The first generation of the Volkswagen Type 2 with the split windscreen, informally called the Microbus, Splitscreen, or Splittie among modern fans, was produced from 8 March 1950 through the end of the 1967 model year. From 1950 to 1956, the T1 was built in Wolfsburg; from 1956, it was built at the completely new Transporter factory in Hanover. Like the Beetle, the first Transporters used the 1100 Volkswagen air-cooled engine, an 1,131 cc, 24 bhp, air-cooled flat-four-cylinder 'boxer' engine mounted in the rear. This was upgraded to the 1200 in 1953.

In 1962, a heavy-duty Transporter was introduced as a factory option. It featured a cargo capacity of 1,000 kg instead of the previous 750 kg, smaller but wider 14" roadwheels, and a 1.5 L, 42 bhp engine. This was so successful that only a year later, the 750 kg, 1.2 L Transporter was discontinued.

In late 1967, the second generation of the Volkswagen Type 2 was introduced. It was built in West Germany until 1979. In Mexico, the Volkswagen Kombi and Panel were produced from 1970 to 1994. This second-generation Type 2 lost its distinctive split front windscreen, and was 9 in longer and considerably heavier than its predecessor. It is usually referred to as the Bay Window. At 1.6 L and 47 bhp, the engine was also slightly larger. The battery and electrical system was upgraded to 12 volts. The new model eliminated the swing axle rear suspension and transfer boxes previously used to raise ride height. Instead, half-shaft axles fitted with constant velocity joints raised ride height without the wild changes in camber of the Beetle-based swing axle suspension.