As part of VWSA’s plans to introduce a host of all-electric ID. products into South Africa in the coming years, the brand has joined forces with world-renowned logistics company DHL to showcase the characterful ID. Buzz.
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As confirmed in Ian McLaren’s driving impression on the ID. Buzz, Volkswagen South Africa has now officially handed over a fleet of four ID. Buzz Cargo models to leading logistics company DHL. These bright yellow branded all-electric vans will be integrated into DHL’s specialised last-mile delivery service while forming part of its own investigations into a future zero-emissions business model for this company.
Of the four ID. Buzz Cargo units that will be housed at DHL Express Service Centres, two will be based in Gauteng, with one each in Cape Town and Durban.
“As the world’s leading logistics company, we have a responsibility to set an example in our industry and be a sustainability leader. DHL Express has committed to achieving zero emissions by 2050 through several initiatives, one of which is ensuring that we have at least 60% electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries by 2030. We are excited to partner with VWSA to pilot their ID. Buzz in our South African operations,” said the managing director of DHL Express South Africa, Jed Michaletos.
The ID. Buzz and ID. 4 Pro will be the first new-generation all-electric vehicles that VWSA will introduce into South Africa in the forthcoming 12 months. Both are based on the brand’s battery-electric MEB platform, feature a 77 kWh battery unit and offer a claimed operating range of up to 416 km.
At the official handover, Director of Sales and Marketing at VWSA, Thomas Milz, said: “Our partnership with DHL Express on the ID. Buzz Cargo test fleet marks the beginning of Volkswagen’s long-term plan to gradually introduce its electric vehicles in the local market. At the end of the pilot test, we hope to have gathered sufficient information and insights on the readiness of the local market for the introduction of a commercial electric vehicle such as the ID. Buzz Cargo. We are very excited to partner with DHL which shares a similar commitment of zero emissions by 2050 in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement.”
