The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo has been named International Van of the Year 2023 (IVOTY).
At a special awards ceremony at the H’Up Conference Centre on the evening of the press day of the IAA Transportation exhibition at the Hannover Messe, Germany Dr. Carsten Intra, CEO, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) was presented with the IVOTY 2023 trophy from Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman, IVOTY.
The 24 member pan-European expert journalistic judging panel collectively awarded the new all-electric Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ID. Buzz 110 points, just ten marks ahead of its nearest challenger, the new Ford Pro E-Transit.
The Renault Kangoo E-Tech Van, Nissan Townstar Zero-Emission & Mercedes-Benz eCitan were jointly placed in third position.
The other shortlisted candidates included new models from the Fiat Professional Doblò & Scudo ranges. Coincidentally, the three podium positions were filled by electrically powered vans.
Internal combustion versions of the Renault Kangoo Van & Mercedes-Benz eCitan won last year’s IVOTY 2022 Award.
In complimenting Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Jarlath Sweeney, chairman at IVOTY said: “It’s not too often that a totally new van concept comes around and immediately enters the marketplace.
“The new ID. Buzz is the case in point and has been duly honoured with this award, the highest accolade in the light commercial vehicle industry.
“Congratulations to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle‘s design team on creating this unique vehicle that’s perfect for the environmentally conscious urban environment.
“It certainly makes a statement with its futuristic and slick styling, yet harks back to the original Transporter T1, from 70 years ago, with its V shaped bonnet, prominent VW badge, and short overhangs.”
On accepting the IVOTY 2023 trophy, Dr. Carsten Intra, CEO Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stated: “Our ID. Buzz Cargo is ‘The Van of the Year 2023’.
“The first order volumes from our markets show us that our new ID. Buzz Cargo is the right model for commercial customers at the right time.
“Highly emotional feedback wherever the ID. Buzz appears and last but not least: this new form of mobility gets the right acknowledgment. But the highest recognition is the vote from this highly respected jury: winning this important International Van of the Year Award is such an honour.”
Now in its 31st year, the main criteria for the International Van of the Year Award is the vehicles’ contribution to the efficiency, safety, sustainability and environmental standards of the light commercial vehicle sector.
To be eligible, the vehicle must be new, in series production by the end of the year for which it receives the award, and present a significant technological innovation.
