Volkswagen confirms ID Buzz production

VOLKSWAGEN Australia has confirmed it would like to take as many new electric vehicles (EV) that its parent company can offer following the announcement over the weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance that the ID Buzz van concept will go into production.

Speaking to GoAuto, Volkswagen Australia general manager corporate communications Paul Pottinger said electrification plays a big part in the future of the brand, adding that the ID Buzz was definitely on the company’s radar.

“We’re keen to receive the whole array of electric vehicles when they become available to us,” he said.

“It’s still an evolving portfolio and it’s early days yet, but I think the ID Buzz shows that EVs can transcend the bounds of the usual.

“It’s a major part of who we’re becoming and where we’re going.”While on show at Pebble Beach, Volkswagen announced that the ID Buzz would go into production with a plan to launch it in North American dealerships by 2022, with an Australian debut likely to happen soon after.

The arrival of the ID Buzz will follow the ID four-door hatch that is expected to land in Australia in about 2020.

A third member of the ID family, the ID Crozz SUV, was also unveiled in April.

Volkswagen has plans to develop the ID Buzz as both a people-mover and commercial van, and the company’s Australian arm has its sights set on both.

The passenger car will utilise the multi-variable seating set-up from the concept that was revealed at the Detroit motor show in January, while the commercial van will make use of the cargo capacity provided by the electric drivetrain.

As with the concept, the batteries are mounted in the floor, and due to the relatively small space taken up by drivetrain components, the ID Buzz allows for a long wheelbase with short overhangs, while being more compact than its Multivan sibling.

Built on Volkswagen’s MEB electric platform, the concept delivers a combined output of 275kW from a pair of electric motors on the front and rear axles, with a claimed driving range of 600km.

Level three autonomous capability is also fitted to the ID Buzz, which could make the job of delivering cargo all day easier for drivers.

The design was heavily inspired by the legendary Kombi van, with LED lights and other styling elements giving it more futuristic look.

While there are no details available on the production version’s styling and powertrains, Mr Pottinger said more would be revealed at the Frankfurt motor show next month.