Volkswagen Commercials has revealed the new 2024 Crafter van, which will see pre-sales start in most European markets in a few weeks’ time.
Volkswagen in Germany says the updated Crafter is being taken to a higher level by means of an extensive tech update, including Artificial Intelligence software.
The cockpit in particular has been completely redesigned and now features the latest generation of infotainment systems. The fresh features include the 'Digital Cockpit', a multifunction steering wheel, an electronic parking brake and various assist systems.
The new Crafter will come with digital instruments as standard for the first time, that is in the form of the aforementioned Digital Cockpit. A defining interior detail of the 2024 Crafter is a now 10.3-inch and optionally 12.9-inch infotainment display based on the latest modular infotainment matrix (MIB ).
A key option is the digital AI voice assistant with ChatGPT integration.
The visually free-standing Volkswagen system has a newly developed graphical interface and self-explanatory menu navigation. The screen will also incorporate the van's climate and heated seat controls.
The Crafter will additionally receive a new online voice control system for many vehicle functions. This system features ChatGPT integration and responds to natural voice commands.
The new Crafter gets an electronically operated parking brake for the automatic gearbox versions, with the switchgear redesigned, as have the controls for the light functions, the buttons in the area of the centre console and all vents. Vehicles with a manual gearbox will retain the gearshift in the centre console.
Volkswagen Commercials claims that the range of new standard and optional assist systems raises the successful product line to a new level. This makes everyday work easier for Crafter drivers.
The all-new Crafter models will have the following systems on board as standard in future: Front Assist (Autonomous Emergency Braking including Cyclist and Pedestrian Monitoring ), Lane Assist (lane keeping system ), Dynamic Road Sign Display, a speed limiter and acoustic Park Distance Control for the rear area.
Travel Assist will be available as an option for the Crafter for the first time. In combination with Travel Assist, Emergency Assist is also being introduced in the Crafter.
