All,
Think of some iconic cars for a moment.
Run through the list of cars you think are timeless and ask yourself why? I can think of a few. Classic brands like the Mercedes Benz Roadster, the Pontiac GTO, and the Ford Mustang are pleasing, timeless and ingrained in automobile culture and history.
Electrification is coming, and some of these brands are getting an electric model to appease environmentalists and environmentally-conscious consumers who don't want to give up performance or style. For instance, The Mustang Mach-E offers fans of the brand an electric option with some AV features as well.
While that is well and good for Mustang fans and people who are big on muscle cars, what about an option for relaxation-oriented fans such as myself? Where's my electric vehicle that offers a timeless experience for someone who just wants to get in a car, blast some music and drive up into Northern Michigan for a mid-summer camping trip?
That experience will become a reality when the Volkswagon ID.Buzz Microbus launches in Europe in 2022 and in the United States a year later. Volkswagon is proudly declaring that it's ok to say groovy again with the future launch. They will be tapping into a market of new-age flower children who are excited to hit the road with friends while being environmentally friendly. But it's not all cruising and relaxing for the future of the brand according to a recent Automotive News article.
Volkswagen plans to launch three different versions of its upcoming full-electric ID Buzz van, aimed at markets in Europe and the U.S. In Europe, a six-seat passenger version will be aimed at "ride-pooling" services. Rear seats will be individually accessible and will have a separate information screen for each passenger.
The U.S. will get a ride-hailing variant, focused on customers traveling alone or in small groups. It will have only four seats -- two facing forward and two facing toward the rear of the vehicle.
A third version, the ID Buzz Cargo, will be a commercial van, largely aimed at parcel delivery companies, which are growing because of the online shopping boom.
I think making different versions of the bus is smart for the brand. VW is looking at the bigger picture for this classic vehicle by considering that 2035 looks like the deadline for car companies to phase out ICE vehicles and announcements from Uber and Lyft promising to use fully electric fleets by 2030.
All in all, the ID.Buzz will be a very fun car that'll be given the opportunity to be more than just a cruiser without losing its iconic image. And besides who wouldn't want to hitch a ride across town in a VW bus.
Jacob Czopek