The world’s top commercial truck show is going on this week in Hanover, Germany — and VW has just debuted an exciting light truck concept. Part van, part pickup truck, and part off-roader — the idea is for the best of all worlds. Called the TRISTAR and packing a styling design and modern cabin, the machine promises to be an all-star work truck for the fleets of tomorrow.

Just a concept for now, the design is likely to preview a heavy-duty version of the next Transporter van.

2014 Volkswagen TRISTAR

• Concept combines features of current T model series but offers a view on future generations of Transporter
• 20-inch tablet display, video conferencing system and espresso machine

Hanover, 23 September 2014 – Multifunctional like a Swiss Army knife. Adaptable, reliable and an all-rounder: on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the first syncro concept vehicle, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presents the TRISTAR; an unprecedented combination of all the great features of the current T model series. Its extreme off-road capability and flexible storage solutions make the TRISTAR the perfect mode of transport, whatever your need.

Transporter of the future. For this year’s IAA, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presents a concept vehicle with the legendary name of TRISTAR. The beefy pick-up with extended cab, styling bar and short wheelbase has permanent four-wheel drive with mechanical rear axle differential lock and 30mm additional ground clearance.

Befitting its name, the designers have developed a high-precision, new and yet familiar design language: the sharp wrap-around lines, LED headlights and a changed architecture of the whole front give the concept vehicle a wide and purposeful appearance.

Cargo can be distributed on two separate levels: there is a spacious, dust-proof and watertight drawer under the flatbed section, where a deep-tread spare tire is also housed.

The interior has a 20-inch tablet table and state-of-the-art video conferencing and sound systems driver and passenger seats which turn and slide, converting the TRISTAR into the perfect place for meetings. There’s even an espresso machine installed!  The monolithic dashboard is reminiscent of earlier Transporter models offering clear and sharp lines.

All-rounder for specialists. Its extreme off-road capability in combination with flexible transport and storage solutions make the TRISTAR a mobile workshop and high-tech office.  Safe, flexible and developed to the highest quality standards, the new Volkswagen TRISTAR is a versatile tool for every user, be it architects, film crews, landscape gardeners or even keen outdoor adventures.

Benchmark of its class. Speaking at the world premiere, Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: ‘The TRISTAR shows an unprecedented combination of all the good features of the T model series. It demonstrates potential and proves it is still the benchmark.  Hence the TRISTAR combines elements of yesterday and tomorrow. On the anniversary of the first syncro concept car, it strikingly highlights the company’s all-wheel drive expertise and demonstrates its future viability.

‘We take the needs of our customers seriously and are continuing to develop our best-seller with great purpose. We are ttherefore redefining the benchmark of the class with each and every new model.’

Volkswagen TRISTAR specification