Waterloo Region Record

CONCEPT BUS A HIT

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Winning praise for its “forwardthi­nking style,” the VW I.D. Buzz electric microbus has earned Concept Truck of the Year honours. The bus delivers an all-wheel-drive range of 270 miles while offering 162 cubic feet of cargo space.

For the second year in a row, a Volkswagen concept – the I.D. Buzz electric vehicle - has been named “2017 Concept Truck of the Year” at the 16th Annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards.

The I.D. Buzz won recognitio­n from a panel of judges who praised its inventive combinatio­n of electric mobility and forward-thinking style that hearkens to the original Microbus without mimicking it.

The electric MPV is the second model in the three I.D. concept vehicles shown so far.

Built on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB), the I.D. Buzz highlights how electric power can be suited to larger vehicles, offering maximum utilizatio­n of space on the footprint similar to that of a medium-size passenger car.

With the batteries and the drive system that provide an estimated all-wheel-drive range of up to 270 miles housed in the floor, the driver and passengers find lots of space for traveling in comfort – along with up to 162.5 cu ft of cargo space inside with the rear seats folded.

And while the Buzz carries cues from the past, its technology points to the future – from a retractabl­e steering wheel that senses the driver’s intentions to headlights and exterior lighting that can provide communicat­ion with pedestrian­s based on its I.D. Pilot autonomous driving mode.

Ambient lighting inside and out provide a visual signature that make the I.D. Buzz unmistakab­le and timeless.

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 ??  ?? TheVolkswa­gen I.D.Buzz took the Concept Truck of the Year title at this year’s North American Concept Vehicle of theYear Awards.
TheVolkswa­gen I.D.Buzz took the Concept Truck of the Year title at this year’s North American Concept Vehicle of theYear Awards.

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