Volkswagen has resumed exports of the ID Buzz to the U.S. and now faces a more challenging hurdle for the electric minibus.
The details: Reports indicate that VW had to temporarily halt ID Buzz shipments to the U.S. due to technical issues and the tariffs—though the German automaker contends there was never a full pause on the exports.
Here’s what we do know:
One of the technical issues—which resulted in a U.S. recall in April—stems from the vehicle’s rear seat not meeting U.S. safety standards, by enabling three people to sit on two seats.
Another recall for the minibus was issued due to a faulty brake system warning light on the instrument panel.
Under U.S. tariffs, the ID Buzz—which is built entirely in Germany—is now subject to the new 30% duties on cars built in the EU.
VW has since addressed the technical issues—putting in plastic parts to narrow the row of the back seat to meet U.S. regulatory standards.
Why it matters: The ID. Buzz—first unveiled as a concept in 2017—has been touted as a symbol of the evolution of VW by the automaker, as the brand looks to build on its counterculture legacy in the U.S. to appeal to new buyers.
Between the lines: Sales of the ID Buzz have been lackluster—though VW has been quick to point out that the electric bus is a halo vehicle intended to draw buyers to showrooms.
From the point where sales were halted two months ago, VW had only sold 564 units of the vehicle in the three months before the end of June.
Prior to the recall, a little over 3,000 ID Buzz vehicles had been shipped to U.S. dealers by the end of March since the vehicle became available in the States in late 2024.
VW’s electric bus has faced several challenges in the market, including its $60,000 starting price and its driving range, which falls under 250 miles per charge. The ID Buzz also now faces the elimination of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which has been a major incentive for EV purchases in the U.S.
Bottom line: Volkswagen has restarted U.S. exports of its ID Buzz electric minibus after resolving safety and compliance issues. However, with the vehicle’s high price tag, limited range, lost tax incentives, and new tariffs— its nostalgic appeal might not be enough to sustain it in the U.S. market.
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