RESTON, Va. (May 30, 2024) – On June 2, Volkswagen of America will celebrate the second annual International Volkswagen Bus Day, a National Day Calendar-recognized holiday honoring the worldwide love for Volkswagen buses old and new. This celebration follows the inaugural 2023 Bus Day that marked the unveiling of the three-row, all-electric ID. Buzz, while paying homage to the brand’s original Type 2 Microbus.

Wrapmate Custom Graphics for Volkswagen vehicles
In collaboration with Wrapmate, Volkswagen is using this year’s holiday to announce a custom graphics program available to future ID. Buzz owners by way of an online 3D configurator tool. Starting on June 2, 2024, the 3D configurator—launching first in beta—will allow future ID. Buzz customers to begin dreaming up their personalized vehicle design through a premium digital and accessory experience. The unique collaboration harnesses Wrapmate’s experience with vehicle graphics and wraps.

“This program not only allows ID. Buzz owners to express their individual style but also enhances the overall ownership experience by offering a way to customize the look of these exceptional vehicles,” said Chris Loar, CEO of Wrapmate.

The centerpiece of the program is the Wrapmate 3D configurator, which enables customers to design and visualize custom wraps and decals in real-time directly on the Wrapmate website. Starting in fall 2024, customers who have created or selected their Wrapmate custom graphics can order their unique design package online or through their local participating Volkswagen dealership.

“Volkswagen’s collaboration with Wrapmate allows us to offer our customers a creative platform to personalize their ID. Buzz with both new designs and those that offer a nod to the heritage of the Volkswagen brand,” said Robert Gal, Senior Manager, Volkswagen Accessories,Volkswagen of America.

All custom graphics will be produced using premium 3M vinyl to optimize durability and vibrant color quality. Wrapmate’s network of more than 2,000 certified Wrapmate Pro installers allows for each custom wrap to be applied expertly, helping to provide a stress-free customer experience from start to finish.

Through the Wrapmate custom graphics program, Volkswagen will periodically introduce special release offerings designed by artists and VW brand partners. The first of these available designs will be the “Love the Earth” design by Dr. Bob Hieronimus, similar to the artwork that debuted at the inaugural International Volkswagen Bus Day in 2023. While working with Volkswagen to recreate his iconic “Light Bus”, Hieronimus learned of the brand’s shift toward electromobility and commitment to working toward a more sustainable future. These values closely align with messages Hieronimus has been communicating through his many decades as an accomplished muralist and art car painter. In the zero direct emissions ID. Buzz, he saw a new canvas to promote the importance of global unity as a pathway to a more loving relationship with Earth.

In the spring of 2023, Hieronimus provided Volkswagen with a sketch of an ID. Buzz covered in the words “Love the Earth” written in languages from all over the globe. The 25 languages represent many of the most widely spoken languages on each continent as well as two indigenous languages, Māori and Navajo. Through the new custom graphics program, Volkswagen and Wrapmate are proud to bring Hieronimus’s artwork to life.

Volkswagen DriverGear Capsule Collection
In addition to the special release wrap collaboration, the Volkswagen DriverGear® team has worked with Hieronimus to launch a branded capsule collection commemorating the iconography of the original “Light Bus” art car—a Volkswagen Type 2 bus made world famous after its appearance at the legendary 1969 Woodstock Art and Music Fair. Hieronimus painted the original 1963 Standard Microbus in 1968, after an invitation from the vehicle’s owner, who was using it to haul his band to the festival and wanted a “magic bus”. It became a symbol of the Woodstock Art and Music Fair and the greater generational call for peace, love and unity after a snapshot of the bus by the Associated Press was widely circulated in newspapers and magazines across the country.

In 2016, Hieronimus and Canadian documentarian John Wesley Chisholm set out to recover and recreate the vehicle ahead of Woodstock’s 50th anniversary. Originally, the pair hoped to locate and restore the original “Light Bus”, but after a six-month search came up empty, they decided to build a replica.

Volkswagen of America supported the search and restoration process. A team of Volkswagen fans have also helped bring the project to fruition, offering their services and jumping in to assist the duo.

The capsule collection includes t-shirts, hats, coffee mugs, tote bags and more, highlighting the unique artwork and symbolism of the two vehicles. Working closely with Hieronimus to create the collection, the Volkswagen DriverGear team is creating a lasting legacy for the “Light Bus” designs. The capsule collection debuted on Volkswagen’s DriverGear website May 21, 2024 and is available while supplies last.

The ID. Buzz will be offered stateside later this year as a 2025 model in three trims—Pro S and Pro S Plus, along with a launch-only 1st Edition—with a 91 kWh battery and 282 horsepower for rear-wheel drive models; 4Motion® all-wheel-drive models will have maximum horsepower of 335. The exterior retains the classic boxy shape with retro cues and bold colors, while the interior is spacious and tailored, offered in three color and trim choices uniquely curated for North America. The vehicle features an available electrochromic panoramic sunroof, multicolor ambient lighting, and comfortable seating for all three rows with a multitude of adjustments and heating and ventilation options. Modern technology includes a fully-connected infotainment experience with wireless device connectivity and multiple charging ports. Range and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Happy International Volkswagen Bus Day!