Volkswagen NZ “working very hard” to bring ID. Buzz here in 2023

Kiwis keen on Volkswagen’s new ID. Buzz, unveiled as a modern and fully electric interpretation of the marque’s iconic Kombi, could have a significant wait on their hands before it arrives in local showrooms.

In a statement, Volkswagen New Zealand commercial vehicles manager Kevin Richards says the brand will have to battle with strong demand in Europe to secure supply.

He says Kiwis will have to wait a little longer to see the ID. Buzz in local showrooms, with a 2023 arrival the early goal.

“We’re working very hard with the factory in Europe to get the ID. Buzz into New Zealand next year as soon as possible,” says Richards.

“The only downside to creating such a fantastic ‘buzz’ with this vehicle is that everyone wants one. Demand in Europe is so strong that we’ll just need to be a little bit more patient Downunder before we see it.”

The ID. Buzz is the second model from the brand’s ID series to be announced for New Zealand, following on from the ID.4. In spite of being on the market in North America for almost a year, the ID.4 isn’t set to arrive in New Zealand until 2023 at the earliest.

Volkswagen’s local arm is also in the midst of trying to secure the ID.4’s coupe-shaped cousin, the ID.5.

As previously reported, the ID. Buzz ties retro styling to a 150kW/310Nm rear engine, 77kWh battery and peak DC charging of 170kW. European deliveries are set to commence this coming September.

It is Volkswagen’s most advanced van to date. Among its key features is its ‘Plug and Charge’ bi-directional charging capabilities. These allow for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-home charging, which Volkswagen says is a handy extra for camping trips and other outdoor adventures.

Satellite navigation with integrated augmented reality, LED headlight ‘eyes’ that interact with onlookers and other vehicles, and a buttonless cockpit underline a vehicle that’s evolved considerably relative to the vans it references.  

“The ID. Buzz isn’t just the next generation of the Kombi – it’s so much more than that. It marks a shift for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles into the electric era and we’re confident it will also create a lot of love for the brand by bringing back some happy memories,” Richards adds.

“So many people have a Kombi story from their past, and it’s always told with a smile and a glint in the eye.

“To have an icon reimagined like this that fits with the needs of modern mobility, means we’ll be seeing future generations telling their own ID.Buzz stories with the same smile and sentiment, and so the legend will continue.”