Volkswagen And Lucasfilm Formed An Alliance, Showcasing A Star Wars Inspired ID. Buzz

Volkswagen has introduced two very unique ID. Buzz models inspired by the Star Wars series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ as a part of the alliance with Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic. 

It took place during the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, California, where the ID. Buzz show cars came in the form of a ‘Light Side Edition’ and ‘Dark Side Edition’.

Each guise embodied the Light and Dark side characteristics with eye-catching looks designed to delight and thrill Star Wars fans.

Lucasfilm’s vice president and executive creative director, Doug Chaing, expressed, “The opportunity to explore how ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ and the Volkswagen brand could come together on a vehicle was pure fun. The themes of good and evil, light and dark aren't necessarily concepts we apply to cars. The ID. Buzz collaboration offered a unique opportunity to have the cars become graphic reflections of two iconic characters.”

Volkswagen And Lucasfilm – The Design

Working closely together, designers from Lucasfilm and VW used special adhesive films on the body of the ID. Buzz vehicles to create skins that convey the two sides. 

Specifically, they drew creative inspiration from Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader, two iconic characters from the upcoming series. 

E.g., the ID. Buzz has lettering in the classic Star Wars ‘Aurebesh’ font on the back, instead of in the font of standard Volkswagen models. Other graphics can be found on the fenders.

Volkswagen’s head of design, Jozef Kabaň, explained, “In close collaboration with Lucasfilm, we combine the timeless and functional design of the ID. Buzz with the fascinatingly detailed world of Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

ID. Buzz ‘Light Side Edition’

Based on the passenger version of the car, the lower section of the ‘Light Side Edition’ is beige in colour, taking inspiration from the hue of Obi-Wan’s tunic. 

Then, the shiny chrome on the upper section references the design of spaceships and droids from the Star Wars universe. 

A blue line on the side, which continues to the front of the ID. Buzz into the headlights and light strip, symbolizes Obi-Wan’s blue lightsaber. 

Whereas, the glass surfaces of the electric ID. Buzzs are designed in transparent blue, matching perfectly with the underbody lighting. 

Logos of the Rebel Alliance can be found on the side windows as well as on the centre-caps of the rims. The customized 21-inch wheels carry through the unique design of the entire vehicle.

ID. Buzz ‘Dark Side Edition’

The Buzz Cargo serves as the platform for this edition, and through ominous shades of black and red, the ID. Buzz ‘Dark Side Edition’ embodies the Dark Side. 

Shiny black film envelops the lower area of the body, while the upper section of the Buzz is draped in matte black. 

Side lines, headlights, light strips and window surfaces are in a red hue, inspired by Darth Vader’s lightsaber. The contrast of red and black is continued by the red underbody lighting. 

Completing the look, the centre of the uniquely designed 21-inch rims and the body of the ID. Buzz bears the logo of the Empire.

Volkswagen And ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ – The Collaboration

Unveiling these one-of-a-kind show cars is the next step in the brand’s celebration of the new series, following its recent launch.

With the new partnership, Volkswagen is focusing on even more emotions when positioning the brand, giving its global electrification strategy an additional boost.

Kabaň concluded, “It’s about bringing together two icons. ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ sees the return of iconic characters from Star Wars and is sure to connect generations worldwide, as will the VW Bus, whose mythology will enter the new era of electromobility with the ID. Buzz.”

That said, the new limited Star Wars series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ is available on Disney+, and the new ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo can already be ordered in European markets.