The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo has been named as International Van of the Year (IVOTY) for 2023.
The new electric van has triumphed in the 31st year of the IVOTY award, for which the main criteria is the vehicle’s contribution to the efficiency, safety, sustainability and environmental standards of the light commercial vehicle sector.
The Ford E-Transit finished in second place, with the Renault Kangoo E-Tech, the Nissan Townstar ZE, and the Mercedes-Benz eCitan jointly third.
IVOTY chairman Jariath Sweeney 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 Vehicles’ 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.”
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles CEO Dr Carsten Intra said: “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!
“On behalf of the entire Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles team, I would like to thank the jury members very much for this. We are extremely proud and see this confirmation of our work as a motivation to continue as before: to offer the right commercial vehicle for each of our customers.”
