Earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the I.D. Buzz concept, which is a modern day interpretation of the iconic VW Microbus. A production version of the I.D. Buzz electric concept, has been hinted at since its debut and now VW has confirmed that it will arrive in 2022.
VW announced the amazing news today at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance. The I.D. Buzz will be the second electric model to enter production, following the debut of the small I.D. hatchback. VW is mainly targeting markets in North America, Europe and China with the new Microbus.
“After the presentations at the global motor shows in Detroit and Geneva, we received a large number of letters and emails from customers who said, ‘please build this car’,” Volkswagen CEO Dr Herbert Diess said in Pebble Beach. The Board of Management chose Pebble Beach as the location to make its announcement because, as Diess explained: “The Microbus has long been part of the California lifestyle. Now we’re bringing it back by reinventing it as an electric vehicle.”
The production version will have its batteries mounted in the floor. Thanks to the compact electric powertrain, the interior will be massive. “The vehicle looks like a compact commercial van on the outside, even though it offers the generous interior space of a large SUV,” Diess explained.
The I.D. Buzz will also be offered as a cargo van when it arrives. The I.D. Buzz will feature Level 3 autonomous driving capability, which will be ideal for delivering packages in inner cities.
“We are delighted that our parent company has taken the decision to produce the I.D. BUZZ,” stated CEO of the North American Region, Volkswagen, Hinrich J. Woebcken. “This vehicle is the perfect balance between emotion, usability and sustainability, while also showcasing our technological leadership. The high seating position, cargo capacity, overall versatility and all-wheel drive option packaged into such an appealing design is just what our customers want from us. And it’s the perfect fit for the zero-emissions American lifestyle.”
Source: Volkswagen
