Volkswagen Intends to Stir Nostalgia through Electric Microbus Revival
Volkswagen to Bring Back Iconic Microbus as ID. Buzz in 2025
In a bid to rekindle America's love for Volkswagen, the company has announced plans to release the ID. Buzz, a futuristic electric version of the classic Microbus, in 2025. This news follows Volkswagen's statement by Herbert Diess, the chairman of the board of management for the Volkswagen brand, who expressed the intention to revive the brand's popularity in the United States.
The ID. Buzz is set to be a premium electric minivan, with a price expected to be competitive within the electric vehicle market segment. As of now, the exact pricing details are yet to be announced. The vehicle's release was initially planned for 2022, but it has been delayed to meet U.S. preferences such as a longer wheelbase and three rows of seats.
The ID. Buzz will boast a modern electric powertrain, offering a range of 300 miles on a single charge and the ability to recharge 80% of its battery storage in as little as half an hour. This electric minivan will also feature 369 horsepower from two electric motors and an all-wheel-drive powertrain.
In addition to the ID. Buzz, Volkswagen is also planning to release a fully self-driving version, the ID. Pilot, by 2025. The ID. Pilot will be equipped with advanced autonomous technology, including pop-up laser scanners in the roof and a heads-up display integrating augmented reality.
The Microbus was first introduced in the mid-'60s, a time when American cars were large and gas-guzzling. The speaker's father bought a VW bus in 1966 and converted it into a camper for a European tour. The speaker later bought his own VW bus, a second-generation '68 model named Basil.
Volkswagen's ID. EV lineup also includes the ID.3, a compact hatchback, and the ID. Crozz, a crossover EV, both of which are due out in 2020. The brand aims to restore faith in the company with these innovative electric vehicles, positioning themselves as a competitive player in the EV market.
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Planned Release | 2024–2025 (U.S. market arrival mostly 2025) | | Estimated Price | Not yet announced; expected in official EPA-related announcements and closer to launch | | Key Features | Three-row seating (U.S. specific), longer wheelbase, modern electric powertrain with good range and safety tech |
Sources: [1] Car and Driver [2] The Verge [3] Electrek [4] Green Car Reports
- Volkswagen is developing a personal finance app to aid potential buyers in making informed decisions about their investments, offering insights into the electric vehicle industry, credit options, and loan terms.
- The app's comparison feature will allow users to compare various electric vehicles, including the ID. Buzz, ID.3, ID. Crozz, and even the up-and-coming electric-vehicle sector, such as automotive technology advancements in transportation and lifestyle shifts towards sustainable vehicles.
- The app will also provide a comprehensive understanding of the loan process, helping users navigate the frequently confusing world of securing financing for electric vehicles, emphasizing the benefits of electric motors, battery life, and overall efficiency.
- By educating consumers on the advantages of investing in electric vehicles, Volkswagen hopes to foster greater demand for their products and strengthen their presence in the U.S. market.
- As the release of electric vehicles like the ID. Buzz and ID. Pilot approaches, Volkswagen plans to launch marketing campaigns targeting lifestyle enthusiasts who are interested in sustainable living and owning environmentally friendly vehicles, such as electric cars and electric-vehicle owners.
- With the automotive industry evolving rapidly, Volkswagen's strategic focus on electric vehicles is a shrewd move, positioning them as a future leader in the personal transportation landscape, beyond just cars and microbuses.
- Meanwhile, the ID. Pilot, set to launch alongside the ID. Buzz in 2025, will demonstrate cutting-edge technology by incorporating self-driving capabilities and advanced safety features, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
- By embracing the shift toward electric vehicles, Volkswagen is not only catering to the ever-growing demand for sustainable transportation but also signaling their commitment to innovation and sustainability, aligning with consumers' evolving lifestyle preferences.
