The first sketches of the new Volkswagen Crafter, which is due to be launched this autumn, have been revealed.

The new Crafter is a completely new vehicle. Experts at Volkswagen Commercial vehicles have worked closely with current customers, frequently accompanying them during their daily routines, to explore their needs and find out their visions of what they wanted the new Crafter to be, allowing them to help shape the new generation.

Albert-Johann Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: "In the commercial vehicle sector especially, design has got to work for lots of different customer groups."

At 0.33, the new Crafter has a best in class drag coefficient; and inside it combines great everyday practicality with optimum cargo space. The new design language shown on the Crafter will continue across all new commercial vehicle derivatives and models.

Kirzinger added: “Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' T-series, the 'Bulli', is effectively being given a 'big brother' through the introduction of the new Crafter. With the Crafter, a level of surface quality, robustness and at the same time high qualitative value are achieved that have  never before been available in this commercial vehicle class.”

More details will be published in due course.