VW and DHL Team Up for Green Delivery Test
On November 22, 2023, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles announced a collaboration with DHL Express to conduct a pilot test of the ID. Buzz Cargo fleet in South Africa. Four ID. Buzz Cargo units will be deployed at DHL Express Service Centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban for six months. These units will be used for specialised last-mile delivery services as part of DHL's local pilot initiative to achieve global zero-emission logistics goals.
The introduction of the ID. Buzz Cargo's test fleet aligns with Volkswagen Group South Africa's strategy for electric vehicles within the Volkswagen brand in South Africa. This test fleet serves the dual purpose of raising awareness about Volkswagen's electric cars in South Africa and gathering valuable insights crucial to the brand's electric vehicle strategy.
Thomas Milz, Director of Sales and Marketing at VWSA, expressed, "Our partnership with DHL Express for the ID. Buzz Cargo's test fleet signifies the commencement of Volkswagen's long-term plan to gradually introduce electric vehicles to the local market. By the end of this pilot test, we aim to accumulate sufficient data and insights to gauge the readiness of the local market for introducing a commercial electric vehicle like the ID. Buzz Cargo. We are thrilled to collaborate with DHL, which shares our commitment to achieving zero emissions by 2050 by the Paris Climate Agreement."
Jed Michaletos, Managing Director of DHL Express South Africa, stated, "As the world's leading logistics company, we recognise our responsibility to set industry standards and lead in sustainability. Through various initiatives, DHL Express is dedicated to achieving zero emissions by 2050, ensuring that at least 60% of our last-mile delivery vehicles are electric by 2030. We are enthusiastic about partnering with VWSA to pilot their ID. Buzz in our South African operations."
