Volkswagen NZ reveals EVs for 2023

Volkswagen New Zealand has announced its battery-electric range of ID vehicles will be arriving here in 2023 as the marque seeks to achieve carbon neutrality.

The all-electric line-up will feature two SUVs – the ID.4 and ID.5 – along with the ID. Buzz, which is inspired by the T1 Kombi, and the ID. Cargo van.

Volkswagen is also bringing more plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) to New Zealand and says the recent launch of its Multivan seven-seat people mover will be followed by the arrival next year of plug-in hybrid Golf, Tiguan, Touareg R and Passat models.

The roll-out of electric vehicles is part of Volkswagen’s “Way to Zero”, which is the company’s commitment to become net carbon-neutral by 2050 and to fulfil targets set by the Paris Agreement and the EU’s European Green Deal. 

Greg Leet, Volkswagen NZ’s general manager of passenger vehicles, says: “It’s our social responsibility to protect the environment and as New Zealanders, it feels even more important we embrace and all work together towards a ‘Way to Zero’. 

“Volkswagen is eager to make a substantial contribution to mitigating climate change.”

Besides vehicle electrification, the Way to Zero strategy includes decarbonising supply chains and production, investment in renewable energy, and the development of a battery recycling programme.

“As well as our longer-term goal of carbon neutrality, we have also committed to reducing vehicle emissions by 40 per cent by 2030,” notes Leet. 

“The launch of the new ID family and plug-in hybrid vehicles that will transform our fleet is the first step in that journey, and the beginning of a new electric era for Volkswagen New Zealand.”

To celebrate the forthcoming arrival of its ID and PHEV vehicles, Volkswagen is displaying the ID.4 and Multivan PHEV at the Car Store in Westfield Newmarket until July 11. 

Pricing and further product specification around its electric line-up will be released later in the year.