Retro Cars Roll In

Nostalgia on Wheels

Retro is the new black, especially when it comes to cars. Take a look at what Volkswagen did with the iconic Bus, transforming it into an electric vehicle they’ve cleverly named the ID Buzz. While it might not quite capture the original Bus’s vibe, it’s causing quite a stir anyway. Just a heads-up: it’s actually a pretty cool minivan, but maybe doesn’t fully reclaim that ‘Bus’ magic.

In late 2024, when the ID Buzz first hit the market around Thanksgiving, sales were modest with about 1,162 units sold. But by the end of Q1 2025, things picked up, reaching about 1,901 units. Hein Schafer, Volkswagen’s sales operations SVP in the U.S., pointed out that with better availability, especially in California, they saw those numbers grow. Turns out, buyers are going crazy for the two-tone paint jobs, trying to recapture that classic California vibe. Interestingly, the distance from the Hanover, Germany plant, where the ID Buzz is produced, initially slowed deliveries to the West Coast, but they’re catching up now.

EV Craze

California has a renowned affinity for the original VW Bus, so seeing it respond positively to the ID Buzz is no surprise. Buyers just can’t get enough of those two-tone colors. They’re selling faster than the single-tone versions, according to Schafer, who’s noted that some buyers have eagerly awaited this release for years.

A particular twist in the story here is that many ID Buzz buyers prefer purchasing rather than leasing, a trend not as common in the electric vehicle space. According to Experian, although EVs make up less than 10% of purchases, they made up a hefty 20% of new vehicle leases by late 2024. Yet, it’s anticipated that leasing may rise as the ID Buzz becomes more readily available at dealerships, indicating that those buying now have a genuine love for the vehicle.

VW isn’t alone in playing the nostalgia card. Ford’s new Mach-E Mustang and Chevy’s Trailblazer SUV, both proudly carrying names from their iconic lineages as new electrified models, prove the strategy works. Car enthusiasts seem to love a deep dive into the past when it comes to embracing their first EV.

Wrapping Up

While the production ID Buzz didn’t keep every aspect of the show-stopper prototypes (missing out on that ‘pill’ design loved by many), it nails the retro allure with its two-tone paint job. The ID Buzz taps into a nostalgic appeal, a wise play for capturing the hearts of nostalgic buyers. It’s a bit like investing in a piece of history for the long haul.

Who knows? Maybe this will inspire Ford to electrify the 1965 Mustang or for Chevy to revive the Camaro SS as a muscle-heavy EV. Those would be instant hits for sure. Like those drawn to the ID Buzz, some things have that instant appeal where the heart wants what it wants.