Volkswagen teaser hints at all-electric dune buggy

The company's Christmas card features Santa in a unique open-top vehicle.

Volkswagen has reportedly released a Christmas card featuring Santa Claus cruising in a dune buggy.

The darkened photo shows a unique open-top design with a roll bar behind the front seats and high ground clearance.

Autocar suggests the card is more evidence that VW is considering building a modern Meyers Manx buggy based on the all-electric MEB platform architecture. The report claims the concept is already under construction at an R&D facility in Germany and under "active consideration" for production.

Like classic dune buggies, the new model is said to feature a low body, free-standing windshield and large wheels.

Most automakers have been shying away from such niche products in recent years. If the buggy does receive a green light for production, it will serve as another demonstration of the MEB platform's flexibility to suit various body styles.

The buggy is expected to be unveiled in concept form at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.