Volkswagen T2 Microbus Production to Cease in 2013

To refer to this as the end of an era, would be putting it too lightly. It has been confirmed by Volkswagen of Brazil CEO Thomas Schmall that production on the Volkswagen T2 will cease at the end of 2013.

Now some of you may be thinking to yourselves, "They still make those?"

It is unfortunately not-very-common knowledge that the T2 (AKA Microbus, AKA Camper, AKA Bus, AKA Kombi, AKA Transporter, AKA Pick-up, AKA - aw screw it, you get the point) is still currently on sale in Brazil, where it been a strong seller for many years. During that time, the T2 only had minor modern upgrades - and it wasn't until 2005 that its iconic 80-horsepower air-cooled engine was swapped out for a 1.4-liter water-cooled straight-four.

The reason for the T2's demise is reportedly stricter upcoming safety laws, which, when you think about it, makes it all the more surprising this is just happening now. Nonetheless, I'm sure classic VW enthusiasts everywhere are saddened by this news.