The Volkswagen Type 181 was a direct descendent of the Type 82 Kfz 1 Kübelwagen used during World War II, and was nicknamed "The Thing" by the Americans and British.

The Type 181 was essentially a stop-gap solution for the Bundeswehr until the "Euro-Jeep" could be procured. The Bundeswehr bought 1,575 of these vehicles for light personnel and cargo transport, as well as command vehicles for rear area officers.

It had a 4-cylinder engine devloping 44hp, and without four-wheel drive it had very limited off-road capability.