NEWS

And the International Van of the Year Award 2023 goes to …..the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo!

A totally new light commercial vehicle concept from Volkswagen in the shape of the ID. Buzz Cargo has just been announced as International Van of the Year 2023 (IVOTY).

At a special awards ceremony at the H’Up Conference Centre on the evening of the press day of the IAA Transportation exhibition at the Hannover Messe in Germany, Dr. Carsten Intra, CEO, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) was presented with the IVOTY 2023 trophy by Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman, IVOTY.

The 24 member pan-European judging panel comprised of expert van journalists collectively awarded the new all-electric Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ID. Buzz 110 points, just ten marks ahead of its nearest challenger, the new Ford Pro E-Transit. The Renault Kangoo E-Tech Van, Nissan Townstar Zero-Emission and Mercedes-Benz eCitan were jointly placed in third position. The other shortlisted candidates included new models from the Fiat Professional Doblò & Scudo ranges. Coincidentally, the three podium positions were filled by electrically powered vans.

Internal combustion versions of the Renault Kangoo Van and Mercedes-Benz eCitan won last year’s IVOTY 2022 Award.

Complimenting Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman, IVOTY said: “It’s not too often that a totally new van concept comes around and immediately enters the marketplace. The new ID. Buzz is the case in point and has been duly honoured with this award, the highest accolade in the light commercial vehicle industry. Congratulations to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle‘s design team on creating this unique vehicle that’s perfect for the environmentally conscious urban environment. It certainly makes a statement with its futuristic and slick styling, yet harks back to the original Transporter T1, from 70 years ago, with its V shaped bonnet, prominent VW badge, and short overhangs.”

On accepting the IVOTY 2023 trophy, Dr. Carsten Intra, CEO Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stated: “Our ID. Buzz Cargo is ‘The Van of the Year 2023’! The first order volumes from our markets show us that our new ID. Buzz Cargo is the right model for commercial customers at the right time. Highly emotional feedback wherever the ID. Buzz appears and last but not least: this new form of mobility gets the right acknowledgment. But the highest recognition is the vote from this highly respected jury: winning this important International Van of the Year Award is such an honour! On behalf of the entire Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles team, I would like to thank the jury members very much for this. We are extremely proud and see this confirmation of our work as a motivation to continue as before: to offer the right commercial vehicle for each of our customers.”

Now in its 31st year, the main criteria for the International Van of the Year Award are the vehicles’ contribution to the efficiency, safety, sustainability and environmental standards of the light commercial vehicle sector. To be eligible, the vehicle must be new, in series production by the end of the year for which it receives the award, and present a significant technological innovation. The election process was adjudicated independently by the RHA UK.

The Merits of the IVOTY 23 Winner

“ID. Buzz is beginning a new age, not only for a range of transporters from Volkswagen, but for all segments within LCVs. This van is something not seen presently in the LCV world. First of all it is closer to a passenger car – as dynamic in shape and in driving with extra comfort, and the same time it is a perfect LCV. “

“ID.Buzz is a very innovative vehicle with a high technical standard. A real innovation that currently has no competitor. The electric range is also convincing, which is an absolute argument for a van.”

“Fleet Transport drove the new VWCV ID.Buzz Cargo in Copenhagen and we were impressed with the driveline for its smoothness and power delivery. Furthermore, the styling is really top notch. The looks point way back to the classic VW T1 and this together with the electric drivetrain means the ID.Buzz Cargo has everything in it to be a classic once again.”

“The first European BEV-only-LCV is a masterpiece of engineering, design and efficiency. It benefits from the well-known and proven Volkswagen Group MEB drivetrain that is used by five group brands. It is CO2-neutral from production and delivery, has the newest ADAS and connectivity onboard and provides excellent handling and high driving pleasure. “

“The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is setting a new standard in CV-business and represents a big step forward. For the first time a large OEM has realised a fully electric van on a dedicated EV-platform, while setting new standards in terms of efficiency, comfort and packaging.”

“A transformation from the most emotional people mover on the market to a cargo van full of references to the Bulli, yet contemporary in terms of efficiency and sustainability.”