Rainer Zietlow’s VW ID. Buzz World Record Journey Makes Pit Stop in Malaysia

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz EV MPV has just made its first official Malaysian 'debut' at VPCM Glenmarie showroom yesterday.

Years after making its global debut, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has finally welcomed the arrival of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in Malaysia, although its arrival is not exactly what you think.

World-record endurance driver Rainer Zietlow stopped in Malaysia with his world record-attempting VW ID. Buzz.

This specific ID. Buzz showcased here at the VPCM showroom in Glenmarie yesterday is from the world-record endurance driver Rainer Zietlow, who is attempting to set a new Guinness World Records™ title for the most countries visited in an electric vehicle.

Since the start of his journey, Zietlow has already travelled through 46 countries in 84 days, covering more than 46,400 km with the ID. Buzz all the way from Germany. Being a world-record endurance driver himself, the German driver previously toured the globe with the Volkswagen Touareg back in 2012, where he also chose Malaysia as one of his pit stops.

That said, Zietlow’s second visit to Malaysia is more challenging and memorable, as not only is he driving an EV this time around, but it also marks the first time VPCM officially ‘previews’ the ID. Buzz here in Malaysia.

Debuted globally back in 2022, the ID. Buzz is often touted as the all-electric, modern-day successor to the iconic Volkswagen Type 2, or cordially known as the VW Bus or Kombi. This EV MPV underpins the same MEB platform seen on other EVs by the brand, with key highlight figures including more than 400 km of WLTP range, as well as either a single RWD or a dual-motor AWD powertrain option delivering up to 339 hp.

On the charging front, the ID. Buzz supports both 11 kW AC and 170 kW DC charging methods, with the latter enabling a 5-80% charge to be completed in just 30 minutes. Given that the bulk of his journey is to drive across China, Zietlow shared that charging the ID. Buzz in the Great Wall nation was a bit of a challenge, as most chargers there use the GB/T plug instead of the standard CCS2 plug, thus requiring him to bring a large adapter around on his globe-trotting adventure.

Besides VW, also supporting Zietlow in his record-breaking attempt is Giti Tire, with his globe-trotting ID. Buzz using the GitiSynergy H2 tyres, which are also the original equipment for the EV MPV. Designed with low rolling resistance and a reinforced construction, the GitiSynergy H2 tyres have managed to survive the journey so far in Zietlow’s world tour journey without him needing to change to a new set after more than 40,000 km.

“I am very happy to have Volkswagen and Giti Tire alongside me for this journey—the performance of the ID. Buzz and Giti tyres have met my expectations,” Zietlow said.

“The driving experience and overall capabilities are excellent, and I am confident that I will be able to complete this zero-emissions world record attempt. I am thoroughly enjoying my second visit to Malaysia, and this will definitely not be my last.”