Volkswagen’s highly anticipated all-electric ID. Buzz is stirring up a lot of attention, but not all of it is positive. The van, set to hit U.S. dealerships around Thanksgiving, has generated backlash due to its steep pricing. Starting at $61,545 for the base model with rear-wheel drive and 234 miles of range and surpassing $70,000 for the all-wheel-drive First Edition with 231 miles of range, it will become the automaker’s most expensive model in the U.S. market.
Despite the buzz, acquiring the ID. Buzz might not be straightforward for eager buyers. Volkswagen plans to distribute units to U.S. dealerships based on their sales performance of the American-made ID.4 electric SUV. This means dealers who sold more ID.4s will receive a higher inventory of the ID. Buzz. According to Andrew Savvas, VW’s head of U.S. sales, dealerships will receive just one or two units with a gradual ramp-up in inventory based on each market’s demand and prior sales success.
However, there’s a significant hurdle for the ID.4 itself. Volkswagen has halted sales of nearly 100,000 ID.4s due to faulty door latches that could potentially open while driving. This recall issue has delayed any new inventory, leaving Volkswagen with only the ID. Buzz available for sale by November.
Further complicating matters, the ID. Buzz, which is manufactured in Germany, is not eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit on purchases, although leasing options might offer some relief. Additionally, with the electric van already being two years old in the European market, VW could face challenges in maintaining excitement around the model. However, Pablo Di Si, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, remains confident, saying the ID. Buzz will sell well for the first two years, and future innovations and versions will keep interest high.
