A genuine icon for the electric era? So says Volkswagen about its 21st century interpretation of the T1, the ID. Buzz
Described by Volkswagen as a “genuine icon for the electric era,” the new ID. Buzz made its global debut at an event in Hamburg, Germany on 10 March 2022. The launch marks a significant milestone in the development of VW’s camper, and its timely introduction could also turn out to be a stroke of genius.
“The T1 – an icon of the 1950s – enabled people to gain mobility and freedom,” says Jozef Kabaň, head of Volkswagen Design. “With the ID. Buzz, we are transferring this T1 DNA to the present day and thus into the era of electric mobility. The ID. Buzz brings a lot of sympathy and proximity to people back to the road.”
Comparing the ID. Buzz alongside grainy images of the T1, it is immediately clear that Kabaň’s team were tasked with creating a functional EV design while simultaneously paying homage to the past – the idea being to ensure the ID. Buzz is functional as well as capable of evoking a strong emotional connection. But the similarities are subtle, as many of the key elements of the T1’s design have been changed entirely.
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