Volkswagen seek 60-year-old tradesmen to share Transporter Van's birthday celebrations

Volkswagen has launched a search for the nation’s hardest-working 60-year-old tradesman to share the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Transporter commercial vehicle.

Since the Volkswagen Transporter was first introduced in the UK March 1950, the vehicle has undergone five generations of body-style and more than 10 million have been produced, making it one of the most popular vans on the country’s roads.

To mark the Transporter’s 60th anniversary, Volkswagen is searching for tradesmen with the same staying-power as the Transporter.

Simon Elliott, director of Commercial Vehicles said: “1950 marked an important era for the automotive world and the Volkswagen Transporter has become one of the most iconic vans on the road today. We are looking for local tradesman who can boast the same – they’re hard-working, enduring, they’ve evolved through the decades to become better at what they do and, above all, they’re 60 this year.

“We know there are lots of tradesmen of that age in the UK and we want to recognise them. We’re asking anyone eligible to contact us and tell us what they do, how long they’ve been doing it and why they believe they’re the hardest working tradesman in the area.

“We’ll pick a winner and they can share in the Transporter’s 60th birthday celebrations, complete with a cake!” added Simon.

The first generation of the Transporter, known as a split screen or camper van, was an instant success amongst Britain’s motorists. Since then, the Transporter has been through various stages of development; seeing a diesel engine introduced in 1980, and a four-wheel-drive version in 1985. Later models have received a host of awards including the Van of the Year accolade by What Van? in 2004.

The latest Transporter model, T-5, arrived on forecourts earlier this year, offering lower CO2 emissions, improved torque and a wide range of standard safety and optional features, including industry-leading Lane Change Assist.

However the design has evolved over the years, the first and the latest Transporter share the same badge on the front and the same design principles - a generous load-space and an enviable reputation for quality and durability.

Anyone wanting to nominate a candidate can do so by contacting us at transporter60@connect-group.com or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/volkswagen-cv by August 27th.