthetic and have two small light strips surrounded by a wrap-around brake light design which extends upwards along the car’s rear window.

It also appears that Volkswagen’s latest EV concept will feature a chrome strip along the beltline, possibly a small homage to the Bulli concept’s two-tone red and white exterior which joined in a very similar position.

Brief images of the name under the Volkswagen badge can also be glimpsed, with the obtuse angle of the shot revealing a potential “Duo-e” moniker.

Other than its electric drivetrain, the Volkswagen EV concept is also expected to feature new levels of interconnectivity and in-car interaction, potentially an evolution of last year’s CES debutante, the Golf R Touch concept – which featured gesture controls and a large touchscreen in lieu of buttons and switches.

Fellow German car-maker BMW is also set to reveal its own gesture-based in-car control system called AirTouch during next week’s show.

Diess will unveil the new car on the CES stage and will also be “focusing his remarks on electric mobility driving the automotive market,” according to a CES press release.

Consumer Technology Association (CTA) – organisers of CES – president and CEO Gary Shapiro dismissed the bad press surrounding Volkswagen after the dieselgate scandal and said that CES is a chance for Volkswagen to show the world its sustainability credentials.

“CES is a celebration of diverse ideas. Our stage is open to those who bring innovation and can showcase how technology is changing the world, at times open even to those who bring controversy,” he said.

“When we agreed to a Volkswagen keynote earlier this year we, along with the world, did not know much about emissions testing, but after talking with Dr.

Diess I felt the CES audience would be interested in his vision and curious about his plans for a new type of sustainable car.

“Now, VW has an opportunity at CES to show the world its designs for the future and how the company views electric mobility and sustainability.”Volkswagen’s Diess won’t be the only keynote speaker with an automotive background, General Motors Company CEO Mary Barra will also take the stage alongside other technology giants including Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and YouTube chief business officer Robert Kyncl.