Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz, EV successor to its iconic 1960s bus, collects prestigious award in rare win for struggling carmaker

A graffito of the new VW ID Buzz vehicle, a fully electric-driven microbus from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, is pictured next to the commercial vehicle plant of German car manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) in Hanover, northern Germany (Credit: Ronny Hartmann—AFP via Getty Images)

• Execs hope the electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz can revitalize interest in the ailing German brand. The spiritual successor to the T2, reborn as an electric minivan decades later, edged out the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV and Chevrolet Equinox EV crossover to be named North America's best new utility vehicle.

As of the New Year, Volkswagen can finally chalk up a win following a disastrous 2024 when the German brand made headlines for all the wrong reasons.