Volkswagen on Wednesday unveiled what its top U.S. official called “a magical, modern Microbus” that’s powered by batteries as the German automaker amps up its bid for electric vehicle leadership.
The ID.Buzz, a much-awaited contemporary version of the iconic van, won’t be produced in Chattanooga. But at VW dealerships it will join the electric ID.4 SUV, which is slated to be built in Chattanooga starting in July or August, according to officials.
Scott Keogh, Volkswagen Group of America’s chief executive, said at a virtual world premiere of the ID.Buzz that the European-made EV will launch there this year and in the U.S. in 2024 with “a more stylized version.”
“It symbolizes our continued drive to become the leader in sustainable mobility throughout the world,” he said, adding the ID.Buzz fulfills a promise “to have fun while we’re at it.”
While the European model will have two rows of seats, the U.S.-spec van will have a slightly longer wheelbase and three rows of seats, Keogh said. He said VW will begin fielding orders for the ID. Buzz soon.