VW recalls are not uncommon in the modern age of the automotive industry. In fact after “Dieselgate” the iconic German car manufacturer has been on a campaign of PR and marketing in an attempt to recover its image. This latest recall will certainly not help them in their endeavors to reinvent their image. VW has for many generations been the world’s largest automotive manufacturer. Their success in the global automotive industry has led them to buy up some of the more exotic car makers to pursue other goals.
What kind of recall history does the German giant have?
VW has a long history that spans decades. Its roots come from the second world war where, in the 1930’s, they attempted to create the “people’s car” for the citizens of Germany. The company was reinvented after the war and become the manufacturing giant that it is today. As with most companies of their size, mistakes will always be made.
Their recall history is varied and the scandals they have been apart of are more about the regulations of emissions. As a giant of German industry, they represent the German way of doing things and are globally recognized for the quality of their cars. Especially the flagship vehicles that are meant to lead the industry or a particular sector within the automotive market.
What a lot of people don’t know is that VW were one of the first companies to produce an electric car for the public. In 1972 they began testing the first all-electric Volkswagen, dubbed the Elektro Transporter. It had a range of 43.5 miles, a top speed of 43.5 miles per hour and could charge to full in 10 hours from the ordinary plug socket in your house. Something we take for granted today. It must be said that their compatriots are making some impressive moves as well.
What is the latest VW recall all about and what cars does it affect?
The latest recall for VW is for their all new electric mini-bus the ID. Buzz. A revolutionary all electric minivan that looks like what an artist in the 70’s would draw if you asked him what the minivan of the future would look like. VW are putting a lot into the “coolness” of the van and how the young people of today will react to it. That’s the target market for the ID Buzz.
So this new recall is seriously not cool. The company has a lot riding on this new minivan, a car type that they have always led the market in. So they latest recall is not a good start. What the recall is about could be seen as an oversight by VW, all-be-it an expensive oversight. According to the report, the third row of seats in the back of the van is too large, yes that’s right.
The seat is large enough to accommodate three people, yet it only comes with two seatbelts. As a result, it does not meet the safety regulations for sale in the United States. It would be awkward and unsafe if three people climbed into the back and only two of them were able to put seatbelts on. How a company of their stature missed that, we can only speculate.
What will the affect of this latest recall be on VW’s new ID Buzz?
While the rest of the world is keenly focused on their own pursuits, VW have made an assessment of the market and decided what we all need is a minivan that is powered by electricity. The electrification of the automotive sector has happened in leaps and bounds almost overnight. The emergence and success of companies like Tesla and BYD was evidence that the world was accepting and even capable of embracing the EV. Nowadays you can find a range of electric vehicles for sale from almost every manufacturer in the world. How will this recall effect the ID Buzz sales?
For more information about this recall, you can check the 25V-269 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
