olkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and Giti Tire Malaysia (GTM) recently welcomed Rainer Zietlow, a renowned world-record driver to Malaysia. At the time of writing, Zietlow is currently in Malaysia, attempting to set a new Guiness World Records title for the most countries visited in an electric vehicle (EV).
He started this journey in Hanover, Germany and has since covered over 46,500 km across 46 countries in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. Crucially, the ID. Buzz still wears the same GitiSynergy H2 tyres since he started this journey.
Zietlow was previously in Malaysia back in 2012, when he attempted a record in the Volkswagen Touareg. This stop also marks the second time Zietlow has been to Malaysia.
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Renate Noessler, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia said, “Rainer’s mission reminds us that driving is not just a daily commute, but can also be an adventure. The Volkswagen Minibus has been a beloved icon and fan-favourite for generations. The ID. Buzz is a modern revival of that legend, carrying the same spirit, but reimagined for a new generation. Having Rainer behind the wheel really highlights its performance, reliability, and spirit of exploration that people all around the globe know and love.”
She added, “Rainer’s drive is a bold reminder that Volkswagen isn’t just about iconic design – it’s about endurance, performance, and pushing boundaries. The ID. Buzz isn’t just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a powerful redefinition of a legend, built for those who go the distance. With Rainer at the wheel, we see what the ID. Buzz truly represents: the spirit of sport, strength, and the drive to explore without limits.”
Shiroo Chia, Deputy GM, International Marketing, Giti Tire Group said, “Rainer’s ultra-long-distance journey is a powerful real-world proof of GitiSynergy H2’s advanced technology and trusted performance. We’re proud that both the automaker and driver rely on Giti to conquer this 80,000-km, 70-country world tour.”
For Rainer Zietlow, the partnership between Volkswagen and Giti Tire has been central to his progress so far, stating, “I am very happy to have Volkswagen and Giti Tire alongside me for this journey – the performance of the ID. Buzz and Giti tyres has met my expectations. The driving experience and overall capabilities are very good, 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.”
What is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a modern interpretation of the classis Volkswagen T1 bus, and is the first EV to be offered by Volkswagen.
Zietlow’s ID. Buzz is the long wheelbase (LWB) version, offering a 3,238 mm-long wheelbase. This 7-seater EV van offers an 91-kWh NMC (86-kWh usable) battery pack, allowing for a range of up to 487 km, under the WLTP test cycle.
Where can I follow Rainer Zietlow’s adventure?
Good news, Rainer Zietlow has a website that fans can keep track of his progress, which can be accessed here.
Rainer Zietlow Volkswagen ID. Buzz Photo Gallery
